Bill would prohibit display of political and LGBTQ flags on government, public school property

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Rep. David Borrero, R-Sweetwater, filed a bill Monday to prohibit the display of flags on government property that depicts political, racial, or LGBTQ imagery.

HB 901 would ban governmental agencies, a local government, or another unit of local government from flying such flags. The bill also covers public schools, public colleges, and public universities.

“A governmental entity may not erect or display a flag that represent a political viewpoint, including, but not limited to, a politically partisan, racial, sexual orientation and gender, or political ideology viewpoint,” the bill said.

Under the proposal, flags erected on governmental property are to remain “neutral.” The bill does not apply to private property or individuals expressing free speech rights under the First Amendment.

The bill said only the United States flag is to be displayed on government entities. The U.S. flag also should be superior to any other flag that also is erected, according to the legislation.

Borrero filed a similar bill during the 2023 Legislative Session, but it died in committee. Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, had filed a similar bill in the senate that also died in committee.

Represented by Borrero, House District 111 covers the Doral area of Miami-Dade County. He won re-election in 2022, running unopposed in the Republican primary and general election.

In 2020, Borrero defeated Democratic candidate Maureen Poras by over seven points.

If passed, HB 901 would take effect July 1, 2024.