How to Run a Legal Raffle in Florida: Rules & Step-by-Step Guide [2026]

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Unique raffle laws by state govern events, opportunity drawings, and lotteries in the U.S. Florida has its own set of definitions and rules that dictate what is considered a raffle and which organizations are permitted to host a raffle.

Let's dive into Florida raffle laws to help you get started.

Table of contents

• How to Run a Legal Raffle in Florida: Step-by-Step

• Who can host a raffle in Florida?

• Can For-Profit Businesses, Bars, Schools, and Churches Run Raffles in Florida?

• Florida raffle laws for nonprofits

• Florida Raffle Compliance Checklist

• Successful Florida Raffle: Lil Rascals Dog Rescue

• Florida Raffle Laws: FAQs

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How to Run a Legal Raffle in Florida: Step-by-Step

Running a raffle in Florida is entirely legal for nonprofits — but only if you follow the state's specific requirements under Chapter 849, s. 849.0935 of the 2025 Florida Statutes and the Solicitation of Contributions Act under Chapter 496. Miss a step, and you risk fines, permit revocation, or voided prizes. Follow this process and you'll be covered from registration to winner notification.

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Step 1: Confirm Your Nonprofit Eligibility

Not every organization can legally hold a raffle in Florida. Your organization must qualify under s. 849.0935(1)(a) of the 2025 Florida Statutes — typically a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(7), 501(c)(8), 501(c)(10), or 501(c)(19) entity exempt from federal income taxation under a current IRS determination letter. For-profit businesses and informal community groups are not eligible. Before planning anything else, verify your federal tax-exempt status is current with the IRS and that your organization is in good standing with the Florida Department of State.

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Step 2: Register With FDACS Under Chapter 496

Florida requires most charitable organizations soliciting donations — including raffle ticket sales — to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) before conducting any fundraising. Complete your Charitable Organization Registration (Form DACS-10100), pay the applicable filing fee based on prior-year revenue, and receive your registration number. Renewal is annual. You must display your registration number on all promotional materials. Note: while there's no separate raffle license, this FDACS registration under Chapter 496 is mandatory before you solicit any optional donations as part of your event.

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Step 3: Understand and Apply the No-Purchase-Necessary Rule

Florida law under s. 849.0935(1)(f) requires that anyone can enter your raffle without purchasing a ticket or making a donation. You must provide a free alternative method of entry — typically by mailing a written request to your organization. This rule must be clearly communicated on every ticket, flyer, social media post, and any other promotional material. Failing to include this disclosure is one of the most common compliance mistakes Florida nonprofits make. A suggested minimum donation on your form is also prohibited under s. 849.0935(4)(b).

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Step 4: Create Compliant Tickets and Promotional Materials

Every raffle ticket must include your organization's name and FDACS registration number, the price of the ticket (which must be $0 for entry purposes), a description of each prize and its fair market value, the date and location of the drawing, and the free alternative entry method. Tickets should be pre-numbered for recordkeeping purposes. Under s. 849.0935(4)(a), all advertising and printed materials must also list the full name and address of your nonprofit and the source of funds used to purchase prizes. Avoid vague prize descriptions — Florida law requires specificity.

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Step 5: Handle Prizes Over $5,000 Correctly

If any single prize is valued at more than $5,000, s. 849.0935(3) of the 2025 Florida Statutes imposes additional obligations. You must file with FDACS at least seven days before the event. You must either deposit the prize value into a separate trust account or obtain a surety bond for the prize amount — unless your organization has five or more consecutive years of violation-free raffles on record. You're also required to file documentation with FDACS within seven days of the drawing confirming the prize was awarded. Keep copies of all filings. Any advertising for these larger raffles must also publish all material raffle rules.

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Step 6: Conduct the Drawing Transparently

Hold the drawing at the date, time, and location stated on your tickets. The process should be open and observable — ideally with neutral volunteer witnesses present. Document who conducted the drawing, how tickets were selected, and the winning ticket numbers. If the drawing is virtual or livestreamed, save a recording. Under s. 849.0935(4)(d), you're prohibited from predetermining a winner or rigging the selection in any way, including through matching, instant-win mechanics, or sweepstakes-style formats.

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Step 7: Notify Winners and Complete Your Recordkeeping

Contact winners promptly in writing and document their prize acceptance. Florida nonprofits must maintain raffle records — including ticket stubs, proceeds totals, prize documentation, and winner information — for at minimum three years, consistent with best practice guidance aligned to the 2025 Florida Statutes. These records must be made available to FDACS upon request. Strong recordkeeping protects your organization if questions arise and simplifies future filings. A winners list must also be shared for free upon request under s. 849.0935(3)(e).

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Who can host a raffle in Florida?

