TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill filed this month aims to change Florida’s official state bird — and the state songbird.
Right now, the official state bird is the mockingbird, which was designated as such by the Legislature all the way back in 1927.
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Aside from Florida, the mockingbird also serves as the state bird of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.
But if Florida state Rep. James Mooney (R-Islamorada) and Rep. Chip LaMarca (R-Lighthouse Point) get their way, that could all change next year.
On Sept. 4, the pair filed House Bill 11, which will instead designate the American flamingo as Florida’s official bird.
In addition, the bill would set up the Florida scrub-jay as the state’s official songbird, which would be a completely new designation.
This isn’t the first time the pair has attempted this sort of change, though. Both lawmakers filed a similar bill back in January, but it ultimately died in committee before it could even reach a vote on the House floor.
At the time, Mooney provided his reasoning for the change, which reads as follows:
“I filed the bill designating the American flamingo as Florida’s official state bird and the Florida scrub-jay as the official state songbird. This legislation not only highlights the unique avian diversity of our state but also emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts for these iconic species.
The American flamingo, with its vibrant colors and graceful presence, already represents the beauty of Florida’s landscapes, from our stunning beaches to our lush wetlands. By designating it as our state bird, we raise awareness about the need to protect its habitat and the delicate balance of our coastal environments.
Similarly, the Florida scrub-jay, a species found nowhere else in the world, serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our unique habitats, particularly the scrub ecosystems that are critical for its survival. This bill encourages public engagement in conservation initiatives and fosters a sense of pride in our state heritage.
With this bill, we take a significant step toward promoting awareness and action for the conservation of these remarkable birds, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and enjoy Florida’s rich wildlife and natural beauty."
Florida Rep. James Mooney (2025)
Regardless of this year’s failure, HB 11 is set to be considered during the upcoming Legislative session in 2026.
If it manages to be approved by lawmakers and get the governor’s signature, it will take effect on July 1, 2026.