The Florida House of Representatives has introduced House Resolution HR 8055, which designates the period from September 15 to October 15, 2026, as "Latin and Hispanic Heritage Month" in the state. This resolution aligns with the national celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which honors the culture, history, and contributions of Latin American and Hispanic communities. The chosen dates coincide with the independence days of several Central American countries, highlighting the significance of this time for various Hispanic cultures.
The resolution also acknowledges the important contributions of Afro-Latinos and notable figures in Hispanic history, such as Vicente Guerrero and Juan Jos Nieto Gil, who were the first Black presidents of Mexico and Colombia, respectively. Additionally, it recognizes influential Hispanic Americans like civil rights activist Cesar Chavez, astronaut Ellen Ochoa, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. With over 5.6 million Hispanic and Latino residents in Florida, making up 26 percent of the state's population, the resolution emphasizes the vital role these communities play in Florida's cultural landscape.