Florida Online Raffle Regulations: A Guide for Charitable Organizations
Want to run an online raffle in Florida? Learn what the law says, what non-profits must do to stay compliant, and how RaffleGives makes it easy and legal to raise money online.
Introduction
If you're a Florida-based non-profit and want to run an online raffle, there's good news — it's possible, legal, and surprisingly simple when you understand the state’s rules. However, the legal requirements can be confusing, and many organizations hesitate to launch raffles due to fear of non-compliance.
This guide explains Florida's charitable raffle laws in plain language, outlines what your organization needs to stay compliant, and shows how platforms like RaffleGives simplify the process from start to finish.
Are Raffles Legal in Florida?
Yes — but with clear restrictions.
Florida law allows certain qualifying non-profits to run raffles, which are technically referred to as "drawings by chance." These are governed by Florida Statute 849.0935, which outlines what organizations can and cannot do.
Who Can Run a Raffle in Florida?
To legally hold a raffle in Florida, your organization must be:
- A 501(c)(3) or similar tax-exempt organization
- Registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
- Operating primarily for charitable, religious, educational, or civic purposes
If your non-profit is not registered or doesn’t maintain exempt status, you cannot legally conduct a raffle.
Key Florida Raffle Rules (Plain English)
To remain in compliance with Florida law, your raffle must meet the following requirements:
- No Required Donation for Entry
You can suggest a donation amount, but you must offer free entry if someone asks. This is known as the “no purchase necessary” rule.
- Disclose Rules Clearly
All raffle promotions must clearly state the drawing rules, prize value, entry deadline, and how winners will be chosen.
- No Paid Staff Benefit
Employees or board members may not personally benefit from the prize or revenue.
- Random Drawing
Winners must be selected randomly — either manually or using certified randomization software.
- No Multi-State Sales
You may only promote and sell tickets to people within Florida unless you're compliant with the laws of additional states.
What About Online Raffles in Florida?
Florida allows online raffles as long as:
- You meet all general raffle requirements listed above
- You do not solicit donations from out-of-state donors unless also compliant there
- You use a platform that helps you stay within state boundaries and disclosure rules
This is where RaffleGives shines — it was built specifically for legal online raffles in states like Florida, providing location-aware access and automated legal disclosures.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Not Registering with FDACS
All Florida non-profits soliciting donations must register annually. If you skip this step, your raffle may be deemed illegal.
2. Failing to Offer Free Entry
Even if 99% of people donate to enter, Florida requires a no-purchase entry to be disclosed and honored.
3. Promoting Out of State
Social media ads or mass emails that reach other states can unintentionally create compliance issues. RaffleGives uses geo-based protections to help with this.
4. Using the Wrong Platform
Many raffle tools don’t offer legal guidance or customization for Florida laws. If your platform doesn’t support Florida’s requirements, you're taking a risk.
How RaffleGives Helps You Stay Compliant
Instead of hiring legal consultants or relying on confusing state forms, Florida non-profits can use RaffleGives to:
- Verify eligibility
- Include all required disclosures automatically
- Enable free entry and donor opt-outs
- Limit promotion to in-state audiences
- Randomly select winners using certified tech
- Provide full transparency and prize tracking
Unlike general fundraising tools, RaffleGives is purpose-built for state-compliant, online 50/50 raffles.
For comparison, services like Harbor Compliance can help you with nonprofit registration — but they don't provide raffle-specific tools or execution. RaffleGives does both.
Resources to Help You Succeed
If you're new to online raffles, start here:
- How to Run a Successful Online Raffle
- Step-by-Step: Launching Your First 50/50 Raffle
- Choosing the Right Raffle Platform
Final Checklist for Florida Raffles
✅ You are a qualified 501(c)(3)
✅ You are registered with FDACS
✅ You disclose full raffle terms
✅ You allow free entry
✅ You use a platform that meets state requirements
If you check every box — you're ready to go.
Final Thoughts
Florida has some of the clearest rules for charitable raffles in the U.S. The key is understanding what’s required — and using the right tools to meet those standards. With RaffleGives, your organization can confidently run a fully compliant, fully digital 50/50 raffle that raises money, excites donors, and expands your mission.
👉 Register now with RaffleGives and launch your Florida-approved raffle in minutes.
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