2015 Candidate Notebook- v
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
FLORIDA
CANDIDATE’S NOTEBOOK
MUNICIPAL ELECTION
2015
CANDIDATE PACKET FOR
ATLANTIC BEACH MUNICIPAL ELECTION
AUGUST 25, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I GENERAL INFORMATION
a. Memorandum (includes qualifying information)
b. City Charter
c. District Map & Ordinance No. 33-12-18
d. Where to get assistance
e. Guide to the Sunshine Amendment and Code of Ethics for
Public Officers and Employees
SECTION II ELECTION CALENDAR
a. Detailed Election Calendar
SECTION III CAMPAIGN FINANCING/ELECTION LAWS
a. Notice of Statement of Candidate
b. The Compilation of the Election Laws of the State of Florida
(includes F.S. 106- Campaign Financing)
c. Florida Division of Elections, Candidate and Campaign
Treasurer Handbook
SECTION IV CAMPAIGN SIGNS AND ADVERTISING
(Refer to F.S. 106.143 for more information)
a. Atlantic Beach Code on Political Campaign Signs
SECTION V POLLING INFORMATION
(Refer to F.S. 101.131 for more information)
a. Location of Precincts/Polling Places
SECTION VI CANDIDATE FORMS
a. DS-DE 9: Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and
Designation of Campaign Depository for Candidates
b. DS-DE 84: Statement of Candidate
c. Nomination Petition
d. DS-DE 25: Candidate Oath- Nonpartisan Office
e. Form 1: Statement of Financial Interests- 2012
SECTION VII TREASURER FORMS
a. DS-DE 2: Contribution Returned
b. DS-DE 12: Campaign Treasurer’s Report Summary
c. DS-DE 13: Campaign Treasurer’s Report- Itemized
Contributions
d. DS-DE 13A: Campaign Treasurer’s Report- Fund Transfers
e. DS-DE 14: Campaign Treasurer’s Report- Itemized
Expenditures
f. DS-DE 14A: Campaign Treasurer’s Report- Itemized
Distributions
g. DS-DE 73: Campaign Loans Report
h. DS-DE 73A: Campaign Loans Report Itemized
i. DS-DE 86: Request for Return of Contribution
j. DS-DE 87: Waiver of Report
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 2015 (*Amended)
TO: All Potential Candidates for Elected Office in Atlantic Beach
FROM: Donna L. Bartle, CMC
City Clerk
SUBJECT: 2015 Election
_____________________________________________________________________________
The Candidate’s Notebook is being provided to help you meet the many requirements and
deadlines in the campaign process. A detailed Election Calendar can be found in Section II.
Please thoroughly review the material provided in the Candidate’s Notebook and if you have
questions, do not hesitate to call me at 247-5809.
The following is a summary of pertinent information.
1. The City Clerk serves as the Supervisor of Elections for Atlantic Beach Municipal
Elections and all questions should be directed to this office first, preferably to the City
Clerk personally. Since the City Clerk is the filing officer, all forms are to be filed with
the City Clerk at City Hall, 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.
2. ELECTION DATES:
The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2015.
The General Election, if required for a run-off, will be held on Tuesday, November 3,
2015.
3. OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION:
Mayor - Seat 1 (2-year term) – At Large- Currently held by Carolyn Woods.
Commissioner - Seat 2 (4-year term)- District 1308 (Formerly 13H)- Currently held by
Maria Mark
Commissioner - Seat 3 (4-year term)- District 1307 (Formerly 13GS) - Currently held
by Mark Beckenbach.
4. Candidates must be registered voters of Duval County, must have been a full-time resident
for at least one year in the district he/she wishes to represent prior to qualifying and may not
hold any other elective office. Note: The mayor has no district requirement.
5. TO BECOME A FILED CANDIDATE YOU MUST:
a. Appoint a Campaign Treasurer (F.S. 106.021(1)(a)) and designate a campaign
depository (F.S. 106.021 (1)(b)) by filing a Form DSDE 9 with the City Clerk.
Election 2015- Memorandum to Candidates Page 2 of 3
*Note: The candidate may also serve as his/her own campaign treasurer.
b. WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS OF FILING APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN
TREASURER, CANDIDATE MUST FILE STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE
FORM (F.S. 106.023) by filing a Form DS-DE 84.
