Gov. Ron DeSantis welcomes drivers to 'Free State of Florida' on new state line signs

Drivers coming into Florida will now be welcomed to the "Free State of Florida."

As of last week, the new state line signs say "Welcome to the Free State of Florida," Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said.

"No better way to celebrate Independence Day Weekend," he wrote in an X post on Saturday.

And drivers exiting Florida will see "Hurry Back to the Free State of Florida" as they leave.

A press release on Tuesday said the change included "all welcome signs ... on major state roadways" to "highlight Florida's status as a top tourist destination," adding that the "hurry back" message "pays homage to the historic mid-century welcome centers."

DeSantis referred to the "free state of Florida" in his second inaugural address in January 2023, after he shellacked Democratic challenger Charlie Crist by 19 points, and it became a favorite expression of his administration.

On Monday, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez shared a photo of herself next to one of the state signs on a post on X.

"This," she wrote, with a bullseye emoji.

A state transportation department spokesman said the signs cost $60,000 and were built by the department's sign makers in Lake City.

Ana Goñi-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network – Florida, can be reached at [email protected].