Running a sweepstakes, contest, or instant win promotion that's open to Florida residents? This guide covers every state-specific requirement you need to know — registration obligations, bonding, raffle restrictions, alcohol prize rules, and the key statutes that govern promotions in FL. Federal requirements (FTC rules, no-purchase-necessary, tax reporting) apply in every state — this page focuses on what's unique to Florida.

Registration Requirements

Florida requires sweepstakes registration

Sweepstakes with a total prize pool of $5,000+ total prize ARV must be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before the promotion opens. Before promotion opens

Florida is one of the few states that requires advance registration and bonding for sweepstakes. If your promotion has a total prize ARV meeting or exceeding the threshold, you must register before accepting your first entry.

  • Registration required: Yes — for promotions with $5,000+ total prize ARV
  • Filing agency: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  • Filing deadline: Before promotion opens
  • Filing fees: Filing fee per promotion (approximately $100)

Bonding Requirements

Surety bond required for prize pools between $5,000 and $100,000. Bond amount equals total prize value, capped at $100,000. Trust account accepted in lieu of bond.

How surety bonds work

A surety bond is purchased from a licensed surety company at a small percentage of the face value (typically 1–3% annually). You pay the premium, not the full bond amount. If you fail to award prizes, the bond covers the winners. Your attorney or a specialized sweepstakes insurance provider can arrange the bond.

Key Statutes

The following Florida statutes are relevant to sweepstakes and promotional compliance:

  • Fla. Stat. § 849.094 (game promotion in connection with sale of consumer products or services)
  • Fla. Stat. § 849.09 (gambling offenses)

Regulatory body: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Sweepstakes Rules in Florida

Legal but registration and bonding required for prize pools of $5,000 or more. File registration and bond with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before the promotion opens. Florida actively monitors national sweepstakes campaigns and pursues non-filers. Post-promotion reporting required: file an affidavit of compliance with winner information within 60 days of promotion end.

Contest Rules

Skill-based contests may still trigger Florida's game promotion statute if they involve prizes and are connected to the sale of consumer products. Review the statute language carefully.

Instant Win Rules

Instant win games with prizes of $5,000+ total ARV require registration and bonding under Fla. Stat. § 849.094, the same as sweepstakes.

Raffle & Lottery Rules

Raffles: Raffles are restricted to qualified nonprofit organizations. Commercial raffles are illegal under Florida gambling law.

Lotteries: State-run via Florida Lottery. Private lotteries are illegal and actively prosecuted.

Commercial raffles are illegal in Florida

Raffles — where participants pay for a ticket and winners are drawn at random — are restricted to qualified nonprofit organizations. Brands cannot run commercial raffles. If your promotion involves purchasing a ticket for a chance to win, restructure it as a sweepstakes (free entry required) or a contest (skill-based judging).

Alcohol Prize Rules

Florida permits DTC wine shipments with a wine shipper's license. Beer and spirits DTC is more restricted. Florida has a three-tier alcohol distribution system.

Special Restrictions & Notes

  • Florida actively pursues non-filers — the Department of Agriculture monitors national sweepstakes campaigns and sends compliance inquiries.
  • Post-promotion affidavit of compliance required within 60 days of promotion end.
  • Bond cap of $100,000 — promotions with prizes exceeding $100,000 still only need a $100,000 bond.
  • Trust account option available in lieu of surety bond.

Key Takeaways for Florida

Florida Compliance Checklist

  • Register with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before launch
  • Post surety bond equal to total prize value
  • Include registration number in official rules
  • File post-promotion winners report within required timeframe
  • Comply with all federal requirements (FTC, NPN, tax reporting)
  • Draft complete official rules with all required disclosures
  • Ensure AMOE provides equal odds of winning
  • Collect W-9 for prizes valued at $2,000+

Related Resources

For the complete legal framework that applies to all U.S. sweepstakes, see our pillar guides:

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