š¦© Itās Official!
Floridians know their state for sunshine, beaches, orangesāand now, for flamingos! In a landmark vote earlier this month, the Florida House of Representatives passed a bill that would designate the American flamingo as the official state bird, replacing the northern mockingbird after nearly a centuryĀ
A Historic Legislative Moment
On February 11, 2026, Florida lawmakers voted 112ā1 in favor of House Bill 11 (HB 11), a measure that would elevate the American flamingo to the top avian symbol of the Sunshine State. The bill also proposes naming the Florida scrub-jay as the state songbirdāanother feather in Floridaās wildlife cap.
The bill now heads to the Florida Senate, and if it passes there and is signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, the change would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Why a Flamingo?
Supporters of the bill argue the flamingo better embodies Floridaās tropical identity:
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š Cultural Icon: Flamingos have long been associated with Floridaās imageryāfrom postcards and lawn ornaments to the Florida Lottery logo and public art.
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š¦ Ecological Recognition: Flamingos were once native to Florida but nearly vanished due to hunting in the early 1900s. Thanks to environmental restoration and natural return, sightings have increased in recent years.
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š¦ Unique Character: Unlike the northern mockingbirdāwhich has been Floridaās state bird since 1927 and also represents several other statesāthe flamingo stands out as a singular symbol tied to Floridaās landscapes and wildlife heritage
And What About the Mockingbird?
The northern mockingbird has been the official state bird since 1927, a tradition spanning almost a century. But under this new bill, the mockingbird would be replaced by the flamingo as Floridaās primary avian emblem.
Meanwhile, the Florida scrub-jayāa species found only in Floridaāwould gain status as the state songbird, highlighting the stateās rich biodiversity and the need to protect its unique habitats.
Whatās Next?
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The bill now moves to the Florida Senate, where lawmakers will debate and vote before it can reach the governorās desk.
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If signed into law, July 1, 2026 will mark the official transition of Floridaās state bird from the mockingbird to the flamingo.
š¦© A Bold New Symbol for the Sunshine State
Whether youāre a bird lover, a Florida resident, or just appreciate a splash of pink in your state symbols, this legislative shift is big news. Itās not just about a new birdāitās about celebrating Floridaās unique wildlife, cultural imagery, and ongoing conservation success stories.
Stay tunedāFlorida might soon truly officially be the Flamingo State!
Ā Well, well, wellā¦ itās about time!
Iāve been standing tall on one leg for years waiting for this moment. Florida without a flamingo as its official state bird? That just never made sense.
Weāve weathered the storms, made our comeback, and proved we belong right here in the Sunshine State. Pink, proud, and impossible to ignore.
To everyone who believed in us ā thank you. To Florida ā weāre ready to represent you in full flamboyance style.
And rememberā¦
Stand tall. Stay fabulous. And never be afraid to add a little more pink to your life.
With love and long legs,
Ā š¦©
ā Mingo the Flamingo
Show Your Flamingo Love
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