Florida State Flag

Date adopted: Nov 6, 1900

The flag of Florida, in use since May 21, 1985, features a red saltire on a white background with the state seal at its center. It ranks 34th in design quality among U.S. state flags and is one of three to include the motto "In God We Trust," alongside Georgia and Mississippi. The flag's history dates back to Spanish rule when the Burgundian saltire represented Spanish sovereignty in Florida from 1513 to 1821. During British control from 1763 to 1785, the Union Jack was briefly used. Spain regained control and introduced a new flag with a red-gold-red tri-band and the Burgundian saltire, which remained in use until Florida joined the United States in 1821, eventually becoming a state in 1845.