Florida Service Coalition Launches to Protect Charitable Fundraising for Service Organizations

American Legion, Department of Florida and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Florida to Serve as Co-Chairs of Coalition

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Service Coalition today announced its official launch as a statewide effort to protect the ability of service organizations to fundraise through charitable instant bingo and continue supporting communities across Florida.

The coalition will work to educate the public, raise awareness, and support legislation during the 2027 Legislative Session to modernize Florida’s charitable bingo laws and provide clear guidance for service organizations operating in good faith. The goal is to ensure charitable instant bingo remains a lawful fundraising tool for organizations that rely on these funds to serve veterans, families, and neighbors in need.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Florida, and the American Legion, Department of Florida, will serve as co-chairs of the coalition.

“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,” said Sean Golder, State Legislative Chair Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Florida. “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.”

Veteran and fraternal service organizations across Florida play a critical role in filling gaps in local communities. Their work includes disaster relief, scholarships, youth programs, food drives, emergency financial assistance, transportation assistance, mentorship, veteran reintegration support, and other direct aid for people facing hardship. For many local posts and lodges, charitable instant bingo provides essential funding that helps sustain these programs and maintain the facilities where service, fellowship, and community support happen.

“Service organizations like the American Legion have been part of Florida communities for generations,” said Stuart Scott, Legislative Chair of the American Legion, Department of Florida. “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.”

The Florida Service Coalition will work to educate lawmakers, community leaders, and the public about how charitable instant bingo supports local service organizations and the programs they provide. The coalition will also highlight real stories from veterans, post leaders, lodge members, nonprofit partners, and community advocates who see firsthand how these funds support meaningful service across the state.

The coalition’s 2027 priorities include:

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.