The Florida Department of Transportation started removing Gulf of Mexico Drive signs in Longboat Key last week, signaling what could lead to a name change for the island’s main roadway known as Gulf of Mexico Drive since 1957.
The Florida Department of Transportation took down six signs last week under a new state law that directs agencies to update maps, materials, and signage to reflect the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
The road’s local name remains legally unchanged and mail delivery and emergency services continue to use it. The Town of Longboat Key Commission is scheduled to take up the issue at a workshop on Oct. 20, where a cost analysis and public can weigh in.
The sign removals follow legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April. House Bill 575 requires state statutes to adopt the term “Gulf of America,” and House Bill 549 directs state agencies and schools to update maps, signs and educational materials. Both measures were written in response to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2025, instructing federal agencies to replace “Gulf of Mexico” with “Gulf of America.” Federal geographic naming databases were updated shortly thereafter.
Google, Apple and Microsoft updated their services so that U.S. users now see “Gulf of America,” users in Mexico see “Gulf of Mexico,” and international users see both names together. Mexico’s government objected and filed a lawsuit against Google.
If the Town of Longboat Key votes to rename Gulf of Mexico Drive, residents and businesses will need to update addresses and documents. For now, addresses and driver’s licenses are unaffected.
