Photorealistic entryway inspired by coastal Florida, featuring a sage green shiplap wall, a weathered wood-framed "Welcome to Florida" sign, a vintage turquoise vase with palm fronds, and a weathered white oak console table adorned with brass compass and seashells, illuminated by soft morning light filtering through sheer white curtains.

What Does the Florida Welcome Sign Say? Everything You Need to Know About the Sunshine State’s Bold New Greeting

The New Message That’s Turning Heads

Florida’s highway welcome signs now read: “Welcome to the Free State of Florida. The Sunshine State.”

That’s right. The state added “Free State of Florida” to its traditional “Sunshine State” nickname. These signs went up in July 2024, and they’ve sparked plenty of conversation since.

You’ll find these updated signs at:

  • 24 highway locations across state borders
  • 2 welcome centers where travelers stop for information
  • Strategic entry points from Georgia, Alabama, and along coastal highways

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What Happened to the Old Signs?

The previous welcome signs stuck to simpler messaging. They typically featured Florida’s classic nickname and general welcome language. The state decided a refresh was in order, and the Florida Department of Transportation handled the redesign in-house.

If you’re planning to spruce up your own home entrance inspired by vintage Florida vibes, consider adding vintage Florida welcome signs to your decor.

The “Hurry Back” Exit Signs

Here’s something charming I absolutely love. When you’re leaving Florida, you’ll see “Hurry Back” signs that pay tribute to the state’s mid-century welcome centers.

This nostalgic touch reminds me of Florida’s golden era of road trips. Back when families would pile into station wagons and cruise down to the Sunshine State for vacation.

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Behind the Scenes: Cost and Creation

Let’s talk numbers because transparency matters.

The price tag: $60,000 for all the new signage
Where they were made: Florida Department of Transportation facility in Lake City
The approach: Created in-house rather than outsourcing

That’s actually pretty reasonable when you consider:

  • The number of signs produced
  • Installation at 26 total locations
  • The size and durability requirements for highway signage

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The “Free State” Phrase Explained

The “Free State of Florida” isn’t just random wording. Governor Ron DeSantis has used this phrase as a campaign slogan since 2021.

The phrase gained traction when:

  • DeSantis opposed COVID-19 restrictions
  • Conservatives began using it to describe his governance approach
  • He incorporated it into his 2022 CPAC address
  • It became part of his 2023 inaugural address

Whether you agree with the politics or not, the signs reflect current state branding.

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What Other States Do Similar Things?

Florida isn’t alone in offering friendly highway messages. Many states provide welcoming and farewell greetings to travelers.

Some memorable state welcome signs include:

  • Virginia: “Virginia is for Lovers”
  • New Hampshire: “Live Free or Die”
  • Texas: Various regional welcome messages
  • Nevada: “Welcome to Fabulous Nevada”

State welcome signs have become collectible items for road trip enthusiasts. If you’re decorating a travel-themed space, state welcome sign replicas make fantastic wall art.

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Creating Your Own Florida-Inspired Welcome

You don’t need to wait for a road trip to enjoy Florida’s welcoming spirit. Bring that Sunshine State energy right to your front door.

Here’s how I’d do it:

For your front porch:
  • Mount a custom welcome sign with Florida-inspired colors
  • Add palm frond decor or tropical plants
  • Install warm lighting that says “come on in”
Color schemes that scream Florida:
  • Turquoise and coral (very Miami)
  • Sunny yellow and white (classic coastal)
  • Navy blue and sandy beige (sophisticated beach house)
  • Lime green and orange (citrus grove vibes)
Materials that last:
  • Weather-resistant wood or composite materials
  • Powder-coated metal for that vintage sign look
  • UV-protected finishes so colors don’t fade

Eclectic Florida-themed home bar with state welcome sign, vintage license plates, tropical wood bartop, palm leaf pendant lights, and Miami-inspired color palette of teal, coral, and sunshine yellow, captured in moody ambient lighting.

The Controversy You Should Know About

Let’s not pretend everyone loves these signs. Some Floridians embrace the “Free State” message. Others think the state should stick to less political branding.

Critics argue:

  • Tax dollars shouldn’t fund political messaging
  • Welcome signs should be universally welcoming
  • The phrase feels divisive rather than inclusive

Supporters counter:

  • It reflects the governor’s vision for the state
  • States have always included policy messages in branding
  • $60,000 is minimal compared to other state expenditures

I’m not here to tell you what to think. I’m just giving you the full picture.

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