About FACP

The first chamber of commerce in the United States was formed in New York over 250 years ago and, along with those that followed, they have continued to help transform communities across our great nation.   Through their work, they have affected our country’s finance and currency, public health, transportation, infrastructure, local government, education, culture and more. From unusual events such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the creation of the New York Subway, these organizations have left their historical marks across the country.

With approximately 7,000 chambers of commerce in the United States and over 300 in the state of Florida, each has its unique personality that comes from the community that it represents. However, they should all share the common mission to improve the economic climate and business development of the area that they serve.

While it’s been said that imitation is the best form of flattery, this does not always hold true in the case of chambers of commerce. Unfortunately, groups often times originate within communities and use the chamber of commerce name for their personal, monetary gain.   In 2007, the Florida Legislature passed Florida Statute 501.973, referred to as the Chamber of Commerce Branding Bill, in an effort to protect the sanctity of the chamber brand.  The statute defines the definition of a chamber of commerce noting that  the organization should be a voluntary membership, dues-paying organization of business and professional persons, dedicated, as stated in the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the organization, to improving the economic climate and business development of the community, area, or region in which the organization is located. It further requires that the organization operate as an approved not-for-profit corporation under chapter 617 and as a corporation or association qualified for tax-exempt status under s. 501(c)(3) or s. 501(c)(6) of the IRS Code of 1986, as amended. The organization is also required to file corporation annual reports with the Secretary of State and, if applicable, the required annual information returns with the IRS.  The statute also requires that the organization be governed by a volunteer board of directors of at least seven members who are elected from among the membership of the organization and who serve without compensation.

Any business entity, other than a chamber of commerce, a binational chamber of commerce that is recognized by the Office of International Affairs of the Department of State or a chamber that has been in existence on or before October 1, 1992, that uses the term “chamber of commerce” in its name or to describe itself is in violation of the statute and is committing a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Before a business joins a chamber of commerce, the owner should do his/her due diligence to ensure that the investment is supporting a chamber of commerce that is a legal organization whose focus is to benefit the community and the businesses that it serves.  With the help and awareness of local businesses, the strength and integrity of chambers of commerce will continue well into the next 250 years.