[1] The association was founded in 1961 at the request of then Governor Farris Bryant, who asked for advice on problems confronting the state from a business point of view.

He met with the council two weeks after winning the election and acknowledged that he is depending on those business leaders to allow him to fulfill his campaign promise of 700,000 new jobs in seven years.

[5] According to the group's website, membership is by invitation from the existing council members, who select recognized and successful leaders from all types of Florida businesses, not elected public service.

The council's 1998 mission statement elaborates: "To be a forum of strategic thinkers and leaders having a major positive effect on Florida public policy which enhances the quality of life and economic well-being of all Floridians.

"[1] The council's non-profit filing with the Internal Revenue Service states that their purpose is to "educate the community and promote economic development to provide a better standard of living for all Floridians.

"[4] When the council identifies a subject as critically important to the state, they form a task force to research the issue, define problems and possible solutions in a position paper or report.

Florida State University Public Administration professor Lance deHaven-Smith commented: "A group of un-elected officials who in their own right have enormous resources and power have become very influential in government without the larger electorate knowing much about it.

[4] Alex Sink, former president of the Florida division of Bank of America, gave up her Council leadership position because her Democratic husband ran against Bush in 1998.