The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources advanced a bill 8-0 on Tuesday that would designate the American Flamingo as Florida's official state bird and the Florida scrub-jay as the official state songbird.
If passed, the American flamingo would replace the northern mockingbird as the official state bird. The mockingbird has been Florida's state bird since 1927.
Sen. Ileana Garcia (R-Miami) filed the Senate bill (SB 880). Rep. Jim "James" Mooney (R-Islamorada) is carrying the House version (HB 81).
Sen. Garcia explained her bill to the committee.
"Senate Bill 880 is more than symbolic; it is about identity, conservation, and restoring the image of a state that deserves to be represented not by what is common but by what is uniquely Floridian," Garcia said. "In this bill, we're designating the American Flamingo as Florida's official state bird; a symbol of Florida's identity and culture, and environment and economic impact."
"Also, we're not leaving out the Florida scrub-jay as the official state songbird. It's found only in Florida. It is endemic, native, rare, and also endangered. It is a catalyst for conservation here in Florida," Garcia continued.
She added that both birds help bring environmental awareness, biodiversity promotion, cultural and educational value, tourism, and economic growth to Florida.
Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart) expressed her support of the bill. She also mentioned having many flamingos in her own office.
"I totally support this bill. And I look forward to having more flamingos in my office," Harrell said.
Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring) joked about offering up an amendment to make the Canada goose the official state bird. Both the United States and Canada have been sparring in a trade war under the Trump administration.
"I heard that we are tarrifing everything that comes in through Canada. I decided to not do the amendment," Ingoglia quipped.
Sen. Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton) thanked Garcia for including the scrub-jay in the bill. Several public speakers showed up in support of the scrub-jay and American flamingo as the new designations.
"I'm so glad that we're able to honor two birds, 'cause that's what it's kind of all about. "I don't think we would have done it if it weren't for the advocacy of all of you," Polsky said. "I appreciate that. It's kind of been going on for a long time. Let's pass this bill and put this to bed."
Both the Senate and House bills have two more committee stops. If fully passed, SB 880/HB 81 would take effect on July 1.