Discover the Florida State Seal: History, Symbolisim, and Meaning

Florida is a beautiful state with lots to see and do. It’s only fitting to learn of the history of the state seal, including its origin and the different symbols used to represent it.

The state seal is found on the state flag and used as a national identity for the Sunshine State. The Seal is used for ceremonial and legal purposes.

The state seal has evolved since the start of the civil war when it was adopted, and this article will delve deeper into its origin, history, and symbolism.

What’s the Origin of the Florida State Seal?

The official state seal of Florida was adopted in 1868 as part of the Constitution for the newly formed Republic of Florida. Florida’s state seal design is round and is the size of an American silver dollar. Although the elements within the Seal have evolved as years go by, the shape and size have not changed.

The State Constitution started adopting the state seal in Florida, which mandated the Legislature to adopt a Seal of State. The Legislature, acting on this information, passed the motion and forwarded it to the Governor, Harrison Reed, on August 6, 1868. The motion specified that the  State Seal was the size of an American silver dollar, with the following elements within, a view of sun ray’s over a high mountain land in the distance.

The palm tree was later modified into a cocoa tree, a steamboat on water, and an Indian woman spreading flowers on the ground. And these elements are found in the center, encompassed by a circle, with the words, Great Seal of the State of Florida: In God We Trust.’

The words in the state seal were later adopted as the state’s motto in a Legislative Session held in 2006.

What is the History of the Florida State Seal?

The Florida State Seal has seen several changes since its adoption. Let’s look at what changes were made and when.

1970

The first change on the State seal was made in 1970 when the cocoa palm was changed into a sabal palm. The sabal Palmetto palm tree was adopted as the Florida State tree in 1953.

1985

The first change to Florida State Seal was made in 1985, when the Secretary of the State, George Firestone, led the revision of the Great Seal of Florida and presented the changes to the Governor and the Cabinet.

They corrected the errors found in the first Seal, where instead of the Western Plains Indian, the Seal now had a picture of a Seminole Indian woman. This was done by removing the headdress on the woman since males wore headdresses.

The mountains over which the sun rises were also flattened since Florida does not have mountains.

Use of the Florida State Seal                                            

The Great Seal of Florida is an emblem or a national identification of the Sunshine State. The Secretary of State in Florida is the state seal’s custodian. The Seal is for ceremonial and legal purposes and depicts sovereign authority and jurisdictional significance within Government operations and documents.

Therefore, it’s primarily for stamping documents like passports or driver’s licenses.

Florida Seal of State is prominent in public buildings such as courthouses and legislative chambers.

Other state and local agencies in Florida can use the state seal officially if the head of their agency approves them. And any reproduction of the Seal shall be made, used, or displayed once the Department of State has approved.

It’s good to note that the Department of State can issue a certificate of approval to any agency that applies, as long as it’s for a good cause—however, illegal use of the seal results in a second-degree misdemeanor.

What Elements are in the Florida State Seal, and What Do They Represent?     

Steamboat

This particular feature highlights transportation advancements achieved during the 1800s related to navigation waterways.

They enabled new opportunities for commerce and trade exploration beyond borders or seas, which was previously impossible. It also acts as a means of transport along the coast.

Cocoa Trees

The sabal palmetto palm tree often symbolizes the inhabitants’ economic success, he 

Indian Female

The representation of female Indian figures suggests peaceful coexistence between indigenous populations and European settlers.

 It indicates how the two cultures could live together harmoniously, thus allowing Florida to become prosperous.

Sun Rays over High Lands

The inspiration is from ancient mythological stories about the sun being a power source and fertility. It also represents how the state “shines” proudly, highlighting its beautiful nature and unique resources, thus the name, ‘Sunshine State.”

What Does the Florida State Seal Symbolize?      

The main components of the Florida state seal reflect many aspects of the state’s residents. It acts as an inspiration through symbolic messages, which repeat from generation to generation.

