FLORIDA RETAIL FOUNDATION, INC.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

Florida Retail Foundation, Inc., originally known as the Florida Retailers' Foundation for Education and Research, Inc., was formed in 1997 amidst a challenging landscape marked by an imposing business tax introduced by the Florida Legislature in 1935. This entity evolved from the early efforts of businessmen combating discriminatory taxes levied on retailers during that period, eventually establishing itself as the Florida Chain Store Association, which later became known as the Florida Retail Federation. The federation is recognized as The Voice of Florida Retailing and has grown into a broad statewide organization. The FLORIDA RETAIL FOUNDATION INC., with its headquarters at 227 South Adams Street in Tallahassee, Florida, is registered under status N97000000207 and was first incorporated on January 15, 1997. It underwent significant changes, the latest being an organizational amendment and name change reported last on November 1, 2006, and submitted their most recent annual report for 2024 on April 11, 2024. The foundation actively supports its members and retail businesses statewide by offering various services through Florida Retail Federation Services, Inc. One such service is ORDINANCEWATCH, a web-based tool designed to monitor and report proposed local government ordinances across Florida’s counties and major municipalities. Additionally, the Florida Bankcard Solutions aids retailers in optimizing their savings and profits by improving credit card transaction processes. A noteworthy member of the foundation is the Islamorada Beer Company (IBC), the first of its kind in the Florida Keys. Led by Jose Herrera and Tyrone Bradley since its inception on a fishing trip to Bimini, IBC has become renowned for expanding craft beer culture through thoughtful branding while maintaining product quality. The company recently expanded operations to a new manufacturing site in Fort Pierce, boasting enhanced production capabilities with both canning and bottling facilities. In advocacy roles, the Florida Retail Federation played a pivotal part in legal proceedings that overturned an attempted minimum wage increase by Miami Beach, demonstrating their active involvement in policy matters affecting state retail businesses. Additionally, they work on diverse agendas based on member feedback to support retail concerns during legislative sessions. Led by officers R.S Shalley (Secretary) and Lorena Holley (Chairperson), the organization continues its mission to champion Florida’s retail sector amidst evolving market conditions and regulatory environments.