Seminole Wind Proposed as Florida State Song
Calls for a new state anthem follow the passing of Country Music Hall of Fame member John Anderson.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Country
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Country Music Hall of Fame singer John Anderson died at age 71 on Oct. 21, 2026. Following his death, musician John Rich has advocated for Anderson's hit song Seminole Wind to replace Florida's current state song.
Why it matters
Florida's existing state song, Old Folks at Home, has long faced controversy regarding its original lyrics and depiction of Black people. Supporters of the switch argue that Seminole Wind offers a more modern and representative alternative for the state.
Florida currently recognizes Old Folks at Home as the official state song and Florida (Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky) as the state anthem, designated in 2008. The state legislature operates on a 60-day regular session schedule.
The players
John Anderson
He was a celebrated country music singer and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
John Rich
He is a musician and songwriter who has publicly campaigned for the adoption of a new Florida state song.
The details
Legislators designate official state symbols through the formal passage of bills, which must then be signed by the governor. The state recently updated its symbols in 2026, when the Florida House voted to replace the state bird with the American flamingo.
Timeline
Stephen Foster wrote Old Folks at Home during the 19th century.
Florida legislators first proposed finding a new state song in 2007.
The state designated an official state anthem in 2008.
The Florida House voted to change the state bird in 2026.
John Anderson passed away on Oct. 21, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The effort to replace the state song follows the pattern set by the Florida House's 2026 vote to replace the state bird, demonstrating a recent legislative willingness to modernize long-standing state symbols. This transition reflects an ongoing cultural shift to replace legacy symbols that contain controversial historical messaging.
For Florida residents, this proposal could lead to a change in the state's official ceremonial music if a bill is successfully introduced and signed into law. The outcome will depend entirely on the legislative activity during the upcoming 60-day session.
The takeaway
The movement highlights how public figures can influence legislative agendas regarding cultural identity. Citizens interested in the state's symbols should monitor upcoming legislative filings to see if the proposal gains official traction.
What happens next
The next regular Florida legislative session is scheduled to begin on March 2, 2027.
Further reading
For more on the state's musical culture, visit the Country section.
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Should your state replace historical symbols that include offensive language?
