A red saltire on white, over which sits the state seal. Palms, water and sun reflect Florida’s warmth; a Seminole woman scatters flowers at the water’s edge. The flag is a collision of colonial cross and subtropical abundance.
White field with red diagonal cross and state seal at center.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag Statute
The seal of the state, in diameter one-half the hoist, shall occupy the center of a white ground. Red bars, in width one-fifth the hoist, shall extend from each corner toward the center, to the outer rim of the seal.
Source: 2024 Florida Code, § 15.03 (2024)
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Legislative adoption
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- None listed
- Design type
- State seal on saltire field
- Complexity
- 8/10
- Readability
- 4/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
State Motto
“In God We Trust”
State Anthem
"Florida" (state anthem), "Old Folks at Home" (state song)
Flag Symbolism
Red Saltire
Represents heritage and is reminiscent of the Confederate battle flag.
State Seal
Highlights Florida’s natural beauty and resources, including a Seminole woman, steamboat, and sabal palm.
Design Breakdown
The Florida flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: White field with red diagonal cross and state seal at center.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- One of few state flags using a saltire
- Combines European cross symbolism with a detailed state seal
- Redesign added specifically to avoid confusion with a white flag of surrender
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Distinctive red saltire
- Strong historical symbolism
- Clear separation from generic white flags
Common criticism
- Highly detailed seal
- Includes text
- Difficult to reproduce accurately
- Low visibility at distance
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove or simplify the state seal
- Create a palm- or sun-based standalone symbol
- Eliminate text from the design
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Florida state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Compare Florida’s and Alabama’s saltire flags.
- Explain the elements in the state seal.
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
Red Saltire
A red diagonal cross (saltire) extending to the corners of the flag.
Attributes: Red Saint Andrew’s cross
Meaning: Historical ties to Spanish heritage and distinction from a plain white field
State Seal
The Great Seal of the State of Florida placed at the center.
Attributes: Seminole woman, Sabre, Steamboat, Palm tree, Rising sun, State motto
Meaning: Florida’s Native heritage, natural resources, commerce, and optimism
Motto
The state motto encircling the seal: 'In God We Trust'.
Attributes: English text
Meaning: Expression of faith and guiding principles
Historical Timeline
Florida admitted as 27th state.
Red saltire added to the flag.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State seal on saltire field
Complexity: 8/10
Readability: 4/10
Fascinating Facts
One of two state flags with a red saltire (the other is Alabama).
Florida is known as the Sunshine State for its climate and tourism.
The red saltire is based on the Cross of St. Andrew.
The state seal is placed at the center of the flag.
The white field represents peace and purity.
The design was adopted to avoid confusion with a plain white flag.
The current version of the flag was adopted in 1900.
The seal depicts natural resources and early settler life.
State Information
- Population
- 21,538,187
- Area
- 65,758
- Founded
- 03 Mar 1845
- Region
- Southeast
