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Can I offer contests that involve cash prizes in Florida? What are the requirements?
Requirements for Offering Contests with Cash Prizes in Florida
If you are planning to offer contests with cash prizes in Florida, you must comply with the state’s laws and regulations. The Florida Lottery is the only entity authorized to conduct lotteries in the state, and it is illegal to operate any lottery or game of chance without its authorization [1.1]. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Skill-Based Contests
Florida law allows skill-based contests that involve the use of skill, knowledge, or judgment to determine the winner. These contests are not considered lotteries because they do not involve chance [2.1]. To be considered a skill-based contest, the outcome must depend on the skill of the participant and not on chance. The contest must also have a predetermined prize, and the winner must be determined based on specific criteria [2.1].
Requirements for Skill-Based Contests
If you plan to offer a skill-based contest with a cash prize in Florida, you must comply with the following requirements [2.1]:
- The contest must be open to the public and must not require a purchase or payment to enter.
- The contest must be advertised or promoted in a manner that does not deceive or mislead the public.
- The rules of the contest must be clearly stated and must include the criteria for selecting the winner.
- The winner must be determined based on the criteria stated in the rules.
- The prize must be awarded to the winner within 60 days of the contest’s conclusion.
- The contest must not violate any other state or federal laws.
Conclusion
In summary, you can offer skill-based contests with cash prizes in Florida as long as you comply with the state’s laws and regulations. The contest must be skill-based, open to the public, and must not require a purchase or payment to enter. The rules of the contest must be clearly stated, and the winner must be determined based on the criteria stated in the rules. The prize must be awarded to the winner within 60 days of the contest’s conclusion.
Source(s):
- [1.1] Payment of prizes.
- [2.1] Payment of Prizes
Jurisdiction
Florida