Protests erupt as Florida orders removal of rainbow crosswalks

In August 2025, protests erupted across Broward County, Florida, as residents reacted to the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) order to remove rainbow crosswalks and other street art deemed to have social, political, or ideological messages. The FDOT justified this directive by claiming that such designs could distract drivers and compromise road safety. However, many community members viewed the decision as part of a broader campaign against the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting grievances over attempts to erase visible expressions of pride and inclusion. Organized by Eric Swanson, the protests signified a fight not only for rainbow crosswalks but also for the rights and recognitions of marginalized communities. The removal of a rainbow crossing that commemorated the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting intensified concerns and dissatisfaction among locals, further fueling resistance. Local commission meetings in cities like Fort Lauderdale and Key West showed unanimous support for appeals against the state's order. Officials expressed that the directives did not take community input seriously and encapsulated an intolerant and politically motivated agenda rather than a legitimate safety concern. The overarching sentiment suggested that the state is misusing safety regulations to suppress expression and marginalize communities. As backlash intensified, several municipal leaders committed to fighting back, arguing that the visibility of LGBTQ+ symbols represents both heritage and modern societal values. Supporters emphasized that erasing such expressions would ultimately lead to a loss of cultural identity and a silencing of voices from historically oppressed communities. Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis defended these actions, stating that various street artworks had 'gotten out of hand' and needed to be regulated for the sake of road safety. His administration has launched a broader initiative suggesting that colorful designs on roadways distract drivers and thus pose risks. However, many critics saw the order as an infringement on basic rights, marking it as a significant step backward in the fight for equality. Proposed legal remedies and resistance efforts have highlighted a wide community backlash not just against the removal of specific artworks but against perceived ongoing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights in Florida. Agencies in numerous cities have begun discussing the possibility of legal action against the FDOT, asserting that municipalities should have autonomy over public expression on city roads, particularly when it captures community identity. As communities unite in this fight over rainbow crosswalks, they are also rallying against a backdrop of other legislative measures that have been perceived as anti-LGBTQ+, such as educational restrictions and health care regulations. For many residents, the crosswalks symbolize more than safety—they represent a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance. The situation continues to evolve, as local leaders maintain a staunch defense of their right to express community values and heritage through public art, potentially leading to significant clashes with state authorities. As the deadline for compliance approaches, the outcome of this dispute remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the struggle for visibility and recognition is far from over.