Photo: Igor Rybaltchenko / 500px / Getty Images
FLORIDA - Florida lawmakers are once again considering replacing the state’s longtime bird, the northern mockingbird, with two uniquely Floridian species.
New legislation introduced in the 2025 session could see the American flamingo named the official state bird and the Florida scrub-jay designated as the state songbird.
The Senate bill, sponsored by Sen. Ileana Garcia, has already cleared two committees with unanimous support, while the House version, filed by Reps. Jim Mooney and Chip LaMarca, remains pending.
If passed, the change would take effect July 1, 2025.
The northern mockingbird, which has been Florida’s state bird since 1927, also holds that title in four other states.
Lawmakers argue it’s time Florida had a symbol of its own.
The bright pink flamingo, often linked with the state’s tropical image, was once native to South Florida before being nearly wiped out in the early 20th century.
Recent sightings and conservation efforts have helped its gradual return, particularly in the Everglades, Biscayne Bay, and the Keys.
Meanwhile, the Florida scrub-jay is found only in the state and is classified as a threatened species due to habitat loss.
Advocates see it as a symbol of conservation and Floridian pride.
Previous attempts to change the state bird, seven in total since 1998, were blocked, largely due to opposition from former NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer.
But with Hammer now retired, the effort may finally succeed.
If approved, Florida would become the first state to officially recognize both a state bird and a state songbird.