News Summary
A new bill filed by Florida State Representative Kevin Steele mandates that public universities and colleges rename at least one road after conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in 2025. The bill requires renaming within 90 days of passage and imposes sanctions for non-compliance. Several campuses may be affected, including Florida State University. Critics warn the bill could provoke strong reactions from various political factions and reflects a broader national trend of commemorating Kirk’s legacy.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – A new bill filed by Florida State Representative Kevin Steele (R-Dade City) is raising eyebrows as it seeks to mandate that all public universities and colleges in Florida rename at least one road on their campuses after Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated on September 10, 2025. The bill, titled HB 113, was introduced on October 7, 2025, and requires that designated roads or portions of roads be renamed within 90 days of its effective date, which would take effect immediately upon passage.
If public campuses fail to adhere to this requirement, they risk facing sanctions including the withholding of state funding. The proposed renaming initiative could affect a substantial number of institutions, specifically 12 public state universities and 28 public community colleges across Florida.
As part of the proposal, Chieftan Way at Florida State University has been mentioned as a candidate for renaming. This road runs past several notable campus landmarks, including Doak Campbell Stadium. However, there is a stipulation concerning another street, West Osceola Street, which cannot be renamed as it was officially changed to Rudy Hubbard Way in March 2025.
Motivation Behind the Bill
The drive to memorialize Kirk comes in light of his recent assassination during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, where he was fatally shot by Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old local resident. Kirk founded Turning Point USA, which claims to be the largest pro-American student organization in the country. He was known for his strong advocacy against liberalism in education, despite not completing a college degree himself, and often engaged in debates with students nationwide about educational standards and political beliefs.
This bill is part of a broader trend, as various local governments following Kirk’s death have been considering or implementing commemorative actions, which include street renamings in counties like Lake and Marion. A candlelight vigil is also planned for October 14, 2025, in Tallahassee, coinciding with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.
Legislative Process and Implications
The newly proposed legislation will need to navigate through numerous steps in the legislative process during the upcoming January session before it gains the potential to be signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. Notably, the timing of the bill and its intent have drawn criticism from some Democratic representatives, including State Rep. Anna Eskamani, who labeled it as provocative. They warn it could elicit strong reactions from various political factions, indicating the bill’s potential to spark controversy.
A Broader Context
The initiative in Florida is not an isolated case; it reflects a national movement towards honoring Kirk posthumously, with similar proposals emerging in other states. These efforts both highlight ongoing debates surrounding political expression in educational environments and amplify the discussion about how individuals are commemorated following their deaths.
As this bill progresses through the legislative process, the political landscape within Florida—and beyond—may continue to evolve, reflecting the complexities of political ideologies and commemorative practices within American society.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tallahassee.com: Florida Bill Renames FSU Chieftan Way
- Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
- The Hill: Florida Republican Charlie Kirk State Colleges
- Google Search: Charlie Kirk
- Naples News: Florida Colleges Rename Streets After Charlie Kirk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WCJB: Bill Proposed to Name Roads After Charlie Kirk
- Google News: Florida Legislation Charlie Kirk
- Tallahassee.com: Florida Schools Must Rename Streets for Charlie Kirk
- Google Scholar: Charlie Kirk Legislation
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
