TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Drivers traveling into Florida across state lines will now be treated with new signs.

Over the weekend, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue shared a new look at the signage, which now reads “WELCOME TO THE FREE STATE OF FLORIDA.”

“No better way to celebrate Independence Day Weekend,” Perdue’s post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, reads.

The phrase “free state of Florida” was first mentioned in Governor Ron DeSantis’ second inaugural address in January 2023. It has become a signature for the Florida governor, who often mentions the phrase multiple times at his various news conferences and bill signings.

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez also shared a photo of herself next to the new signs on X, writing “this,” with a bullseye emoji.

During a news conference in Tampa, Nunez was asked why the state — which prides itself on fiscal responsibility — spent money to replace the state’s welcome signs.

“We want everyone to know who is coming into the state of Florida that this is the free state of Florida,” Lt. Gov. Nunez responded. “We will never back away from that.”

The Lt. Gov. also made claims that Floridians love the new signs.

“I’m sure you’ll see a lot more people posting pictures in front of that sign,” Nunez claimed.

We continue to stand by the ‘free’ state of Florida. We believe that we provide freedom. Freedom for the right to life, of course, for those babies. We continue to stand by freedom of opportunity. That’s something the governor prides himself on.

I think the proof is in the pudding when you see how many people are moving to Florida vis-a-vis other states.

Lt. Gov. Nunez

The new signage also features a “HURRY BACK TO THE FREE STATE OF FLORIDA” message for those leaving the state, which FDOT said is an homage to the historic welcome centers pictured above.

WFLA reached out to the Department of Transportation asking how many signed were replaced and what the total cost was for the replacements and has not yet received a response.