Florida Flags

Numerous Florida Flags have flown over the state of Florida at different points of time, but currently there is a single official Florida Flag used by the state. The present Florida Flag and its design had been adopted in 1900. The State Legislature has been directed by the Constitutional Convention of 1868 to take up a state flag with an emblem, that pertained to the requisite specifications of design and dimension. The Florida Flag bears the state seal in the center of a white field. A St. Andrew red cross was added to it on the advice of Governor Francis P. Fleming, in the late 1890s. The cross extends from one end of the flag to the other, with the seal superimposed on it. Encircling the seal are the statements, “GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The seal of Florida Flag is scenic with the images of Seminole or native American women sprinkling flowers, a radiant sun, a sailing steamboat and a cabbage palmetto tree. The symbolism of Florida Flag is evident in these features, which represent the state as one of sunshine, flora, foliage, lakes and rivers.