[1][2] At the suggestion of President Albert Murphree, dean of general extension Bert C. Riley brought together a group of student leaders to form an organization recognizing leadership and promoting service.

The networking of those students with each other, and with other alumni of the institution, provided a powerful force and unique opportunity for service to the University of Florida.

Many doors were opened to young college graduates whose resume included membership in Florida Blue Key.

[3] The concept of a group of student leaders pooling their talents and interests to plan and promote a major event for their campus was a popular idea.

[2] For a variety of reasons, the University of Florida chapter decided not to be part of the national organization with the issue coming to a decision point 1932 and 1935.

The Florida group thought the proposed constitution of the national organization took too much control from the hands of the students; and it disagreed with some specific tenets of membership, including the requirement of a 2.5 grade point average.

Furthermore, Blue Key Honor Society is prohibited from chartering or forming chapters at any institution within the State of Florida.

Gator Growl is billed as the largest student-run pep rally in the world; an estimated 75,000 people have attended the event in past years.

The Independent Florida Alligator wrote that "For students aspiring to hold public office one day, the path seems simple," adding "Go to UF.

"[9] The publication has also written that a "fluid set of alliances governed by a select group of powerbrokers" called the "System" hovers over Student Government and Florida Blue Key, stating that the System assigns power to a small group of campus leaders who have a decisive influence on who gets tapped to join Florida Blue Key, among other things.

[9] The Tampa Bay Times has similarly written that "Campus politics in Gainesville have long been controlled by a powerful few with the help of a voting bloc made up of social sororities and fraternities.

"[10] Criticism of FBK has propped up, with the organization being accused of intentionally tapping fewer individuals affiliated with multicultural communities.

[9] Wesley Maul, a former FBK President has addressed these concerns stating, "Many Florida students hold positions of responsibility and leadership throughout campus and the Gainesville community, but merely holding such a position doesn't insure [sic] membership in Florida Blue Key."