The state would recognize the Florida Cracker cattle as the official state cattle under a bill passed by the House.The House unanimously passed the bill Wednesday to recognize the unique Florida breed that descended from cattle brought to Florida by the Spanish in the early 16th century. The breed adapted over the centuries to Florida's heat and grass and scrub plants with low-value nutrition.
While the cows aren't commercially bred, herds are maintained at several state parks and forests.
The bill also permanently puts in place the loggerhead turtle as the official state saltwater reptile and the Florida Cracker horse as the official state horse.
A Senate bill is ready for a full chamber vote.
Cracker Cattle On Its Way To Become Official State Cattle
