JOHN RICH MAKES A BOLD PLEA TO FLORIDA GOVERNOR HE WANTS JOHN ANDERSON’S “SEMINOLE WIND” TO BECOME THE STATE SONG!

Could one of country music’s most powerful songs become Florida’s official state song? John Rich believes it deserves the chance—and he’s calling on Governor Ron DeSantis to make it happen.

On October 22, Rich publicly urged the Florida governor to honor the late John Anderson by recognizing “Seminole Wind,” the iconic 1992 song that captured the beauty of Florida’s natural landscape while raising concerns about the destruction of its wetlands.

Rich’s proposal has already sparked conversation among country music fans, especially those who believe Anderson’s music deserves an even greater place in the state he called home.

 JOHN RICH SAYS JOHN ANDERSON CAPTURED FLORIDA’S SPIRIT

In his appeal to Governor DeSantis, Rich pointed to Anderson’s deep connection to the Sunshine State.

“John Anderson captured the spirit of this state in his song, and was a native born Floridian,” Rich wrote.

Anderson was born in Apopka, Florida, and “Seminole Wind” became one of the defining songs of his career. Released in 1992, the track combined a memorable melody with a serious message about the environmental changes affecting the Everglades and Florida’s wetlands.

Its haunting sound, vivid imagery, and powerful storytelling helped make it a country music classic that continues to resonate with listeners decades later.

For Rich, the song represents more than a memorable country hit. It reflects Florida’s identity, history, and natural beauty.

 “A BUNCH OF US WOULD FLY DOWN”

Rich didn’t stop at making the suggestion. He also offered to travel to Florida if the governor agreed to consider the idea.

“A bunch of us would fly down if you would,” he added.

That invitation gives the proposal a distinctly musical dimension: a potential gathering of country artists to celebrate Anderson and the song that connected him so strongly to Florida.

At the time of Rich’s appeal, Governor DeSantis had not publicly responded. Meanwhile, fans had begun circulating petitions supporting the idea.

Whether the proposal gains official support remains to be seen, but Rich has put the question directly before Florida’s leadership.

 COULD “SEMINOLE WIND” REPLACE FLORIDA’S STATE SONG?

Florida’s official state song is currently “Old Folks at Home,” also known as “Swanee River,” written by Stephen Foster in 1851 and adopted as the state song in 1935.

Rich’s proposal would replace that long-standing designation with a song written more than a century later—one rooted in Florida’s landscapes and the environmental concerns surrounding them.

Such a change would be significant. The current state song has been part of Florida’s official identity for generations, while “Seminole Wind” represents a more modern musical expression of the state and its natural heritage.

Any official change would require the appropriate state process; a social media appeal or fan petition alone cannot make the song the state anthem.

Still, the discussion raises an interesting question: should a state song reflect a state’s history, its natural beauty, or the way its people see themselves today?

In honor of the life, music and friendship of the great John Anderson, here’s a little live version of one of my favorite songs of his:) “Old Chunk of Coal” https://t.co/4x2yD9GBSE

— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) October 22, 2026

 A POTENTIAL TRIBUTE TO A COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND

John Anderson died on October 21, 2026, at age 71, leaving behind a distinctive voice and a catalogue of songs that helped shape country music.

“Seminole Wind” remains among his best-known recordings, remembered for its strong sense of place and its message about the changing Florida landscape.

Naming it Florida’s official state song would be a major recognition of Anderson’s contribution—not only to country music, but also to the cultural identity of his home state.

For fans, the idea offers a meaningful way to celebrate his legacy and introduce his music to another generation.

John Rich has made his appeal. Fans are speaking up. Now the question is whether Florida’s leaders will consider giving “Seminole Wind” a place in the state’s official history. Listen to the song here: 

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Should Florida replace “Old Folks at Home” with John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind”?