As more Americans relocate to Florida, questions about legal sports betting continue to surface. With professional franchises across the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL — and major collegiate programs statewide — interest in wagering remains high.
Here is what newcomers and out-of-state residents should understand about sports betting laws in Florida in 2026.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida?
Yes — but with important limitations.
Sports betting is legal in Florida through a tribal-operated framework. The Seminole Tribe of Florida holds exclusive rights to operate sports wagering under a gaming compact negotiated with the State of Florida.
This means:
- Retail sports betting is available at designated Seminole-owned casino properties.
- Online sports betting is conducted exclusively through the tribe’s approved platform.
- Commercial sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel do not independently operate in Florida unless under tribal authorization.
Florida does not offer an open, multi-operator online betting marketplace like states such as New Jersey or Colorado.
How Online Sports Betting Works in Florida
Florida uses a “hub-and-spoke” model. While bets may be placed on a mobile device anywhere within state lines, they are legally processed through servers located on tribal lands.
Key points for residents:
- Bettors must be 21 years or older.
- You must be physically located within Florida at the time of placing the wager.
- Geolocation verification is required.
- Statewide voter approval would be required for significant expansion beyond the tribal compact structure.
For newcomers moving from states with multiple sportsbook options, Florida’s single-operator structure may feel more limited.
What Types of Bets Are Allowed?
Legal sports betting in Florida includes wagering on:
- Professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS)
- College sports
- Golf, tennis, MMA and other major events
- Parlay and proposition bets
Certain restrictions may apply to specific collegiate betting scenarios depending on regulatory interpretations, but in general, major college athletics are included.
Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Florida?
Daily fantasy sports (DFS), such as fantasy football contests, operate in a gray but widely accessible space in Florida. Major platforms continue to offer services, although DFS is regulated separately from the tribal sports betting compact.
New residents should distinguish between:
- Traditional sportsbook wagering
- Daily fantasy contests
- Casino gaming offerings
Each is governed under different legal and regulatory considerations.
The Role of the Seminole Gaming Compact
Florida voters approved Amendment 3 in 2018, requiring voter approval for casino gambling expansion. However, sports betting operates under a negotiated tribal compact structure between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe.
Legal challenges temporarily halted online wagering in prior years, but court rulings ultimately allowed the compact framework to proceed.
As of 2026, sports betting in Florida remains centralized under tribal oversight.
What Relocators Should Consider
For out-of-state residents moving to Florida, it is important to understand:
- Florida does not impose a state income tax, but gambling winnings are still subject to federal tax reporting.
- Betting platforms require identity verification and geolocation confirmation.
- Responsible gaming tools and limits are available through licensed platforms.
Additionally, Florida’s regulatory structure could evolve in future years depending on legislative action or ballot initiatives.
Sports betting is legal in Florida, but it operates under a tribal-exclusive model rather than a competitive open market.
For sports fans relocating to Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville or elsewhere in the Sunshine State, wagering is available both in-person at Seminole properties and online statewide — provided users are physically located within Florida.
As Florida continues to grow, understanding the legal landscape surrounding gaming and sports betting is part of making an informed transition to residency in one of the nation’s most dynamic states.