The FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory (FSUCML) has been in existence since 1949, when Florida State University established the Oceanographic Institute at Alligator Harbor, where it maintained a substantial research effort throughout the 1950's and 1960's. In the late 1960's, FSU moved the laboratory to its current location on land donated by Edward Ball, the founder of the St. Joe Paper Company, and changed its name to reflect his generosity.

In 2006, although still officially the Edward Ball Marine Laboratory, in honor of its benefactor, the lab became known as the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, a name that better reflects the expanded programmatic base of its research, education, and outreach missions. Research is conducted by faculty in residence and from the departments of biological science, oceanography, geology, and anthropology, as well as by postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate investigators. Scientific diving activities are supported by the Academic Diving Program.

The FSUCML is a member of The Southern Association of Marine Laboratories (SAML) and The National Association of Marine Laboratories (NAML). It has developing research partnerships with a number of state and federal agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, NOAA Fisheries, the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. In addition, it has close ties with a number of environmental organizations, including the Nature Conservancy.

The laboratory is also available to investigators and educational groups from outside the university (see facilities for fee basis and reservations).