Senate panel approves bill naming American flamingo state bird and Florida scrub jay state songbird after large student turnout

Senate Bill 880, which would designate the American flamingo as Florida's state bird and the Florida scrub jay as the state songbird, was reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources following extensive public comment and brief debate.

The bill sponsor, Senator Jason Garcia, told the committee the dual designations are intended to reflect Florida’s unique wildlife, promote conservation and boost tourism. “The flamingo is not just an icon. It reminds us that Florida is bold, brilliant, and unafraid to stand tall,” Garcia said.

The bill drew a lengthy public-comment period dominated by students from Seminole High School’s Wildlife Conservation Club and other local advocates. Dozens of students described the scrub jay as endemic to Florida, argued the designation would raise conservation awareness, and emphasized that the title would not create new legal protections. “The position of state songbird is only a title. It does not add any extra protections,” said Abigail Tiffany, club historian for the Seminole group. Students and other witnesses also made an economic argument: speakers cited tourism figures for birding and said recognition would attract more visitors.

Several committee members praised the students and voiced support. Senator Polsky noted a long-running effort to give the scrub jay official recognition and thanked constituents and advocates who persisted on the issue. Senator Harrell and others offered lighthearted remarks in support and referenced personal encounters with flamingos and scrub jays.

A small number of witnesses emphasized the symbolic nature of the bill and warned it should not be conflated with statutory protections. Several student speakers and other supporters reiterated that the bill would not impose land-use constraints but would instead promote awareness and conservation funding opportunities.

The committee took a roll call; the clerk recorded the bill as reported favorably.

Votes at committee: SB 880 was reported favorably.

Background and context: committee discussion positioned the bill as primarily symbolic — though sponsors and witnesses tied symbolism to conservation outreach and economic value from wildlife tourism. Several speakers recounted prior attempts to resolve Florida’s lack of an official bird in statute and referenced Chapter 15 of the Florida Statutes and a 1927 Senate concurrent resolution that attempted to name the northern mockingbird decades earlier.

Looking ahead: After being reported favorably, SB 880 will move to the next committee or a floor assignment per Senate procedure.