We are asking the Florida State Fair to end the practice of giving away goldfish (or any live animal) as prizes at all future events. This practice was observed at the 2026 Florida State Fair, and it has been reported and documented across multiple years.

Animal Welfare Concerns:

Goldfish given out as prizes are often subjected to extreme heat, stressful transport, and inadequate holding conditions. Once taken home, many are placed into small, unfiltered containers, which can quickly lead to stress, illness, and premature death. 

Irresponsible Pet Ownership:

Animals should never be handed out for amusement. Responsible pet ownership requires planning, not impulse. Giving live animals to unprepared recipients increases the likelihood of neglect, improper care, or premature death.

Environmental Concerns:

When people are unable or unwilling to care for a prize fish, some may resort to releasing them into local waterways. This can disrupt ecosystems by introducing non-native species, spreading disease or parasites, and increasing competition for resources with native wildlife.

Legislative Precedent:

Multiple jurisdictions restrict or prohibit awarding live animals as prizes. Giving away live animals as prizes is illegal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Vermont, and parts of West Virginia.

Florida State Fair: it's time to move on

This is not a one-time issue. The giveaway of live fish has been documented over multiple years, including widely viewed video evidence from 2019. The Florida State Fair can modernize its policies and lead by adopting a clear, humane standard: no live animals as prizes.

Want to do more?

Send a respectful message directly to: info@floridastatefair.com