The Fourth of July has arrived, and it is important for community association residents to know their community’s rules on displaying the American flag. CAI believes all Americans should have the opportunity to display the U.S. flag to demonstrate their patriotism and support of our country throughout the year. A community association’s board of directors should be reasonable and allow the public display of our nation’s most sacred emblem.
The Federal Flag Code, 4 U.S.C Sections 5-10, as amended, states “A condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy, or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use.”
CAI supports legislation that protects residents’ free speech while permitting community associations the ability to adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations concerning the time, location, materials, size, number, and manner where flags and signs can be displayed. In 2025, four states including Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Utah introduced legislation clarifying an association’s ability to regulate the time, place, and manner an American flag can be displayed in a community. These bills can be reviewed here.
CAI strives to promote harmony, community, responsible citizenship, and effective best practices especially when it comes to respectfully regulating placement of the American flag within a community. As always, CAI applauds communities that bring residents together to celebrate and embrace their differences. Communities around the world bring people together to create a sense of community, neighborliness, and belonging.
For more information about CAI’s policies on displaying the U.S. flag as well as other flags and signs, visit www.caionline.org/publicpolicies.
