TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A new statewide coalition of veteran and fraternal organizations announced its official launch Tuesday to protect and modernize Florida’s charitable instant bingo laws ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
The Florida Service Coalition, co-chaired by the state departments of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, or VFW, and the American Legion, aims to ensure that charitable instant bingo remains a lawful fundraising mechanism for nonprofit groups serving local communities.
Florida law allows certain charitable, nonprofit and veterans’ organizations to conduct bingo and instant bingo under state regulations governing eligibility, proceeds and operations. The coalition says it is seeking changes to clarify rules surrounding instant bingo programs operated by qualifying organizations.
Organization leaders say modernizing state laws will address legal uncertainties for local posts and lodges that rely on bingo proceeds to fund disaster relief, youth mentorship, emergency financial aid, and veteran reintegration programs.
“Across Florida, VFW posts are doing the work every day, from helping veterans in crisis to responding after hurricanes and supporting local families when they need us most,” Sean Golder, state legislative chairman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Florida, said. “Charitable instant bingo helps fund that work. Florida’s service organizations need clear, modern laws that allow us to keep our doors open, serve our communities, and focus on our mission instead of legal uncertainty.”
According to the coalition, instant bingo games provide operational funding that helps support operations at physical post facilities, which serve as hubs for fellowship, civic education and community support across the state.
Stuart Scott, legislative chairman for the American Legion, Department of Florida, emphasized that updating the state’s legal framework is critical for maintaining transparent fundraising operations.
“Service organizations like the American Legion have been part of Florida communities for generations,” Scott said. “Our posts support veterans, mentor young people, provide civic education, and help families and neighbors through difficult times. Modernizing Florida’s charitable bingo laws is about protecting the fundraising that allows these organizations to continue giving back responsibly and transparently.”
Heading into the 2027 Legislative Session, the coalition’s stated priorities include advocating for statutory updates, providing clear operational guidelines for nonprofits operating in good faith and educating lawmakers on how charitable bingo dollars directly support veteran and community programs.