Florida State Motto: In God We Trust

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Researched by USA Symbol Team

Fact-checked • Updated December 1, 2025

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Florida State Seal

OFFICIAL STATE SEAL

English • 1868

"In God We Trust"

In God We Trust

About This Motto

Florida's state motto is In God We Trust. Legislature added it to the state seal in 1868. Governor Jeb Bush signed it into official statute in 2006.

What the Motto Means

In God We Trust. Four words. Trust means relying on God for guidance and protection. Florida borrowed the phrase from United States silver dollars.

Why this phrase? Civil War era brought religious sentiment to American currency. Florida legislators saw it on coins. They liked the message. Simple faith expressed plainly.

Previous motto existed. Florida first used In God is our Trust during Confederate times. Apalachicola Guard banner carried those words. Legislature changed one word in 1868 to match national coinage.

Historical Background

  1. Civil War Origins (1861-1864)

    Reverend M.R. Watkinson wrote Secretary of Treasury Salmon P. Chase in 1861. Suggested God's recognition on Union coins. Chase agreed. April 22, 1864 brought congressional authorization. Two-cent piece carried IN GOD WE TRUST first.

  2. Florida's First Motto

    Confederate Apalachicola Guard of Florida used In God is our Trust on their banner. Slight variation from later version. One word difference mattered.

  3. 1868 State Seal Adoption

    Florida legislature passed Joint Resolution No. 2 on August 6, 1868. Seal description specified In God We Trust surrounding the design. Resolution called for seal size of American silver dollar. Motto copied from that coin.

  4. Silver Dollar Connection

    United States silver dollars bore In God We Trust starting 1864. Florida lawmakers saw the coins daily. Borrowed the exact wording. Practical choice during Reconstruction.

  5. National Motto Adoption (1956)

    Cold War context mattered. Congressman Charles Edward Bennett of Florida introduced H.R. 619 in 1955. Bill required motto on all currency. President Dwight Eisenhower signed it July 30, 1956. Distinguishing America from Soviet atheism drove the decision.

  6. 2006 Official Designation

    Legislature formalized what existed 138 years. Governor Jeb Bush signed House Bill 1145 on June 22, 2006. Effective date July 1, 2006. Motto moved from seal description to standalone statute.

Meaning & Significance Today

State seal shows the motto below its circular design. You see it on government documents, driver's licenses, state buildings. Most Floridians ignore it daily.

Religious expression in government remains controversial. Some residents value the motto's faith statement. Others question church-state separation. 2018 brought new law requiring public schools to display it.

Florida shares this motto with the nation. Five other states use religious mottos too. Arizona, Ohio, Colorado, South Dakota all reference God. Florida picked the exact national wording.

Cultural Context in Florida

Reconstruction Era Context (1868)

Florida rejoined the Union in 1868 after Civil War. New state constitution required new seal design. Legislature wanted alignment with federal symbolism. Copying currency motto accomplished that goal.

State Seal Design

Seal shows Native American woman scattering flowers. Steamboat floats on water. Sabal palmetto tree stands tall. Sun rays shine over distant highland. In God We Trust circles the bottom. Great Seal of the State of Florida tops the circle.

Cold War Religious Revival (1950s)

Eisenhower presidency brought religious emphasis. Billy Graham's influence spread nationwide. Under God entered Pledge of Allegiance in 1954. National motto followed two years later. Florida congressman led the currency legislation.

2018 School Display Law

Representative Kimberly Daniels introduced HB 839 in early 2018. Required public schools to display motto conspicuously. House passed it 97-10 on February 21, 2018. Governor Rick Scott signed it into law. Schools complied various ways.

State Flag Integration

Florida flag centers the state seal on white background. Red diagonal cross of St. Andrew frames it. Motto appears as part of seal design. Adopted flag design in 1900.

Current Law

Florida Statutes, Title 4, Chapter 15, Section 15.03 describes the state seal. In God We Trust appears as required text within seal description. House Bill 1145 (2006) established it as standalone motto beyond just seal language.

Interesting Facts About the Motto

Fact 1 of 10

Florida used the motto on its seal 88 years before it became the national motto in 1956.

Sources & References

This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records.

1
Florida Department of State
https://dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-motto/

Official state information about Florida's motto history and adoption. • Accessed: December 31, 2025

2
Florida Statutes
https://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/

Legal description of Florida state seal including motto text (Title 4, Chapter 15, Section 15.03). • Accessed: December 31, 2025

Accuracy Commitment: We strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information. If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact us.

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People Also Ask

What is Florida's state motto?
Florida's state motto is 'In God We Trust.' It appears on the state seal and became official in 2006.
When did Florida adopt its motto?
Florida added the motto to its state seal in 1868. It became officially designated in state statute on July 1, 2006.
Is Florida's motto the same as the national motto?
Yes. Florida used it first in 1868. Congress adopted it as the national motto in 1956.
What was Florida's first motto?
Florida's first motto was 'In God is our Trust' used during Confederate times. The legislature changed it to 'In God We Trust' in 1868.
Who suggested putting this motto on U.S. coins?
Reverend M.R. Watkinson wrote to Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase in 1861 suggesting God's recognition on coins. Chase implemented it starting 1864.
Where does the phrase come from?
Francis Scott Key wrote 'In God is our trust' in the fourth stanza of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' in 1814. The phrase inspired the motto.
Why did Florida choose this motto?
Florida copied the wording from United States silver dollars during Reconstruction in 1868. Alignment with federal symbolism mattered.
When did it become the U.S. national motto?
President Eisenhower signed legislation making it the national motto on July 30, 1956. Cold War context influenced the decision.
Who made it Florida's official motto in 2006?
Governor Jeb Bush signed House Bill 1145 on June 22, 2006, making it official as of July 1, 2006.
Do schools have to display the motto?
Yes. A 2018 law requires Florida public schools to display 'In God We Trust' conspicuously. Governor Rick Scott signed it.
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