Hi, Kristi. I know when we have such funds start up here, people usually send their donations into a fund set up at a bank, for that purpose. I would assume the bank knows how that is to be done legally, but it would be best to call a local legal aid society or, you could check with the Consumer Affairs Office of the Florida Attorney General

I found the following at another website. Who knows if it applies in your isntance, though? Good luck and all our bets to J.U. & Wanda. I'll send more in a private message. Katlaughing

CONTACT:
State of Florida
Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Solicitation of Contributions
P.O. Box 6700
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6700
(850) 922-2797

HOW TO REGISTER:
Charitable organizations, sponsors, professional fundraising consultants and professional solicitors are required to register the the Department, prior to engaging in any solicitation activities in the state of Florida.

Contributions received preceding fiscal year Fee
Less than $5,000 $ 10
$5,000 or more, but less than $100,000 $ 75
$100,000 or more, but less than $200,000 $ 125
$200,000 or more, but less than $500,000 $ 200
$500,000 or more, but less than $1,000,000 $ 300
$1,000,000 or more, but less than $10,000,000 $ 350
$10,000,000 or more $ 400

REGISTRATION DATES: Must file annually or at the time of filing extension for federal return

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: At the time of your application for registration, you must provide a copy of your IRS 990 and Schedule A, or IRS 990EZ form, or a financial report on a form prescribed by the Division

A newly established charitable organization with no financial history must file a budget for the current fiscal year

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

Florida Statutes, Chapter 496 : Solicitation of Funds

Telemarketing Act

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