Designation of the Official State Flagship
This bill redesignates the S.S. American Victory - a historic 1944 WWII merchant vessel now operating as a maritime museum in Tampa - as Florida’s official state flagship, replacing the previous designation. The ship, which served in WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam War, is recognized as a National Historic Place and supports military charities, education, and tourism. The change takes effect July 1, 2026, formalizing its role as a symbol of Florida’s naval heritage and community engagement. The bill contains no new funding or policy requirements, solely updating the legal designation.
Bill status
in committee
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 22, 2026
Last action Mar 6, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Feb 24, 2026
How they voted
22–0
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 24
Feb 24, 2026
D
Democratic5
100% Yea
I
Independent1
0% Nay
R
Republican18
94% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
17
Key actions
7
Committee
7
Feb 24, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (22-0-2)
senate
Feb 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable by- Rules; YEAS 22 NAYS 0
upper
Feb 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
On Committee agenda-- Rules, 02/24/26, 12:00 pm, 412 Knott Building
upper
Feb 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable by Governmental Oversight and Accountability; YEAS 9 NAYS 0
upper
Feb 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
On Committee agenda-- Governmental Oversight and Accountability, 02/11/26, 3:00 pm, 110 Senate Building
upper
Jan 26, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable by Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security; YEAS 4 NAYS 0
upper
Jan 22, 2026
Introduced
Introduced
upper
Jan 21, 2026
Upper · Passed
On Committee agenda-- Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security, 01/26/26, 3:30 pm, 301 Senate Building
upper
Jan 16, 2026
Committee
Referred to Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Rules
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Danny Burgess
RRepublican
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