6. Open a campaign depository authorized to do business in the State of Florida pursuant to
F.S. 106.021 in an account designated “(Name of Candidate) Campaign Account”.
(Form DSDE 9 is required to be filed with the City Clerk before opening the
campaign bank account.) The bank will want a copy of the completed Form DSDE 9.
***ALL FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK***
7. TO FILE PETITIONS PRIOR TO QUALIFYING YOU MUST:
a. Be a FILED CANDIDATE (Have completed Item 5a above), and
PLEASE NOTE: Item 5b is required within 10 days of filing Item 5a above.
b. Submit completed petition(s) signed by at least ten (10) qualified electors of the
City. Petitions can only be circulated for FILED CANDIDATES and not before
Wednesday, May 6, 2015. The deadline for filing the petitions with the City
Clerk is 5:00 pm on Friday, June 5, 2015. No nominating petition shall be
accepted unless accompanied by a signed acceptance of the nomination by the
candidate being nominated (Charter Sec. 39). Petitions will have to be verified by
the City Clerk through the Duval County Supervisor of Elections.
8. QUALIFYING PERIOD:
Qualifying period begins at Noon on Monday, June 15, 2015 and will end at Noon on
Friday, June 19, 2015.
Items 9d, 9e and 9f below are considered “qualifying documents” or “qualifying papers”
and must be filed as one instrument during the qualifying period with the City Clerk, at
City Hall, 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233. It is the candidate’s
responsibility to ensure that qualifying papers are timely received in that office and
complete.
9. TO QUALIFY AS A CANDIDATE YOU MUST:
a. Be a FILED CANDIDATE (Have completed Item 5a and 5b above),
b. Have completed Item 6,
c. Have completed Item 7b,
d. Take and subscribe to an oath in writing in accordance with F.S. 99.021 by
completing Form DSDE 25,
Election 2015- Memorandum to Candidates Page 3 of 3
e. Submit Statement of Financial Interests (CE Form 1)(F.S. 112.3145 (2)(a)), and
f. Pay an election assessment fee of 1% of the salary of the office being sought (F.S.
99.093 (1))
The assessment fees are as follows:
Mayor- Seat 1- $95.81
City Commissioner Seats 2 through-5- $58.31
NOTE: Any candidate who is unable to pay the election assessment without
imposing an undue burden on his personal resources or on resources otherwise
available to him shall, upon written certification of such inability given under oath
to the City Clerk, be exempt from paying the election assessment (F.S. 99.093(2)).
The City of Atlantic Beach requires no filing fees.
10. Please pay close attention to the dates that Treasurer’s Reports (Forms DSDE 12,
DSDE 13, & DSDE 14) are due and be sure to turn them in on time. The due dates are
listed on the Election Calendar in Section II of the Candidate Packet. Penalties for all
late filings will be assessed in accordance with F.S. 106.07(8)(b). FLORIDA
STATUTES PROVIDES NO EXCEPTIONS FOR LATE FILING.
11. No contribution may be accepted after 12:00 midnight, Thursday, August 20, 2015 for
the election on August 25, 2015, or after 12:00 midnight, Thursday, October 29, 2015 for
the election on November 3, 2015.
12. The deadline to submit names of poll watchers for the Primary Election is Noon on
Tuesday, August 11, 2015 and for the General Election, if needed, is Noon on Tuesday,
October 20, 2015. Information regarding the procedure will be available on the Duval
County Supervisor of Elections website, www.duvalelections.com.
13. Pursuant to City Charter Sec. 37, “All elections for the office of commissioner and
mayor-commissioner shall be conducted on a nonpartisan basis without any designation
of political party affiliation”. Remember this when you fill out forms, ads, disclaimers
and design your campaign signs. Do not indicate or reference party at all, not even as
“no party affiliation” which is not the same as nonpartisan.
PART I CHARTER i[1]
A NEW CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, IN DUVAL COUNTY,
PROVIDING FOR ITS GOVERNMENT AND PRESCRIBING ITS JURISDICTION, POWERS,
PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES, WHICH ABOLISHES THE PRESENT CHARTER OF THE
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH.
ARTICLE I. INCORPORATION; FORM OF GOVERNMENT; POWERS
Sec. 1. Present Charter of the City of Atlantic Beach abolished and new Charter established.
