Freemasonry in Florida
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the Florida.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in Florida
- Grand Lodge
- The M.W. Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Florida
- Chartered
- 1830 (196 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Jacksonville, FL
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in May
- Address
- 220 North Ocean Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Masonic History in Florida
Florida Freemasonry was organized in 1830, before Florida was even a U.S. state. The Grand Lodge today oversees hundreds of lodges across the state, with a strong presence in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached Florida — including the medieval origins of the Craft, the 1717 founding of organized Freemasonry, and how lodges spread to America — see our complete History of Freemasonry.
The Grand Lodge of Florida
The M.W. Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Florida
Chartered 1830
How to Join Freemasonry in Florida
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in Florida follows the same path as anywhere else in the United States. There are four core requirements:
- 1Be a man of at least 18 years old (some Florida lodges require 21). Women interested in Masonic-affiliated organizations should look at the Order of the Eastern Star.
- 2Believe in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is not a religion and does not specify which faith — only that you have one.
- 3Be of good moral character. Lodges run background checks; serious criminal history is usually disqualifying.
- 4Ask of your own free will. Masonry never recruits — you must approach a lodge yourself.
Next step: Use our quick quiz at /can-i-join to confirm you meet the requirements, then find a lodge in Florida below or in our lodge directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in Florida.
When was Freemasonry established in Florida?+
The The M.W. Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Florida was chartered in 1830, making organized Freemasonry in Florida 196 years old. Some individual lodges predate the Grand Lodge by years or decades, operating under charters from older jurisdictions.
How do I join a Masonic lodge in Florida?+
To join Freemasonry in Florida, you must be a man of at least 18 (some lodges require 21), believe in a Supreme Being, and be of good moral character. The next step is to contact a lodge near you and ask to meet members — usually over a meal before a stated meeting. After conversation, you submit a petition; if accepted, you are scheduled for initiation. The full process from petition to becoming a Master Mason typically takes 4-12 months.
How many Masonic lodges are there in Florida?+
Florida has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the The M.W. Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Florida, headquartered in Jacksonville. The Grand Lodge maintains an official roster of all active lodges — see the contact information above to request a list, or use our directory to find one near you.
Who governs Freemasonry in Florida?+
The The M.W. Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Florida is the sole governing body for "mainstream" Freemasonry in the state. It operates independently and sovereignly — no worldwide Masonic authority exists. Prince Hall Freemasonry (the historically African American tradition) operates a separate Grand Lodge in many states; both are recognized as regular Freemasonry across the United States.
What is the address of the Grand Lodge of Florida?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 220 North Ocean Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: +1-904-354-2339. Website: https://grandlodgefl.com.
Show Your Florida Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.