In 1975, three regional state respiratory organizations joined forces to form the FSRC and became the official AARC Chartered Affiliate in the state.

As with many start-up operations, it was rocky going for several years as the FSRC tried to establish a member base and begin to fulfill its charter of enhancing the profession.

Beginning in the early '80's, the task of obtaining licensure for the respiratory care profession in Florida began.

The FSRC lead the way with legislative involvement, drafting language for the proposed legislation as well as the administrative rules which implement the law.

Following many rewrites and much political action, the Respiratory Care Practices Act was passed by the Florida Legislature in October, 1984.

Following this success, the FSRC then addressed two objectives: achieving significant growth in membership, and developing a plan to provide continuing education programs to its members.

In the next ten years, through aggressive membership marketing, the FSRC grew from about 800 members in '84 to more than 4,000 in 1998.

The FSRC now represents more than 50% of the licensed practitioners in the state. Included in this membership total are more than 2,000 members who are also members of the AARC. The balance of the membership is made up of Associates (non-AARC members) and Students.

FSRC Organization:
The FSRC is operated by a Board of elected members who are 100% volunteers and are all practicing therapists.