Critics call it political theater, while supporters see it as a patriotic move. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida lawmakers have introduced bills to rename the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America" in compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive order.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America.

Gov. Ron DeSantis was the first state official to embrace the new name in an executive order declaring a State of Emergency over a Winter storm last month. That order said the inclement weather was headed to Florida across the “Gulf of America.”

Sen. Joe Gruters of Sarasota is withdrawing bill language ( SB 1058) that would have named a stretch of highway spanning seven counties after the freshly christened Gulf of America.

Florida’s annual legislative session is set to begin, with elected officials from the House and Senate gathering in Tallahassee.

The 2023 Florida Legislature — in what was dubbed “the Session of the Century” — set a high-water mark for conservative cooperation, with the Republican majority passing several signature measures including universal school vouchers,

Lawmakers applaud as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis enters the house chamber to address a joint session, on the opening day of the 2025 legislative session, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the state capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Credit: AP/Rebecca Blackwell

"Florida this year will be fighting drier weather this spring. North Florida and the Panhandle will have the highest risk for severe weather and tornadoes," said Alexander Duffus, AccuWeather meteorologist and long-range severe weather expert, in a telephone interview.

File photos) TALLAHASSEE — The 2023 Florida Legislature — in what ... and renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, as Trump did via executive order, in state laws and on official ...

File photos) TALLAHASSEE — The 2023 Florida Legislature — in what ... and renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, as Trump did via executive order, in state laws and on official ...