AMVETS, Dept. of Florida Joins Florida Service Coalition to Protect Charitable Fundraising for Service Organizations

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Service Coalition today announced that American Veterans, Department of Florida (AMVETS) has joined the coalition as a partner in its statewide effort to protect charitable fundraising for veteran and fraternal service organizations and advocate for modernized charitable instant bingo laws during the 2027 Legislative Session.

AMVETS joins the American Legion, Department of Florida, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Florida, which serve as co-chairs of the coalition, as well as the Florida Moose Association. Together, the coalition’s member organizations and partners represent nearly 500,000 advocates across Florida who are committed to protecting charitable fundraising and the service organizations that strengthen local communities.

“AMVETS posts across Florida are committed to helping veterans navigate life after service and continue giving back to the communities they call home,” said Richard McKern, Executive Director of AMVETS, Department of Florida. “Charitable instant bingo helps fund that mission, from keeping local posts open to supporting veteran programs, community service and direct assistance for those in need. We are proud to join the Florida Service Coalition and support modernized laws that give service organizations clear rules and the certainty to keep serving responsibly.”

Across Florida, AMVETS posts support veterans and local communities through charitable programs, volunteer service, emergency assistance, veteran rehabilitation efforts, youth initiatives and other community-based support. For many local posts, charitable instant bingo is an important fundraising tool that helps sustain this work and maintain the facilities where veterans gather, connect and serve.

The Florida Service Coalition will advocate during the 2027 Legislative Session for legislation to modernize Florida’s charitable bingo laws, provide clear guidance for service organizations operating in good faith and ensure charitable instant bingo remains a lawful fundraising tool for organizations that rely on these funds to serve their communities.

To learn more about the Florida Service Coalition or to get involved, visit www.floridaservicecoalition.com.

About the Florida Service Coalition

The Florida Service Coalition is a statewide alliance of veteran service organizations and fraternal organizations working to preserve and strengthen charitable fundraising opportunities in Florida. Our members provide millions of dollars in charitable services and volunteer countless hours each year to support veterans, families, youth programs, disaster response efforts, and local communities. We believe Florida’s laws should reflect the important work these organizations perform and provide clear guidance that allows them to continue serving responsibly.