FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A new Florida law cracking down on non-standard street art is drawing criticism from community members and local officials, who say the move threatens public expression and identity.

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) released a statement June 30 citing safety concerns as the reason for enforcing a uniform standard across roadways.

“Non-standard surface markings, signage, and signals that do not directly contribute to traffic safety or control can lead to distractions or misunderstandings, jeopardizing both driver and pedestrian safety,” the department stated.

In response, cities like Boynton Beach have already begun removing street art. A rainbow-painted intersection was recently covered up by city workers following the new directive.

For residents like Cedrick Green, the policy feels like a step backward.

“It’s disheartening and out of bounce because why would you want to dull a community that’s so vibrant,” Green said.

Others questioned the state’s priorities.

“I actually think it’s kind of crazy that the street art would be considered distracting,” said Heather Clarke. “I don’t find it distracting at all. I think the pot holes and things like that are more distracting.”

Wilton Manors Vice Mayor/ Commissioner Chris Caputo said the directive could erase meaningful community symbols, including those that honor victims of tragedy.

“It really gives a sense of community. You know when you are in Wilton Manors because you see the rainbow bridge,” Caputo said. “I think in places like Orlando that has the Pulse memorial rainbow crosswalk — 49 people lost their lives — this gives the something to honor those people. Now it’s going to get painted over and become an unsafe crosswalk.”

Caputo also criticized the law’s potential financial impact on cities.

“It’s really frustrating because it’s essentially blackmail,” he said. “They are saying that they are going to withhold funds, that are critically needed funds, that cities and municipalities couldn’t keep roadways safe without unless you do this.”

Cities across the state — including Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach and Wilton Manors — have either removed or are facing pressure to remove their pride crosswalks.

In Key West, Commissioner Sam Kaufman issued a strong response to FDOT’s directive, calling the rainbow crosswalks on Duval Street a symbol of the city’s identity.

“Key West’s rainbow crosswalk isn’t just a splash of color — it’s a reflection of our identity, our history, and our values,” Kaufman wrote in an email shared with the City Manager Brian Barroso and City Attorney Kendal Harden. “This city has long been a champion of inclusion and creativity, and that crosswalk is one of the many ways we honor those traditions.”

Kaufman also raised concerns about state overreach into local matters.

“Efforts to regulate or erase it from afar ignore a fundamental principle: home rule,” he said. “Florida is a state full of vibrant, diverse cities — each with its own heartbeat. We should be embracing that, not mandating uniformity.”

He called on the city’s legal department to explore options for resisting or challenging the directive, including the possibility of requesting an exemption under FDOT guidelines.

Other cities could soon face the same dilemma. Crosswalks in Miami Beach and Key West may be affected, though local officials have yet to announce how they plan to respond.

West Palm Beach has already confirmed it will remove its pride-themed crosswalk. Delray Beach also features pride sidewalk art that could be subject to removal.

Despite the state’s safety rationale, some residents say the loss of public art would do more harm than good.

“It brings a sense of community, in a time when we genuinely very much need that,” Clarke said.

FDOT officials confirmed that the law stems from Senate Bill 1662, which was passed during the most recent legislative session to “ensure compliance with FDOT’s uniform system for traffic control devices.”

The agency said it is currently conducting an evaluation on facilities across the state.

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