Sec. 2. Reaffirmation of the incorporation of City of Atlantic Beach.
Sec. 3. Form of government.
Sec. 4. General powers.
Sec. 1. Present Charter of the City of Atlantic Beach abolished and new Charter
established.
The present Charter of the City of Atlantic Beach in Duval County, Florida, is hereby
abolished; and the new Charter, as hereinafter set forth, is hereby established.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 2. Reaffirmation of the incorporation of City of Atlantic Beach.
The establishment of a municipal corporation, known and designated as the City of
Atlantic Beach, organized and constituted in the County of Duval and State of Florida, by an act
of the Florida Legislature in 1957, is hereby reaffirmed and its territorial boundaries are as
follows:
Beginning at a point on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean which is the intersection of the
low water mark line of said Atlantic Ocean and an easterly prolongation of the southerly
boundary line of Kathryn Abby Hanna Park; running thence westerly along the southerly
boundary line of said Kathryn Abby Hanna Park to the easterly right-of-way line of Old Sherry
Drive (County Road No. 551); running thence southerly along said easterly right-of-way line of
Old Sherry Drive (County Road No. 551) to the north boundary line of fractional Section 5,
Township 2 South, Range 29 East; running thence westerly along the northerly boundary line of
said Fractional Section 5 in said Township and Range, to the eastern right-of-way line of
Mayport Road (State Road A-1-A); running thence southerly along the easterly right-of-way line
of said Mayport Road to the north boundary line of Government Lot 15 of Section 8; running
thence easterly along the north boundary line of said Government Lot 15 to the northwest
corner of the east one-half of said Government Lot 15; running thence southerly along the west
boundary line of the east one-half of said Government Lot 15 to the north boundary line of
Sections 17 and 18 in said Township and Range; running thence westerly along said north
boundary line and the north boundary line of Section 40 to a point at the center line of the
Intracoastal Waterway; running thence southerly along said centerline of the Intracoastal
Waterway to the intersection of said center line with a line sixteen (16) feet northerly of,
measured at right angles from and parallel to the centerline of Atlantic Boulevard; running
thence easterly along said parallel line and a prolongation of same to the point of intersection of
said prolongation with the low water mark of the Atlantic Ocean; and running thence northerly
along said low water mark of the Atlantic Ocean to the point or place of beginning; excepting
from the territory hereinabove described that part thereof lying in said Sections 8 and 9
occupied and used by Selva Marina Country Club as described in deed recorded in Volume
652, page 484, Official Records of Duval County; and jurisdiction of the waters of the Atlantic
Ocean two miles from the low water mark between the north and south lines of said city as
above described, projected easterly two miles; and police jurisdiction for traffic control purposes
over Atlantic Boulevard from the Atlantic Ocean to the westerly limits of said city as hereinbefore
described, over said Mayport Road from the city limits as above described, northerly to the
northern boundary line of said Fractional Section 5; provided, however, that the city council of
the City of Jacksonville, Florida, acting in its capacity as the governing body of Duval County,
Florida, is hereby authorized to construct and maintain any and all streets, roads, or highways
that have at any time heretofore, been adopted as county roads by the board of county
commissioners of Duval County, Florida, as it may deem necessary and proper for the benefit of
the public.
(Laws of Florida Ch. 59-1054; Laws of Florida Ch. 86-461; Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93; Ord.
No. 28-96-4, § 3, 1-13-97)
Sec. 3. Form of government.
The municipal government provided by this Charter shall be known as
"Commission-Manager Government." Subject only to the limitations imposed by the Constitution
and laws of this state and by this Charter, all powers of the city shall be vested in an elective
commission, hereinafter referred to as "the city commission."
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 4. General powers.
The city shall have all powers, governmental, corporate and proprietary, in accordance
with and including the provisions of F.S. Chapter 166, enabling it to conduct municipal
government, perform municipal functions and render municipal services, and may exercise any
power for municipal purposes; which powers shall be limited only by the Federal Constitution,
State Constitution, general and special law and any specific limitation in this Charter. The
enumeration of particular powers shall not be deemed as necessary as it is intended that the
city shall have and exercise all powers which it would be competent for this Charter specifically
to enumerate, including all extraterritorial powers and jurisdiction previously granted by Chapter
57-1126, Laws of Florida as amended, or by any special or general law. The absence of such
enumeration shall not be construed as limiting; indeed, it shall be construed liberally in favor of
the city.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE II. THE COMMISSION
Sec. 5. Number of commissioners; selection; term.
