The Society of Floral Painters was founded in 1996 by a group of artists in Southampton and now has members throughout the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world.

All forms of flower portraiture, ranging from botanical to free design, in any medium, are acceptable for exhibition, so long as work conforms to the criteria laid down by the Society. This ensures high standards of both work and presentation.

Artists are accepted for full membership of the Society after their work has been assessed by a selection panel. Such assessments are normally held once a year.

Associate membership is open to anyone on payment of a small fee. Associate members may take part in all activities of the Society apart from full members' exhibitions and are invited to apply for assessment for full membership as places become available. Membership levels are normally held at around two hundred.

Society activities include workshops, painting days, critique days and an Annual General Meeting with lunch.

Since its formation, the Society has held many successful exhibitions. Venues have included: