Florida Becomes First State to Officially Recognize "Gulf of America"

Florida Becomes First State to Officially Recognize "Gulf of America"

Florida has made headlines as the first U.S. state to officially adopt the term "Gulf of America," replacing the historically recognized "Gulf of Mexico" in state statutes and educational materials.

The decision, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, has sparked heated debate across legal, political, and international circles.

What Just Happened?

On April 14, 2025, Governor DeSantis signed two bills: HB 575 and HB 549 that require state agencies, schools, and even public maps to use the new name. Starting July 1, all official materials in Florida must swap "Gulf of Mexico" for "Gulf of America."

“This is about reclaiming our national identity and pride,” DeSantis said at a press conference in Panama City. “The Gulf of America belongs to Americans.”

Supporters say the change is about patriotism. Critics call it political theater. Either way, it’s now the law in Florida.

Tied to a Trump Executive Order

Florida's move didn’t come out of nowhere. It follows Executive Order 14172, signed by President Donald Trump on his first day back in office this January. The order tells federal agencies to use "Gulf of America" in all communications and documents.

But here’s the catch: executive orders apply only to federal agencies. They don’t change how private companies, states, or international bodies label the region.

“EO 14172 is largely symbolic,” said Professor Amelia Castro, a constitutional law expert at Georgetown. “It doesn’t carry legal weight outside the executive branch, but it signals a shift in messaging and that has consequences.”

Can a State Rename a Body of Water?

Legally speaking, yes sort of.

Under the Tenth Amendment, states have the power to control how they label things like maps and textbooks. Florida can call it whatever it wants within its own borders. But that doesn’t mean the name holds any weight outside the state.

“Florida can update its signage and curriculum,” said maritime law expert Lisa Renard, “but internationally, it’s still the Gulf of Mexico. That name is recognized by global treaties, nautical maps, and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.”

So while the state’s move is legal, its impact is more cultural than practical for now.

Global Backlash and a Bit of Satire

Not everyone is on board. Mexico quickly condemned the change, with President Claudia Sheinbaum calling it “provocative and ahistorical.” In a tongue-in-cheek reply, she suggested renaming North America to “Mexican America.”

The U.K. and European Union also pushed back, stating they will continue to recognize the traditional name in all international references.

Even within the U.S., many institutions are holding firm. Outlets like the Associated Press and National Geographic still use "Gulf of Mexico." Some federal agencies, including NOAA, have reportedly begun using "Gulf of America," deepening the confusion.

What Voters Think

If this was meant to win hearts and minds, the early numbers don’t look great.

A Gallup poll from January 2025 found that 72% of American voters oppose the name change. Still, the rebrand is already being used in some Florida school districts and on tourism websites.

Supporters believe the name will eventually catch on. Others see it as a political distraction or a play for attention ahead of election season.

Legal experts say lawsuits could be coming. Some education advocates argue that forcing schools to adopt the new name could violate academic standards or place an unfair burden on public resources.

As the debate over Florida’s “Gulf of America” renaming continues to stir headlines and legal questions, it also highlights bigger issues shaping American law and identity today. For readers interested in the deeper implications, here are two key areas to explore:

🔹 Executive Orders and State Law
What happens when federal and state powers collide? Executive orders like EO 14172 may set federal policy, but they don’t always carry legal force at the state level. Dive into how constitutional boundaries shape the relationship between presidential authority and state autonomy—especially when symbolism turns into legislation.

🔹 Geographic Naming Disputes
Florida isn’t the first to ignite controversy over a name. From international spats like the Sea of Japan vs. East Sea, to the enduring debate over the Persian Gulf, naming disputes often reflect deeper tensions around nationalism, territory, and identity. Learn how these disputes are handled legally—both in the U.S. and around the world.

So far, no formal challenges have been filed but several groups are reportedly exploring their options. For now, expect to see both names in circulation. Just don’t expect everyone to agree on what to call it.

More Articles from Lawyer Monthly

• Defamation Law in the U.S. Explained
  Understand how U.S. defamation laws protect reputations and where the legal boundaries lie.

• Top U.S. Trial Lawyers of 2025 – Lawyer Monthly’s Expert Rankings
  See who’s leading the courtroom across America in this exclusive annual roundup.

• Alarming Trends in the CCF’s Questioning of Its Adversarial Procedure
  Why legal scholars are raising red flags about shifts in courtroom fairness.

• Atlanta Veteran Files VA Malpractice Lawsuit
  A look at the legal challenges facing veterans in VA medical malpractice cases.

• Nick Carter Faces New Sexual Assault & HPV Transmission Lawsuit
  Exploring the legal fallout from a high-profile case involving the former Backstreet Boy.