Are Raffles Legal in Florida? What State Law Requires in 2026

Yes, for certain nonprofits. Section 849.0935 of the Florida Statutes lets qualifying tax-exempt organizations hold "drawings by chance," but they cannot require a donation, purchase or entry fee to enter. They may only suggest a minimum donation, and materials must say no purchase or contribution is necessary.

Last checked: October 26, 2026 against Section 849.0935, Florida Statutes. Details can change.

This article summarizes the statute text as published by the Florida Legislature. It is general information, not legal advice. Talk to a Florida attorney before running a raffle.

The Florida law that covers raffles

Florida's gambling laws are in Chapter 849 of the Florida Statutes. Section 849.0935 carves out charitable "drawings by chance." It defines a drawing by chance, drawing or raffle as "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."

Under subsection (2), Section 849.09, the state's general lottery statute, "does not prohibit an organization from conducting drawings by chance" under this section. That applies only if the organization follows 849.0935 and the applicable provisions of Chapter 496, Florida's charitable solicitation law.

Which organizations qualify

Subsection (1)(b) limits the exception to organizations exempt from federal income tax under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3), (4), (7), (8), (10) or (19), "and which has a current determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service." In practice that covers charities, social welfare groups, social clubs, fraternal societies and veterans' organizations that hold a current IRS letter.

The statute does not extend this exception to individuals or ordinary for-profit businesses. Businesses that run promotional sweepstakes follow a different section, covered below.

The key rule: no required donation

This is where Florida differs from many states. Subsection (4)(b) makes it unlawful "to require an entry fee, donation, substantial consideration, payment, proof of purchase, or contribution as a condition of entering the drawing or of being selected to win a prize." The organization may suggest a minimum donation and print that suggestion on its materials.

Related rules in subsection (4) make it unlawful to:

• predetermine or rig the winner, including through matching, instant-win or preselected sweepstakes formats;
• condition the drawing on a minimum number of tickets or a minimum amount of contributions;
• arbitrarily reject entries, or treat entrants who donated differently from those who did not;
• fail to promptly notify winners at the address on the entry blank;
• fail to award all prizes offered, or cancel a drawing;
• circulate false, deceptive or misleading advertising.

Under subsection (5), the organization may limit the number of tickets each entrant receives.

What every ticket and flyer must say

Subsection (3) says all brochures, ads, notices, tickets and entry blanks must conspicuously disclose:

• the rules for the drawing;
• the organization's full name and principal place of business;
• the source of the funds used for cash prizes or to buy prizes;
• the date, hour and place of the drawing and prize award (unless the materials are offered to the public no more than 3 days before the drawing);
• "That no purchase or contribution is necessary."

Penalties

A violation is a deceptive and unfair trade practice under subsection (6). Under subsection (7), an organization that violates the section commits a second-degree misdemeanor. Selling tickets without the date, hour and place disclosure is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by fine only. The section does not apply to the Florida Lottery.

Business sweepstakes are covered by a different section

Retailers and national promoters that run contests or sweepstakes tied to selling products follow Section 849.094, the "game promotion" law. It also bars requiring "an entry fee, payment, or proof of purchase" to enter. When total announced prizes exceed $5,000, the operator must file the rules and prize list with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at least 7 days before the start. It must also set up a trust account or surety bond for the prize value and file a certified list of winners of prizes worth more than $25. Section 849.094(10) says it does not apply to nonprofit organizations.

For more on how these categories differ, see sweepstakes vs. raffles vs. lotteries. Looking for local events? Try our Miami local raffles guide.

Bottom line

Raffles are legal in Florida when a qualifying 501(c) organization with a current IRS determination letter runs them under Section 849.0935. The biggest practical rule is that no one can be required to pay or donate to enter, and the materials have to say so. If a Florida raffle requires a payment to enter, compare it against the statute text before you buy in.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Florida nonprofit require a donation to enter a raffle?

No. Section 849.0935(4)(b) makes it unlawful to require an entry fee, donation, payment, proof of purchase or contribution. The organization may suggest a minimum donation and print that suggestion.

Who can legally hold a raffle in Florida?

Organizations exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3), (4), (7), (8), (10) or (19) that have a current IRS determination letter and comply with Section 849.0935 and the applicable parts of Chapter 496.

What must a Florida raffle ticket disclose?

The rules, the organization's full name and principal place of business, the source of prize funds, the date, hour and place of the drawing (with a 3-day exception), and that no purchase or contribution is necessary.

Can a Florida raffle be canceled?

No. Subsection (4)(h) makes canceling a drawing unlawful, and subsection (4)(f) requires awarding all prizes offered.

Do business sweepstakes in Florida follow the same law?

No. Retail and national promotions fall under Section 849.094, which bans requiring purchase to enter and requires filing with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services when total prizes exceed $5,000.