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FLORIDA - Multiple cities across Florida are moving to appeal a state directive requiring the removal of rainbow-colored and other street art installations, raising concerns about potential loss of state transportation funding.
Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Orlando, Key West, St. Petersburg, and Tampa are among the municipalities affected.
The Florida Department of Transportation, under Governor Ron DeSantis, has ordered communities to remove crosswalks and street murals by early next month, warning that noncompliance could result in withheld funding.
Some of the artwork honors historically marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ and Black communities, while others, such as a “Back the Blue” mural in Tampa, do not.
Fort Lauderdale officials voted unanimously to file an administrative appeal and instructed the city attorney to explore additional legal options, engaging outside counsel if needed.
Miami Beach plans to discuss appealing the mandate at a meeting before the Sept. 4 state deadline.
St. Petersburg officials said there is no current legal path to preserve their murals but are planning new installations and displays to express community values.
A rainbow crosswalk in Orlando marking the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting was among the first removed, briefly restored by community members, and then repainted black and white by state crews.
Key West officials have also been warned that state crews may remove pavement markings if city compliance is not met.
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Governor DeSantis said the directive is intended to maintain safety and consistency on public roads.
The Department of Transportation emphasized that streets should not be used for social, political, or ideological messages.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between state regulations and local governments regarding public street artwork across Florida.