Sec. 6. Qualifications and disqualifications.
Sec. 7. Salary.
Sec. 8. Presiding officer: Mayor.
Sec. 9. Powers.
Sec. 10. Appointment of city manager.
Sec. 11. Appointment of deputy city manager or deputy city clerk.
Sec. 12. Vacancies in the city commission.
Sec. 13. Creation of new departments or offices; change of duties.
Sec. 14. Induction of city commission into office; meetings of the city commission.
Sec. 15. City commission to be judge of qualifications of its members.
Sec. 16. Rules of procedure; journal of minutes.
Sec. 17. Ordinances.
Sec. 18. Procedure for passage of ordinances and resolutions.
Sec. 19. Independent annual audit.
Sec. 20. Right of city manager and other officers in city commission.
Sec. 5. Number of commissioners; selection; term.
The city commission shall consist of five (5) electors of the City of Atlantic Beach who
have the qualifications as defined in section 6 of this Charter, elected at large without regard for
any designation of political party affiliation. The seats shall be known as seats 1 through 5
respectively, and seat 1 shall be designed as the mayor-commissioner. Seats 2 through 5 shall
be designated as district commissioners, with each commissioner required to reside within the
district from which he or she is elected. The four (4) districts shall be created using the precinct
lines existing as of November, 2007, as a beginning point, shall be established by ordinance,
shall be as equal in population as possible, and to the extent possible shall maintain the integrity
of neighborhoods and communities of interest. The mayor-commissioner shall be elected for
two-year terms and the terms for seats 2 through 5 shall each be four years. Effective with the
municipal election in October, 1993, anyone elected or appointed to the office of
mayor-commissioner shall not serve more than four (4) consecutive two-year terms; and any
elected or appointed to commission seats 2 through 5 shall not serve more than two (2)
consecutive four-year terms. Serving any part of a term shall be considered a full term. Nothing
contained herein shall prevent anyone who has served as a city commissioner from being
appointed or elected to the position of mayor-commissioner and then serving in that capacity
four (4) consecutive two-year terms.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93; Ord. No. 33-07-12, § 1, 10-2-07)
Sec. 6. Qualifications and disqualifications.
Members of the city commission shall have been full-time residents of the city for at least
one year immediately prior to qualifying. They shall be electors in the city. Full-time residency
shall be defined as the person's principal place of abode during the year. Members of the city
commission shall not hold any other elective office. Any member of the city commission ceasing
to possess the foregoing qualifications or who shall have been convicted of a crime punishable
by more than one (1) year of imprisonment or a crime involving moral turpitude, shall forfeit the
seat prior to the next meeting of the city commission. Absence from four consecutive regular
meetings of the city commission shall operate to vacate the seat of a member, unless the
member's absence is excused by the city commission by a resolution setting forth the fact of
such excuse duly entered upon the minutes.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 7. Salary.
The salary of the members of the city commission shall be set by ordinance.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 8. Presiding officer: Mayor.
The mayor-commissioner shall preside at all meetings of the city commission and shall
be recognized as head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes and by the governor
for all purposes of military law. When directed to do so by the city commission the
mayor-commissioner shall execute all instruments to which the city is a party, unless otherwise
provided by the Charter or by ordinance. The mayor-commissioner shall have no regular
administrative duties except as authorized in this Charter but may appoint, from time to time,
such special or select committees as in his discretion he deems desirable or as may be desired
by the city commission, to expedite the handling of the business and affairs of the city. In the
temporary absence or disability of the mayor-commissioner, all duties of the
mayor-commissioner shall be performed by the mayor pro tempore who shall be appointed by
the city commission from its members.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 9. Powers.