Other State Symbols in Florida

Apart from the State Seal and State Flag, other state symbols in Florida include:

Tallahassee

It’s the Indian word for ‘old town, which later became the capital city of Florida in 1824. Tallahassee is home to the leading architecture, including Florida State University, State Capitol, Supreme Court, and the Governor’s Mansion.

Florida Panther

Known as the state animal, Florida Panther was adopted by the state in 1982. It is the largest predator and grows up to 6 feet tall. The animal lives in freshwater swamp forests or pinelands. Unlike other cats, the panther does not roar but makes hissing, purring, and growling sounds. It was entered into the list of endangered species in 1967.

Mockingbird

It became the Florida state bird in 1927. The bird has impeccable vocal signals and can sing more than 200 songs.

It has a superb mimicking ability and can stay up all night singing. The bird symbolizes the state’s beauty and innocence. Killing a mockingbird brings bad luck according to superstitions.

Zebra Longwing

It became the state butterfly in 1996. The butterflies feed on pollen and have a long lifespan. It is poisonous to its predators as it feeds on toxins found on the vine leaves of passion fruits. The butterfly symbolizes endurance, hope, change, and new life.

Moonstone

This is the state gem for Sunshine State.

Florida Cracker Horse

This horse breed came to Florida in the 1500s with the Spanish explorers. The horse is famous among people because of its speed and agility. It was used to herd cattle, ride sports, and do team penning. In 2008, the Florida Cracker Horse became the state’s official heritage horse.

Coreopsis

 Also known as Tickseed. It’s a type of flowering plant that produces a flower that is yellow or red. The plant also has tiny fruits. It is mainly a source of pollen and nectar for insects and birds. The flower symbolizes happiness and love at first sight.

Silver Spurs Rodeo

This horse-riding activity is twice a year in Kissimmee. It is among the top 50 rodeos in the United States since 1994.

Alligator

The American Alligator is the official Florida state reptile since 1987.

Sabal Palm

Sabal Palmetto is the state’s official tree. It’s a hardy palm tree that is salt tolerant and can survive extremely high and low temperatures.

How Many State Seals Does the State of Florida Have?

The state of Florida has many official seals in all. The following are all official seals belonging to different entities within Florida:

Seal of the House of Representatives

It represents the legislative branch and its members (House reps) who serve constituents through policy-making initiatives based on their districts.

The Seal of the House of Representatives is the same as the state seal; the only difference is the color, which is blue and yellow.

Seal of the Florida Senate

This has a similar design to the Seal of the House of Representatives. However, the elements found within the Seal are different as it contains the United States flag and the Florida flag.

The Seal signifies a stronger focus on power and authority between two chambers which must work together harmoniously to form a cohesive unit for successful governance.

Seal of the Supreme Court of Florida

Symbolizes the highest legal authority land tasked with interpreting justice when disputes arise where lower courts have not concluded. The supreme court also provides advice and guidance to Legislature when necessary to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights.

The Seal has the same design, but the elements are different, including a seated Goddess of Justice, and she has a blindfold. She carries a scale of justice and a sword in the other. And the stone behind her has the letter ‘F’ carved to symbolize Florida. And the Eagle, which represents justice ruling.

Although some believe the stars mean nothing, others believe they symbolize Themis’s daughter, Astraea, a virgin Goddess, and the star’s sign is Virgo.

Seal of the Department of Transportation

 Reflects the importance of efficient transportation infrastructure, which fosters growth and development across the state by facilitating the movement of resources wherever needed within the most efficient time frame given budget restraints.

Seal of Office Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

The office of the OPPAGA is responsible for research in the Florida Legislature in four policy areas, Criminal & Juvenile Justice, Education, Government Operations, and Health & Human Services.

They conduct research, provide data, and conduct objective analysis that helps set the legislative budget and policy deliberations. Through their research findings, they enhance the program’s performance, save money and ensure that the activities elected within the program are suitable.

The seal design for the OPPAGA is similar to the Seal of the State’s Department of Transportation; the only difference is there is a sun rising.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Mike Bicek/Shutterstock.com