Florida Orders Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks, Cities Push Back

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has ordered Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and other cities to remove Pride-themed crosswalks or risk losing millions in transportation funding.

FDOT issued 14-day notices citing safety concerns and a May policy banning “social, political, or ideological” street art not tied to traffic control. Officials argue that rainbow designs distract drivers and endanger pedestrians.

Miami Beach leaders disagree, pointing to accident data. Since its rainbow crosswalk was installed in 2018 at 12th Street and Ocean Drive, only 15 accidents occurred—fewer than at nearby intersections without artwork. City Commissioner Alex Fernandez defended the crosswalk as “a symbol of safety and inclusivity” and vowed to appeal the order.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis echoed the criticism, calling FDOT’s action an attempt to “eliminate the visibility of the LGBT community.” His city has also been ordered to remove crosswalk art near Sebastian Beach and three other sites.

The controversy follows FDOT’s repainting of the rainbow crosswalk outside Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, the site of the 2016 massacre. Residents quickly restored the colors with chalk.

Fernandez warned that erasing symbols of inclusion is “a dangerous path forward,” while Trantalis urged the state to focus on urgent issues like housing and insurance instead of targeting Pride displays.