In Florida, the state "divers-down" flag is a warning device used to indicate that divers or snorkelers are in the water nearby. The flag is rectangular or square, red in color with a white diagonal stripe running from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. It is displayed prominently on a buoy, float, or vessel to alert boaters to the presence of divers below the surface, helping to prevent accidents

. Key points about the divers-down flag in Florida include:

• The flag must measure at least 12 x 12 inches when displayed from the water (buoy or float) and at least 20 x 24 inches when displayed from a vessel. Flags must have a stiffener or wire to keep them fully unfurled even in calm conditions

• Buoys displaying the flag must have three or four flat sides with the symbol visible on each side and cannot be displayed from a vessel

• Boaters must keep a safe distance of at least 300 feet from the divers-down flag or buoy in open water and at least 100 feet in rivers, inlets, or navigation channels. When within these distances, vessels must slow to idle speed (no more than 5 mph)

• Divers must stay within 300 feet of the flag in open water and within 100 feet in rivers, inlets, or navigation channels

• The flag must only be displayed when divers are in the water using a mask, snorkel, or underwater breathing apparatus and must be taken down when divers are out of the water

This flag is a critical safety tool regulated by Florida law to protect divers and inform boaters to exercise caution in the vicinity of diving activities