Why It Matters
Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Florida officials marked the anniversary with ceremonial observances and a directive to lower flags across the state.
What Happened
Governor Ron DeSantis issued an order directing U.S. and Florida state flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, September 11, 2026. The directive applied to all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout Florida.
DeSantis attended a commemoration ceremony in Green Cove Springs. In a post on X, he honored firefighters, police officers, EMTs, first responders, and the passengers aboard United Flight 93. He noted that the attacks were driven by a foreign belief system found in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.
“At Ground Zero, firefighters, police officers, and EMTs rushed into the smoke clouds and rubble, braving unthinkable danger to rescue as many people as they could,” DeSantis wrote.
U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody placed a yellow rose at a memorial service held at U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, joining community officials and law enforcement officers. She reflected on the nation’s history during the tragedy.
“Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, 2001, our nation experienced one of the darkest days in American history,” Moody said.
Other political figures also participated in local ceremonies or issued statements. Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly attended a ceremony in Naples, while GOP gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds posted “we will never forget” on social media. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott stated that terrorists aimed to destroy American values, resolve, and unity. Democratic Senate candidate Angie Nixon posted regarding first responders and survivors on her campaign website.
By the Numbers
September 11, 2026 — Date flags ordered at half-staff
25 years — Time elapsed since the 2001 attacks
2,977 — Number of lives lost, per Byron Donalds
Zoom Out
The observances in Florida mirror national traditions for the anniversary, which typically involve flag-lowering protocols and memorials dedicated to first responders and victims. Political leaders across the spectrum used the date to emphasize unity and remembrance.
What’s Next
Flags are scheduled to return to full-staff positions following the sunset on September 11, concluding the official state mourning period for the anniversary.