Following the official renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, a Florida state senator has introduced legislation to reflect the change across all state laws and regulations.
On February 11, 2025, Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg) filed SB 608, a bill aimed at updating over 50 Florida statutes that currently reference the “Gulf of Mexico.” These include key legal areas such as:
- Coastal boundary line definitions for 11 Florida counties
- Revenue regulations related to marine commerce
- Coastal construction, excavation, and erosion control policies
- Beach management and environmental protection laws
- Marine wildlife regulations and tidal land ownership
Gulf of America” Becomes Official on Google Maps and FAA Records
The name change became official on February 9, 2025, following an executive order from President Donald Trump on his first day back in office. The order urged the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to expedite the process, which was promptly finalized.
On the same day, Trump issued a presidential proclamation establishing “Gulf of America Day” while en route to the Super Bowl in New Orleans aboard Air Force One.
By February 10, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Google Maps had updated their databases to reflect the new name, ensuring consistency across navigational tools, maritime records, and online maps.
However, as of February 11, Apple Maps had yet to implement the change, and the National Weather Service (NWS) in Florida was still using “Gulf of Mexico” in forecasts. Typically, weather reports refer to the region as simply “the Gulf,” making the transition less noticeable for some users.
Impact of the Name Change on Florida Law
With SB 608, Florida seeks to align all official documents, regulations, and legal references with the newly recognized “Gulf of America.” The bill highlights the far-reaching implications of the name change, impacting coastal development, taxation, environmental protections, and public safety regulations.
Google Maps and Navigation Updates for the Gulf of America
The transition of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has led to significant updates across digital maps and GPS-based navigation platforms. Travelers, boaters, and businesses relying on Google Maps, Waze, and FAA databases will now see “Gulf of America” in search results, satellite imagery, and official geographic references.
With Google Maps already implementing the change, more digital platforms and mapping services are expected to follow. Florida lawmakers and maritime agencies are closely monitoring the transition to ensure consistency in coastal management, tourism materials, and environmental policies.
Final Thoughts
As Florida moves forward with legislative updates, the renaming of the Gulf of America will have a lasting impact on legal frameworks, navigation systems, and public perception. The transition across mapping services such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze will continue over the coming weeks, ensuring uniformity in digital and geographic references.
For the latest updates on Google Maps changes, Florida coastal regulations, and the Gulf of America name transition, stay tuned to official state announcements.
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