The Florida Association of Museums is the not-for-profit professional organization for Florida’s museums and museum professionals. The mission of the Association is to represent and address the needs of the museum community, enhancing the ability of museums to serve the public interest. The Association encourages excellence it its members by promoting communication through which its members share information and resources, effect legislation and promote support of museums.
FAMF’s professional development workshops increase the capacity and effectiveness of museum professionals in the state of Florida. Workshops are offered around the state to meet the training needs of museum professionals, as well as in conjunction with the Annual Conference. Speakers include museum professionals, professionals from allied fields, legislators, nonprofit experts, and others. Topics range from advocacy to accessibility, from branding to collections care, and from fundraising to governance.
FAM staff monitors all legislation affecting museums and provides information to legislators and legislative staff in order to ensure educated policy making. FAM staff also works with state agencies for the improvement of state programs affecting museums. As a direct result of FAM activities, the legislature created specific grant programs for history museums, science museums, and children's museums, totaling $2.25 million annually, which provide both program and general operating support. In addition, FAM has interceded to prevent the application of personal property taxation to artworks and artifacts loaned to museums, a tax which would have had an adverse impact on museums throughout the state.