BREAKING: Appeals Court Dismisses FDOT Challenge Over Pride Crosswalk Removal Order

The Fourth DCA dismissed FDOT’s appeal — a win for Fort Lauderdale’s pride crosswalks and a sharp contrast to Key West, where the city’s were quietly removed months ago.

Key West’s iconic Pride crosswalks were removed earlier this year after a majority of the City Commission flinched at partnering with Fort Lauderdale and other cities to challenge the FDOT. / FKNB

The Fourth District Court of Appeal has dismissed the Florida Department of Transportation’s appeal of a 17th Judicial Circuit Court order preserving the status quo in Fort Lauderdale’s challenge to an FDOT directive ordering removal of pride crosswalks.

The disposition order, circulated Monday by Fort Lauderdale City Attorney D’Wayne Spence, cited lack of jurisdiction and leaves the Broward County circuit court’s injunction in effect pending further hearings.

That means the rainbow-striped crosswalks at Las Olas Boulevard and Southeast Third Avenue — and similar installations across Florida — may remain in place until the injunction process concludes.

Spence said the case will be removed from Monday evening’s closed-door agenda following the appellate dismissal.

Reaction from Key West

Key West City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Sam Kaufman, who has opposed Tallahassee’s directives to local governments, called the ruling a “significant win” for home rule and an example of municipal courage in the face of state pressure.

Kaufman said Fort Lauderdale’s stand “is an encouraging step not just for their city, but for all Florida municipalities that value local decision-making.” He added that it was “unfortunate” the City of Key West did not join Fort Lauderdale and other municipalities in presenting a united front.

Earlier this year, Key West’s own pride crosswalks at Duval and Petronia streets were removed under the cover of darkness, after the city opted not to piggyback or cost-share in Fort Lauderdale’s joint legal effort. The decision, made quietly after an FDOT directive citing “noncompliance with state design standards,” sparked outrage among residents and LGBTQ+ advocates who viewed the removal as symbolic of Tallahassee’s encroachment on local values.

Kaufman also cited other examples of state preemption — from sunscreen bans to cruise ship limits, e-bike rules, and vacation-rental restrictions — as part of what he described as a steady erosion of home rule across Florida.

What’s Next

The appellate court’s ruling keeps the 17th Judicial Circuit Court’s status quo injunction in place while the case proceeds. The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office has yet to comment, and FDOT has not issued a public statement.

For Fort Lauderdale, the dismissal is a procedural victory that strengthens local governments’ standing in similar disputes. For Key West, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of standing alone — and the cost of not defending local expression when Tallahassee comes knocking.