The Miniature Art Society of Florida, Inc., is one of a number of non-profit groups in the United States involved in contemporary miniaturism. Founded in 1974 in Clearwater by Bede Zel Angle, Dunedin artist and teacher, it has grown from two dozen early organizers to more than 400 members in the United States and several foreign countries. Now headquartered in Dunedin, it has brought the area and Florida to the forefront in the rising resurgence of interest in miniature art.

The Society encourages artists to become involved in the exciting world of miniaturism. It seeks to broaden the awareness of the public and collectors to the delicate beauty and refinement of this venerable art form. Its scholarship efforts assist talented young artists of the future.

The first exhibit of contemporary miniature art on the Suncoast was presented by the Society at the Florida Gulf Coast Center in 1975. An invitational show, it featured several hundred works of award winners from the United States.

This was followed in 1976 by the First National Miniature Art Show at the Bank of Clearwater. An open competitive show, it was succeeded by 13 international shows held at the former Kapok Tree Restaurant.

The Fifteenth International Show was held at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg in 1990, followed by the 1991 show at the Summit Conference Center in Clearwater. The 1998 Show was held in the prestigious Belleview Mido Resort Hotel.

Over the years the Society has also exhibited upon invitation at the Dunedin Fine Art Center and in 1989 joined with the Tampa Museum of Art in a unique show of historical and contemporary miniatures.