Florida Driver’s License Design Sparks Criticism Over Historical Motto
A new Florida driver's license design has drawn criticism from State Rep. RaShon Young (D-Orlando) due to the inclusion of the motto "Let Us Alone." This phrase, historically linked to Florida as a slave state in 1845, is seen by…
Orlando Daytona Beach Melbourne, FL, October 13, 2026 — A recently unveiled design for Florida’s driver’s licenses has become the subject of criticism, with State Representative RaShon Young voicing concerns over the inclusion of the phrase “Let Us Alone.”
The motto, which has historical associations with Florida dating back to its status as a slave state in 1845, is viewed by Rep. Young as insensitive. The legislator, who represents Orlando and is a Democrat, stated that the phrase is particularly offensive to communities whose ancestors endured the hardships of slavery.
The specific context and rationale behind the selection of “Let Us Alone” for the new license design have not been fully detailed in public statements. The legislative session, along with any discussions or decisions made by state agencies responsible for the design, would typically precede such a rollout. However, the summary provided does not include information regarding the department responsible for the design, the timeline of its approval, or any official statements from state officials defending the motto’s inclusion.
Rep. Young’s criticism highlights a significant point of contention regarding the historical narrative embedded in state symbols. The phrase “Let Us Alone” has been interpreted by some as a declaration of independence or a desire for non-interference, but its linkage to the era of slavery imbues it with a different, more problematic connotation for many. This perspective suggests that the motto could be perceived as a veiled reference to a desire to maintain existing social structures, including those based on racial subjugation.
Further details regarding the state’s driver’s license design process, including the specific entities involved and the criteria for selecting mottos, were not provided in the initial summary of the trend. Similarly, information about any public comment periods or public input sought before the final design was approved is also absent. The contractor responsible for producing the new licenses, if any specific company was contracted for this task, was not identified.
The differing interpretations of the motto and its historical context are central to the ongoing debate. While some may see it as a simple historical reference, others, like Rep. Young, point to its deep and painful implications for descendants of enslaved people. This incident underscores the complexities involved in public symbolism and the importance of considering the historical impact and reception of such choices.
Story summarized from the original created by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida on www.orlandoweekly.com, see more information here.
