Call to Action: Protect Charitable Fundraising Opportunities for Our Posts

Dear Members of The American Legion, Department of Florida,

Do you have questions or concerns regarding charitable fundraising — especially as it relates to electronic bingo? If so, we need your support and attention now more than ever.

As we continue our mission to ensure clear and fair definitions for charitable gaming through the Florida Legislature, we are facing a new challenge. Following Veterans Day, when nearly every legislator expressed how vital our role as veterans is to this nation, we once again find ourselves questioning why our ability to conduct electronic charitable fundraising remains undefined.

While current legislation in both the House and Senate includes provisions that help organizations like ours, a new potential bill replacement — HB 189 — threatens to undo that progress. If enacted, it would remove our ability to request a declaratory statement in statute and raise the penalties for unknowing violations from a misdemeanor to a felony.

This is unacceptable for an organization committed to serving veterans and their communities through legitimate, transparent charitable efforts.

If you are able, please make plans to attend the Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee meeting on
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
3:30 PM

I will be speaking in opposition to this bill takeover and urging lawmakers once again to clearly define charitable opportunities for veteran service organizations like ours.

Note: If you are unable to attend the committee meeting in Tallahassee but plan on attending the Department Fall Conference (November 21–22, 2025), you will have an opportunity to hear more about what we are doing for you and your Post during the Legislative Class on Friday at 4:00 PM.

Your presence and support make a difference. Together, we can ensure that our Posts retain the ability to raise funds that directly support veterans, their families, and our communities across Florida.

For God and Country,
Stuart Scott
Legislative Chair
The American Legion, Department of Florida