At its regular meeting on September 6, 2022, the City of Sarasota Commission adopted Resolution No. 22R-3114. The resolution outlines permitted flags, including those of recognized nations, sister cities, sports teams, and commemorative flags. Prohibited flags include those with political, religious, discriminatory, illegal, or commercial content. Requests to fly a flag must be sponsored by a city commissioner and approved by the commission, with specific criteria to be met. Only one flag can be displayed at a time, and the resolution provides the exclusive process for flag display at City Hall.

Flag requests should be submitted to commissioners@sarasotafl.gov and do not automatically renew on an annual basis.

Flag request Criteria:

1. The full name or names, physical address, phone number, electronic mail address and any other contact information for any person(s) or organization.  All requests must be made by an organization local to the City of Sarasota.

2. A city commissioner is required to endorse the request and formally submit it to City Administration for inclusion on a forthcoming City Commission agenda.

3. A full color image accurately depicting the flag and the name of the flag.

4. A written explanation of the purpose of the flag, including what the flag stands for, brief history of the flag, any local, national or international groups or individuals with whom the flag is affiliated and any other information that may be relevant to the decision of the City Commission regarding the display of the flag.

5. The dates on which the flag is requested to be displayed. Display of a flag shall be limited to no more than thirty (30) days. The City Commission is authorized to approve a display for less time than the time requested by the sponsoring Commissioner.

The affirmative vote of four (4) City Commissioners shall be required to authorize the temporary display of the subject flag. Upon approval, the organization will be required to provide a public contact listing. This listing will include the name of a designated person, along with their email and phone number, for residents to reach out to in case of inquiries or for more information. This information will be posted on the city website.