The WSF is a corporation with World Headquarters in Miami, Florida, and was legally formed in August 2001, and is the recognized World Governing Body for Salsa Competition.

The World Salsa Federation, Inc. was established to promote dance as an art and as a sport; to elevate the status of dancers as a respected member of the art and sport community; to professionalize dance as a whole through the introduction of syllabus and examinations; to foster the harmonious relations between all dance organizations and to develop world class caliber artists and dance sport athletes.