The flag of Florida consists of a red saltire (diagonal cross) on a white background, with the seal 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, Governor Francis P. Fleming suggested that a red cross be added so that it would not appear to be a white flag of truce when hanging still on a flagpole.
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 red saltire ragulée (knotted) with a white background (the Burgundian Saltire).
Five Flags of Florida
The term "Five Flags over Florida" usually refers to the five nations that have exerted sovereignty over all or part of Florida: the flags of Spain, France, Great Britain, the United 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.1
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.citation needed
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