Last modified: 2025-12-06 by rob raeside
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![[flag]](../images/u/uy-fd.gif)
image
by Daniel Rentería, 9 November 2025
The flag of the department was adopted officially on 21 September 1990
through Decree No. 18, being designed by María E. Echeverria Duro. The design
was displayed as Design No. 143 in the House of Culture on 15 August until 6
September 1990, when the winning design was decided upon. The design
specifications as found in the decree are as follows (simplified): over a white
field, there is a horizontal red band 1/8 of the flag's height below the top
edge, itself taking 1/4 of the flag's height. With a space below taking 1/20 of
the flag's length, a thin red stripe taking 1/40 of the flag's length can be
seen. A vertical red stripe is offset to the right by 1/8 of the flag's height;
itself having 1/4 of the flag's height. Centered between the top and vertical
stripes, the coat of arms of the Department is seen and its limit is 1/8 of the
flag's height down from the top edge.
As for the colors, red signifies
strength and courage, their straight lines signifying firmness. White is for
purity, liberty, and integrity. Finally, it should be noted the departmental
flag may carry two cravats: a white one with the name of the institution which
has the flag, and a sky blue one.
Source:
https://www.juntaflorida.gub.uy
Daniel Rentería, 9 November 2025
![[arms]](../images/u/uy-fd).gif)
image
by Daniel Rentería, 9 November 2025
from
https://commons.wikimedia.org
The coat of arms was approved on 10 July 1939, designed by Juan Antonio Cabrera. Its graphic model was created by Manuel Rosé. It is a shield with a blue border, reading at its top Florida in white; at the bottom the motto Libertad y Progreso [Liberty and Progress], all in white and a Gothic font. The inner area is divided into three sections, two in the upper half. The upper-left section depicts a hand with broken chains for liberty, holding the Act of Independence signed on 25 August 1825 in Florida. The upper-right section depicts three horses and a horse rider carrying a sword and rifle to the side, referencing the fight for independence at the Battle of Sarandí under Juan Antonio Lavalleja, who reportedly said there, "Rifle to the side and saber to the hand" (translated). The lower section depicts the Piedra Alta above the grass, recognizing the site where the Declaration of Independence was given by the Congress of Florida. Above the shield, two branches of laurel for grace hang downward, separated by a flame for the glory of the heroes.
Daniel Rentería, 9 November 2025
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