New Florida Law, SB 700, Bars Charitable Donors Tied to Some Foreign Nations
Effective July 1, 2025, Florida’s Senate Bill (SB) 700 imposes sweeping new limits on charitable organizations, fundraisers, and related entities that solicit or operate in the state. The law prohibits receiving or soliciting contributions from individuals or entities tied to designated “foreign countries of concern,” which include China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela (under Nicolás Maduro), and Syria. It also introduces an “Honest Services Registry” for nonprofit organizations that certify they do not accept such contributions, adding a new layer of compliance for organizations of all sizes.
For nonprofit organizations, the stakes are high—violations of SB 700 can result in civil penalties and even a ban on fundraising in Florida. In this post, we break down what SB 700 means for your charitable organization, the steps you should take now, and how proactive legal guidance can help you stay compliant while continuing to advance your mission.
Applicability of SB 700
SB 700 applies to almost all charitable organizations that solicit donations in Florida. These organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities, private foundations, 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, and other organizations and their partners that engage in public fundraising.
New Attestation Requirement
SB 700 adds a new attestation requirement to Florida’s charitable solicitation registration process. Charitable organizations must sign a sworn attestation that they will neither solicit nor accept donations from a foreign source of concern.
The Honest Services Registry
A key feature of SB 700 is the establishment of the Honest Services Registry, a voluntary list of nonprofit organizations that certify they don’t solicit or accept donations from any foreign source of concern.
Penalties for Noncompliance with SB 700
Charitable organizations that fail to follow the directives of SB 700 can face substantial adverse consequences. They may receive cease-and-desist orders that stop your organization’s ability to fundraise in the state. Charitable organizations can face monetary fines and even criminal charges for intentional violations of SB 700.
However, SB 700 does contain a one-time safe harbor for charitable organizations that inadvertently violate its terms. This safe harbor applies only to a first violation in which a charitable organization mistakenly accepts a prohibited donation based on a false “no foreign ties” certification from the donor. To avoid penalties, the charitable organization must refund the gift to the donor within 30 days of notice and report the issue to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Consumer Services, with a corrective plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does Florida Senate Bill 700 do?
SB 700 prohibits nonprofit organizations, fundraisers, and related entities that solicit donations in Florida from accepting contributions—directly or indirectly—from sources, whether individuals or entities, tied to certain “foreign countries of concern.” The law applies to organizations based both inside and outside Florida if they are registered (or required to register) to solicit funds in the state
Who is considered a “foreign source of concern” under the law?
A “foreign source of concern” includes:
- Governments of the listed countries
- Non-U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents domiciled in those countries
- Political parties or party members from those countries
- Entities incorporated in those countries, including subsidiaries, agents, or affiliates
- Any person or entity from those countries holding 25% or more controlling interest in another organization. The prohibition covers both direct and indirect contributions, regardless of donation size or whether the donor is anonymous.
How can charitable organizations comply with SB 700?
Charitable organizations should:
- Review donor, grantor, and other funding source lists for prohibited sources.
- Implement donor‑screening processes to identify potential foreign sources of concern.
- Consider donor attestations on donor forms confirming the donor is not a prohibited person or entity.
- Train staff to recognize and implement the law’s requirements.
- File the required attestation of compliance when registering to solicit in Florida after your governing board has formally approved it.
- Consider joining the Honest Services Registry, which may reassure donors.
Empower Your Mission with Legal Confidence
Your charitable organization’s impact depends on staying compliant with all applicable laws, which are complex and ever-changing. At the California Center for Nonprofit Law, we provide the legal insight you need so you can focus on making a difference. Call us today at (949) 892-1221, email info@NPOlawyers.com, or connect with us online to protect your mission and strengthen your organization’s future.