About Us
Who We Are
The Florida Aquarium, a 501c (3) non-profit organization, is actively engaged in stewardship of the natural environment with mission programs that include conservation, research, education, and outreach.
More than a must-see attraction, The Florida Aquarium welcomes visitors to experience a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals with the goal of building awareness and inspiring action for species and habitat conservation, all while delivering world-class care to thousands of animals. For edutainment, guests can explore complex ecosystems, engage with interactive and informational exhibits, and search for wild dolphins in Tampa Bay.
The Florida Aquarium is dedicated to our shared purpose of saving marine wildlife through conservation efforts that include ground-breaking research and rescue efforts that help restore Florida’s coral and sea turtle populations.
Shared Purpose
We are committed to saving marine wildlife.
Vision
To be Florida’s leading conservation-based aquarium.
Our Values
Our three core values of respect, trust, and excellence provide the foundation of our culture. It is the defining behaviors within each of the actions we take that help develop our culture.
We Respect
- everyone through courtesy, fairness, and professionalism
- fostering a positive, supportive, and encouraging environment
- our collection and the environment with high ethics and standards
- recognizing and appreciating our contributions
We Trust
- in collaborative teamwork amongst departments
- ourselves to listen attentively and communicate openly
- the integrity, honesty, and abilities of each other
- each other to manage all our resources effectively
We Achieve Excellence
- by taking accountability for our actions
- by making the best-informed decisions
- by proactively seeking opportunities and solutions to challenges
- through the courage to innovate and change
Our Leaders
Meet our executive leadership team who are focused on building a world-class conservation-based Aquarium.
Our Experts
The Florida Aquarium engages some of the most respected and revered professionals in education, conservation, and animal health and care.
Our Board
Their passion and belief that fulfilling our mission is fundamental to our success has helped us become one of the most respected non-profit public aquariums in the nation.
Reports and Financials
Discover what The Florida Aquarium has accomplished in the past year.
Our History
The Florida Aquarium began as the Clearwater Marine Science Center (CMSC), a private non-profit educational organization located on Clearwater Beach, Florida, in 1977. The CMSC Board approved an expansion plan in 1985 that would include the development of a world-class facility to successfully compete in the Florida marketplace. Poised to become a nationally recognized educational facility, The Florida Aquarium, Inc. was incorporated on December 12, 1986, as a separate not-for-profit organization.
After many years of negotiations, planning, and design, The Florida Aquarium opened in Tampa on March 31, 1995. Serving one million residents and visitors to the Tampa Bay area in its first year of operation, The Florida Aquarium provided a positive economic impact of $60 million to the community.
Over the years, The Florida Aquarium has continued to evolve; regularly enhancing the guest experience with new and engaging animal ambassadors, exhibitry, entertainment opportunities and mission-based programming. Throughout, The Florida Aquarium has embraced its role not only as an educational facility but also as a leader in conservation. Today, visitors enjoy an immersive experience that entertains and inspires.
Historical Highlights
1997-2010
The Florida Aquarium was accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) in March 1997
In 2003, the Aquarium began the “Dive with the Sharks” program.
In March 2004, a children’s outdoor water fun zone opened.
In 2010, the Aquarium christened its new eco-tour boat, Bay Spirit II, used for private events and daily Wild Dolphin Cruises.
In December 2010, The Florida Aquarium educated its one-millionth child.