To host a raffle in Florida, you need to be a qualified nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3), (4), (7), (8), (10), or (19) status exempt from federal income taxation pursuant under a current determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service.

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How does a nonprofit register for a raffle in Florida?

You do not have to register or obtain a license or permit to host a raffle in Florida. However, you do have to be a qualified nonprofit organization and register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to solicit optional donations as part of your raffle.

Raffles offering prizes with a value exceeding $5,000 are subject to additional registration requirements:

• File with FDACS at least 7 days before the event.

• Set up a trust account with funds matching/exceeding prize value.

• Provide a surety bond unless the organization has 5+ years of violation-free raffles.

• Publish material raffle rules in all ads.

• Post complete rules wherever the raffle is promoted/hosted.

• Share a winners list for free upon request.

• Applies to Florida-based or resident-accessible raffles, even for out-of-state organizations.

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Can For-Profit Businesses, Bars, Schools, and Churches Run Raffles in Florida?

This question comes up constantly — and the short answer is: it depends on the organization type, not just the intent.

For-profit businesses cannot run raffles in Florida. Under s. 849.0935 of the 2025 Florida Statutes, the right to conduct a raffle is restricted exclusively to qualified nonprofit organizations with specific 501(c) federal tax-exempt status. A restaurant, bar, retail store, or any other for-profit business that sells raffle tickets is conducting an illegal lottery under Florida law. This applies even if the proceeds are intended for a charitable cause. The exemption belongs to the qualifying nonprofit entity, not to the fundraising purpose.

What about bars and restaurants? They face the same restriction. A bar hosting a 50/50 raffle on a Friday night — even informally — is operating an illegal lottery. Florida's gambling statutes don't carve out exceptions for hospitality businesses. If a bar wants to support a local charity through a raffle, the registered nonprofit itself must organize and conduct the event.

Schools occupy a more nuanced space. Public schools are governmental entities and don't hold 501(c) status in the traditional sense. Private schools with qualifying 501(c)(3) status can run raffles, provided they're registered with FDACS and comply with all the requirements under Chapter 496 and s. 849.0935. Public school parent-teacher organizations that hold their own 501(c)(3) determination letter may also qualify — but the school itself typically does not.

Churches and religious organizations with 501(c)(3) status can legally run raffles in Florida, provided they meet all the same requirements as any other qualifying nonprofit: active FDACS registration, compliant tickets, no-purchase-necessary disclosure, and proper recordkeeping. A church without current tax-exempt status or FDACS registration cannot legally conduct a raffle, regardless of its charitable intent.

What about 50/50 raffles? A 50/50 raffle — where the prize pool is split between the winner and the organizing nonprofit — is legal in Florida as long as the organizing entity is a qualified nonprofit, the no-purchase-necessary rule is honored, and all other requirements under s. 849.0935 are met. The 50/50 format doesn't create any special exemption, but it also doesn't violate any specific prohibition.

The bottom line: if your organization isn't a qualifying 501(c) nonprofit registered with FDACS, you can't legally run a raffle in Florida. Running one anyway exposes you to deceptive trade practice penalties under Florida law.

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Florida raffle laws for nonprofits

The state of Florida defines a raffle for charitable organizations as:

Drawing by chance," "drawing," or "raffle" means an enterprise in which, from the entries submitted by the public to the organization conducting the drawing, one or more entries are selected by chance to win a prize.

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Regulations on Florida raffles

Any organization operating, promoting, or conducting a raffle in Florida must be aware of several illegal actions to avoid.

Illegal actions under s. 849.0935(4) of the 2025 Florida Statutes include:

• Predetermining a winner by matching, instant wins, or sweepstakes in any way where the selection is rigged

• Requiring an entry fee, donation, or any type of payment to win a prize (although a suggested minimum donation is prohibited)

• Including a minimum number of tickets to be disbursed or a minimum amount of contributions to run the raffle

• Removing or rejecting entries in a way that discriminates against those who have not given a contribution to your organization

• Failing to notify winners or awarding all prizes offered promptly

• Printing, publishing, or circulating any materials about the raffle that are misleading

We'll discuss the risks of violation and penalties for these illegal activities below.

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Promotional materials and raffle tickets

Florida requires your nonprofit to add details on any brochures, advertising material, notices, tickets, or entry blanks related to its raffle that include:

• The rules designated by the organization conducting a raffle

• The full name and address of the nonprofit organization

• The source of the funds used to purchase prizes or award cash prizes

• The date, hour, and place where the winner will be chosen and the prizes awarded

• No purchase, entry fee, or contribution is necessary (suggested minimum donation for raffle entry or voluntary donations in addition to ticket purchase are ok)

Although it's not written in the applicable provisions of raffles in Florida, we recommend that printed tickets have a detachable coupon or stub and that both the ticket and its coupon or stub be marked with a unique and matching number. The minimum number of tickets is not specified.

