Introduction

Florida’s nonprofit community is one of the most vibrant in the country, with thousands of organizations supporting causes from youth development to disaster relief. But while the Sunshine State offers plenty of fundraising opportunities, it also enforces some of the strictest raffle laws in the nation.

Understanding those rules is essential to avoid costly mistakes. Fortunately, with RaffleGives, the best online raffle platform for nonprofits, your organization can confidently run compliant online raffles that follow every detail of Florida law.

Here’s what every nonprofit in Florida needs to know before selling that first ticket.

Understanding Florida’s Raffle Law

Charitable raffles in Florida are governed by Florida Statute § 849.0935, titled “Game promotions in connection with the sale of consumer products or services.” This statute allows qualified nonprofits to conduct raffles (called “drawings by chance”) under very specific conditions that ensure transparency and protect the public.

The key rules are:

1. No purchase is required to enter. Every raffle must include a free entry option.
2. All rules and disclosures must be publicly posted before ticket sales begin.
3. Winners must be chosen at random and prizes awarded exactly as described.
4. All proceeds must go to a charitable purpose.
    

While the statute focuses on fairness and consumer protection, it doesn’t prohibit online raffles. What it does require is structure, disclosure, and compliance — all built directly into how RaffleGives operates.

Who Can Hold a Raffle in Florida

Only qualified nonprofits can legally hold raffles in Florida. This includes organizations that:

• Are registered as a 501(c)(3) with the IRS.
• Have an active solicitation of contributions registration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
• Conduct raffles solely for charitable purposes.
   

If your organization is not yet registered with FDACS, that’s the first step. Once complete, you can host raffles confidently — and RaffleGives provides tools and templates to help ensure your campaign materials and disclosures meet all Florida requirements.

Required Disclosures and Best Practices

Florida’s raffle statute requires transparency in everything from how you promote your raffle to how you notify winners. Every raffle must clearly display:

• The name of the sponsoring organization.
• The rules of entry and eligibility.
• The start and end dates of the promotion.
• The date and method of winner selection.
• How to enter for free (no-purchase option).
   

Additionally, winners must be notified within 30 days of the drawing, and all prizes must be awarded within 60 days.

With RaffleGives, these steps are automated. The platform ensures all required disclosures are built into your raffle page, and winner notifications are automatically handled through secure, trackable communication.

Are Online Raffles Legal in Florida?

Yes—provided the nonprofit follows all of the above regulations. Florida law doesn’t distinguish between in-person and online raffles; it focuses instead on how the raffle is conducted. That means your raffle is fully legal when:

• It’s operated by a registered charitable organization.
• No purchase is required for entry.
• All terms are clearly displayed to participants.
• The drawing is fair and random.
   

RaffleGives checks every one of these boxes. By using secure digital ticketing, automated disclosures, and transparent reporting, nonprofits can fundraise online without fear of violating state law.

How RaffleGives Ensures Compliance in Florida

RaffleGives was designed specifically to protect nonprofits and simplify legal compliance. For Florida organizations, that means every raffle includes:

• Built-in disclosure templates that meet FDACS and §849.0935 standards.
• Free-entry options automatically integrated into the raffle page.
• Digital recordkeeping for every entry, payment, and communication.
• Verified random selection technology for secure, unbiased winner draws.
• Financial transparency so nonprofits can easily report proceeds.
   

In short, RaffleGives eliminates the complexity and lets your organization focus on its mission—not legal paperwork.

Common Mistakes Florida Nonprofits Should Avoid

Even with good intentions, some nonprofits get into trouble for small errors. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

1. Failing to register with FDACS before holding a raffle.
2. Not including a free-entry option on raffle materials.
3. Changing prize details after launching the campaign.
4. Not publishing drawing results publicly or notifying winners in time.
5. Using unverified online tools instead of compliant raffle platforms.
    

Using RaffleGives avoids all of these issues automatically — it’s structured for legal transparency from start to finish.

How Florida Nonprofits Benefit from Online Raffles

When done right, raffles can become a cornerstone of your fundraising strategy. Online raffles through RaffleGives offer:

• Higher participation rates by allowing remote entries.
• Automated tracking and reporting for better compliance and analytics.
• Immediate payout transparency, ensuring donor confidence.
• Community partnerships that expand awareness and reach.
   

The best part? Your team doesn’t need to be tech-savvy. RaffleGives’ onboarding process makes setup simple, even for first-time organizers.

Final Thoughts

Florida’s raffle laws may seem intimidating, but they’re designed to protect both nonprofits and donors. With the right platform, compliance is automatic — and opportunity expands. RaffleGives is proud to support Florida’s nonprofit community by making it easier than ever to fundraise safely, transparently, and successfully online.

👉 Visit RaffleGives.com to launch your next Florida raffle today with confidence.