Effective July 1, 2025, Florida is rolling out a sweeping new law that could have a serious impact on charities and their fundraising operations. Senate Bill 700 doesn’t just tweak existing charitable solicitation requirements. It introduces a bold new layer of scrutiny that reflects growing political interest in restricting foreign influence in civil society.
Under the new law, nonprofits (along with professional fundraisers, consultants, and commercial co-venturers) are barred from soliciting or receiving donations from individuals or entities tied to so-called “foreign countries of concern.” The list includes China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela (under Maduro), and Syria. If your organization accepts a donation from a person or entity even indirectly tied to one of these governments, political parties, or foreign-domiciled companies with 25% ownership, you could face civil penalties and even lose your ability to fundraise in the state.
The “Honest Services Registry”
Perhaps the most Orwellian feature of the new law is the creation of the “Honest Services Registry,” a voluntary list of nonprofits that certify they don’t accept foreign-linked contributions. While the registry is technically optional, the optics are not. Florida donors may view inclusion as a de facto seal of approval. Charities not listed could face unfair reputational harm, regardless of whether they’ve done anything wrong.
Election-Related Attestations: A Trap for the Unwary
The law also adds hurdles for nonprofits engaged in state or local election-related activities. Organizations seeking to register (or renew) to solicit contributions in Florida must now attest either that they are registered with the Florida Department of State for election purposes or that they are not involved in those activities at all. Missteps here could trigger investigations by both the Department of Agriculture and the Florida Elections Commission.
What Does This Mean for Your Organization?
If you raise funds in Florida, or if any of your vendors, board members, or donors reside in or are tied to countries on Florida’s restricted list, it’s time to take a hard look at your practices:
- Update your donation forms – Consider adding donor attestations that screen for ties to foreign sources of concern.
- Review your donor data – Do you have systems in place to identify donors who might fall under the new definitions?
- Train your staff – Fundraising and compliance teams should understand the new requirements and what to do if a red flag arises.
- Prepare for more disclosure – This law is part of a national trend. Florida may be first, but other states could follow.
A limited safe harbor exists for first-time violations if the charity refunds the contribution, notifies the state, and implements a corrective plan. But let’s be honest—no one wants to end up in that position.
A Broader Trend with National Implications
This isn’t just about Florida. Over a dozen other states have passed or are considering similar restrictions aimed at curbing foreign influence—whether through charitable giving, university research, or real estate ownership. And legal challenges are underway. Florida’s real estate restrictions are already being litigated in the Eleventh Circuit, and the outcome could influence how far states can go in regulating foreign involvement in the nonprofit sector.
Bottom Line
Regardless of your organization’s views on foreign policy, these laws are forcing nonprofits into the role of geopolitical gatekeeper. The administrative burden is real, the reputational risk is high, and the compliance landscape is shifting fast.
If you solicit contributions from Florida residents, or operate there in any capacity, now is the time to act. Because like it or not, the politics of foreign influence have landed squarely on the nonprofit sector’s doorstep.
Ellis Carter is a nonprofit lawyer with Caritas Law Group, P.C. licensed to practice in Washington and Arizona. Ellis advises nonprofit and socially responsible businesses on federal tax and fundraising regulations nationwide. Ellis also advises donors concerning major gifts. To schedule a consultation with Ellis, call 602-456-0071 or email us through our contact form.