Freedom to Display the American Flag Act

Pub. L. 109-243 (2005); 4 U.S.C. § 5 note · Planned communities & condominiums

A condominium, cooperative, or residential real-estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy that restricts or prevents a member from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property the member owns or exclusively controls.

What it protects

The U.S. flag, displayed on the member’s own residential property or exclusive-use area, is protected from HOA bans (§ 3 of the Act).

What the HOA may still do

The Act does not override the federal Flag Code (4 U.S.C. ch. 1) or a reasonable time, place, or manner restriction that is necessary to protect a substantial association interest (§ 4). It covers only the U.S. flag — not flagpoles as such, other flags, or political signs.

Arizona goes further

Arizona law (A.R.S. § 33-1808) separately protects the U.S. and Arizona flags, certain military/POW-MIA flags, political signs, and flagpoles — broader than the federal Act. Most Arizona flag disputes are resolved under the state statute.

Arizona law on the same topic

Primary sources

This is general information, not legal advice. Federal law changes and the courts are still working out several of the points flagged above as unsettled. Verify anything you rely on, and talk to a lawyer about your specific situation.