Florida State Fair Authority

The history of the Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) is a microcosm of the history of Florida. The FSFA’s fortunes rose and fell with the “booms and busts” of Florida’s often stormy development. Today, the Florida State Fair is one of the largest Fairs & Festivals in the United States and Canada. The Florida State Fair Authority is a self-supported entity, with no continuing allocation of state funds subsidizing its operating budget. The FSFA is part of the legacy railroad tycoon, H.B. Plant, bequeathed to Florida. In 1898, Plant inaugurated the Tampa Agricultural Racing and Fair Association to promote his lavish Tampa Bay Hotel. In 1904, the event became formalized as the South Florida Fair Association. With several name changes in between, this great Fair became the Florida State Fair in 1937. In 1975, by Florida Statutes Chapter 616, the Florida Legislature created the Florida State Fair Authority and reaffirmed the annual Tampa Bay event as the offici

The mission of the Florida State Fairgrounds is to create positive entertainment experiences through:

1. The annual Florida State Fair

2. A variety of year-round events

3. Quality competitive programs

4. A commitment to agriculture, education and community service (Home to Cracker Country, a Florida living history museum; 4-H and FFA Scholarship competitions; and AgVenture, an educational program for middle school students).

5. A focus on new opportunities