Florida has begun removing rainbow-painted crosswalks across the state after the Department of Transportation ruled the markings violate updated traffic-control standards. The action follows a July 1 federal directive from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy instructing governors to eliminate non-standard roadway art in the name of safety. Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state “will not allow our roads to be commandeered for political purposes,” and warned cities they risk losing state funds if they do not comply. The first removal occurred late on 22 Aug. outside Orlando’s Pulse nightclub memorial, where a rainbow crossing installed in 2017 honors the 49 people killed in the 2016 mass shooting. Crews painted over the stripes in black and white in less than an hour, sparking overnight protests; residents repeatedly re-chalked the colors, only for FDOT teams—guarded by state troopers—to erase them again. FDOT has since ordered Orlando to repaint 14 decorative crossings and told at least 18 other municipalities, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Gainesville and Key West, to scrub similar artwork by early September. Miami Beach and Key West face a 4 Sept. deadline, while Key West has been warned the state will undertake the work and withhold money if the city resists. Orlando officials say they will begin repainting this week "per the order from the state," even as they weigh legal options. Local leaders and civil-rights groups condemn the directive as an effort to erase LGBTQ symbols. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer called the Puls e removal “callous,” and Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez said the measure endangers a symbol of safety and inclusion. The ACLU of Florida argues taxpayer dollars are being used to silence communities, while state lawmakers are drafting challenges to the new rule. FDOT maintains the ban applies to all non-standard designs, regardless of message, and cites consistency and driver distraction concerns. Research the agency previously endorsed showed artistic crosswalks can improve pedestrian visibility, a point now cited by opponents. Emergency city meetings and possible appeals are scheduled this week as municipalities decide whether to comply, fight in court or shift rainbow colors onto private property.