‘Free State of Florida’ signs now welcome drivers at state line. What we know, and what we don’t
C. A. BridgesVisitors to the Sunshine State will now be welcomed to the "Free State of Florida," according to new signs unveiled over the weekend. No passport is required.
The phrase has been a favorite of Gov. Ron DeSantis for years.
The new signs at the state line say, "Welcome to the Free State of Florida." Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue posted about them on social media on Saturday.
"No better way to celebrate Independence Day Weekend," he said.
Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez shared a photo of herself next to one of the state signs to X, formerly Twitter, on Monday, saying simply, "This."
What is the 'Free State of Florida'?
When DeSantis was inaugurated for his second term in January 2023 after trouncing challenger Charlie Crist, he appeared underneath massive banners announcing the "Free State of Florida" and spoke about the state's defiance to President Biden's policies, his refusal to bend to "woke" ideologies, and his attacks on the federal government's COVID-19 policies.
“When the world lost its mind – when common sense suddenly became an uncommon virtue – Florida was a refuge of sanity, a citadel of freedom for our fellow Americans and even for people around the world,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis has used the phrase before that. In 2022 he referenced it when announcing a new license plate on then-Twitter. "The free state of Florida has a new license plate for pre-order that benefits the Florida Veterans Foundation and sends a clear message to out-of-state cars, “Don’t Tread on Me” or Florida," he said.
The phrase has since been used by the governor during his failed presidential campaign in the primaries against former-President Donald Trump and by his supporters. Conservative FOX News host Sean Hannity, who has often interviewed the governor and even allowed him to guest-host his show, announced his move to Florida in January, saying, “We are now beginning our first broadcast from my new home, and that is in the free state of Florida.”
It's also been sarcastically used by critics, who point to the state's efforts to restrict abortion rights, constitutional protests, LGBTQ+ rights, what can be taught in schools, and mention of climate change in Florida statutes. Florida also has among the highest rates of incarceration in the world, according to a 2023 study from the Race and Crime Center for Justice at the University of Florida.
When Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker blocked parts of a new elections law in 2023 for being unconstitutional, he wrote, "The Free State of Florida is simply not free to exceed the bounds of the United States Constitution.”
Where are the 'Free State of Florida' signs located?
According to an FDOT release, "Free State of Florida" has been added to all welcome signs on major state highways.
"The new signage now features messages highlighting Florida's status as a top tourist destination," the release said, "including 'Hurry Back' signs that pay homage to the historic mid-century welcome centers."
Does Florida have welcome centers? Do they give out free orange juice?
Since 1949, visitors to Florida have been greeted with information, maps, brochures, clean bathrooms and the traditional cup of complimentary Florida citrus juice, according to Visit Florida.
The official Florida Welcome Centers are located near the state line:
Another center is at the west entrance of the State Capitol Building in Tallahassee.
How much did the new 'Free State of Florida' signs cost?
That information, and the precise number of new signs, has not been released. An inquiry to the FDOT is pending.