Florida House Votes to Make Flamingo State Bird

Lawmakers enthusiastic about the return of the flamingo to Florida, decades after it was wiped out.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Florida's House voted late Wednesday to establish the American flamingo as the new state bird, a step toward knocking the mockingbird off its perch after nearly a century. The House voted 112-1 to approve the bill, with one legislator holding out for the pelican instead. Lawmakers are excited about the flamingo's return to Florida, decades after it was wiped out, though some have raised concerns that it only represents a small part of the state.

Why it matters

The move to make the flamingo Florida's new state bird highlights the return of the iconic species to the state, decades after it was driven out. It also reflects a shift in state pride and identity, as Florida embraces its unique and diverse ecosystems.

The details

The bill to establish the American flamingo as Florida's new state bird still needs to pass through two more Senate committees before facing a full Senate vote. In the past two legislative sessions, a similar bill by Rep. James 'Jim' Mooney, R-Key Largo, faced opposition from those who argued the mockingbird should remain the state's icon. This time, Mooney says there wasn't as strong opposition. If the bill passes, the Florida scrub jay will become the state's songbird alongside the flamingo.

  • The House voted 112-1 to approve the bill on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The bill in the Senate has to pass through two more committees before it faces a full Senate vote. Those hearings haven't yet been scheduled.

The players

Hope Florida critic Alex Andrade

The sole House member to vote no on the bill, arguing that Florida's state bird should be the pelican instead.

Rep. Lindsay Cross

A Democratic representative from St. Petersburg who wore pink clothing during the House vote, calling it a 'very Florida bill'.

Rep. James 'Jim' Mooney

The Republican representative from Key Largo who introduced the bill to make the flamingo Florida's new state bird.

Rep. Monique Miller

The Republican representative from Brevard who voiced concerns that elevating the status of the scrub jay alongside the flamingo would slow development across the state due to protections.

University of Central Florida

A new study from the university used genetics to show that flamingos are native to Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Florida is one of the most unique places in the country. Our ecosystems are extremely diverse. All of a sudden we have flamingos back.”

— Rep. James 'Jim' Mooney, R-Key Largo (sun-sentinel.com)

“I'm not trying to stop building. I'm trying to make people hear we have precious items in front of us that are bigger than just a bird.”

— Rep. James 'Jim' Mooney, R-Key Largo (sun-sentinel.com)

What’s next

The bill in the Senate has to pass through two more committees before it faces a full Senate vote. Those hearings haven't yet been scheduled.

The takeaway

The move to make the flamingo Florida's new state bird reflects the state's embrace of its unique and diverse ecosystems, as well as a shift in state pride and identity. However, some legislators have raised concerns about the flamingo only representing a small part of the state, highlighting the need to balance regional interests.