In 1985, a few arena managers in Florida met informally in Amelia Island to network and discuss common issues unique to their facilities. The conference was so successful the group decided to get together on an annual basis. Within four years, they realized many of their challenges were shared by other facilities of various sizes and types that were not represented at these annual conferences.

As a result a decision was made to formalize the group into the Florida Facility Managers Association (FFMA). The FFMA then invited all public assembly facility managers and their top administrative staff to join. In the mid 1990's the association revised its bylaws to enable presenters of public assembly events to become members, recognizing this would better represent the industry within the state. The FFMA continues to grow and evolve as an industry leader in public assembly management in Florida.