Florida Sports Betting: Legal Sportsbooks and Best DFS Sites

Sports betting is legal in Florida, but it is limited to Hard Rock Bet, the only sportsbook allowed to operate in the state. Sports betting was legalized in 2021 under a gaming compact between Florida and the Seminole Tribe, giving the tribe exclusive rights to offer both retail and online sports betting in Florida.

Because access to traditional sportsbook apps is limited, many Florida residents turn to legal alternatives like Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and pick’em sites, which are available statewide and offer strong welcome bonuses. These platforms let users win real money based on player performance without placing traditional sportsbook wagers.

Florida Sports Betting Overview

• Legal status: Sports betting is legal in Florida, but restricted to one operator (HardRock Bet)
• Legalized: 2021, under a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida
• Authorized sportsbook: Hard Rock Bet (exclusive statewide operator)
• Online sports betting: Available only through the Hard Rock Bet app
• Retail sportsbooks: Offered at Seminole Hard Rock casino locations
• Other sportsbook apps: bet365, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars are not authorized in Florida
• Legal alternatives: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and pick’em apps (available statewide)

Best Florida Fantasy Sports Apps and Welcome Bonuses

Florida DFS apps are legal statewide and available to users 18 and older. They’ve become a popular alternative to Florida sports betting, especially during the NFL and NBA seasons, thanks to simple gameplay, fast payouts, and generous welcome bonuses.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Florida?

Sports betting is legal in Florida, but only in a limited form. The state allows sports betting exclusively through Hard Rock Bet, the sportsbook operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida under a tribal gaming compact approved in 2021.

That compact was negotiated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and grants the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to offer sports wagering in Florida. Under its terms, sports bets are deemed to occur on tribal land, even when placed through a mobile device, provided the betting servers are located on tribal property.

National sportsbook apps like DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM, and Caesars are not authorized to offer sports betting in Florida.  

Because of these restrictions, Daily Fantasy Sports apps and pick’em contests are a popular option for Floridians. These platforms are legal statewide and allow users to compete for real-money prizes based on player performance rather than traditional point spreads or moneylines.

Best DFS Apps in Florida Reviewed

Below are the top Florida DFS pick’em and fantasy apps, each with standout features and current welcome offers.

Underdog Florida: Best Overall DFS App

• Welcome offer:  Play $5, Get $75 in bonus entries with code FOXSPORT.
• Underdog Florida Promo Code: FOXSPORTS
• Best known for: the largest selection of best ball and pick’em contests across major sports.
• App experience & notable features: clean, fast interface; NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports support; pick’em and season-long contests available.
• Final take: Underdog Fantasy is the best overall Florida DFS app for players who want variety, strong bonuses, and an easy-to-use experience.

Underdog Fantasy is one of the most popular DFS platforms in the U.S., and it’s widely used in Florida thanks to its intuitive app and deep contest variety. Underdog offers both pick’em contests and best-ball competitions, making it a strong choice for casual players and advanced users alike.

DraftKings Fantasy: Best Florida DFS App for Big Contests

• Welcome offer:  New customers play free for a share of millions in prizes with their first deposit.
• DraftKings Florida Promo Code: None Required
• Best known for: massive prize pools and a wide variety of DFS contest types.
• App experience & notable features: large contest lobby; salary-cap DFS, showdowns, and tournaments; beginner-friendly entry limits.
• Final take: DraftKings Fantasy is a top Florida DFS app for players who want access to large contests and nationally recognized prize pools.

DraftKings Fantasy is one of the most established names in daily fantasy sports and remains a popular option for Florida users. The platform offers contests across nearly every major sport, with formats that appeal to both beginners and experienced DFS players. 

Betr Picks: Best Florida Pick’em App for Social Play

• Welcome offer:  Free $10 after signing up plus a 50% deposit match up to $200 with code FOXSPORTS.
• Betr Florida Promo Code: FOXSPORTS
• Best known for: simplified pick’em contests with a social-first experience.
• App experience & notable features: streamlined mobile design; pick’em-only gameplay; injury protection on select entries.
• Final take: Betr is a strong Florida DFS pick’em app for players who want quick entries and a more social DFS experience.

