The Unit began
as the Stolen Boat Committee of the Florida Auto Theft Intelligence Unit (FATIU)
on January 6, 1986 by providing training on marine theft in conjunction with the
quarterly meetings FATIU. The Committee was dissolved August 16, 1987 due to
the FATIU by-laws restricting the quarterly meetings to the only one day of
training. Subsequently, the Central Florida Marine Intelligence Unit was formed
to provide a monthly exchange of intelligence and training relating to all
aspects of marine enforcement.
On April 26,
1989 at the monthly meeting held in Treasure Island, the membership voted to
change the name to Florida Marine Intelligence Unit, expand to a statewide
organization, and to meet on a quarterly basis. On May 31, 1989, an
organizational meeting was held in Mount Dora, at which time a constitution and
by-laws were approved and the election of officers was held. The first quarterly
meeting was held in Orlando on Wednesday, August 16, 1989 and hosted by the
Orange County Sheriff's Office.
The Unit was incorporated in the State of Florida on April 1, 1995.