Florida's Un-American Flag Ban Gets Teeth Jan. 1

TAMPA, FL — American flags that aren’t American made can no longer be purchased on the taxpayer dime starting on Jan. 1.

The state’s “All-American Flag Act” technically went into effect on July 1, 2015, but the toothy part of the bill kicks into action on Jan. 1. The bill requires all state, county and city agencies to only purchase American flags that are made in the United States “from articles, materials, or supplies, all of which are grown, produced and manufactured in the United States.”

The act received overwhelming support in both the Florida House and Senate before getting a greenlight courtesy of Gov. Rick Scott’s pen back in June.

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A new law meant to raise awareness about human trafficking also goes into effect on Jan. 1. That bill requires public awareness signs meant to help crack down on human trafficking at airports, train stations, interstate rest areas, emergency rooms and strip clubs, among other locations. The signs will include information on how people can report trafficking.

The state is also removing a requirement for licensed athletic trainers to be at least 21 years old starting on Jan. 1. Criminal background checks for trainers will also be required as of July 1, 2016.

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