The Great Seal of the State of Florida

The above is the original seal of the State of Florida, approved August 6, 1868.  The seal we use today was adopted in 1985 and shows a Seminole Indian woman rather than a Western Plains Indian, the steamboat has been drawn more accurately and the cocoa palm was changed to a sabal palm.  The 1924 book, Tallahassee of Yesterday by Sallie E. Blake, gives the information on the background of the original seal:

ARMS:

The Sun in his splendour rising over a highland in the distance, a cocoa tree, a steamboat on the water, & an Indian woman scattering flowers in the foreground.

MOTTO:

In God we trust.

SYMBOLISM:

The Sun is the emblem of the Glory & Splendour.  In heraldry its meaning is "absolute authority."  The Highlands & Water are typical of the State, & the steamboat of its commerce and progress.  Flowers are the symbol of hope & Joy, & the Indian scattering them shows the influence of the Indian nation over the State.  The Cocoa or palm tree is the emblem of victory, justice & Royal honour.