Betr focuses on player-prop pick’em contests rather than traditional lineup building. Its simple format and growing community make it an appealing option for Florida players who prefer fast, easy-to-understand DFS contests.

Sleeper: Best Florida Sports Betting Alternative for Beginners

• Welcome offer: Get your first deposit matched 100% up to $100.
• Best known for: clean design and beginner-friendly pick’em gameplay.
• App experience & notable features: minimal interface; pick’em and daily draft formats; low learning curve for new users.
• Final take: Sleeper is a solid Florida DFS app for players who want straightforward pick’em contests without complexity.

Sleeper is widely used for season-long fantasy leagues but has expanded into DFS pick’em contests available in Florida. Its simple layout and easy gameplay make it a good starting point for newer DFS players. 

Boom Fantasy: Best Florida DFS App for Unique Game Formats

• Welcome offer: No Sweat first entry worth up to $100 with code FOXSPORTS.
• Best known for: unique pick’em formats with payout multipliers.
• App experience & notable features: Pick & Spin and SquadRide contests; multiplier-based payouts; seasonal promotions.
• Final take: Boom Fantasy stands out as a Florida DFS app for players looking for non-traditional pick’em contests.

Boom Fantasy offers several twists on standard DFS pick’em games, creating higher-upside formats that feel different from typical over/under contests. It’s a good fit for players who want something more creative.

Dabble: Best Florida No Deposit Bonus

• Welcome offer: $10 no-deposit bonus for new users with code FOX
• Best known for: allowing new players to try DFS pick’em without depositing money.
• App experience & notable features: fast signup; beginner-friendly pick’em contests; low-risk entry.
• Final take: Dabble is the best Florida DFS app for beginners who want to try pick’em contests risk-free with a no-deposit bonus.

Dabble gives Florida users a chance to explore DFS pick’em contests without committing their own funds upfront. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to get started with pick’em games in Florida.

FL Sports Betting News and Legislative Updates

📅 May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, giving states the authority to legalize sports betting individually. Florida lawmakers begin exploring sports betting through tribal gaming agreements rather than commercial legislation.

📅 April 2021: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs a new gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that includes sports betting, granting the tribe exclusive rights to operate sportsbooks in the state.

📅 November 2021: Legal challenges temporarily halt the rollout of online sports betting after a federal court ruling questions the compact’s structure. 

📅 2023–2024: Additional court rulings allow the Seminole Tribe to move forward under the compact framework, reaffirming tribal exclusivity for sports betting in Florida.

📅 Present: Hard Rock Bet remains the only sportsbook authorized to operate in Florida, with no legislation passed to allow commercial sportsbook competitors. 

Because Florida sports betting is governed through a tribal compact rather than a commercial licensing system, changes to the market would require either a new agreement, voter approval, or significant legal action.

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Florida Sports Betting Laws

Florida’s sports betting laws are closely tied to tribal gaming rather than state-run or commercial gambling expansion. Unlike states that passed standalone sports betting bills, Florida legalized sports betting through a state–tribal compact with the Seminole Tribe.

Under Florida law, the Seminole Tribe holds exclusive authority to offer sports wagering. The state has not passed legislation allowing multiple sportsbook operators or a competitive online betting market. As a result, sports betting access in Florida is limited to tribal operations and approved retail casino locations. 

While PASPA’s repeal in 2018 opened the door for states to legalize sports betting, Florida chose a tribal exclusivity model instead of a commercial framework, shaping the limited sportsbook environment seen today.

