Town of Longboat Key

FACT Sheet for State Road 789 (currently, Gulf of Mexico Drive)

• Current Local Road Name: Gulf of Mexico Drive
• State Road ID: State Road 789 (SR 789)
• Location Affected: State Road 789 (within the Town of Longboat Key)
• Purpose of Change: In April 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 575 (HB 575), which formally renames the body of water formerly known as the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America” in all Florida statutes, and House Bill 549 (HB 549), which requires state agencies (including educational institutions) to update graphic and instructional materials accordingly.

A key passage from HB 575 states: "All references in Florida statutes, official documents, maps, and publications that formerly named the ‘Gulf of Mexico’ shall hereafter refer to that body of water as the ‘Gulf of America.’"

• Q1: Why is the name of the body of water being changed?

The change is rooted in legislation signed into law by Governor DeSantis (HB 575 and HB 549, effective July 1, 2025), aligning Florida state law and educational materials with Federal Executive Order 14172, which has the stated goal of restoring names that honor American greatness.  The Florida Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) is tasked with managing infrastructure within the state road right-of-way.  As a result of the new legislation, FDOT will be removing road name signs within State Road 789 right-of-way that reference the “Gulf of Mexico.” This action does not formally change the local name of the road.  The local road name change can only be done by the local jurisdiction’s legislative body.

• Q2: How will this affect my address?

At this time, the local name of the road has not been changed.  If a new name is approved by the Town’s legislative body, the Town Commission, then your legal mailing address will change.

• Q3: Do I need to update my driver's license or vehicle registration?

  Not immediately as the local road name has not yet been changed. If the local road name is changed, State agencies (e.g., DMV and the US Postal Service) will be notified. You’ll update your address during your next renewal or earlier if required.

• Q4: Will my mail and packages still be delivered?

  Yes.  If the name is changed, the USPS typically recognizes both names during a standard transition period of 12 – 18 months.

• Q5: What about emergency services (911)?

  Databases for Fire, Police, EMS, and dispatchers will be updated prior to the change. Emergency responses will not be interrupted.

• Q6: Will new street signs be installed?

  Should the Town Commission approve a new local road name, the FDOT plans to place new, permanent road signs with the new local road name in the locations of the prior signs.  However, if the Town elects to keep Gulf of Mexico Drive as the roadway name, the State will only recognize it as SR 789.

• Q7: How much will this cost the Town?

  A detailed cost analysis will be released before any formal vote, but the Town Commission will discuss the topic during the October 20, 2025, Town Commission Workshop Meeting.

• Q8: Can residents and business owners provide feedback?

  Yes. A public meeting is planned to be held on October 20, 2025, to discuss. 

• Q9: Is this permanent?

  The removal all references to “Gulf of Mexico” from the State Road 789 right-of-way appears to be permanent.  If a new local road name is selected by the Town Commission, then yes that will also be permanent with new signs installed by FDOT to reflect the new local road name; but the Town Commission retains authority to revisit the decision.

• Q10: How will businesses be affected?

A: If there is a roadway name change, businesses will need to change signage, marketing, stationery, and online references. The Town may offer guidance and templates to assist during the transition.

Town of Longboat Key

Website: www.longboatkey.org

Phone: 941-316-1944 or 941-356-8187

Email: Tina Adams, tadams@longboatkey.org

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (except holidays)

You may also submit your written comments to the Town Commission: commission@longboatkey.org