TO:   Solicitation of Contributions Applicants

From:  Beth Evans, Regulatory Program Administrator

RE:   Disclosure Requirements

Often in the wake of disasters, such as Hurricane Michael, people are eager to donate to help those in need. Unfortunately, scammers may create a fraudulent charity or use the name of an established charity to take advantage of people’s generosity. For this reason, we encourage you to research your organization’s name online to determine if any solicitations are being conducted on your behalf of which you are unaware.

Additionally, to ensure transparency, Section 496.411, F.S. requires that every solicitation conspicuously display the following statement, which must include the department’s toll-free number, the website and a space for you to indicate your registration number:

“A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com, REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” REGISTRATION #: CH_______

If the solicitation consists of more than one mailing piece, the statement must be displayed prominently in the solicitation materials. If the solicitation occurs on a website, the statement must be conspicuously displayed on any webpage that identifies a mailing address where contributions are to be sent, identifies a telephone number to call to process contributions, or provides for online processing of contributions. Having this disclosure statement on your online and printed solicitations will let donors know that your charity is properly registered and compliant with Florida law.

If you find that someone is soliciting in your charity’s name, or if you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or visit us online at www.freshfromflorida.com.