Recent Florida Sports Betting Agreements and Legal Actions

Below is a timeline of notable sports betting-related bills considered by the Florida Legislature in recent years:

• Seminole Gaming Compact (2021): Legalized sports betting through the Seminole Tribe and granted exclusive operating rights.
• Federal Court Challenge (2021): Temporarily blocked online betting, citing concerns over off-tribal wagering.
• Appellate Court Rulings (2023): Cleared the way for the compact framework to proceed.
• Hard Rock Bet Relaunch (2023): Sports betting resumes under tribal control.
• No Commercial Sports Betting Bills Passed: Florida lawmakers have not approved legislation allowing non-tribal sportsbooks.

What Betting Options Are Legal in Florida Right Now?

Florida allows a limited set of legal betting and gambling options. Traditional sports betting is only permitted through Hard Rock Bet, the exclusive sportsbook operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Outside of that single sportsbook, Florida residents cannot use national sportsbook apps like FanDuel or DraftKings for traditional sports wagers.

That said, Florida residents do have legal alternatives, including Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), pick’em contests, the state lottery, pari-mutuel wagering, and tribal casino gaming. Below is a breakdown of what’s allowed and how each option works.

Florida Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Pick’em Apps

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is one of the most accessible and widely used legal sports gaming options in Florida. DFS contests focus on individual player performance, not on predicting game winners or point spreads. 

Florida does not currently have a law that specifically licenses or regulates DFS platforms. Because of this, major DFS and pick’em operators continue to offer contests statewide and have done so for years without enforcement action. Availability may vary by operator and contest type, but in practice, Florida users can access many of the same DFS apps offered in other states.

Here are a few common types of DFS contests available in Florida:

• 50/50 Contests: Half the entries win, and half lose. These are lower-variance contests where winners typically earn close to double their entry fee.
• Head-to-Head (H2H): One user competes against a single opponent, with the higher-scoring lineup winning the prize pool.
• Tournaments (GPPs): Large contests with many entries and bigger payouts, where only a small percentage of users win.
• Pick’em Contests: Users select multiple player stat outcomes and predict whether each will go over or under a listed projection.
• Best Ball: Users draft a roster once, and the platform automatically selects the highest-scoring lineup each week or round.

Florida Lottery

The Florida Lottery is one of the most common forms of state-regulated gambling. Players can purchase lottery tickets in person at authorized retailers throughout the state.

The official Florida Lottery app allows users to check numbers, scan tickets, and find nearby retailers, but lottery tickets must still be purchased in person. Online ticket sales are not permitted.

Florida Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Betting

Florida allows pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, greyhound racing (where permitted), and jai alai at licensed facilities. Some locations also offer simulcast betting on races from around the country.

All pari-mutuel wagers must be placed through approved operators and locations, either in person or through authorized platforms tied to licensed facilities.

Are There Casinos in Florida?

Florida does not allow commercial casinos like those in Nevada or New Jersey. However, tribal casinos operate legally under federal law.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida runs multiple casino properties across the state, offering slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and retail sportsbooks. Sports betting at these locations is tied exclusively to the Hard Rock Bet platform and tribal gaming authority.

Most Popular Sports and Teams to Bet On in Florida

Florida has one of the most active sports markets in the country, with major franchises across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and a massive college football presence. Even with a limited sportsbook market, fan interest drives wagering activity through Hard Rock Bet and DFS contests year-round.

NFL Betting in FL

Football is the most popular betting sport in Florida. The state has three NFL teams with strong regional followings.

The Miami Dolphins carry the largest national fan base and frequently attract heavy betting action, especially during playoff races and primetime games. South Florida remains one of the league’s biggest betting audiences.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw massive interest during the Tom Brady era and continue to draw attention thanks to consistent playoff contention. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars have become a rising team in the AFC, with growing betting interest as their roster improves.

Because the NFL dominates weekly betting volume nationwide, these teams generate the most consistent wagering activity in Florida. Check out our page on the best NFL betting apps for recommendations.

NBA Betting in FL

Basketball also produces steady betting interest across the state’s two franchises.

The Miami Heat are one of the NBA’s most recognizable organizations, with multiple Finals appearances and a strong national following. Their playoff runs consistently generate increased betting activity. 

