Who is AFIA
Since 1982, the Association of Floral Importers of America (AFIA) has been the leading advocate for the U.S. cut flower import industry.
Our mission is to support and represent an industry that supplies approximately 80% of the fresh cut flowers sold in the United States. Through advocacy, collaboration, and industry leadership, we work to ensure efficient flower imports, fair trade policies, and the continued success of our members.
Headquartered in Miami, Florida—the gateway for more than 90% of all fresh cut flowers imported into the United States—AFIA represents an industry that supports more than 6,000 jobs in South Florida and approximately 200,000 jobs nationwide. By helping flowers move efficiently through the supply chain, we strengthen the U.S. floral industry, support local and national economies, and ensure consumers across the country have access to fresh, high-quality flowers year-round.
AFIA: Shaping Miami into America's Flower Hub
Since its founding, AFIA has played a leading role in helping establish Miami as the nation's premier gateway for fresh cut flower imports.
Through strong industry advocacy and close collaboration with government agencies, regulatory authorities, and industry partners, AFIA has helped shape the policies, processes, and infrastructure that support the efficient movement of flowers into the United States.
Our advocacy has contributed to improvements in the import operations at Miami International Airport and PortMiami, helping create a more efficient supply chain that supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs throughout South Florida and across the country.
By strengthening the floral import industry, AFIA has helped generate economic growth, support local communities, and reinforce Miami's position as one of the world's most important centers for the importation and distribution of fresh cut flowers.
Why AFIA?
AFIA believes that a stronger industry is built through collaboration. By bringing flower importers together, we help members accomplish more than they could on their own—addressing shared challenges, advancing common interests, and creating opportunities for growth.
When our members succeed, the entire floral industry grows stronger, benefiting businesses, employees, and the communities they support.
As a trusted partner, we support the industry growth with:
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Proactive Partnerships: AFIA works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Miami International Airport, PortMiami, and other key industry stakeholders to advocate for efficient inspections, streamlined import processes, and policies that keep flowers moving. When challenges arise, our team is there to help resolve issues quickly—providing members with expert guidance, trusted advocacy, and peace of mind.
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Insights and Cost Savings: AFIA provides critical industry insights and exclusive savings opportunities, helping members make informed decisions that benefit their bottom line.
Our Members
AFIA proudly represents importers of record for fresh cut flowers while welcoming members from across the floral supply chain, including logistics providers, hard goods suppliers, breeders, growers, service providers, and other organizations committed to advancing the floral import industry.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. AFIA works closely with leading industry organizations, including the Society of American Florists (SAF), the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association (WFFSA), and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), to strengthen and promote the floral industry. Internationally, our strong partnerships with Asocolflores in Colombia and Expoflores in Ecuador help foster collaboration, address shared challenges, and support a resilient, sustainable global floral supply chain.
Our Wins for the Industry
Floral Product Importers Win with AFIA
Our Wins for the Industry
Floral Product Importers Win with AFIA
Over the years, AFIA has paved the way for the growth of the industry:
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Streamlined Importation Procedures:
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AFIF’s collaboration with USDA, CBP, and cargo airlines, AFIA has simplified and decreased costs of importation since the early 2000’s through special initiatives such as:
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The Line Release program, also known as "Flower of the Day" program, which streamlined inspections of commonly imported flowers.
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The ability for airlines to act as the broker of the planeload containing different shipments from the same farm, instead of processing each shipment separately, expediting processing time and having flowers released more quickly.
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Getting USDA to extend its service hours
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Having CBP agricultural inspections available 24/7 at MIA Airport (it’s the only airport in the country!).
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Additional CBP inspectors are allocated in Miami during the weeks before Valentine’s and Mother’s Day, helping ensure flowers are released expeditiously, on time, every time.
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Advocacy for Duty-Free Access: AFIA has taken our member’s case directly to Congress, advocating strongly for duty-free access to ensure flowers from across developing countries can reach the US market and create stability for their people. The result? Today most of their grown flowers enter the country duty free.
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Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Advocacy: In October 2020, AFIA secured the inclusion of roses in the GSP program, offering duty-free benefits for many flowers. Although the GSP program expired, AFIA continues its advocacy with Congress, pushing for renewal to relieve importers from unnecessary costs.
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Essential Flowers: During the COVID-19 pandemic, AFIA advocated with the local government that the flower industry and its employees were considered essential. This crucial designation kept the floral industry moving, brightening lives across the U.S. when it was needed most and reduced significant financial losses for importers.
Through these everyday and special initiatives, AFIA strengthens the imported cut flower industry, making it more efficient, resilient, and profitable for our members.
AFIA Timeline
Explore our history to see how AFIA has evolved alongside the industry—championing innovation, building relationships, and making a lasting impact. From pivotal moments to key achievements, this timeline reflects our commitment to supporting our members' success and ensuring the beauty of flowers reaches every corner of the world.
