From Commissioner Adam Putnam and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
During the holiday season, many generous Floridians contribute their hard-earned money to help others. With today being Giving Tuesday, I encourage you to do your homework and make the most of your donation.
Follow these simple steps before giving:
Check-A-Charity Before Donating: See how a charity might spend your donation by checking out our department’s Check-A-Charity tool. This tool provides detailed financial information on charities registered in Florida.
Watch out for Scams: Don't judge a charity solely on its name and don't fall for high-pressure, overly emotional appeals. Scammers often take advantage of people by pretending to be a real charity or using names similar to well-known charities.
Keep Good Records: Get a copy of your donation or a receipt with the amount of the contribution. And remember, not all organizations are true charities eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
From food banks to hospitals, there are thousands of charitable organizations in Florida that are doing important, meaningful work. Your donations to reputable, law-abiding charities will further their missions and help others. So, be sure to make the most of your charitable contributions this Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season.