Florida Flag: The Sunshine State of Floridians Notebook

The Florida state flag is a simple yet striking design, reflecting the state's rich history and vibrant culture. It features a white field with a bold red St. Andrew's Cross, or saltire, and the state seal at its center. - The red saltire is a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the bloodshed of past conflicts. It also pays homage to the Southern flag, a nod to Florida's history as a Southern state during the Civil War. - The state seal, superimposed on the cross, depicts a variety of elements that represent Florida's unique identity. At the center is a woman, often interpreted as La Floridian, symbolizing the state itself. She holds a banner with the state motto, "In God We Trust." Surrounding her are various symbols of Florida's natural beauty and economic significance: orange trees, representing the state's citrus industry; a steamboat, signifying its maritime heritage; and a native American, acknowledging the indigenous people who inhabited the land. - The combination of the red saltire and the state seal creates a powerful visual representation of Florida's past and present. The flag serves as a reminder of the state's resilience, its commitment to its heritage, and its aspirations for the future. - This work was created by a government unit (including state, county, and municipal government agencies) of the U.S. state of Florida. It is a public record that was not created by an agency which state law has allowed to claim copyright and is therefore in the public domain in the United States.