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You can purchase pre-made tickets or get inspired by our sample ticket:

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Florida Raffle Law Penalties and Violations

According to the 2025 Florida Statutes, illegal raffle actions are subject to deceptive and unfair trade practices. Violations are punishable by penalties equivalent to misdemeanors of the second degree.

Specifically, s. 775.082 and s. 775.083 outline the specific penalties. A second-degree misdemeanor in Florida carries up to 60 days in jail under s. 775.082 and a fine of up to $500 per conviction under s. 775.083. Each separate violation can be treated as a distinct offense — meaning multiple noncompliant actions in a single raffle could result in stacked penalties.

Beyond criminal penalties, FDACS has authority to investigate complaints, issue cease-and-desist orders, and revoke your charitable solicitation registration. A revoked registration means your organization can't legally solicit donations in Florida — not just for raffles, but for any fundraising activity. That's a serious consequence for an organization that depends on public support.

The most common compliance mistakes Florida nonprofits make include: failing to include the no-purchase-necessary disclosure on all promotional materials, running raffles before completing FDACS registration, omitting the organization's registration number from tickets, and not filing the required documentation when prizes exceed $5,000. Each of these is a distinct violation. None of them requires bad intent to trigger a penalty — ignorance of the law isn't a defense under Florida's deceptive trade practices framework.

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Florida Raffle Compliance Checklist

Keeping track of every Florida raffle requirement is easier when you've got it all in one place. Use this checklist before, during, and after your event to stay compliant under the 2025 Florida Statutes and Chapter 496.

Before the Raffle

• [ ] Confirm your organization holds qualifying 501(c)(3), (4), (7), (8), (10), or (19) federal tax-exempt status with a current IRS determination letter

• [ ] Verify your organization is in good standing with the Florida Department of State

• [ ] Complete Charitable Organization Registration (Form DACS-10100) with FDACS under Chapter 496

• [ ] Confirm your FDACS registration number is active and current (renewal is annual)

• [ ] If any prize exceeds $5,000: file with FDACS at least 7 days before the event

• [ ] If any prize exceeds $5,000: establish a trust account or obtain a surety bond

• [ ] Draft compliant tickets including: org name, FDACS registration number, prize descriptions with fair market values, drawing date/time/location, and free entry disclosure

• [ ] Pre-number all tickets

• [ ] Confirm all promotional materials include the no-purchase-necessary statement

• [ ] Confirm all promotional materials include your full organization name, address, and FDACS registration number

• [ ] Confirm no suggested minimum donation appears anywhere on tickets or promotional materials

• [ ] Establish a free mail-in alternative entry method

During the Raffle

• [ ] Conduct the drawing at the stated date, time, and location

• [ ] Have neutral witnesses or volunteers present

• [ ] Document who conducted the drawing and how tickets were selected

• [ ] Record winning ticket numbers

• [ ] Save any livestream or recording of the drawing

After the Raffle

• [ ] Notify winners promptly in writing

• [ ] Document winner prize acceptance

• [ ] If prize exceeded $5,000: file confirmation with FDACS within 7 days of the drawing

• [ ] Make a winners list available to anyone who requests it, at no charge

• [ ] Retain all records — ticket stubs, proceeds totals, prize documentation, winner information — for a minimum of three years

• [ ] Ensure records are accessible for FDACS review upon request

Printing this checklist and assigning one team member to own each item before your raffle date is the simplest way to keep your event compliant and your organization protected.

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Successful Florida Raffle: Lil Rascals Dog Rescue

With the right approach, you can run a successful and compliant Florida raffle fundraising event. Just look at Lil Rascals Dog Rescue! Prizes offered included a 5-night villa stay at Kiawah Island, SC for the lucky drawing entrant, and it was a big success, leading to $5,047 CAD in fundraising dollars.

The total, including the additional $252 CAD in fees saved, supports their mission of rescuing and rehoming dogs.

So, what made their raffle stand out?

• Clear messaging: Lil Rascals used imagery and text on their Zeffy form to highlight the raffle's dual purpose — participants could win a getaway while supporting rescue work.

• Showed impact: They expressed gratitude and built trust by showing how contributions mattered and saying a simple "thank you."

• Followed the rules: They ensured a fun and legal fundraiser by complying with Florida's laws, including a no-purchase-necessary entry option.

This case shows how thoughtful planning and a personal touch can turn a raffle into more than just a fundraiser. Lil Rascals Dog Rescue made their event a way to unite their community for a cause that truly matters.

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Florida Raffle Laws: FAQs

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