Last Updated: February 2026
Most charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Florida must register annually with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before beginning fundraising activity.
Florida provides specific statutory exemptions. However, exemption eligibility is narrower than many nonprofit leaders assume — and organizations fundraising nationally often exceed Florida’s thresholds.
This page explains which organizations may qualify for exemption from charitable solicitation registration in Florida and when registration is still required.
For background on how charitable registration works nationally, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Florida
Registration is required if an organization:
- Solicits contributions in Florida by any means (mail, email, online, events, grants), or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Florida, or
- Conducts charitable sales promotions within the state.
Registration must generally be completed before solicitation activity begins.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt simply because they are incorporated elsewhere.
For multi-state context:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements by State
Florida Charitable Registration Exemptions
Florida does not offer a broad exemption for small charities in the same way many states do. Instead, exemptions are limited to specific categories of organizations.
1. Religious Organizations
Churches and religious institutions that are exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) are exempt from Florida registration.
This exemption generally applies to houses of worship and certain integrated auxiliaries.
Separately incorporated religious-affiliated nonprofits conducting public fundraising may require further analysis.
2. Educational Institutions
Educational institutions that are accredited or recognized by an appropriate authority may qualify for exemption.
This typically includes traditional schools and certain related entities operating within established educational frameworks.
3. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental units are exempt.
4. Political Organizations
Candidates, political parties, and political committees required to report under election laws are exempt.
5. Certain Federated Organizations
Some organizations that receive funds exclusively from a registered federated fundraising entity (such as a United Way–type organization) may qualify under limited circumstances, depending on fundraising structure.
Small Charitable Organization Filing (Not a Full Exemption)
Florida does not provide a blanket small-revenue exemption. However, certain small nonprofits may be eligible to file a simplified “Small Charitable Organization” application instead of completing the standard registration process.
Eligibility depends on:
- Annual contribution levels, and
- Compensation structure (particularly whether fundraising personnel are compensated).
This is not a permanent exemption and must be reviewed annually.
Organizations approaching mid-six-figure revenue levels typically exceed simplified eligibility thresholds.
What Florida Does Not Exempt
Florida does not exempt:
- Organizations simply because they are small,
- Organizations that compensate fundraising staff,
- National nonprofits receiving Florida online donations,
- Organizations using professional solicitors or commercial co-venturers.
Even modest digital fundraising activity may trigger registration requirements.
See:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Online Fundraising and Florida
Florida applies a broad view of what constitutes solicitation. If your nonprofit:
- Accepts online donations from Florida residents,
- Sends fundraising emails to Florida addresses, or
- Conducts digital campaigns accessible to Florida donors,
registration is likely required unless a clear exemption applies.
National nonprofits commonly trigger Florida registration through online donation platforms alone.
Related resource:
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Audit Threshold Considerations
Florida’s exemption structure interacts with financial reporting requirements.
Organizations above certain contribution thresholds must provide reviewed or audited financial statements as part of registration or renewal.
Finance teams should align exemption analysis with audit planning to avoid last-minute compliance pressure.
See:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Multi-State Compliance Implications
An organization exempt in Florida may still be required to register in:
- Georgia
- Alabama
- South Carolina
- Or other states where it solicits
Conversely, organizations exempt elsewhere may still be required to register in Florida due to its narrower exemption structure.
For planning guidance:
Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
Governance & Board Oversight
Boards and CFOs should confirm:
- Whether the organization meets a statutory exemption category
- Whether fundraising compensation affects eligibility
- Whether digital activity triggers registration
- Whether audit thresholds align with renewal filings
Failure to register when required can result in fines, delayed campaigns, or reputational concerns.
See:
What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
If your organization is evaluating Florida exemption eligibility as part of a broader multi-state strategy: