Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, an independently-elected member of the Florida Cabinet, will issue direction to state offices under her purview in response to the Governor’s intent that flags be lowered to half-staff in Florida to recognize the late Rush Limbaugh. Commissioner Fried also offered the following statement:
“Lowering to half-staff the flag of the United States of America is a sacred honor that pays respect to fallen heroes and patriots. It is not a partisan political tool. Therefore, I will notify all state offices under my direction to disregard the Governor’s forthcoming order to lower flags for Mr. Limbaugh – because we will not celebrate hate speech, bigotry, and division. Lowering the flag should always reflect unity, not division, and raising our standards, not lowering them. Our flags will remain flying high to celebrate the American values of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all.”
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services oversees numerous state offices and facilities, including nine regional licensing offices, 38 state forests, and 23 agricultural law enforcement inspection stations.
Flag Protocol: According to the Executive Office of the Governor’s flag protocol[ 
], the flag is to be lowered primarily for federal officials including the President, Vice President, Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, Speaker of the U.S. House, members of Congress from Florida, prominent State of Florida officials, and Florida law enforcement officers, firefighters, and members of the Armed Forces from Florida who have died in the line of duty.
