Florida’s welcome signs now say ‘Welcome to the Free State of Florida’

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WJXT) – The iconic “Welcome to Florida” highway signs that let drivers know they’re entering the Sunshine State have changed slightly.

The difference isn’t very big, but it’s raising some eyebrows due to the politically-charged implication of the wording.

The signs that used to say “Welcome to Florida” now say “Welcome to the Free State of Florida.”

Calling the Sunshine State the “free state of Florida” became popular with Governor Ron DeSantis during the COVID lockdowns.

Drivers on Interstate 95 along Florida’s east coast near the state line had mixed reactions.

“I think politics need to stay out of it. Just say, ‘Welcome to Florida,’” one driver said.

“I think that’s very interesting. It’s a little concerning, because free from what?” Georgia resident Deaira Brown said.

Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez posted an image on X of herself posing with the sign, captioning the photo with a bullseye emoji, implying the subtle politics at play.

Another driver from New Jersey who is in the process of moving to Florida said the new signs are “excellent.”

“I’m from the non-free state of New Jersey, so … I support that wholeheartedly,” Lance Cooper said, while wearing a Trump hat.

But other travelers had a different opinion, like Liz Dykes. She said Florida isn’t exactly free.

“We do have a lot of restrictive measures in Florida. Teaching children actual history, for instance. Allowing people to express their gender identity. They’re not free to do that,” Dykes said.

While it may only be a road sign, it’s also a sign of the times that it doesn’t take a lot to spark political discussion – even during a drive down the interstate.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, all Florida welcome signs on major roadways have been updated to reflect the new language.

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