A Home for All Floridians in Washington D.C.
ABOUT FLORIDA HOUSE
For over 50 years, Our State Embassy has represented the people, culture, and industries of Florida in Washington, D.C. Learn about our history, mission, and the ways we celebrate our great state.
WE’RE SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE
Mission Statement
To Connect, Celebrate, and Champion Florida.
Overview
We are a cross section of Florida business, cultural and philanthropic leaders who network with other influential trustees throughout the state to benefit Florida. Located across from the Supreme Court, we’ve been Floridians’ home away from home for over 50 years.
Unique
We are proud to serve as Florida’s embassy in Washington, D.C. and are the only state to have an embassy. As a non-partisan non-profit organization, we are funded solely through private donations and provide a welcoming space for all Floridians.
Engaging
We work to connect Floridians to Washington, D.C. and vice versa through educational, cultural, economic, and social resources that engage students, visitors, guests, our Congressional Delegation, Floridians and Floridians-at-Heart.
Destination
We are a place for Floridians living in and visiting our nation’s capital providing a taste of home and a sense of belonging and pride.
History
1885
The Manning House is Born
The building now known as Florida House was originally named the Manning House. Constructed in 1885 by architect Edwin Manning, it featured classic Victorian architecture with elaborate details, including stained glass and large windows, which are still intact today.
1900–1960s
The House Evolves
Following the Manning family’s ownership, the house passed through various hands over the next 50 years, often divided into rooms and studio apartments. By the late 1960s, economic and social issues in Washington D.C. led to the home’s abandonment, leaving it dilapidated and vacant.
1972
Rhea Chiles’ Vision of the State Embassy is Born
In 1972, Rhea Chiles envisioned a state embassy for Florida after noticing the neglected Manning House. She raised $125,000, including $5,000 of her own money, to purchase and restore the property.
1973
Florida House Opens as America’s Only State Embassy
Florida House officially opened on October 26, 1973, operating as a non-profit and non-partisan organization without state funding. Managed by a Board of Directors and Trustees, it represented a cross-section of Florida’s business, cultural, and philanthropic leaders.
1973–1983
Our First Ten Years
During its first decade, Florida House operated on a modest budget, relying on donors and Trustees. It introduced an internship program, bringing students to work in the state embassy and on Capitol Hill with members of Congress.
1987
The Restoration Era
In 1987, structural issues led to major renovations, restoring the house to its late-Victorian style. This period also saw an increase in visitors and the use of Florida House as an event space by businesses and associations.
1990s
Growth Continues and Our 25th Anniversary Celebration
By the 1990s, Florida House expanded its programming, including the Summer Intern Seminar Series, which invited interns in Washington D.C. to discuss key issues with Florida’s Congressional Delegation.
2000s
Connecting to Florida
In the early 2000s, Florida House connected with more groups sharing its vision, welcoming partners like the Florida Farm Bureau and the Everglades Foundation. It also added notable art pieces to its collection from artists such as Romero Britto and Dr. Guy Harvey.
2010s
Continued Expansion and Diversification
In the early 2000s, Florida House connected with more groups sharing its vision, welcoming partners like the Florida Farm Bureau and the Everglades Foundation. It also added notable art pieces to its collection from artists such as Romero Britto and Dr. Guy Harvey.
2020s
New Partnerships and Programs
In recent years, Florida House has focused on connecting with more groups sharing its vision, adding corporate and university partners including FSU, UF, FIU, and UCF. It also expanded to nearly 200 Trustees across various regions in Florida, working to provide free hospitality services and raise awareness about its programs.
2023
Our 50th Anniversary
On October 26, 2023, Florida House celebrated its 50th anniversary as America’s Only State Embassy in Washington D.C., marking a milestone achieved through the vision of its founders, the generosity of Floridians, and the hard work of shared communities.
Map of Trustee Chapters
WHAT IS THE MAP OF TRUSTEE CHAPTERS?
The Chapters of Florida House represent groups of dedicated supporters across the state who help champion our mission and expand our reach. They do not have physical locations, but rather move around the city or region to fundraise for essential funds and advocate for Our State Embassy. Each chapter plays a vital role in strengthening the connection between Florida and Washington, D.C., by fostering engagement, raising awareness, and supporting our programs.
- Gold Star Chapters (Yellow Stars) – These chapters go above and beyond in meeting their membership and fundraising goals year after year, setting a high standard for commitment and leadership.
- ??? Chapters (Red Stars) – These chapters are rapidly expanding, welcoming new members, and building momentum to make an even greater impact in their communities.
Board of Directors
2023–2025
The corporation is managed by a Board of Directors. Officers are elected by the Trustees every other fall, in odd years. Elected officers include:
Chairman • Vice Chairmen • Secretary • Treasurer
These officers, along with the immediate past chairman, make up the Executive Committee.
The greater Board of Directors is made up of the elected officers, one member of each Chapter, and the Committee Chairs. Five chapters name members in even years (Washington D.C., Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, and Lakeland) and four chapters name members in odd years (Central Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota, and Tallahassee). The Directors meet once a month in conference calls or in person meetings to discuss the business of Florida House.
MRS. RHEA CHILES (1930-2015)
FOUNDING CHAIR
LAKELAND
RICK DERRER
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
BROWARD
LINDA B. CARTER
VICE CHAIR
BROWARD
DOYLE DURANDO
VICE CHAIR
OKEECHOBEE
EILEEN MOSS
SECRETARY
MIAMI
PAM RICCO
TREASURER
TALLAHASSEE
WILL ADAMS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
NANCY BAILEY
MIAMI
MARY BEBOUT
TALLAHASSEE
SUSAN BRENNAN
CENTRAL FLORIDA
DOMINIC CALABRO
TALLAHASSEE
SUSANNE CLEMONS
PAST CHAIR
OKEECHOBEE
HOPE HANA
JACKSONVILLE
TRICIA
HOLBROOK
PAIGE HYATT
BROWARD
LAURA LANG
BROWARD
JOYCE STEVENS
MIAMI
EMILY STRICKLAND
TAMPA
LISBETH WILSON
MIAMI
STAFF
ROBERT WEISSERT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Overall Leadership, Strategic Planning, Corporate Giving, Government Relations
LIZ DOYLE
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Membership, Chapters, Fundraisers, Individual Giving, Trustee Meetings
CLAIRE KING
DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAMS MANAGER
Public Programming, Education & Interns, Marketing & Social Media, Foundations & Grants
BEN RUSCO
OPERATION MANAGER
House Rentals, Special Events, House Operations, DC Chapter Activity
STEVE MOORE
HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR
Routine Maintenance, Hospitality Coordinator
CORPORATE SUPPORT
As a non-profit organization, Florida House partners with dynamic organizations support our mission. There are multiple levels of corporate support, and partner organizations receive benefits, including but not limited to:
- Invitations to Florida House-sponsored events
- Complimentary Use of Site for events (quantity based on support level)
- Logo recognition online and on print materials
The full set of benefits can be found in the Trustee portal.
CONSUL LEVEL ($25,000)
DIPLOMAT LEVEL ($15,000)
ATTACHE LEVEL ($5,000)
