Resources › Glossary

Freedom to Display the American Flag Act

What is the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act?

The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act was enacted in 2006 to prevent homeowners associations (HOAs) from setting restrictions on displaying the US flag. The Act also extends to condominium associations and property management organizations. While the law prohibits restrictions on displaying the US flag, HOAs still have the right to enforce rules related to community standards, such as flagpole placement. An HOA may also restrict the displaying of the flag if it poses a threat to public safety. The law only applies to the United States flag.

Why is the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act important for HOAs?

Protecting homeowners rights is the primary goal of the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act. Homeowners associations have a responsibility to understand the Act and to ensure residents know the conditions under which restrictions could be enforced. This decreases the chance of conflicts or legal action. 

Clear communication of the rules helps HOAs maintain consistency and ensure fair treatment of all homeowners. Documenting the conditions by which residents must operate when displaying the flag keeps an HOA compliant and also reduces confusion. 

Finally, upholding the Act shows that an HOA cares about homeowners’ rights. This builds trust and supports a good quality of life in the community.

How can you use “Freedom to Display the American Flag Act” in a sentence?

The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act allowed the community to organize flag displays for the Fourth of July.