The Florida State Fair is a quasi-governmental Authority as provided by Florida Statute 616, the Florida State Fair Authority manages the Florida State Fair. Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture appoints all Board Members of the Florida State Fair Authority including the Hillsborough County Commissioner whose district represents the Fair.
In accordance with Florida Statue 616.251, the authority shall operate under the supervision of the Commissioner of Agriculture, which supervision may include, but is not limited to, assisting, advising, and making recommendations regarding the financing and operation of the authority. In assisting and advising the authority, the Commissioner of Agriculture may make appropriate staff of the department available to the authority.
Florida State Fair Authority Mission
The Florida State Fair Authority is a dedicated group of individuals which oversee the operations of the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair. The mission of the Florida State Fair Authority is to create positive entertainment experiences through: The annual Florida State Fair. A variety of year-round events. Quality competitive programs. A commitment to agriculture, education and community service. A focus on new opportunities.
About Our Board
The Florida State Fair Authority, also known as the Authority Board, is a twenty-two member board comprised of respected community, business and agricultural leaders from across the State of Florida. Authority board members volunteer their time and expertise to guide the administration of the State Fair and various events held at the Florida State Fairgrounds including the annual Florida State Fair. The Board meets to conduct business at the call of its chair, at the request of a majority of its membership, at the request of the Commissioner of Agriculture or at times prescribed by its rules. All FSFA Board activities are conducted in compliance with the Florida Sunshine Law, §286.011, Florida Statutes.
The Fair Authority Board is led by Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, with Susanne Clemons serving as Chairman, Reggie Holt as Vice Chairman, Linda Syfrett as Treasurer, and Eve Council Gloede as Secretary. The Board Members include Doyle E. Carlton III, Richard E. Bowman, Charles “Chuck” Bruno, Thaddeus Bullard, Archie Collins, Marcia Lightsey, Charlie Lykes, Chad Lyons, A.D. “Sandy” MacKinnon, the Honorable Gwen Myers, Cynthia B. Sanders, PhD, Ted Schrader, Amanda Taylor Houston, Robert Thomas, John “Jack” T. Vogel, and Hope Storter, who serves as the Youth Member Representative.
