October 8, 1928 – David B. Laird (FL) Chapter chartered; David B. Laird first President

1938 – 5 councils formed throughout the State to manage the broad geographic area served and increasing membership.

July 1, 1970 – Chapter name changed to Florida Chapter 39

July 1, 1972 - Florida Gold Coast Chapter #83 chartered serving South Florida
(Vero Beach to Keys) and Florida Chapter 39 renamed to North Florida Chapter 39

July 1, 1995 – Florida Gold Coast #83 renamed to South Florida Chapter 83

July 1, 1998 – The two Florida chapters re-merged becoming Florida Chapter 39

The David B. Laird Chapter was the first chapter in the State of Florida – chartered on  October 8, 1928 with 25 members in Jacksonville. The number doubled in 10 days! On October 18, 1928, the first meeting was held to elect officers; David Laird was named president. This original chapter served the entire state (including part of the West Coast of Florida) until 1972 when growth in the southern part of the state warranted additional support.

On July 1, 1970, the chapter was renamed "Florida Chapter #39." Its membership had grown to almost 6,000 active Pioneers across the state, with 6,504 retired Pioneers from all over the old Bell System (affiliates). To better facilitate such a large and geographically-challenged Pioneer organization, the chapter was split in 1972 with the southern half of the State becoming the new Florida Gold Coast Chapter #83, and the old "Florida Chapter 39" becoming North Florida Chapter 39.

The name changed to "BellSouth North Florida Chapter" in 1995 as part of the Pioneers’ strategic goals to co-brand with their sponsor company – BellSouth.

The BellSouth - South Florida Chapter #83 was chartered in July, 1972 under the name "Florida Gold Coast Chapter". The name was changed in 1995 to reflect the sponsor company’s name for branding purposes. Chapter 83 served the geographic area between Sebastian and Key West – including part of the West Coast of Florida.

As of January, 1997, pioneers living on the West Coast of Florida are now served by other sponsor companies as it is currently independent territory.

On July 1, 1998, the two Florida chapters merged as the Florida Chapter #39 – retaining its originally-assigned number in support of the opportunities to strengthen Pioneering in Florida through this renewed partnership.

This current organization has approximately 21,000 active and retired members serving Florida communities in traditional as well as new ways. From hug-a-bears and Beeper Easter Egg Hunts for the blind, to building ramps and access for the disabled, to providing food and clothing to the needy, to educating seniors about the warning signs behind fraudulent telemarketing schemes,
to walking for the cure, to running for life, Florida Pioneers are there. Members have also worked on improving the environment with Butterfly Gardens, enhancing self-esteem of Florida’s foster children by providing canvas duffel bags, improving basic skills in more than 5,000 Florida kindergartners through the distribution of I Like Me! books, and much more.