Florida Nonprofit Corporation Act

_{Disclaimer: This page provides educational information and should not be considered legal advice. Organizations should consult qualified legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.}

Overview

Under House Bill 797 (HB 797), the Florida Nonprofit Corporation Act (formerly the Florida Not For Profit Corporation Act) was revised to more closely align with the Florida Business Corporation Act and the American Bar Association's Model Nonprofit Corporation Act. 

Florida Nonprofit Alliance created this page to help nonprofit leaders understand these changes, review their governance practices, and identify areas that may warrant further attention.

Despite sweeping changes, the most important thing to remember is this: HB 797 is an opportunity, not a crisis. This legislative overhaul was designed to modernize the Nonprofit Corporation Act and provide clearer rules and better protections for nonprofits.

For many organizations, this is a chance to update governing documents that may have been neglected, educate board members and key stakeholders on their roles and responsibilities, and align written policies with actual practices.

Presented in partnership with Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, Florida Nonprofit Corporations Act - What the New Compliance Laws Mean for Your Nonprofit provides an overview of HB 797, including the law's major provisions, practical implications, and considerations for updating governing documents and governance practices.

Before reviewing your own bylaws or governance policies, we recommend watching this webinar or viewing the presentation slides to better understand how these changes may apply to your organization.

Watch the Recording            View the Slides

The Florida Nonprofit Corporation Act Compliance Self-Assessment Tool helps your organization identify whether—and where—you may need to take action due to changes made under HB 797. 

In addition to highlighting potential compliance gaps, the self-assessment provides guidance on the types of governance updates your organization may need to consider and recommends when it may be appropriate to consult legal counsel.

Take the Self-Assessment

_{This tool is designed primarily for public charities recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. If your organization holds a different tax-exempt classification, the statutory changes may still apply. Be sure to consult legal counsel about applicability to your specific structure.}

Florida Nonprofit Alliance is committed to helping nonprofit leaders build strong, resilient, and well-governed organizations.

Explore our Protecting Your Organization page for additional tools and guidance.