TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis finally added “Gulf of America” to the state’s lexicon on Monday after signing two new bills into law, according to CBS News.
One of those bills (HB 575) renames the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America,” making the change official across all Florida statutes and state agencies.
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That proposal stems from an Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump shortly after his inauguration back in January, establishing the name change at the federal level.
“The area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America.
The Gulf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy, and in recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation’s economy and its people, I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America.”
Executive Order 14172
Meanwhile, the other bill (HB 549) takes it a step further, requiring that the new federal designation be included in instructional materials for state schools in grades K-12.
Both of these bills were approved in the House earlier this month, and they passed the Senate by a vote of 28-9 just last week before heading to DeSantis’ desk.
After being signed, both laws are set to take effect on July 1.
DeSantis received the two bills on Friday, along with four others. The remaining bills on his desk are as follows:
HB 513 — Electronic Court Orders
House Bill 513 would require clerks of court to electronically submit the following within six hours of being issued to a local sheriff’s office:
- A court order for involuntary examination
- A summons related to a petition for involuntary services
- A court order requiring a hearing to be held on a petition for a risk protection order, a copy of the petition, and a notice of hearing
- A copy of notice of hearing, the petition, and the temporary ex parte risk protection order or final risk protection order
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1.
SB 421 — Peer Support for First Responders
Senate Bill 421 seeks to expand the definition of a “first responder” to include law enforcement agency support personnel.
The change would give these personnel the same access to peer support services and ensuring they receive the same confidentiality protections as other first responders.
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1.
HB 655 — Pet Insurance
House Bill 655 would amend state statutes to include pet insurance in the definition of “property insurance.”
More specifically, the bill would include coverage for accidents involving pets or when pets fall ill.
The bill also seeks a myriad of changes to disclosure requirements and regulations, such as mandating that pet insurance agents avoid misrepresenting wellness programs as pet insurance.
If approved, the bill will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
HB 1313 — Trust Funds
House Bill 1313 seeks to re-create the Resilient Florida Trust Fund for the associated state grant program.
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1.
