Rich made his appeal to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a social media post on October 22. He argued that Anderson’s song captures Florida’s character and reflects the singer’s deep ties to the state. The idea has also drawn support from fans, some of whom have begun circulating petitions.
Whether Florida will take up the proposal remains uncertain. But the discussion has brought renewed attention to Anderson, the history behind “Seminole Wind,” and the complicated legacy of the song it could replace.
In his post, Rich called Anderson a “native born Floridian” and said the singer had “captured the spirit of this state in his song.” He also offered to travel to Florida if the governor agreed to consider the idea, writing, “A bunch of us would fly down if you would.”
Rich’s proposal is more than a request to recognize a well-known country song. It connects an artist’s Florida roots with a song that takes on environmental change and the loss of a distinctive landscape. As of the time of Rich’s post, DeSantis had not publicly responded.
Fans have begun petitions supporting the same idea, but a petition alone would not change Florida’s official state song. Such a change would require action through the state’s formal legislative process.
John Anderson was born in Apopka, Florida, and became a prominent country music performer. Known for his distinctive voice and traditional country sound, he built a career with hits including “Swingin’” and “Seminole Wind.”
Anderson’s Florida connection is central to Rich’s argument. “Seminole Wind,” released in 1992 as the title track of Anderson’s album, is closely associated with the state’s landscapes and history. Its lyrics evoke the Everglades and express concern about environmental changes, including the draining and development of wetlands.
The song’s title refers to the Seminole people, whose history is deeply connected to Florida. The song is a work of popular music, not a historical account, but its imagery draws on the state’s natural environment and cultural past.
“Seminole Wind” is often remembered for its haunting melody and atmospheric sound. Its subject matter gives it a more specific connection to Florida than many songs associated with a state: it reflects on the Everglades and the effects of human intervention in the landscape.
The Everglades is a vast, interconnected wetland ecosystem that has been altered by decades of drainage, water-control projects, agriculture, and development. These changes have affected water flows and wildlife habitats. Restoration efforts have been underway for decades, though the work is complex and ongoing.
By addressing the disappearance and alteration of natural places, the song gives listeners a way to think about Florida not only as a destination, but as an ecosystem with a history and vulnerabilities. That environmental dimension is a key part of the case made by Rich and the song’s supporters.
Florida’s official state song is “Old Folks at Home,” written by Stephen Foster and also known as “Swanee River.” Florida adopted it as its state song in 1935.
The song became popular in the 19th century, but its history is complicated. Foster’s original lyrics used racist language and reflected minstrel-show conventions of the period. In 2008, Florida adopted a revised version for official use, replacing the offensive wording while retaining the song’s place as the state song.
That history is part of the current debate. Supporters of “Seminole Wind” may see it as a more contemporary and locally rooted choice. At the same time, changing a state song involves questions about history, public symbolism, and how Florida wants to represent itself.
A state song is an official designation, so replacing “Old Folks at Home” would require more than public enthusiasm. Florida lawmakers would need to consider and approve a measure to change the designation, followed by the required steps for it to become law.
Public petitions can demonstrate interest and draw attention to an issue, but they do not themselves make a song official. Any proposal would also likely prompt discussion about the song’s lyrics, its cultural significance, the history of the current state song, and whether Florida should choose a different musical symbol.
Rich’s call has put “Seminole Wind” back in the spotlight and prompted a broader conversation about what a state song should represent. Anderson’s Florida birthplace and the song’s focus on the Everglades give the proposal a strong connection to place. Meanwhile, “Old Folks at Home” carries a long history that includes both its cultural legacy and the racist origins of its original lyrics.
For now, DeSantis has not responded publicly, and no official change has been announced. Whether “Seminole Wind” ever becomes Florida’s state song will depend on public support and action by state lawmakers. Regardless of the outcome, the discussion highlights how music can reflect a place’s identity—and raise difficult questions about which parts of its history should be honored.