The bill establishes new regulations regarding the display of flags by governmental entities in Florida, creating two new sections in the Florida Statutes: 256.18 and 256.19. Under section 256.18, a "governmental entity" is defined to include various political subdivisions, and it is prohibited from displaying any flags other than those specifically listed, which include the flags of the United States, the state, and other recognized entities. Additionally, flags displayed must not contain any symbols or messages that represent political partisanship, ideology, race, gender, or sexual orientation. Violations of this provision can result in a civil fine of $500 per day, with proceeds going to the General Revenue Fund. The bill also mandates that the United States flag must be displayed in a prominent position.
Section 256.19 addresses local governments, defining them similarly and prohibiting them from adopting any ordinances or regulations that allow their flags to include symbols or messages related to political partisanship, ideology, race, gender, or sexual orientation. Any existing or future local government ordinances that conflict with this prohibition are deemed void. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.