Except as may be otherwise provided in this Charter, all powers of the city and the
determination of all matters of policy shall be vested in the city commission. Without limitation of
the foregoing, the city commission shall have power to:
(1) Adopt a budget;
(2) Authorize the issuance of bonds, revenue certificates, and other evidences of
indebtedness;
(3) Establish official boards and elect the members thereof as recommended by the
mayor;
(4) Adopt and modify the official map of the city;
(5) Regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and
other structures, the percentage of a lot that may be occupied, the size of yards,
courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and
use of buildings, structures, and land and water for trade, industry, residence or
other purposes;
(6) Provide for an independent audit;
(7) Pass ordinances and laws for the preservation of the public peace and order and
impose penalties for the violation thereof; provided that the maximum penalty to
be imposed shall be a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)
and imprisonment for a period of time not longer than ninety (90) days;
(8) Lease golf courses, hospitals, airports and parks, or any portion thereof, after th e
city commission has passed an ordinance authorizing any such lease;
(9) Sell golf courses, hospitals, airports, parks and the public utility system, or any
portion thereof, now owned by the city or hereafter acquired by it after the city
commission has passed an ordinance in which there is a finding that public
welfare no longer requires the operation of any such facility and in which are
stated the terms of sale and after such ordinance has been submitted to the
qualified voters of the city at an election called for that purpose;
(10) Provide rules and regulations for all purchases and sales made for and in behalf
of the city;
(11) Appoint, remove and fix the compensation of all officers and employees
appointed by the city commission as hereinafter provided;
(12) Exercise any right or authority given or permitted by the Constitution and the laws
of the State of Florida to city commissions not inconsistent with the provisions of
this Charter.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 10. Appointment of city manager.
The city commission shall appoint an administrative officer of the city, who shall have the
title of city manager, who shall have the powers and perform the duties provided in this Charter
and who shall be compensated at a rate set by the city commission. No member of the city
commission shall receive such appointment during the term for which the person shall have
been elected, nor within two years after the expiration of the person's term. In the event the City
Manager is incapacitated and unable to appoint a substitute as required in Sec. [Section] 24 of
this Charter, the city commission shall appoint someone to perform the duties of the city
manager.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 11. Appointment of deputy city manager or deputy city clerk.
The city manager and city clerk may, if they deem it necessary, appoint a deputy city
manager and deputy city clerk, respectively, who shall be compensated at a rate set by the city
commission.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 12. Vacancies in the city commission.
If any vacancy occurs in the city commission, the city commission shall elect, within
fifteen (15) days of the vacancy, by the affirmative votes of not less than three members, an
eligible person as defined in Sec. [Section] 6 of this article to fill the vacancy until the next
general election.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 13. Creation of new departments or offices; change of duties.
The city commission, by ordinance, may create, change or abolish offices, departments,
authorities or agencies. The city commission may, by ordinance, assign additional functions or
duties to the offices, departments or agencies established by this Charter, but may not
discontinue or assign to any other office, department or agency any function or duty assigned by
this Charter to a particular office, department or agency.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 14. Induction of city commission into office; meetings of the city commission.
After each primary election or general election (if needed), the newly elected city
commissioners shall assume the duties of office at the regularly scheduled meeting of the city
commission held on the second Monday in November provided that the Supervisor of Elections
has certified the election results. If the election results for any contested city commission seat
cannot be certified prior to the meeting to be held on the second Monday in November, then any
newly elected city commissioners shall assume the duties of office at the next regularly
scheduled meeting of the city commission following receipt of the certified election results from
the Supervisor of Elections. Until the newly elected city commissioners assume the duties of
office, the previous sitting city commissioners shall remain in office. All other regular meetings of
the city commission shall be fixed by ordinance, but there shall not be less than one regular
meeting each month. Except as provided by Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law (F.S.
286.011), all meetings of the city commission shall be open to the public.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93; Ord. No. 33-07-13, § 1, 10-2-07; Ord. No. 33-10-17, § 1,
6-28-10)
Sec. 15. City commission to be judge of qualifications of its members.
The city commission shall be the judge of the election and the qualifications of its
members as set forth in Section 6 of this Charter. For these purposes, the city commission shall
have the power to subpoena such witnesses and require the production and presentation of
such records as may be deemed necessary.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 16. Rules of procedure; journal of minutes.
The City Commission shall determine its own rules and order of business. It shall require
a journal or minutes of its proceedings to be kept and the journal or minutes shall be open to
public inspection.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 17. Ordinances.
