Florida Downtown Association
Florida Downtown Association (FLDA) is a nonprofit organization devoted to strengthening the capacity of the leadership of historic Florida downtowns. Our primary focus areas are: (1) awareness through communications and an open forum for ideas and information; (2) education for leadership through workshops and webinars, and (3) call to action offering strategic advocacy for statewide program funding and policies that strengthen historic downtown districts. We also look for partners that can provide resources, such as grants and sponsorships, to fund technical expertise and services needed by local programs. Advocating and building a private financial base for direct program support lies solely within our mandate because state and national organizations are not able to raise private funding that would go directly to Florida historic downtowns.
Membership is available through a multi-tiered structure and available to individuals, organizations, communities, and main street stakeholders. Members will receive early registration and/or discounts on workshops on diverse topics, including access to industry experts, special benefits through partnerships and outside vendors that offer discounted resources, and more as we build them.
Florida Downtown Association complements and supplements the Florida Main Street program by addressing the gaps in service that the state nor national office can provide. Florida Main Street has sole responsibility for the accreditation and designation process for new main street organizations.
HONORING WAYNE CARTER: A VISIONARY FOR FLORIDA’S DOWNTOWNS
With heartfelt regrets and joy for his presence, we honor the life of WAYNE CARTER, Main Street Professional who passed away on November 15, 2024. As a founding member of Florida Downtown Association, FLDA is proud to announce the establishment of the “Wayne Carter Scholarship.” This scholarship will further leadership development for small community downtowns across Florida, ensuring that the next generation of Main Street leaders is inspired by the values Wayne embodies - collaboration, vision, and the relentless pursuit of vibrant, thriving downtowns. His family has requested that to honor that memory, donations for his years of active advocacy, donations in lieu of flowers go to Florida Downtown Association, “Wayne Carter Scholarship”. A link for your donation is below. The Family will receive notification of ALL acknowledgements - surely to many. Everyone loved Wayne and his knowledge was unsurpassed for small town community development. What a great guy!
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WAYNE CARTER SCHOLARSHIP
Forever supporting the cause of vibrant small downtown communities.
Wayne Carter - Certified Main Street America Revitalization Professional
We encourage all small towns and downtown communities to explore the possibility of attending this Year’s Preservation on Main Street
Annual Conference, July 15-18, 2025 in FERNANDINA, Florida
For COMPLETE details on REGISTRATION AND HOTELS visit, stay tuned.
Areas of Focus
AWARENESS
Because we are largely main street directors ourselves or past directors, we understand and are uniquely able to address the needs of the director, whom we consider the fulcrum of the main street program. We seek connection through an exchange of ideas, sharing best practices, and focus on membership, communications, and finding resources to build capacity. Sign up for the e-newsletter (and blog) and get helpful content in the Library.
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EDUCATION
Most main street programs are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations managed by a director and a volunteer board of directors. We believe main street programs are best served by a trained director who is knowledgeable in nonprofit management plus main street tools. We offer resources to strengthen leadership with workshops, webinars and other content through our Professional Resources and Library.
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CALL TO ACTION
FLDA follows legislation that impacts community redevelopment areas and downtown business districts. We will prepare advocacy materials and talking points to increase your comfort in reaching out to your state legislators. This task lies squarely with local programs, but we will provide everything you need in our Advocacy page.
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