Fla. Stat. 496.426
Registration and solicitation requirements


(1)

In addition to the other requirements of this chapter, a sponsor is eligible to register and solicit contributions in this state only if the sponsor is a bona fide membership organization that consists of members:Who are individuals;Of whom at least 10 percent or 100 members, whichever is less, are actively employed as law enforcement officers or emergency service employees by an agency of the United States, this state, a municipality, or a political subdivision of this state; andWho personally sign written membership agreements with the organization and pay an annual membership fee of not less than $10 a member.

(a)

Who are individuals;

(b)

Of whom at least 10 percent or 100 members, whichever is less, are actively employed as law enforcement officers or emergency service employees by an agency of the United States, this state, a municipality, or a political subdivision of this state; and

(c)

Who personally sign written membership agreements with the organization and pay an annual membership fee of not less than $10 a member.

(2)

In addition to the other requirements of this chapter, the registration statement of a sponsor must state the total number of members of the sponsor; the total number of members who are actively employed as law enforcement officers or emergency service employees; and the percentage of total net contributions, defined as the total amount of all contributions raised in the state minus the total cost and expenses incurred in raising contributions solicited, which are disbursed in the state on behalf of its members in furtherance of its stated purposes or programs.

(3)

A group or person that is or holds itself out to be soliciting contributions by the use of any name that implies that the group or person is in any way affiliated with or organized for the benefit of emergency service employees or law enforcement officers and fails to meet the membership criteria established in this section is presumed to be in violation of s. 496.415(7).

(4)

If any provision of this section or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or application of this section or the Solicitation of Contributions Act, ss. 496.401-496.424, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this section are declared severable.

Source: Section 496.426 — Registration and solicitation requirements, https://www.­flsenate.­gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0496.­426 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).

496.401
Short title
496.402
Legislative intent
496.403
Application
496.404
Definitions
496.405
Registration statements by charitable organizations and sponsors
496.406
Exemption from registration
496.407
Financial statement
496.409
Registration and duties of professional fundraising consultant
496.410
Registration and duties of professional solicitors
496.411
Disclosure requirements and duties of charitable organizations and sponsors
496.412
Disclosure requirements and duties of professional solicitors
496.413
Contributions solicited for or accepted on behalf of a named individual
496.414
Duties of commercial co-venturers
496.415
Prohibited acts
496.416
Violation as deceptive or unfair trade practice
496.417
Criminal penalties
496.418
Recordkeeping and accounting
496.419
Powers of the department
496.420
Civil remedies and enforcement
496.421
More stringent local provisions not preempted by ss
496.422
Duties of the Department of State
496.423
Public information
496.424
Rulemaking authority
496.425
Solicitation of funds within public transportation facilities
496.426
Registration and solicitation requirements
496.430
Disqualification from certain tax exemptions
496.4055
Charitable organization or sponsor board duties
496.4071
Supplemental financial disclosure
496.4072
Financial statements for specific disaster relief solicitations
496.4101
Licensure of professional solicitors and certain employees thereof
496.4121
Collection receptacles used for donations
496.4191
Additional penalty
496.4255
Public airport not required to grant permit or access

Current through Fall 2025

§ 496.426. Registration & solicitation requirements's source at flsenate​.gov