TALLAHASSEE, Fla. , The Florida House has approved two measures that would memorialize conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in state law, setting up what is likely to become another high profile debate in the Florida Senate.
On Feb. 25, the House voted 82 to 31 to pass CS/HB 125, which would designate Oct. 14 of each year as “Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance.” In a separate vote the same day, the House voted 82 to 30 to pass CS/HB 33, a transportation bill that directs the Florida Department of Transportation to install honorary roadway markers including one designating part of State Road 985, also known as Southwest 107th Avenue, as “Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue.”
Both bills have been sent to the Senate and must be approved there before going to Gov. Ron DeSantis for a signature.
What the “Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance” bill would do
The day of remembrance bill is short and largely symbolic. It creates a new Florida statute section that designates Oct. 14 as “Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance” and authorizes the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day. The proposal does not create a state holiday, mandate school closures, or require any specific state or local government observances.
The legislation’s preamble describes Kirk as a champion of free speech and civic engagement and notes that his “tragic death” occurred Sept. 10, 2025. The bill also states that Kirk co founded and led Turning Point USA, which operates chapters nationwide, including in Florida.
In a “Why I Filed This Bill” statement posted on the House bill page, Rep. Yvette Benarroch, R Marco Island, said she filed the measure to honor Kirk’s “life and legacy” and to underscore “that free speech must always be protected.”
What the roadway designation bill would do
CS/HB 33 is written as a transportation facility designations bill. The version approved by the House directs FDOT to erect “suitable markers” designating two honorary roadway names, including:
- “Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue” on the portion of S.R. 985 (S.W. 107th Avenue) between S.W. 24th Street and S.R. 90 (S.W. 8th Street) in Miami-Dade County.
- “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard” on the portion of S.R. 870 (Commercial Boulevard) between W. Tradewinds Avenue and the eastern terminus of Commercial Boulevard in Broward County.
In practice, these designations are typically implemented as honorary signage installed by FDOT. The bill text focuses on markers and does not describe a change to addresses or the formal roadway name used for navigation and emergency response.
Debate in the House, and why the votes split along party lines
During House debate, Republican supporters framed the measures as recognition of Kirk’s influence on civic engagement, campus politics, and conservative organizing, and as a statement against political violence following his death. Democrats countered that state honors should be reserved for figures with broad, unifying accomplishments and argued that Kirk’s rhetoric was divisive and offensive to marginalized communities.
WUSF, citing remarks on the House floor, reported that Rep. Bruce Antone, D Orlando, criticized honoring Kirk and questioned what accomplishments justified a day of remembrance. Rep. Michele Rayner, D St. Petersburg, argued state recognition should reflect shared progress rather than ideological symbolism. Republicans, including Rep. Chase Tramont, R Port Orange, argued Kirk’s words were often taken out of context and said the debate reflected broader ideological intolerance.
The road designation bill drew additional attention because it also includes an honorary designation for “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard,” adding another layer to a broader, ongoing effort by Republican lawmakers this session to attach President Trump’s name to public facilities and transportation corridors.
Where the bills stand now
The House passed versions of both measures have been transmitted to the Florida Senate. The Senate already has its own versions moving this session:
- SB 194, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Martin, R Fort Myers, would create “Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance” with an effective date of July 1, 2026.
- SB 174, sponsored by Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, would designate “Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue” in Miami-Dade County and, as of March 2, was placed on the Senate’s Special Order Calendar for March 4.
If the Senate passes either the House bills or its own versions, lawmakers would still need to resolve any differences between House and Senate language before a final measure could be sent to the governor.
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