Summary of SB 426: Adoption and Display of Flags by Governmental Entities

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SB 426
- Title: Adoption and Display of Flags by Governmental Entities
- Status: Filed
- Introduced: November 07, 2025
- Sponsor: Senator Yarborough

Purpose and Intent

SB 426 aims to regulate the display of flags by governmental entities in Florida. The bill seeks to ensure that flags displayed on public property are limited to specific types and do not convey political messages or ideologies. This legislation is intended to maintain neutrality in governmental representations and avoid any potential divisiveness associated with flag displays.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces two new sections to the Florida Statutes:

Section 256.18: Governmental Entities; Display of Flags

1. Definition of Governmental Entity: This includes state, county, municipal, and other political subdivisions, as well as public schools and state universities.
2. Prohibited Displays:
   • Governmental entities are prohibited from displaying any flags not listed in subsection (3).
   • Flags that contain political, racial, gender, or ideological symbols are also banned.
3. Permissible Flags: The following flags may be displayed:
   • The flag of the United States
   • The state flag
   • Flags of other states or countries
   • Flags of local political subdivisions
   • Flags of U.S. Armed Forces branches
   • POW-MIA flags
   • Flags of recognized Indian tribes
   • Official flags of public schools, Florida College System institutions, and state universities
   • Flags of historical significance
   • Flags of the U.S. Paralympic Committee, International Olympic Committee, and International Paralympic Committee
   • Olympic and Paralympic flags for events in Florida
   • Flags of sporting organizations hosting events in Florida
4. Display Requirements: The U.S. flag must be displayed in a prominent position, superior to any other flags.

Section 256.19: Local Government Flags; Prohibited Acts

1. Definition of Local Government: This refers to cities, counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions.
2. Ordinance Restrictions: Local governments cannot adopt ordinances that allow their flags to contain political or ideological symbols.
3. Void Regulations: Any existing or future local ordinances conflicting with this provision are deemed void.

Penalties

• A governmental entity that violates the display regulations may incur a civil fine of $500 per day. Fines collected will be directed to the General Revenue Fund.

Effective Date

• The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Impact

This bill will affect all governmental entities in Florida, including state and local governments, public schools, and universities. It aims to standardize flag displays and eliminate any potential for political or ideological representation through flags on public property. The bill may lead to changes in existing flag policies and could result in financial penalties for non-compliance.

By establishing clear guidelines on flag displays, SB 426 seeks to promote a unified and neutral public space regarding governmental representation.