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Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

Is Florida trying to change the state bird to a flamingo?

Clinton Engelberger | Suncoast Searchlight, Suncoast Searchlight
yes

The Florida House of Representatives passed a bill on Feb. 11 to designate the flamingo as the official state bird.

The bill is now headed to the Florida Senate where it awaits a vote. If it is approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the designation will go into effect on July 1.

The flamingo would replace the mockingbird as Florida’s state bird if the bill is signed into law. Lawmakers who support the change say the flamingo better represents the state’s tropical identity, while opponents argue the mockingbird’s historical significance in Florida shouldn’t be overlooked.

The mockingbird has represented Florida since 1927. It is also the state bird of Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.

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