Are sweepstakes legal in Florida?

Yes. Florida allows chance-based sweepstakes as long as there’s no purchase required and the promotion follows state and federal rules. Florida is also one of the strictest states on compliance, which is why some brands historically excluded FL (though many now include it).

Quick compliance snapshot (high level, not legal advice):

• Registration and bonding are generally required in Florida for games of chance with total prize value over $5,000. Filing typically must occur before the promotion starts, and winners must be reported after it ends.
• “No Purchase Necessary” is mandatory. If a purchase path exists, there must be a free alternative method of entry.
• Age limits: Most are 18+; alcohol-related promotions are usually 21+.
• Taxes: Prizes worth $600+ are usually reported to the IRS; Florida has no state income tax, but federal taxes still apply.

Always read the Official Rules for exact eligibility, timing, and instructions.

What counts as a sweepstakes (vs. lottery or contest)?

• Sweepstakes: Winners selected by chance; no purchase necessary.
• Skill contest: Winners selected based on skill (e.g., essay, photo, trivia). Different rules may apply.
• Lottery: Requires consideration/payment and chance; generally restricted to state lotteries. Not the same as sweepstakes.

Best sweepstakes categories for Floridians in 2025

Specific promos come and go, so think in categories and follow official channels. Verify current eligibility in the rules before you enter.

1) Theme parks and attractions

• Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld regularly feature ticket, vacation, and VIP-experience giveaways through official sites and partners.
• Follow park blogs, email lists, and verified social accounts for limited-time offers.

2) Florida-only and Florida-first promos

• Visit Florida and local tourism boards often run travel packages highlighting beaches, springs, and cultural spots.
• Daytona International Speedway and other venues frequently host sponsor sweepstakes tied to races and events.
• Local radio clusters (iHeartRadio, Audacy, Cox Media) in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville run recurring ticket and cash giveaways.

3) Grocery and retail

• Publix, Winn-Dixie, and regional retailers routinely feature brand-partner sweepstakes and instant wins.
• Look for in-store displays, receipts with unique codes, and retailer apps.

4) Pro and college sports

• Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Tampa Bay Lightning, Inter Miami CF, and college programs often run sponsor-led promotions.
• Check team newsletters and verified social media for game-day or season-long entries.

5) Cruises, airlines, and travel brands

• Florida is a cruise and flight hub. Cruise lines and airlines frequently offer destination, credit, or onboard-experience sweepstakes.
• Watch official newsletters and sweepstakes pages from major carriers and cruise brands for Florida-inclusive eligibility.

6) Big national instant wins

• CPG brands (snacks, beverages, household) commonly run instant-win and daily-entry promos open to FL. Join brand email lists and check promo microsites.
• Home and lifestyle media brands often host marquee, high-ARV sweepstakes open to Floridians—verify state eligibility in the rules.

How to find legit Florida sweepstakes (and avoid duds)

• Stick to official brand sites, verified social accounts, and reputable media partners.
• Check for an “Official Rules” link with eligibility, dates, odds, prize ARV, and sponsor contact info.
• Never pay to enter or to claim a prize. Legit sweepstakes will not ask for payment, gift cards, or wire transfers.
• Create a dedicated email address and whitelist trusted senders to avoid missing win notices.
• Be wary of impostor DMs. Confirm handles and domains before clicking links.

Florida-specific tips to improve your odds

• Prioritize local or Florida-only promos—smaller entry pools than national giveaways.
• Enter daily when allowed; set calendar reminders for closing dates and claim windows.
• Complete optional, rule-compliant bonus actions (e.g., sharing, referrals) when offered.
• For age-restricted prizes (alcohol, events), make sure you meet the 21+ requirement.

ZipSweep: A free, local-first daily sweepstakes in every Florida ZIP

ZipSweep is a free, ad-funded daily sweepstakes built around U.S. ZIP codes. Every day, we randomly generate a winning code made up of a ZIP code and a unique user ID. If the person with that exact code logs in and claims the prize by 9PM, it’s theirs—simple as that.

If no one claims in time, we sometimes roll the prize over and make it available to the entire ZIP code, first come, first served. Rollovers happen at our discretion, they’re a fun, community-powered way to make sure the prize gets claimed, and they add an extra layer of excitement for everyone in that area.

• Free to play. No tickets, no payments, no catch.
• Local feel, statewide coverage—works in every Florida ZIP code.
• We only use your email for daily reminders and occasional updates, and we never share your details unless you say it’s OK.
• We’re not a lottery and this isn’t gambling. We’re a free sweepstakes, funded by advertising.

Pro tip for Floridians: Add a daily 8:50PM reminder to check your ZipSweep dashboard so you never miss a claim window.

FAQ: Florida sweepstakes basics

Are Floridians often excluded? Less than in years past. Many national promotions now include Florida, but always check the eligibility section.

Do I owe taxes on prizes? Generally, yes for federal taxes on $600+ in wins. Florida has no state income tax, but keep records and consult a tax professional for specifics.

Where do I find new sweepstakes? Brand newsletters, official social accounts, retailer apps, local radio sites, tourism boards, teams, and your ZipSweep daily draw.