The Orlando Magic appeal heavily to local bettors, especially during rebuilding seasons featuring young talent, which often creates player prop and futures betting interest.

MLB Betting in FL

Baseball betting remains popular due to the long season and daily game schedule.

The Tampa Bay Rays regularly compete in the postseason and often attract value-focused bettors because of their analytics-driven style. The Miami Marlins draw regional betting support and increased attention during divisional matchups.

MLB’s near-daily schedule makes it one of the most active wagering sports throughout the summer months.

College Sports Betting in FL

College football is deeply embedded in Florida sports culture and rivals the NFL in fan engagement.

Programs like the Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, and Miami Hurricanes attract national attention and passionate fan bases. Rivalry games and bowl season typically generate the highest betting interest each year.

College basketball also draws attention during March tournaments, particularly when Florida schools make postseason runs.

Florida Responsible Gaming Resources

Whether you’re using Hard Rock Bet, playing Daily Fantasy Sports, or entering pick’em contests, it’s important to gamble responsibly. Betting should always be treated as entertainment — not a guaranteed way to make money.

If gambling stops being fun or begins to cause stress, financial problems, or relationship issues, support is available. Florida residents can access confidential help through state and national organizations that offer education, counseling, and treatment resources.

• Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) – gamblinghelp.org/florida | 📞 1-888-ADMIT-IT (1-888-236-4848)
• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – ncpgambling.org | 📞 1-800-522-4700 | 📱 Text “HELP” to 800-522-4700 | 💬 Live Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat
• Gamblers Anonymous – gamblersanonymous.org | 📞 1-855-222-5542

Florida Sports Betting FAQs

Can You Bet on Sports in Florida Right Now?

Yes — but only through Hard Rock Bet, the exclusive sportsbook operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Other national sportsbook apps do not offer traditional sports betting in the state, but you can play for real money using DFS apps.

What Betting Apps Work in Florida?

Hard Rock Bet is the only sportsbook app available for traditional wagers. However, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and pick’em apps like Underdog Fantasy, DraftKings Fantasy, Sleeper, and others are also accessible statewide.

Is FanDuel Legal in Florida?

FanDuel Sportsbook is not legal in Florida. However, FanDuel Fantasy contests (DFS) are available to Florida users and can be played legally by adults 18 and older.

Is DraftKings Legal in Florida?

DraftKings Sportsbook is not available in Florida. That said, DraftKings Fantasy and DraftKings Pick6 are accessible to Florida residents and offer DFS-style contests rather than traditional sports betting.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Florida?

Online sports betting is limited to Hard Rock Bet. Online casino gambling is not broadly legal statewide. DFS contests remain widely available and operate separately from traditional wagering.

What Is Legal to Gamble on in Florida?

Legal options include:

• Hard Rock Bet sports wagering
• Daily Fantasy Sports contests
• Florida Lottery
• Pari-mutuel wagering (horse racing, jai alai)
• Tribal casino gaming

How Old Do You Have to Be to Gamble in FL?

Age requirements depend on the activity:

• Hard Rock Bet sportsbook: 21+
• DFS contests: typically 18+
• Lottery: 18+
• Tribal casinos: 21+

Can You Use DFS Apps Like Underdog or PrizePicks in Florida?

Yes. Major DFS and pick’em platforms accept Florida users and offer contests based on player performance rather than game outcomes.

Are DFS and Pick’em Apps Considered Sports Betting in FL?

No. DFS contests are treated differently from sportsbook wagering because they are based on player statistics and skill-based competition rather than betting on final game results.

What is the best Florida DFS promo code right now?

The best Florida DFS promo depends on how you want to play. Underdog promo code FOXSPORTS offers strong, simple entry-level bet & get bonus: Play $5, Get $75 in bonus entries with code FOXSPORTS. Dabble also stands out with a no-deposit bonus for new users :$25 no-deposit bonus for new users with code FOX25 . These DFS promos give Floridians a legal way to play pick’em and fantasy contests using real money. 

Here’s a quick reference table you can use: