About Us

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

Since our founding in 1920, the nonprofit, nonpartisan ACLU has grown from a roomful of civil liberties activists to an organization of nearly 400,000 members and supporters, with offices in almost every state.

The ACLU of Florida, with headquarters in Miami, is the local affiliate of the national organization. Chartered in 1965, the ACLU of Florida operates with the help of 16 staff members and 16 volunteer-run chapters across the state. The organization's oldest chapter -- the Greater Miami Chapter of the ACLU of Florida -- was founded in 1955. The newest chapter -- the Florida Keys Chapter of the ACLU of Florida -- was chartered in May 2005.

Click here to get involved with an ACLU chapter in your area

With more than 22,000 members and supporters across Florida, the ACLU is funded entirely with private donations, foundation grants, court-awarded legal fees and membership dues. We do not receive any government funding. Annual membership dues are $20 for an individual; $30 for a joint membership. Students and others on limited incomes may join for $5.

The ACLU is comprised of two organizations, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU Foundation. Learn more about the differences between the two organizations.

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Frequently Asked Questions About ACLU Positions