JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The state signs welcoming drivers into Florida along the state's major highways have been replaced with new ones featuring a slogan coined by Governor Ron DeSantis.
The new signs read, "Welcome to the Free State of Florida," a phrase coined by DeSantis in his second inaugural address in January 2023 after defeating Charlie Crist by 19 points, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
The slogan is frequently repeated by the governor on campaign trails and during press conferences.
The new signs on the northbound highways exiting the state read "Hurry Back to the Free State of Florida."
The former signs read "Welcome to Florida, The Sunshine State." "The Sunshine State" slogan remains on the new signs at the bottom.
Florida Dept. of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue posted about the signs on X Saturday, saying, "No better way to celebrate Independence Day Weekend than new state line signs welcoming Floridians and visitors to the Free State of Florida!"
Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez posed with the sign in a picture she uploaded to social media.