PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
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CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT AN OFFICIAL MARTIN COUNTY FLAG
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
On April 8, 2025, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners requested that staff bring back an item that outlined the process and considerations necessary for the creation and adoption of a Martin County Flag.
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DEPARTMENT: Administration
PREPARED BY: Name: George M. Stokus
Title: Assistant County Administrator
REQUESTED BY: Board of County Commissioners
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
Staff research determined that 28 of Florida’s 67 counties, approximately 42%, currently have official county flags. These flags display a wide range of designs. Some feature only the county’s official seal or logo on a plain background, while others incorporate distinctive elements that reflect the county’s history, economy, or cultural diversity. Many county flags also include motifs inspired by the Florida state flag, such as a red saltire, which itself is based on the former Spanish flag.
Staff has identified three primary models for the official adoption of county flags:
1. Basic Model: Seal or Logo on a Solid Field
This approach involves placing the county’s official seal or logo onto a white or other solid color background. However, this model is not recommended by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) for several reasons:
• Seals are intended to represent the government rather than the broader community.
• Seals often contain intricate details that are not easily visible from a distance, making them unsuitable for flag design.
2. Intermediate Model: Expert Consultation and Example Designs
In this model, staff can consult with the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), which offers complimentary consultations and design services. Staff can collaborate with NAVA to produce three to four sample flag designs. These examples can then be presented to the Board for direction, either to seek public input or to select a final design.
3. Complex Model: Public Design Competition and Review
This process typically involves soliciting flag designs from the public, often through an open competition. Submissions are reviewed by a commission or designated body, followed by a public vote or a formal selection by the county commission. This method encourages community engagement and ensures the flag reflects the values and identity of the county.
Each model varies in complexity, cost, and degree of public involvement. The most effective flag designs are generally those that follow established vexillological principles, emphasizing simplicity, meaningful symbolism, and broad community representation.
The North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) (Flag Scholars) introduced a guide to assist governments in the creation of flags in 2006. The guide provides five (5) principals that governments should follow when creating a flag:
1. Keep it Simple - The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory.
2. Use Meaningful Symbolism - The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.
3. Use 2 or 3 Basic Colors - Limit the number of colors on the flag to three which contrast well and come from the standard color set.
4. No Lettering or Seals - Never use writing of any kind or and organizations seal.
5. Be Distinctive or Be Related - Avoid duplicating other flags but use similarities to show connections.
Ø Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but departure from these five principals should be done with caution and purpose.
ISSUES:
When adopting an official flag there are several financial costs that should be considered:
1. Design and Selection Process Costs
If the county chooses to run a public design competition or commission a professional designer there may be costs associated with:
A. Hosting public consultations or competitions (if directed).
B. Marketing and outreach to solicit designs.
C. Professional design fees if a graphic artist is hired.
D. Administrative costs for managing submissions and organizing selection panels.
2. Initial Capital and Ongoing Maintenance Costs
There will be costs associated with the installation and maintenance of flags, flagpoles, and flagpole accessories:
A. Installation of flagpoles to create capacity for flags at existing county sites.
B. Installation of lighting to keep within the regulations for the display of flags at county facilities.
C. Increase of costs to replace worn flags, flagpole hardware, and flagpole accessories.
3. Production and Implementation
Once a flag design is adopted, there may be expenses for:
A. Manufacturing physical flags for government buildings, public spaces, and events.
B. Printing materials, such as brochures or educational content explaining the flag’s symbolism.
C. Updating signage or digital assets to include the new flag.
4. Legal and Copyright Considerations
The following legal and copyright considerations may incur financial costs:
A. Legal costs may arise if the county needs to clarify the copyright status of the flag design, especially if it is derived from existing heraldic arms or if the county wishes to make the design free for public use in flag form only.
B. Administrative work may be required to issue public statements about the flag's usage rights and to record these in official council minute.
When adopting an official flag there are several policy decisions that should be considered:
1. Government Speech and First Amendment
a. Clearly define that the county flag, when flown on government property, constitutes government speech. This distinction is crucial to avoid First Amendment challenges. The county will need to adopt explicit policies stating which flag may be flown and under what circumstances to prevent claims of viewpoint discrimination.
2. Flag Display Protocols
a. Ensure compliance with federal and state flag codes regarding the display of the county flag alongside the U.S. and state flags. This includes size, position, and order of precedence, ensuring the U.S. flag is always given the place of honor.
3. Implementation and Maintenance
a. The county will need to develop policies for the ongoing use, replacement, and care of the flag, including guidelines for display at government buildings, events, and digital platforms.
Adopting a county flag is as much a policy decision as it is a design choice, requiring careful attention to process, law, and community values.
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, has identified and addressed legal risks, and has developed strategies for legal defensibility.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Direct staff on how to proceed.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☐Resolution
☐Other:
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback <http://www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback>.