Hillsborough Lodge No. 25 Free & Accepted Masons of Florida

Frequently Asked Questions & How To Petition

Freemasonry and Masonic Lodge Membership

How old do I have to be to join a Masonic Lodge in Florida?

Answer: Currently, the minimum age requirement to petition a Masonic Lodge in Florida is 18.

Is Freemasonry a religion?

Answer: No. Freemasonry accepts men of all religions. The only requirement is that you must believe in Deity.

Is Freemasonry a secret society?

Answer: No. Freemasons are part of a worldwide Fraternity of Brothers. While many of our rituals and communication are secret, or known only to Brothers, there is quite a bit of information made available to all regarding Freemasonry. If we were truly a 'secret society,' we wouldn't be known to all people, and none of our symbols would be visible by anyone.  We also wouldn't hang a neon sign on the main road through downtown Tampa either.

What do Masons do?

Answer: Masons believe in three principal tenets: relief, truth, and charity. Freemasonry is a Fraternity of men seeking to use the Fraternity's systems of morality to make themselves better men.  As Masons, these tenets are exemplified not only within the fraternity, but throughout life. Freemasonry is a lifestyle, not a membership, and promotes family, honor, and the betterment of society.

Can I be a member of two Masonic Lodges?

Answer: Assuming that you are in good standing with your home Lodge, you may petition a Florida Lodge for dual membership (out-of-state) or plural membership (in-state). While the most current forms can be printed or downloaded from the Grand Lodge website here, please discuss the matter with the Lodge Secretary before proceeding to ensure you have the proper forms and procedure.  The Lodge Secretary can be reached by email at secretary@hillsborough25.org.

Do I have to be a Mason to join the Shriners?

Answer: Yes. All members of the Shrine must be Master Masons in good standing.

If I petition a Masonic Lodge, will I be investigated?

Answer: Yes. The Digest of Masonic Law states that you must be a man of good moral character, and shall not have been convicted of a felony crime. As part of the petition process, you will be required to submit to a full background check. Additionally, an investigation committee from the Lodge will schedule a visit to your residence at a time convenient for you.

What are the steps to joining / petitioning?

Answer:  The normal path of a petitioner is as follows:
1) A man interested in joining attends one or more dinners or other open events at the Lodge. The more the better!
2) He obtains a petition.
3) Two members of the Lodge must sign the petition. It must also contain three references.
4) The petition is turned in with the necessary fees.
5) The Petitions Committee meets with the petitioner.
6) The petition is ‘accepted’ by the Lodge (by vote).
7) The petitioner is contacted and visited by an investigating committee of three members (typically at his home).
8) The background check is completed and reviewed.
9) The petition is balloted upon at a business meeting.
10) If elected to membership, he is contacted by the Secretary and informed of the date of his EA degree.

How do I start the process?

Simply fill in the form seen below and we will reach out to you as soon as possible.  You can join us for dinner before any meeting, degree, or other event that we hold on Tuesday evenings.  Such events are posted to our lodge website calendar here.  You can also email the Lodge Secretary at secretary@hillsborough25.org to confirm details, if you prefer.