We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Symbols

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the History of the State Seal of Florida?

By Marlene Garcia
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,503
References
Share

The original state seal of Florida was designed in 1865 and approved by the state legislature, which voted the round seal not be larger than a silver dollar. The circular seal showed sunbeams in the background, with a steamboat and cocoa tree. It also depicted a Native American woman tossing flower blossoms near the shoreline. The image is surrounded by the words, “The Great Seal of the State of Florida — In God We Trust,” which represents the state motto.

Revisions to the state seal of Florida occurred in 1970 to make the Indian woman more representative of the Seminole tribe native to the state. The earlier image resembled a Plains Indian. This redesign also removed a headdress shown on the earlier seal because only male Seminole Indians wore these accessories. The palmetto tree replaced the cocoa on the state seal of Florida, since it was deemed the official state tree.

It was 20 years after Florida became a state in 1845 that a state seal of Florida was adopted. Nicknamed “The Sunshine State,” Florida became a territory in 1821, when Tallahassee was chosen as its capital. It became the 27th state much later.

The state seal of Florida also appears on its flag, in the middle of a red cross on a white background, adopted in 1900. Its state bird is the mockingbird, and the manatee is designated Florida’s marine mammal. The saltwater mammal is the dolphin, and the saltwater fish is represented by the sailfish. Other official state symbols include the orange blossom as the state flower and agate coral as the state stone.

Calusa Indians inhabited Florida thousands of years ago, before European explorers discovered the state. Juan Ponce de Leon recorded the first detailed account when he landed in Florida in 1513. He named the spot La Florida, which represented the feast of flowers in Spain in the spring. Other explorers soon followed, seeking gold, with some traveling all the way to Mexico. The French arrived in 1562 and began establishing communities.

William D. Moseley became the first governor of Florida in the late 19th century. The state began developing a reputation for agriculture, especially cattle. Phosphate and sponge industries also sprung up, which attracted immigrants from other areas. Today, Florida is known for its citrus industry and tourism. Orange juice represents the state beverage.

Share
America Explained is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.americaexplained.org/what-is-the-history-of-the-state-seal-of-florida.htm
Copy this link
America Explained, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

America Explained, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.