Florida House Votes to Make Flamingo the New State Bird

The bill now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Florida House of Representatives has voted to replace the northern mockingbird as the state's official bird with the American flamingo. The bill also proposes designating the Florida scrub-jay as the state songbird. While the move has been praised by conservationists, it faces some opposition and must still pass the state Senate.

Why it matters

This change would officially recognize the flamingo as a native species to Florida and highlight the state's unique biodiversity, including the endemic Florida scrub-jay. However, some legislators are concerned the new designations could impact development due to increased environmental protections.

The details

Recent genetic research has confirmed that flamingos are native to Florida, with historical populations numbering in the hundreds to thousands. The birds were heavily hunted in the early 1900s, leading to their local extinction. The flamingo's dramatic return following Hurricane Idalia in 2023 has fueled the push for official recognition. The bill's sponsor, Representative Jim Mooney, emphasized the environmental significance and the flamingo's role as a symbol of successful conservation efforts.

  • The Florida House voted 112-1 in favor of the bill in February 2026.
  • The bill now heads to the Florida Senate for consideration.

The players

Florida House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the Florida legislature that voted to make the flamingo the new state bird.

Representative Jim Mooney

A key sponsor of the bill to replace the northern mockingbird with the flamingo as Florida's state bird.

Representative Monique Miller

A legislator who expressed concerns that elevating the status of the Florida scrub-jay could hinder development across the state.

Representative Alex Andrade

The sole dissenting vote in the House, proposing the pelican as an alternative state bird.

University of Central Florida

The institution whose research genetically confirmed that flamingos are native to Florida.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The bill must now pass through two more committees in the Florida Senate before a full vote.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the cultural significance of the flamingo in Florida and the state's commitment to protecting its unique biodiversity, though concerns remain about potential impacts on development.