Becoming a Texas Master Florist

About the Texas Master Florist^® Program

The Texas Master Florist (TMF) program is one of the most complete educational programs in the floral industry. It is divided into three segments — Design Production, Design Management and Master Florist Certification — and is designed to benefit everyone from sales to designers to shop owners. It is recommended that applicants have three to five years of floral experience. The TMF program provides a high level of professional excellence, which is recognized throughout the industry. Annual membership in the Texas State Florists' Association (TSFA) is required to obtain and maintain the TMF designation.

Am I Eligible for the Texas Master Florist Program?

It is recommended that applicants have three to five years of floral experience. After completion of the TMF Application, a TSFA Education Committee member will administer the TMF qualifying exam, which is given to ensure your goal of becoming a successful florist.

Upon completion of the TMF certification, you are eligible to enroll in a national certification prep course with the objective of testing for the American Institute of Floral Design Certified Floral Designer^® (CFD). Please contact the TSFA office at 512-528-0806 for additional information on the TSFA national certification prep course.

Steps to Becoming a Texas Master Florist

Complete and return the TSFA TMF application.
Take and pass the TMF qualifying exam.
After passing the TMF qualifying exam, you are eligible to register online for seven of the 10 qualifying courses in this certification program.
Register for the three hands-on courses.
Once you have successfully completed all 10 courses, both hands-on and online, you may register for Texas Master Florist final exam.

Texas Master Certified Florist Content

Hands-on Courses

Celebration of Life and Sympathy Design — Funeral flowers are more than an expression of sympathy; they are symbols of faith and respect. In this workshop, you will learn sympathy arrangements in baskets and containers, standing sprays, wreaths, form pieces, casket sprays, cremation urn pieces, celebration of life and much more.
Wedding Florals — A florist can make or break their reputation through their wedding flowers. In this workshop you will learn corsages, boutonnieres, hairpieces, hand-tied bouquets and more.
The Elements and Principles of Floral Design — This course might as well be called “Tools of Design.” Principles are not arbitrary rules; they are constant guidelines.

Online Courses

Floral Business Procedures and Policies — The goal of daily business procedures is to acquaint the individual with the basic definitions and business procedures needed to operate a floral shop on a day-to-day basis.
Care and Handling of Foliage and Flowering Plants — Plants add a touch to our homes and brighten our indoor surroundings. In the course you will learn the plant’s morphology, the plant’s physiology, plant nomenclature and much more.
Care of Cut Flowers and Foliage — Cut flowers, even though they have been separated from the parent plant, are living, actively metabolizing plant parts. You will explore the factors affecting quality, tips and handling, pre-treatments and care and handling terms.
Floral Sales and Profitability for the Retail Florist — Operating a successful floral business takes time, attention and effort. Much like anything florists do, we must know what to do before we can get started.
Flower Shop Delivery Concepts — In this 24-hour, self service society, few customer-oriented personalized services remain. Delivery is a service that is very competitive and helps keep customers coming to our shops.
The Art of Effective Visual Merchandising — Merchandising is anything that is done to develop the business and move your product. Good visual merchandising is a mix of art, science and inspiration. In this course, you will learn how to optimize your sales space for maximum revenue.
Advertising and Marketing — In today’s advertising market, the consumer is over exposed to commercial messages. Your business must get noticed, and this course will provide the tools needed for success.