New signs welcome drivers to "free state of Florida"

• "No better way to celebrate Independence Day Weekend," Perdue wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Yes, and: Drivers leaving the state will pass a sign that reads, "Hurry back to the free state of Florida," the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

Between the lines: The phrasing likely comes from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who once referred to Florida as the "freest state in these United States."

• The word "freedom" shows up in many of his state initiatives, from last year's "Framework for Freedom" budget proposal to this year's "Freedom Summer" that banned rainbow light displays on state bridges during Pride Month.

The other side: Critics argue that DeSantis has made Florida less free for many, by restricting abortion access, LGBTQ+ expression, and more.

• He has supported limits on transgender medical care, classroom instruction and books on LGBTQ+ issues, courses in African American history and psychology, and lab-grown meat.