The Florida School of Holistic Living is a 501c3 nonprofit educational organization with the mission of cultivating sustainable community by empowering individuals through philosophy-in-practice education that promotes holistic living.

Founded in 1999 as the Florida School of Herbal Studies, the school first focused on introducing the concepts and practices of holistic living through the science and art of herbalism.  Classes offered in Titusville and Orlando began under the direction of herbalist George D’Arcy, hosted at local herb stores and healing centers such as Leaves and Roots and Simply Well.  The school’s first building and educational gardens were established in 2005 at the corner of Lakemont and Aloma Ave in Winter Park, relocating to its current location on North Thornton Avenue in Downtown Orlando in Fall 2006.

As the school’s programming grew, so did its curriculum, to serve students and assist them in fully integrating ecological herbalism into their lives.  These expanded offerings included healthy home cleaning, natural care for pets, holistic nutrition, organic gardening.  The school formally changed its name to the Florida School of Holistic Living in Fall 2007 to better reflect its mission and work in the community. 

FSHL has been a driving force in Central Florida's movement towards environmental consciousness and conservation, offering access to education on traditional philosophies and practices, as well as contemporary technologies, that foster living in harmony with the natural world.  The school founded the local chapter of United Plant Savers, and has been host to the area’s annual Herb Day celebration since its inception in 2006.  It organized the 2008 celebration of Central Florida Earth Day. 

In addition to its independently offered curriculum, the school has led courses at University of Central Florida, Valencia Community College, Orange County Public Libraries, Winter Park Library, Leu Gardens, Biscayne Nature Preserve, and many other varied and respected community centers around the state.  The school is a recognized member of the American Herbalists Guild.

To fulfill our mission of cultivating sustainable community, the Florida School of Holistic Living offers philosophy-in-practice education in our three areas of emphasis: Natural Health, Spiritual Arts, and Sustainable Living.

Philosophy-in-practice education offers students the opportunity to "get their hands dirty." We emphasize a holistic philosophy in all of our courses, a perspective which honors the whole person and their connection to their environment. We then seek to put that philosophy into practice through hands-on educational opportunities, taking our students into the field to connect with the subjects of which they are learning.

Our education extends beyond our courses, to community education through events, our local food co-op, and our Community Education Garden. However, it is our educational curriculum which is the backbone of our work and allows us to connect with individuals to empower them with the knowledge and experience to live a more fulfilling, sustainable lifestyle. We hope you will join us for a course or a workshop to experience further how your life can be enhanced with the skills for holistic living.