Florida Lottery

As state-run lotteries go, Florida residents are in luck—literally and figuratively. The Florida Lottery offers a wide variety of games with impressive top prizes, ranging from local draw games to record-breaking multi-state jackpots. Since its inception in 1988, the Florida Lottery has contributed billions to education while creating thousands of millionaires. In 2025, players can purchase tickets both in-store and online via the official Florida Lottery website or mobile app.

Ticket prices start at just $1, and those who match the Florida Lottery winning numbers could walk away with life-changing amounts. Whether you’re chasing a Powerball jackpot or playing a daily draw like Fantasy 5, there’s a game for everyone.

Florida Joins the Powerball and Mega Millions

Florida officially joined the Powerball game on January 4, 2009, making it one of the last major states to do so at the time. Since then, it has had multiple big winners, including the historic win by Gloria MacKenzie, who claimed a $590.5 million jackpot in May 2013—at that time the largest single-ticket Powerball prize in U.S. history. Powerball remains a staple in Florida with three drawings weekly (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday), starting at $20 million.

Mega Millions tickets became available in Florida starting May 15, 2013. With two weekly drawings (Tuesday and Friday) and starting jackpots of $20 million, Florida Mega Millions continues to attract a wide player base. In 2025, players can enhance their non-jackpot winnings by adding the Megaplier for just $1 more.

These two national games complement Florida’s strong lineup of in-state options and contribute significantly to its status as one of the top-performing lotteries in the U.S.

Florida State Lottery Games Evolve Constantly

The Florida Fantasy 5 game is one of the longest-standing and most popular in-state games. Drawn twice daily, it features a 5/36 matrix and jackpots that often exceed $200,000. If no ticket matches all five numbers, the top prize rolls down to players who match fewer numbers, making it one of the best-value games in the state.

Florida Lotto, the state's flagship draw game, was revamped in 2024. It now offers a base jackpot of $1 million with rollovers and includes the optional Double Play and EZmatch features. The Lotto draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday. Players pick 6 numbers from a pool of 53. Those opting into the Lotto Xtra add-on can multiply non-jackpot winnings by up to five times for an extra $1.

Cash Pop, a relatively new game launched in recent years, allows players to pick just one number between 1 and 15. Draws occur five times daily, and prizes can be as high as $1,250 on a single $5 ticket. This game is designed for those who want fast-paced, easy gameplay with strong odds.

Pick 2, Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 games are drawn twice daily and remain fan favorites for those who enjoy fixed-odds games. With various play types (Straight, Box, Combo, Front Pair, and Back Pair), these games offer payouts up to $50,000 depending on the wager and number combination.

Florida Lottery Education Funding and Impact

Since its establishment, the Florida Lottery has transferred more than $44 billion to the state's Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. In 2025 alone, the Lottery contributed over $2 billion to public education, including Bright Futures scholarships and K–12 initiatives.

The Florida Lottery also maintains strong responsible gaming practices, offering self-exclusion programs, play limits, and public awareness campaigns about gambling addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Florida Lottery tickets online?

Yes. As of 2025, Florida residents can purchase select draw game tickets and claim winnings through the official Florida Lottery app and website.

What time are Florida Lottery drawings held?

Draw times vary by game. For example, Fantasy 5 is drawn twice daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. Powerball and Mega Millions drawings take place at 10:59 p.m. ET on their respective days.

What are the odds of winning the Florida Lotto?

The odds of hitting the jackpot in the Florida Lotto (6/53 matrix) are approximately 1 in 22,957,480. However, multiple lower-tier prizes increase overall winning chances.

Is it safe to play the Florida Lottery online?

Yes. The official Florida Lottery online platform is secure and state-authorized. Players must be 18 or older and physically located in Florida to buy tickets online.

How are Florida Lottery winnings taxed?

Winnings over $5,000 are subject to 24% federal tax withholding. Florida has no state income tax, so no additional tax is levied at the state level.

Where does the money from the Florida Lottery go?

Approximately 27% of every dollar spent on the Florida Lottery goes directly to education funding. The rest supports prizes, retailer commissions, and administrative costs.