In addition to such acts of the city commission as are required by statute or by this
Charter to be by ordinance, every act of the City Commission establishing a fine or other
penalty, a fee for service, appropriation of funds, the contracting of indebtedness, or the sale of
real property shall be by ordinance. The enacting clause of all ordinances shall be: "BE IT
ENACTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF
ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA."
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 18. Procedure for passage of ordinances and resolutions.
The minimum procedures for adoption of ordinances and resolutions as set forth in F.S.
Section 166.041 shall in its entirety constitute the process for such by the Atlantic Beach City
Commission.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 19. Independent annual audit.
At the beginning of each fiscal year the city commission shall designate a certified public
accountant or a firm of certified public accountants who, as of the end of the fiscal year, shall
make an independent audit of accounts and other evidences of financial transactions of the city
government and shall submit a written report to the city commission and to the city manager.
Such accountants shall have no personal interests, direct or indirect, in the fiscal affairs of the
city government or of any of its officers. They shall not maintain any accounts or records of city
business, but within specifications approved by the city commission, shall post-audit the books
and documents kept by the finance director and any separate or subordinate accounts kept by
any other office, department or agency of the city government.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 20. Right of city manager and other officers in city commission.
The city manager, and any such other officers of the city as may be designated by vote
of the city commission, shall be required to attend city commission meetings. The city manager
shall have the right to take part in the discussion of all matters coming before the city
commission, and the other officers shall be entitled to take part in all discussions of the city
commission relating to their respective offices, departments, boards, commissions, or agencies.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE III. THE CITY MANAGER
Sec. 21. Appointment.
Sec. 22. Qualifications.
Sec. 23. Powers and duties.
Sec. 24. Absence of the city manager.
Sec. 25. Removal of the city manager.
Sec. 26. City departments.
Sec. 27. Governance of departments.
Sec. 21. Appointment.
The city manager shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of
this Charter and shall be compensated at a rate set by the city commission.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 22. Qualifications.
The city manager shall be chosen by the city commission solely on the basis of
administrative qualifications and with special reference to education and experience in and
knowledge of accepted practice with respect to the duties of this office as set forth hereinafter
and in the city code. Applicants for the position of city manager shall meet the following
educational and experience requirements:
(1) Possession of at least a baccalaureate degree in Public Administration or a
directly related field from a college or university accredited by a recognized
accreditation agency in the United States or from a recognized college or
university outside of the United States, which is acceptable to the city
commission; and
(2) Not less than three years of administrative experience as a city or county
government chief administrative or executive officer or as an assistant or deputy
city manager.
(3) A graduate degree acceptable to the city commission may be substituted for not
more than one year of the required experience.
(4) Two years of additional experience acceptable to the city commission may be
substituted for each year of education towards a baccalaureate degree, up to a
maximum of eight years.
At the time of appointment, the new city manager need not be a resident of the city or
state, but during the tenure of office shall reside within the city of Atlantic Beach.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 23. Powers and duties.
The city manager shall be the chief administrative officer and as such, head the
administrative branch of the city government. The powers and duties of the city manager shall
include but not be limited to:
(1) Establish and maintain a line of communication with the city clerk; and
(2) Administering and enforcing all enactments of the city commission; and
(3) Preparing and forwarding agenda materials to the city clerk for every commission
meeting; and
(4) Preparing the budget annually and submitting it to the city commission, and being
responsible for its administration after adoption; and
(5) Preparing and submitting to the city commission at the end of each fiscal year, a
complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the city for the
year just completed.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 24. Absence of the city manager.
The duties of the city manager during any temporary absence or disability shall be
carried out by a deputy city manager, or in the absence of the latter, by another administrative
officer of the city designated by the city manager or the deputy city manager.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 25. Removal of the city manager.
The city manager shall serve at the pleasure of the city commission. The city
commission may remove the city manager by the affirmative vote of not less than three (3) of its
members.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 26. City departments.
Administrative departments as established by ordinance shall report to and serve under
the city manager.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 27. Governance of departments.
The city manager may head one or more administrative department or select and
employ persons qualified in accordance with city personnel practices to supervise, direct and
control such departments.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE IV. THE CITY CLERK
Sec. 28. Appointment; duties.
Sec. 29. Qualifications.
Sec. 30. Removal of the city clerk.
Sec. 28. Appointment; duties.
