The Floréal-class frigates were designed in response to a demand for a cheap warship capable of operating in low threat areas and able to perform general patrol functions.

As a result, the Floréal class were constructed to mercantile standards in the areas of ammunition stowage, helicopter facilities and damage control, which significantly lowered the cost of the vessels.

[2] However, at the end of the missile's life cycle in 2014, the launchers were removed as the French Navy did not intend to replace the capability aboard the ships.

[2] Germinal was ordered as part of the third pair in January 1991 from Chantiers de l'Atlantique for construction at their yard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and the keel was laid down on 17 August 1992.

[12] On 19 June 2015 Germinal caught up with a sailboat making a trans-Atlantic crossing 250 nautical miles (460 km; 290 mi) southeast of Martinique.

[13] In April 2016, Germinal caught another go-fast, roughly 50 kilometres (31 mi) from the Martinique coast and seized 700 kilograms (1,500 lb) of marijuana.

In October, the frigate intercepted a transfer of 55 kilograms (121 lb) of cocaine between a go fast and a fishing boat 75 kilometres (47 mi) from Dominica.

Then on the night of 17/18 November, while operating off the coast of Guajira Peninsula, Colombia, Germinal took part in the chase of another go-fast, seizing 780 kilograms (1,720 lb) of cocaine.

[14] In September 2017, Germinal, with sister ship Ventôse, was deployed to Saint Martin after the island was hit by Hurricane Irma.

[20] In April 2023, the frigate visited the uninhabited French territory of Clipperton Island to carry out sovereignty protection duties.