1963 - In December 1963, over 200 delegates from 42 statewide organizations, 24 community colleges and the Division of Community Junior Colleges established "a cooperative council to coordinate and promote the arts in Florida." The Florida Arts Congress officially accepted the name of the "Florida Arts Council" on December 2, 1963 and was organized as a nonprofit organization.

1969 - State reorganization created an arts program under the Secretary of State and established the "Fine Arts Council of Florida" separate from the nonprofit Florida Arts Council. The Division of Cultural Affairs was also established under the Secretary of State. The Fine Arts Council of Florida became a 15-member advisory board designated to assist the Division with projects and advise the Secretary of State. The Division assumed support functions for the Ringling Museum, the Stephen Foster Memorial, all historical commissions/preservation boards and the Fine Arts Council of Florida.

1970 - The nonprofit Florida Arts Council was renamed the Florida League of the Arts. The League became less active over the years as the "Fine Arts Council of Florida" gained prominence in the State.

1976 - The Division of Cultural Affairs was given the authority pursuant to Chapter 265, F.S., to accept and administer state appropriations for fine arts grants, which had been attributed to the "Fine Arts Council of Florida" since its creation in 1969.

1980 - The "Fine Arts Council of Florida" was renamed the Florida Arts Council as outlined in the Fine Arts Act of 1980.

1987 - The Florida Arts Leadership Congress Plan (FALCON), considered to be a national model for planning for state arts agency development, was adopted following over a year of public input into this process.

1995 - The Cultural Institutions Trust Fund was expanded to include the Division’s first dedicated funding for the discipline-based grants, arts in education, touring, local arts agencies and state service organizations.

1997 - The International Cultural Exchange Program was reinstated to provide assistance for international cultural exchange projects of outstanding artistic and cultural merit, such as exhibits, touring, performances, publishing and printing of pamphlets and catalogs, lectures in Florida, and artist residencies.

2002 - The Florida Legislature approved SB 98, which created the authority to administer the Regional Cultural Facilities Program. This program will fund projects with a minimum cost of $50 million, 150-mile service area, and national or international reputation.