Membership Directory-- A membership directory is produced annually listing all properties. Member inns receive an unlimited supply to distribute to their guests thereby creating multiple marketing agents throughout the state. In addition, directories are distributed by the FBBI office.

Marketing / Advertising -- In addition to distribution through its members, FBBI promotes the brochure via state & national press releases, advertising and public relations efforts. A toll-free phone line is available for inquiries from the public.

Internet Presence -- Member inns are automatically placed on the FBBI website at no additional charge. The association's site, www.florida-inns.com, contains contact information, a 80-100-word description of each property, photos and links to individual member websites. A basic listing for all members is also placed on www.bbonline.com/fl/fbbi. To expand that listing to include photos, additional text, and a website link, contact BBOnline directly at info@bbonline.com or 615-868-1946. FBBI members get a 10% discount on their first year fee if they choose to sign up for one of BBonline.com's expanded listing packages.

Association Office -- The FBBI office handles guest mail and phone inquiries, distribution of directories, and maintenance & marketing of www.florida-inns.com. The office works with the Board of Directors in conference planning, newsletter publishing, assists members with specific needs and questions, and collaborates with travel writers to encourage articles about Florida and FBBI members. A wide range of innkeeper resources, as well as regulation and start-up materials, are available from this central contact point.

Education/Networking -- FBBI's newsletter is published monthly via email with up-to-date industry topics and association news. An association Annual Meeting / Conference is held each fall with an excellent program, trade show and professional speakers.

Quality Assurance-- FBBI membership is a guarantee of quality to the traveling public. All member inns are inspected biennially by an independent outside inspector, and must meet all state and local regulations.

Gift Certificate Program-- An Association gift certificate program is coordinated through the office that offers all members an opportunity for additional marketing and new revenue. To learn more, click here.

Membership Requirements --Membership is limited to owners/managers of bed & breakfast inns, country inns, small resorts and historic hotels.

• Property must have full-time dedicated innkeepers whose primary responsibilities are to provide B&B services and hospitality.

• In cases where one owner/innkeeper owns two B&B's, membership of each property is required. Membership for the smaller of the two properties will be priced at a 50% discount.

• Inn must be a full-time licensed business that is subject to all local, county, state and federal regulations.

• Two or more guestrooms available for the exclusive use of the business.

• The property shall have no more than two rooms sharing any one bathroom.

• Property is not part of a chain lodging organization.

• The property has unique historic, architectural or scenic attributes. In most cases, renovated motel properties are not eligible.

• Management is committed to high standards of service, cleanliness, hospitality and ethical business practices. Courteous, polite and friendly service is a hallmark of the bed and breakfast experience and should be the goal of all innkeepers.

• Inn must submit to and achieve a passing score on the FBBI independent inspection every two years as scheduled by the association.

Membership Process -- Each inn desiring membership should complete the enclosed application and return it to FBBI (106 South 4^th Avenue, Wauchula, FL 33873) along with a non-refundable $100 application/new member fee. Applicants appearing to meet the requirements of the association will be approved into a conditional membership category with immediate full services and benefits. Final membership status will be awarded upon the satisfactory completion of an independent inspection at the next possible opportunity. Each property is responsible for the biennial inspection fee (currently $90). Membership is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and can be revoked upon serious or repeated grievances against a property.