Florida Raffle Laws: Are Raffles Legal? [2025]

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.

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What’s ahead:

• Who can host a raffle in Florida?

• ‍Florida raffle laws for nonprofits

• Florida raffle law penalties and violations

• Successful Florida raffle: Lil Rascals Dog Rescue

• Florida raffle laws: FAQs

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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.

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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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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.

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Illegal actions 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

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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)

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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:

Florida raffle law penalties and violations

According to the latest 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 or s. 775.083 outline the penalties and punishments, which begin at $500 upon conviction. 

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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.

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This case shows how raffles can be a game-changer for nonprofit organizations. With thoughtful planning and a personal touch, Lil Rascals Dog Rescue turned their raffle into more than just a fundraiser—it became a way to unite their community for a cause that truly matters.

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Florida raffle laws: FAQs

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