DeSantis signs legislation renaming Florida highway after Jimmy Buffett

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation on Thursday designating State Road A1A on the East Coast after music icon Jimmy Buffett.

HB 91 will specifically set the new name to “Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway” from the Georgia state line to Key West. The highway runs approximately 340 miles from north to south.

“Jimmy Buffett’s name is synonymous with Florida and the iconic road known as 1A, and I am so proud to honor his legacy through the iconic Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway,” Florida Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book, D-Davie, said. “With this road naming, we are paying tribute to Jimmy not only as a musical icon, but also as a fierce protector of Florida’s natural treasures and our precious manatees.”

The bill was first introduced by Reps. Chuck Clemons, R-Newberry and Jim Mooney, R-Islamorada.

A music legend, Jimmy Buffett passed away on Sept. 1, 2023. The singer-songwriter was often best known for his 1977 hit “Margaritaville.” He also recorded songs such as “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”

Through his persona, Buffett’s tropical music is often associated with South Florida.

DeSantis also signed a bill Thursday to display a special “Margaritaville” tag on some Florida license plates. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Linda Chaney, R-St. Pete Beach.

“This specialty tag will help fund Jimmy Buffett’s non-profit charitable organization, Singing for Change, to provide grants to non-profit organizations to help rebuild and restore communities after natural and man-made disasters, ensuring Florida’s quality of life for future generations,” Chaney said to Florida’s Voice.