Last Updated: February 2026
If your organization plans to ask Florida residents for donations—by mail, email, events, online giving, or any other method—you will generally need to complete charitable solicitation registration with the state before fundraising begins.
If you operate nationally or are unsure whether your activities trigger Florida registration, you can discuss your situation here:
Schedule a consultation Or contact us directly
You can also explore all jurisdictions here:
Explore all charitable solicitation state requirements
At-a-Glance Overview
Regulating Agency
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Consumer Services
Who Must Register
Most charitable organizations that solicit contributions from Florida residents, regardless of where the nonprofit is headquartered.
Registration Timing
Registration must be approved prior to beginning any fundraising activity in the state.
Registration Term
Valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Filing Method
Online or by mail.
Fees
Tiered fee structure based on contribution revenue.
Annual Financial Reporting
Financial documentation is required with registration and renewal filings.
Who Needs to Register in Florida
Organizations typically must register if they:
- Directly request donations from Florida residents
- Use websites, email campaigns, or digital advertising that targets Florida donors
- Conduct events or campaigns that generate contributions from the state
- Have third parties solicit contributions on their behalf
This applies to both Florida-based and out-of-state nonprofits engaging in fundraising activity within the state.
Even limited online fundraising activity can trigger registration depending on the nature and frequency of contributions.
If your organization is fundraising in multiple jurisdictions simultaneously, coordinated filing management can significantly reduce administrative burden.
Managing registrations in multiple states? Contact Ironwood Registrations for coordinated filings.
Initial Registration Process
Filing Agency
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Solicitation of Contributions Section
Filing Options
- Online submission through the state portal
- Paper filing by mail
Required Information and Documents Typically Include
- Governing documents
- IRS determination letter
- Financial information (IRS Form 990 or internal financial statements)
- Organizational leadership details
- Conflict-of-interest certification
- Contracts with fundraising professionals, if applicable
New organizations without financial history may submit projected financial information.
Fee Structure
Florida uses a sliding scale based on total contributions received. Larger organizations pay higher filing fees, while certain smaller organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees depending on structure and compensation practices.
Registration Duration and Renewal
Florida registrations are generally valid for one year.
Renewal Requirements
- Annual renewal must be submitted prior to expiration
- Updated financial documentation must accompany renewal filings
- Renewal fees continue to be based on contribution totals
Organizations with significant fundraising volume may also need reviewed or audited financial statements depending on revenue thresholds.
Exemptions and Special Situations
Certain categories of organizations may be excluded from standard registration requirements, although Florida has fewer blanket exemptions than many other states.
Some small organizations may be eligible to use an alternate filing process designed for lower-revenue charities rather than a full registration.
Because exemption eligibility is highly fact-specific—and mistakes can create enforcement risk—many nonprofits confirm status before fundraising begins.
To review multi-state exemption patterns:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions Overview
Financial Reporting Expectations
Florida requires financial disclosures as part of both initial registration and renewal. Depending on contribution levels:
- Internal financial statements may be acceptable
- CPA review or audit may be required
- IRS Form 990 filings are commonly used as supporting documentation
Maintaining accurate financial records is essential because state regulators may request verification.
Financial Reporting & Audit Considerations
Organizations with annual contributions of approximately $500,000 or more frequently encounter additional financial reporting requirements as part of charitable solicitation registration and renewal filings.
Depending on the state, these requirements may include:
- CPA-reviewed financial statements
- Independently audited financial statements
- Submission of full IRS Form 990 schedules
- Disclosure of fundraising relationships and contracts
For the initial Florida filing, the state requires audited financial statements if contributions exceed $1,000,000 in the year being reported. Reviewed financial statements are required in the contributions were between $500,000 and $1,000,000.
For multi-state fundraisers, differing audit thresholds across jurisdictions can create significant administrative complexity, particularly when renewal deadlines vary throughout the year.
Ironwood Registrations regularly assists nonprofits managing coordinated filings, financial statement submissions, and multi-state compliance planning.
If your organization is fundraising nationally or approaching higher reporting thresholds, contact Ironwood Registrations to discuss a coordinated registration strategy.
Additional Compliance Considerations
Out-of-state nonprofits may also need to evaluate whether other business activities in Florida trigger separate corporate or tax filings, even though charitable solicitation registration itself is distinct from corporate qualification.
Organizations using professional fundraisers or commercial co-venturers must disclose those relationships during the filing process.
Planning Multi-State Fundraising
If your organization raises funds nationally, Florida is typically one of the higher-administration states due to annual filings, financial thresholds, and fee scaling.
For broader strategy guidance:
Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide for Nonprofits
Need Help With Florida Registration?
For organizations managing multiple jurisdictions, coordinated filings can reduce risk, staff workload, and missed deadlines.
Or contact Ironwood Registrations directly.