Floral Education Program (FEPK)
FEPK is an annual education experience hosted by the Kentucky Florists’ Association.
It brings floral professionals together for hands-on learning, skill development, and professional growth, whether you’re just starting out or ready to advance your career. FEPK offers two educational options, designed to meet florists where they are in their journey. Please note you or your employer must be a member of KFA to register for either program.
2026 Floral Education Programs
FEPK Beginner’s Course
June 26–27, 2026
The Beginner’s Course is a two-day introduction to floral design and the floral industry.
This course is ideal for:
Florists with three years or less experience
Students or career changers exploring floristry
Anyone looking to build a strong foundation in floral design
Participants will learn:
Basic principles and elements of floral design
Everyday, wedding, and sympathy design
Floral care and handling
Introduction to floral business practices
This course also serves as the first step toward earning the Kentucky Master Florist (KMF) certification.
2026 Cost
$399 per person WITHOUT lodging
$524 per person WITH lodging
The Kentucky Master Florist Certification Course
June 21–26, 2026
The Kentucky Master Florist Certification Course is a six-day intensive course designed for experienced floral professionals seeking advanced education and professional certification.
This course is ideal for:
Experienced floral designers ready to elevate their skills and credentials
Florists with more than three years of industry experience
Shop owners and lead designers seeking advanced design and business training
Professionals who want to strengthen their expertise in weddings, sympathy work, and everyday design
This program focuses on:
Advanced wedding, sympathy, and everyday floral design
Hands-on design instruction and critique
Care and handling of plants and cut flowers
Marketing, customer relations, and business operations
The program concludes with a certification exam to determine if participants earn the certification designation.
2026 Cost
$1,240 per person WITHOUT lodging
$1,440 per person WITH lodging
KFA Certification Pathway
KFA education and certifications are designed to support florists at every stage of their career:
Beginners (3 years or less experience): Kentucky Associate Florist (KAF)
Professionals with under 10 years experience: Kentucky Certified Professional Florist (KCPF)
Professionals with 10+ years experience: Kentucky Master Florist (KMF)
Registration for both courses is preferred online through the registration link.
Printed applications may also be mailed to the Kentucky Florists’ Association at the address listed below.
Kentucky Beginner’s Course Application
Kentucky Master Florist Certification Course Application
Completed registration form and payment can be mailed to:
Sherry Bridges, KMF, MM Designs Flowers & Gifts, 11033 E. County Road 200 S, Crothersville, IN 47229 | Make checks payable to KFA.
Instructor & Facilitator
Tom Bowling AIFD, PFCI
Teleflora Education Specialist and freelance designer based in Fairfield, Ohio.
Tom brings over 45 years of experience in the floral industry, including time as a shop owner and educator. He has designed for numerous high-profile events, including Presidential Inaugurations, and is the recipient of the prestigious Tommy Bright Award from the Society of American Florists for lifetime achievement as a florist and educator.
Tom’s teaching style is approachable, practical, and rooted in real-world experience, making him an excellent instructor for those new to the industry.
Sherry Bridges, KMF
Sherry Bridges brings over 32 years of floral design experience to the Floral Education Program of Kentucky. She is the owner of MM Designs Flowers & Gifts in Uniontown, Indiana, where she has built a reputation for creativity, craftsmanship, and a deep love of the floral industry.
As the FEPK Facilitator, Sherry plays a key role in supporting students throughout the program, helping create a welcoming, organized, and encouraging learning environment. She is passionate about education and gives back to the industry by supporting her local FFA programs and hosting floral design and wreath workshops throughout the year.
Floral design is truly Sherry’s passion, and she is dedicated to helping the next generation of florists learn, grow, and bloom.
Scholarships Available
The Kentucky Florists’ Association offers scholarship opportunities to help support participation in the Floral Education Program of Kentucky (FEPK), including both the Beginner’s Course and the Kentucky Master Florist (KMF) Program.
Please note: The scholarship application deadline for 2026 has now passed.
Ready To Learn, Grow, And Bloom?
Choose the FEPK program that’s right for you and register today. For more information about the FEPK Education Program or scholarships, please contact Sherry Bridges KMF - mmdesigns94@gmail.com | 812-569-0407
FEPK Program FAQs
-
FEPK is KFA’s annual hands-on education program designed to help florists build skills, gain experience, and grow professionally.
-
FEPK offers a two-day Beginner’s Course for new florists and a six-day Kentucky Master Florist (KMF) Certification Course for experienced professionals.
-
Yes, you or your employer must be a member of the Kentucky Florists’ Association to register for FEPK programs.