Big News: New Bills Filed to Make the American Flamingo Florida’s State Bird

By Rachel Michelle — Flamingo Life

Florida just took a bold, very-pink step forward.

Two companion measures for the 2026 Session are now in play to designate the American Flamingo as Florida’s official State Bird and the Florida Scrub-Jay as the official State Songbird:

• Florida House Bill 11 (H0011) — Filed Sept 4, 2025, sponsored by Rep. Jim Mooney, Rep. Chip LaMarca, Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, and Rep. Juan Porras. As of Oct 1, 2025, it’s in the Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee.

• Florida Senate Bill 150 (S0150) — Filed Oct 9, 2025, sponsored by Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez. Referred to committees and set for a hearing on Nov 4, 2025 in the Senate Environment & Natural Resources Committee.

These bills mirror last session’s effort (HB 81/SB 880) and keep the momentum going into 2026. 

What the bills do

• Name the American Flamingo as Florida’s State Bird

• Name the Florida Scrub-Jay as Florida’s State Songbird

• Officially move beyond the mockingbird to tell a fuller story of Florida’s coast and inland habitats.

From me: a heartfelt thank-you

Thank you, sponsors and co-sponsors—Rep. Jim Mooney, Rep. Chip LaMarca, Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Rep. Juan Porras, and Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez—for championing legislation that unites art, science, and community. Your leadership gives every student, family, and visitor a clear, hopeful symbol to rally around. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re cheering you on.