Florida Historical Marker Program

Application Process for State Historical Markers

The process of applying for a marker begins with the completion of a state historic marker application located at:
http://www.flheritage.com/preservation/markers/markerapplication.pdf (new window).
Application materials should be typewritten and printed on single-side pages. Papers should not be stapled, but secured with paper clips or butterfly clips. All required fields must be completed on the application.

In addition to the required application, the following information must be included:

  • Documentation, research or records that support the site's historical relevancy.
  • A Florida Master Site File number must appear on the application (item #9) and the Florida Master Site File form must be included in the package of documentation. To obtain information on the Florida Master Site File, call toll- free at 800.847.7278 and ask for the Master Site File.
  • A map indicating exactly where the marker would be located must be included. A hand drawn map will suffice, as long as it clearly shows where the marker would be located on the property. Please note: Aerial maps alone are not acceptable. The map must be a close-up image, pinpointing exactly where the marker would be placed.

Once the application is complete, the original and five (5) copies of the entire application package, including attachments, should be mailed to:

Michael Zimny
State Historical Marker Coordinator
Division of Historical Resources
Bureau of Historic Preservation
R.A. Gray Building
500 S. Bronough Street, Room 422
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250

The Review Process

Marker applications are periodically reviewed, via conference call, by an appointed State Historical Marker Council composed of three preservation experts from around the state. The review meeting is conducted via a telephone conference call. Applications/marker texts not finalized will expire after one year and must be re-submitted through the review process. A maximum of 12 applications are evaluated during each review cycle. No more than four applications per single applicant will be accepted for review per meeting of the Marker Council.

All applications (including five copies of each) which are to be reviewed must be received two weeks (10 business days) before the date of the scheduled meeting. Any applications received after that time will not be considered until the next meeting.

During their review, the Marker Council members may recommend changes to the proposed text. Following the review meeting, Bureau of Historic Preservation staff will convey these changes to the applicant in order to coordinate the finalization of the marker text.

All applications must be finalized within one year after the initial review, (or one year from receipt of a signed marker grant agreement-see Marker Grants below). This includes changes to the text, requests for further documentation, or any other item specified by the Marker Council. Applications/marker texts not finalized will expire after one year and must be re-submitted through the review process.

Marker Costs and Installation

Once the marker text has been finalized and is approved by the Marker Council, the marker will be ordered from the manufacturer by the State Historical Marker Coordinator. The costs of manufacturing and installing the marker are the responsibility of the marker sponsor. The manufacturer bills the sponsor for the marker after it is manufactured.

The current cost of one-sided markers is $1,930, including the sign, post and shipping. A two-sided marker, featuring text on both the front and back side, costs $2,110, including the sign, post, and shipping (check to verify current costs at the time of your order). Once the finalized text is submitted to the manufacturer, the marker production takes between two and three months to complete. When completed, the marker will be shipped to the applicant (must be shipped to a business address). Marker installation is the responsibility of the applicant. View installation instructions..

Marker Grants

Applicants may apply for matching historic preservation grants from the Division of Historical Resources to defray half the cost of the marker. However, markers must be approved before an application can be made for a matching grant. The annual grant application deadline is December 15. Grant applications are reviewed each spring by the Florida Historical Commission Grants Review Panel. A grant administrator in the Bureau of Historic Preservation's Grants Section can explain the details of this process if you choose to pursue it. You may reach a representative in that office by calling toll free at 800.847.7278.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the marker application process, please do not hesitate to call Michael Zimny, State Historical Marker Coordinator, at 800.847.7278 or 850.245.6354 or e-mail: Michael.Zimny@DOS.MyFlorida.com.