- Flag of Florida
The flag of Florida consists of a red
saltire (diagonal cross) on a white background, with theseal of Florida superimposed on the center. The design was approved by a popular referendum in 1900. The flag design has been in use since 1985 after the state seal was modified and officially sanctioned for use by state officials.History
From 1868 to 1900, the flag of
Florida was simply the seal of Florida on a white background. In the late 1890s, GovernorFrancis P. Fleming suggested that a red cross be added so that it would not appear to be awhite flag of truce when hanging still on a flagpole. The red cross is also known as theSaint Patrick's Flag .Some have claimed that the cross is intended to recall the blue saltire of the
Confederate Battle Flag . However, this view is not universal and there is no significant opposition to the current design within the state (as there has been in Georgia and Mississippi over their Confederate-style flags). Historically, the first Spanish flag over Florida was a redsaltire ragulée (knotted) with a white background (the Burgundian Saltire). Theflag of Alabama is a plain red saltire, as isSaint Patrick's Flag , which is incorporated into theUnion Flag of theUnited Kingdom .Five Flags of Florida
The term "Five Flags over Florida" usually refers to five nations that have exerted sovereignty over part of Florida:
Spain ,France ,Great Britain , theUnited States , and the Confederacy have flown over Florida. At various times in its history, at least 16 different flags have flown over Florida or parts of Florida. http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/contentViewer.aspx?category=PublicGuide&file=About%20Florida%20--%20Flags%20of%20Florida.html.]Redesign Campaign
There is a small but growing campaign to redesign the Florida State Flag for the 500th anniversary of Florida. The small grass roots movement wishes to host an open competition similar to the competition held for the state quarter design where many designs will be submitted and subsequent runoffs will produce a few approved designs offered to the citizens for voting.
References
External links
* [http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/facts/symbols/flags.cfm Official website]
* [http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/contentViewer.aspx?category=PublicGuide&file=About%20Florida%20--%20Flags%20of%20Florida.html Five Flags Over Florida]
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