1988 – The Florida Lottery officially began selling tickets on this date. Approved by a constitutional amendment vote in the 1986 general election, the Florida Lottery began with a $1 scratch-off millionaire game and in the first few weeks they sold over $95 million worth of tickets. Rebecca Paul served as the first Secretary of the Lottery, appointed by Governor Martinez in 1987. Today, players have a wide variety of games at different price points to choose from. The original goal of the lottery program was to enhance public education in Florida though general donations, a college scholarship program and money for the construction of new educational facilities. The Florida Lottery continues to be a high revenue program which has contributed over $25 billion towards public education in the state.
