News | March 4th, 2025

Tallahassee New Graffiti Crackdown Proposal

By: Jordan Mongo

A recent effort to reduce graffiti and trash in Tallahassee has sparked discussions among students and business owners. The strategy, which includes installing more surveillance cameras around identified hotspots, seeks to address the rising issue of unauthorized street art and vandalism. While city authorities argue that the idea will assist in preserving public areas, some Florida A&M University students view it as a violation of their artistic freedom. 

The Controversial Proposal 

The planned program would expand surveillance in graffiti-prone locations, potentially leading to fines and criminal penalties for people who create illegal street art. The Tallahassee City Commission debated the proposal last month, citing growing worries about the financial and visual effects of graffiti on local businesses and public property. 

Tallahassee City Commissioner Ashley D. Williams emphasized the need for stricter measures against illegal street art.

“We need to send a message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated,” Williams said. “It’s not just about the art; it’s about protecting the community’s space and its value.” 

However, the move has caused opposition, notably among FAMU students who believe graffiti may be an effective form of self-expression and creativity. The debate is mixed, with local business owners and some citizens concerned about property damage, while many students believe that public art may contribute to a city’s culture and life. 

FAMU Students See Art in Graffiti 

Phillip Woodside, a second-year graphic design student at FAMU, is one of the vocal critics of the proposal. Woodside sees graffiti as a means to communicate ideas and make a statement in the public sphere.

“Graffiti is not just random tagging,” Woodside said. “It’s about having a voice in a place where we often don’t have one. It shows power and creativity. It’s a protest in itself.” 

Woodside’s sentiment is echoed by fellow FAMU student, Charles Johnson, a second-year fine arts major, argues that graffiti offers students a platform to demonstrate their artistic skills outside of the classroom. 

“Graffiti, particularly in urban areas, adds a unique artistic touch to otherwise uninteresting locations,” Johnson said. “It’s how artists can connect with a larger audience. It represents freedom and rebellion against traditional values, something that resonates with many young people today.” 

Business Owners Fear Financial Impact 

However, business owners such as Steve Johnson, who runs a downtown company, have expressed support for the action.

“I would be upset if someone painted on my building without permission,” Johnson said, who spoke anonymously for fear of repercussions. “It’s not just the cost of cleaning up; there’s also the loss of property value. We need to think about the big picture here.” 

Johnson, like many other local business owners, believes that an increase in monitoring is required to protect private property and sustain the city’s beauty.

“We all want Tallahassee to prosper, but it’s impossible to do so when we’re continuously painting and removing graffiti. It’s an additional expense we can’t afford,” Johnson said. 

The city’s downtown sector, in particular, has experienced an increase in graffiti and littering, prompting many shop owners to speak out in public discussions. 

City Officials Weigh In 

City officials, notably Commissioner Williams, emphasize that the goal is not to punish artistic expression, but to preserve public and private places.

“We’re not against art,” Williams said. “We’re against vandalism. There are authorized areas for murals and street art, however these activities should not occur on the side of someone’s business or home without permission.” 

Williams also stated that the placement of more security cameras is a way to hold people accountable.

“This is about making sure that everyone in our community follows the same rules, whether they’re artists or not,” Williams said. 

What’s Next for Graffiti in Tallahassee? 

As the idea progresses through the legislative process, the discussion about the role of graffiti in Tallahassee’s cultural scene is sure to heat up. Local artists and students, including Woodside and Johnson, intend to continue advocating for more public locations to lawfully exhibit their talents. 

“We’re not saying we want to destroy anyone’s property,” Woodside said. “We just want the opportunity to create art in a way that’s meaningful to us and that speaks to the community.” 

For the time being, the future of graffiti in Tallahassee is uncertain, as both parties seek a solution. 

“Graffiti is not just random tagging. It’s about having a voice in a place where we often don’t have one.” — Phillip Woodside, FAMU Graphic Design Student 

The Power of Street Art 

Street art has long been considered a form of urban expression, offering a voice to marginalized communities and providing a medium for cultural commentary. From murals to graffiti, street art has the potential to transform bland cityscapes into vibrant expressions of creativity. However, its legality remains a contentious issue as cities across the country wrestle with balancing artistic freedom and property rights.