By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know that Governor Ron DeSantis has attributed his administration’s crackdown on street art, including homosexual and “transgender” rainbow crosswalks to a new change in state law passed by the Florida Legislature?
DeSantis has been receiving some backlash from homosexual and “trans” rights groups for painting over, or removing the rainbow crosswalks across Florida. DeSantis on his part, is stating that his administration is simply enforcing the law. However, some state lawmakers from both political parties dispute this claim, stating that the legislation DeSantis cited—Senate Bill 1662—contains no explicit language banning street art and was primarily a routine omnibus transportation bill with mostly minor statutory tweaks.
These Florida legislators assert that discussions about crosswalks, street painting, or art restrictions never occurred during the legislative session. Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman stated the removal of such artwork was “absolutely not” discussed, and she has no memory of it being raised at all. Similarly, State Rep. Chip LaMarca, a liberal Republican and chair of the House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee, said the issue “never” came up among lawmakers.
FDOT in fairness, has been the driving force behind the removal orders, instructing cities like Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, and Orlando to remove not only rainbow crosswalks but also other decorative pavement art, including a seascape design and a crosswalk at the Pulse nightclub memorial. FDOT claims the artwork does not comply with state and federal standards and asserts it could distract drivers.
The crackdown appears to follow a July 1 directive from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy under the Trump administration, which criticized funding for “rainbow crosswalks” and urged states to act. While this federal guidance exists, reporting indicates DeSantis is the only governor actively enforcing it. Critics, including state Sen. Shevrin Jones and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who are both Democrats, argue the removals are politically motivated rather than based on safety or new legislation. In response, cities like Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale are resisting the orders, and activists are organizing protests and new art installations in defiance which may result in FDOT funds being withheld.