Apply for a Leadership Florida Class Program!

Leadership Florida is a unique organization that takes a holistic view of the conditions and challenges facing our great state and offers a continuum for expanding the impact of community leaders across the state. Created in 1982 by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Florida seeks to build a sense of statewide community by identifying and educating individuals who have the passion, commitment, and positioning to help make great things happen.

The individual contributions of over 1,500 active Leadership Florida members are multiplied by their collective strength and enhanced by the distinct and diverse regions of Florida in which they reside. The members of Leadership Florida are dedicated not only to their local communities but also to the statewide community of Florida. From its vibrant annual classes, to active region groups, to its broad committee structure encouraging long-term involvement by all members, Leadership Florida is a dynamic organization designed to promote statewide leadership. While leadership programs exist locally and in many other states, none rival Leadership Florida’s ambitious class offerings.

Knowledge is a key element of leadership, and each Leadership Florida program is designed to enhance understanding of issues critical to Florida. Leadership Florida also develops bonds among Floridians who combine their talents and resources to build an even greater Florida, community by community.

Class Programs Information

Our Leadership Florida Class Programs run from September through May and are up to 5 sessions each. Attendance at all sessions is required.

Which Leadership Florida Class Program is the right one for you?

Applicants must be 40 years of age or older to be eligible for the Cornerstone Class Program.
Applicants aged 25-39 are eligible for the Connect Class Program.
There are no age requirements for the Education Class Program.

The specified age is as of September 1 for the upcoming class year. For example, for the 2027-2028 Program Year, the specified date is September 1, 2027.

2027-2028 Class Session Dates & Locations

Cornerstone Class 45

October 22-24, 2027: River Ranch
December 15-17, 2027: Tallahassee
January 19-21, 2028: West Palm Beach
March 6-8, 2028: Ocala
April 26-28, 2028: Miami
June 8-11, 2028: Annual Meeting, Westin Cocoa Beach

Connect Class 17

September 29 – October 1, 2027: Howey-in-the-Hills
November 15-17, 2027: Tallahassee
February 2-4, 2028: Daytona
April 23-25, 2028: Miami
June 8-11, 2028: Annual Meeting, Westin Cocoa Beach

Education Class 12

September 26-28, 2027: Howey-in-the-Hills
November 17-19, 2027: Tallahassee
January 27, 2028: Virtual
February 23-25, 2028: Orlando
June 8-11, 2028: Annual Meeting, Westin Cocoa Beach

The tuition cost for classes is as follows:

$5,500 Cornerstone
$4,000 Connect
$2,295 Education (school-based public school employees may be eligible to receive a tuition waiver)

Note: hotel and transportation costs are not included in tuition.

SAMPLE CLASS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE!

We encourage potential applicants to use these downloadable applications to prepare their final applications. Documents are available in PDF and Word formats and can be downloaded below. The official Leadership Florida Application may be modified from the sample below and will need to be completed using our online form.

It is a rare exception when Leadership Florida accepts a member into more than one Class Program. If you are a current member of Leadership Florida and are interested in applying for a Class different from the one you graduated from, please email Abbey Stewart, Executive Vice President & Chief Program Officer, to discuss your situation so we can provide some guidance.

Sample Class Program Applications:

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!

Hear what our members have to say about the Leadership Florida experience: