A few years after the nation declared its official independence, many things within the United States started to change, and a new historical chapter began in the U.S.
During 1782, and more specifically on the 20th of June, the nation’s state seal was initially created, and officially adopted by the Continental Congress of America. The Great Seal of the United States was used (and still is used) as the symbol of sovereignty as a nation.
Shortly after this, states began adopting their own official state seals, mottos, nicknames, and much more. These, as well as a whole host of Florida state symbols that have been adopted by the state are used to symbolize and represent the uniqueness of each state that resides within the nation. The Florida State Seal below is the original one that was used. The latest one you will find further down the page.
So, what is the state seal meaning? The seal of Florida was officially adopted by the 1865 legislature, which set out clear instructions to have the seal be the same size as the American silver dollar and to portray a scene “in the middle of the sun’s rays over a high land in the distance, a cocoa tree, a steamboat on water, and Indian female scattering flowers in the foreground.”
Florida State Seal Image
In addition to the image displayed on the official seal, there are encircled words displaying; “Great Seal of the State of Florida: In God We Trust” – which is the official state motto of Florida. This, however, was the first official state seal, since then, the Florida state seal has been updated.
During 1970, the Florida seal was updated, replacing the cocoa tree with the sabal palmetto palm. The sabal palm is the official state tree for Florida. In addition to the tree being replaced, the headdress was also removed from the Native American woman as headdresses were only worn by males and the woman was portrayed as a Florida Seminole Indian American.
You can also find the state seal for Florida being displayed on the official state of Florida flag (it is common to see state seals displayed on a state flag). Most states will have their seals showcase a relevant story, that is indicative of the state and its history, and the Sunshine State is certainly no different.
