Who is AFIA
The Association of Floral Importers of America (AFIA) has represented and advocated for the U.S. cut flower importing industry since 1982. Our mission is clear: support and advocate for the floral import industry, which makes up about 80% of the flowers in the US market. We facilitate the flow of imported cut flowers, working to ensure favorable trade conditions, a smooth flow of imported flowers across the country and the business success of our members.
Based in Miami, FL, the entry hub for over 90% of imported flowers into the U.S., AFIA represents an industry that supports over 6,000 local jobs and about 200,000 jobs across the country. With Miami as the heart of floral imports, our work positively impacts the economy both locally and nationwide.
AFIA: Shaping Miami into America's Flower Hub
AFIA has been a pivotal force in establishing Miami as the premier flower hub in the United States. Through our strong industry representation and close collaboration with governmental agencies, we have influenced the development of critical infrastructure and created an environment that supports the growth of the floral import industry in South Florida. Our efforts have led to the enhancement of Miami International Airport and Port Miami, ensuring efficient importation processes that sustain thousands of direct and indirect jobs. By fostering a thriving floral industry, AFIA has contributed significantly to the local economy, bringing in substantial income for local governments and supporting vibrant communities across Miami. Our partnership with government officials has not only bolstered the floral sector but also cemented Miami's status as a key player in the national and international floral markets.
Why AFIA?
AFIA champions the growth floral import industry by bringing companies together to accomplish what they can’t alone. Our focus is on supporting flower importers, addressing their unique challenges and promoting their growth. When our members win, so does the entire floral industry, its employees and their communities.
As a trusted partner, we support the industry growth with:
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Proactive Partnerships: Working with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Miami International Airport and PortMiami, AFIA advocates for streamlined customs and inspections so flowers move through ports faster and with fewer surprises. And when issues arise, we’re just a call away to help solve them, giving members 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
We represent importers of record for fresh cut floral products. We also welcome members across the floral ecosystem, including logistics providers, hard goods suppliers, breeders, and other industry stakeholders who have the best interest of the industry at heart.
AFIA is a member of the Society of American Florists (SAF), the Wholesale Florists & Florist Suppliers Association (WFFSA), and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), with whom it partners to support the industry. Through close ties with Asocolflores in Colombia and Expoflores in Ecuador, AFIA builds strong connections across borders to support a healthy, resilient flower industry.
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.
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Through these everyday and special initiatives, AFIA strengthens the imported cut flower industry, making it more efficient, resilient, and profitable for our members.
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AFIA Timeline
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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.
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