This bill would prohibit Pride flags on government property and limit local control.
Florida lawmakers have introduced the Pride Flag Ban, the first anti-LGBTQ proposal of the state’s 2026 legislative session. Filed by State Representative David Borrero (HB 347) and Senator Clay Yarborough (SB 426), the bill seeks to bar any state or local government building from displaying flags representing “race, gender, or sexual orientation.” Under that definition, Pride flags would be prohibited across public facilities statewide.
The proposal also attempts to strip cities and counties of their authority to design or adopt their own municipal flags — an unusual reach into local governance. At the same time, the bill includes protections for “historical” flags, a carve-out that explicitly allows Confederate symbols to remain on government property.
A Renewed Push After a Summer of LGBTQ Visibility Rollbacks
The bill arrives on the heels of a summer marked by statewide efforts to erase LGBTQ visibility. Governor Ron DeSantis ordered the removal of rainbow crosswalks and LGBTQ-themed street murals in multiple cities, arguing they violated state roadway rules. Critics say those actions helped pave the way for this new legislative push.
Fourth Year, Same Bill
This marks the fourth consecutive year lawmakers have introduced a Pride Flag Ban in Florida. Each previous attempt has been rejected, but lawmakers have nonetheless refiled the measure heading into the 2026 session.
What the Legislation Would Change
- Bans on Pride Flags in Public Spaces: The bill prohibits any government building — state agencies, county offices, municipal buildings, and public schools — from displaying flags that represent protected classes, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Restrictions on Local Symbolism: Cities and counties would lose the ability to design, adopt, or fly their own municipal flags if those flags acknowledge marginalized communities.
- Exemptions for Confederate Symbols: By protecting “historical” flags, the bill creates a pathway for Confederate imagery to remain on public property, even as Pride flags would be banned.
- Daily Fines for Local Violations: Government entities that display unapproved flags, including Pride flags, would face a civil penalty of $500 per day, with funds directed to the state’s General Revenue Fund.
- U.S. Flag Priority Requirement: Any government building that flies the U.S. flag must position it above all other permitted flags.
How You Can Take Action
If you want to oppose the Pride Flag Ban, Equality Florida is already mobilizing and has launched an action portal where Floridians can contact their lawmakers directly. Visit this link and tell lawmakers to vote NO on HB 347 and SB 426.
