TALLAHASSEE, FL - Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law two bills that officially rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America within the state of Florida. The move, formalized by House Bill 575 (HB 575) and House Bill 549 (HB 549), will impact how the body of water is referenced in state documents and materials.
HB 575 mandates the alteration of dozens of state laws to reflect the new name. This includes updates to regulations concerning fishing, environmental protection, and coastal management. The bill aims to ensure consistency across all state legal frameworks.
Meanwhile, HB 549 requires all state agencies to update their geographic materials to reflect the change. This encompasses maps, educational resources, and other official documents that reference the body of water. The goal is to ensure that all state-produced information accurately reflects the new designation.
The renaming has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the Gulf of America better reflects the region's importance to the United States and its economy. Critics, however, contend that the change is unnecessary and could create confusion, especially considering the body of water is internationally recognized as the Gulf of Mexico. The long-term implications of this name change remain to be seen, particularly in relation to federal regulations and international agreements.
Florida Officially Renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed two bills officially renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America within the state. House Bill 575 will update numerous state laws to reflect the new name. House Bill 549 mandates that state agencies revise all geographic materials, including maps and documents, to align with the change. The move has sparked both support and criticism.
Source: Read the original article at CBS