Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner - LuAnn Stiles, Director

Solicitation of Contributions
Information for Businesses

Forms | Florida Laws | FAQ |Contact | Consumer Info | Additional Info

The Solicitation of Contributions Act requires anyone who solicits donations from people in the State of Florida to register with the Department and renew annually. This applies to charitable organizations, sponsors, professional solicitors, as well as professional fundraising consultants. The Department collects registration fees and has authority to impose penalties for non-compliance. The Department provides financial disclosure regarding organizations on the online Gift Givers' Guide or you can obtain information about a specific charity by calling our Consumer Assistance Call Center at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), or out of state 850-488-2221.
Forms

If you are providing a Surety Bond, please use the form listed below:
Florida Laws


Frequently Asked Questions


I have been solicited to make a contribution. How can I find out if the organization is legitimate?

Before you agree to make a donation:

  • Ask to see written information concerning the organization.
  • Ask for financial information, such as a copy of the organization's IRS 990 income tax return, annual report, or a breakdown of how the money is spent.
  • Ask how your contribution will be put to use.
  • If solicited by telephone, ask if the caller is a volunteer or a paid solicitor.
  • Call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services toll-free hotline at 1-800-HELPFLA (435-7352) to verify registration and financial information.

How can I prevent solicitation telephone calls?
You cannot. Florida consumers can list their telephone numbers on the statewide register of residents who do not wish to receive sales calls. However, the law does not apply to telephone calls soliciting contributions.

I have been solicited by groups alleging to represent my local law enforcement officers and firefighters. Are these really law enforcement officers and firefighters calling? Does the money really go to the local agencies?
These organizations, referred to in the law as sponsors, are fraternal organizations and are not a part of your local law enforcement agency or fire department. The members are law enforcement officers or firefighters who may or may not be from your area. Often these organizations contract with professional fund raisers to do the soliciting on their behalf. In that case, a portion of the contributions collected on behalf of the organizations will go to pay for the expenses of the fund raiser.

Do all fund raising organizations have to register with the Department?
No. The Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act does not apply to bonafide religious or educational institutions, government agencies or political groups.

I often see requests for donations for a named individual or a family. What should I know about these types of solicitations?
Individuals or groups who solicit donations for a particular individual or family in need are not required to register with the State. This type of charitable solicitation is governed by special guidelines. Before donating, make sure the guidelines are met. Keep in mind the following:

  • The law requires that all contributions be deposited in a trust account opened by a trustee who has authority to spend the money.
  • The money may also be placed in a depository account, in which case the circuit court has jurisdiction over distribution of the funds.
  • Do not give cash. Contribute by check that is payable to the trust fund, not to an individual.
  • Contact the banking institution or circuit court to verify the existence of the account.
  • Check locally to confirm that there really is such a need
Contact

If you have any questions, please contact us:

E-mail
cswebmaster@doacs.state.fl.us

Telephone
1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) Calling from Florida
850-488-2221 Calling from outside of Florida

Physical Location
Terry Rhodes Building
2005 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32399-6500
Map to the office
Additional Information

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