Florida Raffle Laws: Legal Guidelines for Charity Raffles
Understanding Florida raffle laws is key to running a legal and successful raffle for your mission. Here’s what you need to know!
Lydia Wohlgemuth
Understanding Florida raffle laws is key to running a legal and successful raffle for your mission. Here’s what you need to know!
While gambling is illegal in Florida, raffles are allowed for qualified nonprofits. As long as you follow the rules, your nonprofit can host a fun and legal raffle in Florida.
In this blog, we’ll cover the Florida raffle laws you need to know as you plan your fundraising event.
Great news! If your nonprofit is tax-exempt, you’re allowed to host a raffle in Florida! Unlike other state raffle laws, you don’t need a special license or permit in Florida, but you do need to follow several rules.
Raffle rules in Florida are governed by Florida Statute Section 849.0935, which defines raffles as “drawings by chance.”
This means there are a few important requirements your nonprofit needs to follow, which we’ll outline in this article.
As part of Florida’s solicitation laws, you’ll also need to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) if you plan to accept donations at your raffle event or during ticket sales.
An important note: your nonprofit can suggest donation amounts when offering Florida raffle tickets online or in person, but you can’t require anyone to pay to enter. Entry must be free, and any donations have to be completely voluntary.
Running an illegal raffle can come with some serious consequences, like hefty fines or even legal action.
In fact, violations can be treated as second-degree misdemeanors under laws about deceptive and unfair trade practices.
And beyond the legal risks, there’s the trust factor. Hosting a raffle the wrong way could damage your reputation and hurt the trust you’ve built with your donors.
If you want to dig deeper into the penalties, check out Section 775.083 of the Florida Statutes. For now, keep reading to learn how to stay legal and avoid these penalties.
If you’re a nonprofit, you can legally host a raffle in Florida, but only if you have official tax-exempt status under Section 501c of the IRS code.
Eligible groups include charitable, social welfare, recreational, fraternal, and veterans organizations, like 501(c)(3), (4), (7), (8), (10), and (19).
This status means you’re exempt from federal income tax, which is required to run a legal raffle.
Groups that can’t legally host raffles include for-profit businesses, informal groups without tax-exempt status, individuals, and new nonprofits without IRS approval.
If you’re a Florida nonprofit planning to host a raffle, this checklist will walk you through each step to ensure you stay compliant with state laws and regulations.
First things first, make sure your nonprofit is qualified to host a raffle. Under raffle laws in Florida, you must be a tax-exempt nonprofit according to the IRS.
If you’d like your event attendees to be able to donate to your cause at the raffle, you need to register your nonprofit with the FDACS. But remember, any transactions must be completely voluntary.
As you’re figuring out the value of your raffle prizes, keep in mind that Florida has extra rules for high-value prizes.
If your raffle exceeds $5,000, here’s what your nonprofit needs to do:
Keep in mind that these rules apply not only to Florida-based nonprofits but also to out-of-state organizations if Florida residents can access the raffle.
Next, as you prepare your raffle materials and promotions, Florida raffle laws require you to include specific details on everything you share with the public.
Every flyer, post, ticket, or ad, whether digital or print, must clearly state:
You’re also allowed to suggest a donation amount on your materials – but remember, it’s illegal to require payment for entry into a raffle in Florida.
Now it’s time to get creative and make your raffle tickets!
Whether you go with a fun theme or keep it simple, just make sure you include all the required Florida disclosures we mentioned above, like your nonprofit’s name, rules, drawing details, and how the prizes are funded.
You can purchase pre-made tickets or make your own. Check out our raffle ticket templates blog for some pre-made options.
Once your tickets are ready, you’ll want to start getting them into supporters’ hands – legally, of course!
If you’re looking for an easy way to manage tickets and suggest donations, Donorbox Events is an amazing tool. It allows you to create multiple ticket types – including a $0 ticket option – and keeps all of your tickets and donations organized, legal, and donor-friendly.
For example, look at how this organization used a Donorbox-powered event form to sell tickets for their Easter fundraising raffle (not Florida-based, so there was no need to include a $0 ticket option):
Get Started with Donorbox Events
Now your nonprofit is ready to draw the winners! Just make sure you hold the drawing at the date, time, and location you originally advertised, and use a random, chance-based method to select the winners.
After the drawing, it’s a good idea to keep records, like ticket stubs and donation receipts, in case any questions arise down the road.
Be sure to announce the results publicly and share a winners list with anyone who requests it.
Florida 50/50 raffles aren’t directly authorized under state law, which makes them a bit tricky for nonprofits.
Since Florida requires all raffles to offer free entry, you can’t require payment, even though 50/50 prizes depend on the amount collected.
If you host this type of raffle, be sure to allow free entry and make it clear that donations are optional.
Raffle laws in Florida can be confusing, so let’s clear up some common myths to help you stay compliant.
You can’t require a donation to enter a raffle in Florida. Entry to your raffle must always be free – but you can make donations optional.
Raffles in Florida can’t be held just anywhere; hosting on school property may have restrictions or require special approval.
All Florida raffle tickets and promotions must include specific disclosures by law, like your nonprofit’s name and address, the official raffle rules, and how and when the winner will be announced.
Raffles can be a fun and effective way to fundraise for your cause! Just make sure to follow Florida’s legal requirements. Each step matters to follow the rules and build trust with your supporters.
Donorbox Events is a great solution for managing your raffle tickets. It lets you set up multiple ticket tiers – including the required $0 free entry option as required by Florida law – and gives supporters the chance to add a donation at checkout.
Ready to host your raffle the right way? Sign up for free with Donorbox today!
Yes, raffles are legal in Florida, but only for qualified tax-exempt nonprofits that follow specific state guidelines. For-profit businesses and individuals cannot legally hold raffles.
To run a legal raffle in Florida, your nonprofit must be tax-exempt, offer free entry, follow disclosure rules, and comply with any prize value requirements. You may need to register with the FDACS if you’re soliciting donations.
Florida law doesn’t specifically authorize 50/50 raffles, making them a bit of a gray area for nonprofits. However, if you host one, you must offer free entry and clearly state that no donation or purchase is required.
No, Florida law prohibits charging for raffle entry. Your nonprofit must make tickets available for free, although suggested donation amounts are allowed.
With a background in professional writing, Lydia has over five years in nonprofit communications under her belt. Lydia’s passion for supporting nonprofits sparked during her college internships with global mission organizations, where she gained valuable insights into fundraising marketing strategies. These experiences have continued to fuel her dedication to empowering nonprofits through her writing.
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