I don't know all the ins and outs of the Florida charter school regulations. However, I would think if you incorporate and file for 501c3 status with the IRS, that would solidly establish your group as a separate entity and allow you to keep and manage the money you raise. On the other hand, if you don't do those things, I can see why the charter school would consider the group a committee of the school and would be cautious about accounting for the money you raise. One caveat: If your school is run by a for-profit company or is anything but a nonprofit, tax-exempt charter school, that would change things.
- Craig
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