Bingo in Florida: Laws, Halls & Online Bingo (2026 Guide)

Is bingo legal in Florida?

Yes. Section 849.0931 of the Florida Statutes carves bingo out of the state’s general gambling ban, as long as the right kind of group runs it and the money goes where the law says.

Two types of groups qualify. The first is a charitable, nonprofit or veterans’ organization that is tax-exempt and has been active for three years or more; all net proceeds must go to its charitable, civic, religious or scholastic work. The second is a residents’ group, such as a condominium, cooperative, homeowners’ or mobile home park association. Those games exist for fun, so net proceeds go back to players as prizes.

Florida also has deep roots in tribal bingo. The Seminole Tribe opened a high-stakes bingo hall in Hollywood in 1979, and the court fight that followed, Seminole Tribe v. Butterworth, helped set the stage for tribal gaming nationwide.

How old do you have to be to play bingo in Florida?

You must be 18. Subsection (10)(a) of s. 849.0931 says no one under 18 may play bingo or instant bingo, or help conduct a game in any way.

Tribal casinos set their own policies for the rest of the gaming floor, so check the venue before you bring a younger adult along.

Can you play online bingo for real money in Florida?

No. Florida has not authorized online casino games, and the statute ties charity bingo to a physical location where the balls are drawn. The Seminole Tribe’s compact allows online sports betting through its own app, but that does not extend to bingo rooms.

Bingo apps that pay real cash prizes to Florida players are operating outside state law. Our online bingo guide explains how real-money, sweepstakes and free-to-play apps differ. If you are struggling with gambling, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER any time.

Are sweepstakes bingo sites legal in Florida?

Their status is unclear and under legal attack. The Legislature considered bills in 2026 that would have outlawed sweepstakes casinos, but none passed before the session ended.

The attorney general went another way. After subpoenaing operators earlier in the year, James Uthmeier sued Stake and VGW, which runs Chumba Casino and LuckyLand, in Hillsborough County Circuit Court on August 19, 2026. The suits claim the platforms violate Florida’s gambling laws and its Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, and they also name payment processors. Until a court rules, playing on these sites carries real risk that a brand could leave the state or freeze redemptions. Read our sweepstakes bingo explainer before you buy coins.

Where can you play bingo in Florida?

Florida has a large charity bingo scene, with veterans posts, churches, lodges and many retirement communities running weekly games, especially along the Gulf Coast and in Central Florida. For bigger prizes, the tribal casinos are the main draw. Venues we verified are in the table below.

The Miccosukee bingo hall west of Miami has run since 1990 and holds evening sessions most of the week. On the Brighton reservation near Lake Okeechobee, the Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino opened in February 2025 with an event hall set up for bingo.

How to run a charity bingo game in Florida

Florida does not issue a state bingo license, so the rules in s. 849.0931 are what you follow. Here is the short version:

1. Confirm eligibility. Your group must be tax-exempt and active for at least three years, and members running the game must be bona fide members.
2. Check local rules. Some counties and cities require a permit or registration. Call your county or city clerk first.
3. Stick to the limits. Regular bingo is capped at two days a week. Jackpots cannot exceed $250, with no more than three jackpots per session, and other game prizes are capped at $50.
4. Use unpaid members only. Everyone running the game must be a bona fide member of your group, live in the community and be 18 or older. No one may be compensated for operating it.
5. Handle instant bingo carefully. Instant bingo (Florida’s pull-tab style ticket) may only be sold where bingo is being played, and each deal must carry its flare. Our pull-tabs guide explains how these tickets work.
6. Spend proceeds correctly. Net proceeds must go to the charitable purposes listed in the law. A willful violation is a first-degree misdemeanor, and a repeat offense is a felony.

Our bingo fundraiser guide covers prizes, pricing and volunteer planning. Driving north? See how Georgia handles bingo licensing.