A growing group of Floridians think the state should break away from the United States and run its own affairs.

Doubt it?

There’s an official petition filed with the federal government via the White House’s website. The petition had 18,728 signatures as of 8:45 a.m. Nov. 13. It has a goal of 25,000 signatures and was only created on Nov. 10.

There’s even some momentum behind the idea it would seem. When Sarasota Patch ran an article on the petition, it was reported there were only 1,343 signatures. That number has since climbed in leaps and bounds, nearing the goal of 25,000.

Here’s what the petition asks:

We the people of the great state of Florida, do see that in today's world the Federal Government has not led our citizens justly and with honor. We therefore as free men and women of our great state do believe that it is time to take matter upon ourselves to ensure our continued freedom, and to enact our own laws and hereby govern ourselves without the federal government's involvement in our internal matters from this day forward.

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Benjamin Franklin: 1775

What do you think? Has the federal government failed to lead “justly and with honor?” Is it time for states like Florida to stand up and say “enough?” Or, is the federal government right on track and the petition an off-base attempt to undermine the Union? Share your thoughts in the comments section.