History

The Florida Catholic Conference (FCC) was established on February 1, 1969 as an agency of the Catholic bishops of Florida. The founders were Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll, Bishop Paul F. Tanner, Bishop William D. Borders, Bishop Charles B. McLaughlin, and Bishop John J. Fitzpatrick. The FCC facilitates and provides an easily accessible channel of communication by which the (arch)bishops of the Province of Miami may undertake and direct joint pastoral, educational, and social welfare projects. The FCC takes an active and cooperative role in health, education, and welfare activities that promote the material and moral well-being of the people of Florida.

On March 19, 2012, the bishops established the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB), a new corporation under which they carry out policy and advocacy activities related to state and federal legislation and agencies of government. The archbishop and bishops of the seven (arch)dioceses in Florida constitute the board of directors of both the FCC and FCCB.

The FCCB speaks for the Church in matters of public policy and serves as liaison to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. It works with state and federal legislative bodies and administrative agencies, as well as other stakeholders. The FCCB participates in many policy areas, including social and welfare matters, such as immigration, housing, health care, and criminal justice reform; educational matters, including parochial and public schools; right to life issues, including abortion and euthanasia; and in matters affecting human sexuality, marriage, and the family unit.

The following are the current policy/advocacy committees of the FCCB: State Pro-Life Coordinating Committee; Schools Executive Committee; Catholic Health Executives Committee; Committee for End-of-Life Care; and Justice and Peace Committee (Catholic Charities Directors).