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TALLAHASSEE – To increase protection for the millions of visitors and
residents enjoying Florida's coastal waters, Governor Jeb Bush today signed
legislation strengthening the State’s beach warning and safety flag system.
House Bill 1395 amends the original beach safety flag system initiated in 2002
to ensure statewide consistency, eliminate confusion and widen the availability
of the uniform coastal warning system.
“This legislation increases safety for our families across Florida’s
award-winning beaches and coastal areas,” said Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Expanding the reach and
availability of Florida’s beach safety flag system provides beachgoers with more
certainty and extends a recognizable warning system to all communities.”
Three years ago, at the request of the Florida Legislature, DEP began
developing uniform safety flags and notification signs for lifeguarded beaches
along Florida’s coast. HB 1395 expands the existing program to more beaches,
allowing use of the warning flag system on non-lifeguarded beaches. In addition,
the amended law eliminates confusion for beachgoers, standardizing beach flags
statewide by requiring consistency with those issued by DEP.
The uniform flags and signs, which use the colors adopted by the
International Lifesaving Federation, are available to beach communities free of
charge through DEP’s Coastal Management Program. Flag warnings and colors are:
- Green: Low hazard, calm conditions, exercise caution.
- Yellow: Medium hazard, moderate surf and/or currents.
- Red: High hazard, high surf and/or strong currents.
- Red over Red: Water closed to the public.
- Purple: Dangerous marinelife.
For more information on Florida’s beach flag safety system, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/cmp/programs/flags.htm.
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2012 State of Florida