Melissa Donovan
In a continuation of a policy introduced last year, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has reaffirmed that all state-owned bridges will be illuminated exclusively in red, white, and blue. The restriction, which aims to align lighting displays with federal holidays, is part of a broader directive that began under the “Freedom Summer” initiative launched in May 2024.
Initially implemented between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2024, the policy has now been made permanent and took effect on February 1, 2025. FDOT confirmed this week that the rule will remain in place, solidifying a standardized lighting protocol for state-managed infrastructure.
Under the policy, bridge lighting is limited to the colors of the United States flag and is designated for specific national observances. The approved holidays include:
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving
Black Friday
Christmas Day
The decision means that state-owned bridges will no longer be lit in alternative colors to mark other causes, awareness campaigns, or local events, a practice previously common in many municipalities across Florida.
The policy reflects the state’s emphasis on consistency and a unified visual theme for publicly funded infrastructure. While the move has prompted discussion among advocacy groups and local officials, FDOT maintains that the policy provides clarity and honors national traditions.
Local governments were officially notified of the policy extension earlier this year. As of now, there are no indications of exceptions or further modifications to the rule.
For ongoing updates on Florida infrastructure policies and transportation news, stay tuned to official FDOT communications and local government advisories.
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