The city commission shall appoint an executive officer to serve the city commission and
to assure that all its enactments are effectively carried out. The title of the executive officer shall
be "city clerk" and as such, shall be under the direction of and compensated at a rate set by the
city commission.
The duties of the city clerk shall be to:
(1) Establish and maintain a line of communication with the city manager; and
(2) Prepare an agenda for every commission meeting and a permanent record of
each such meeting; and
(3) Disseminate information as necessary about activities, findings, or decisions of
the city commission; and
(4) Provide the city commission with periodic reports as requested about the
effectiveness and efficiency of the legislative programs of the city government;
and
(5) Serve as supervisor of election for city elections; and
(6) Serve as custodian of all city records and the seal of the city; and
(7) Administer oaths; and
(8) Conduct such other activities as may be specified by this Charter, the city code
or the city commission.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 29. Qualifications.
The city clerk shall be chosen by the city commission solely on the basis of education
and experience necessary to carry out the responsibilities of executive officer to the city
commission.
Applicants for the position of city clerk shall meet the following educational and
experience requirements:
(1) At least a baccalaureate in Business Administration or a related field acceptable
to the city commission from a college or university accredited by a recognized
accreditation agency in the United States or from a recognized college or
university outside of the United States which is acceptable to the city
commission; and
(2) Two years of experience in public administration satisfactory to the city
commission.
(3) In lieu of the required baccalaureate degree, the city commission may in its
discretion, accept four additional years of acceptable experience in public
administration or a related field of public or private service.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 30. Removal of the city clerk.
The city clerk shall serve at the pleasure of the city commission. The city commission
may remove the city clerk by the affirmative vote of not less than three (3) of its members.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE V. CITY ATTORNEY
Sec. 31. Appointment and qualifications.
Sec. 32. Powers and duties.
Sec. 31. Appointment and qualifications.
The city commission shall appoint a city attorney who shall be an attorney with at least
five years of experience in the practice of general, civil or municipal law, admitted in and having
authority to practice in all courts of this state, and who shall be compensated at a rate set by the
city commission.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 32. Powers and duties.
The duties of the city attorney shall include:
(1) Acting as the legal advisor to, and attorney and counselor for, the city and its
officers in matters relating to their official duties; and
(2) Preparing in writing, all contracts, bonds and other instruments in which the city
is concerned and giving an endorsement of approval as to form and correctness;
and
(3) Prosecuting and defending for and on behalf of the city, all civil complaints, suits
and controversies in which the city is a party; and
(4) Furnishing opinions on questions of law relating to the powers and duties of city
officers; and
(5) Performing such other duties as may be required by ordinance or resolution of
the city commission.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE VI. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Sec. 33. Appointments and responsibilities.
Sec. 33. Appointments and responsibilities.
The appointment, duties, functions and other responsibilities of the director of public
safety, police department, police chief, fire department, fire chief and their respective staff
members are found in the city code Chapter 2, Divisions 2 and 3.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE VII. BUDGET
Sec. 34. Preparation and adoption.
Sec. 34. Preparation and adoption.
Each department head shall be responsible for presenting a budget request to the city
manager by a date established by the city manager or his designee. The director of finance
shall provide the city manager with a preliminary estimate of revenues and beginning fund
balances for the upcoming fiscal year.
Upon receipt of all budget requests, estimated revenues and fund balances, the city
manager shall make any modifications which are determined to be reasonable and justifiable
and thereafter present the budget to the city commission.
The city commission shall review the budget as submitted by the city manager and make
such revisions as deemed necessary. A public hearing will be set to approve the tentative
budget and millage rates. A public hearing will be set for final passage of the budget and millage
rates.
Upon final adoption, the budget shall be in effect for the next fiscal year. A copy of the
budget, as adopted, shall be filed with the city clerk.
The city shall abide by the requirements established by the Truth in Millage (TRIM) Act.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE VIII. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
Sec. 35. Director of finance.
Sec. 35. Director of finance.
The director of finance shall be the head of the department of finance and shall be
appointed and removed by the city manager. The qualifications, powers and duties of the
director of finance are defined in the Code of Ordinances.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE IX. ELECTIONS
Sec. 36. Elections.
Sec. 37. Nonpartisan elections.
Sec. 38. Electors; registration.
Sec. 39. Nominations.
Sec. 40. Elections: Primary.
Sec. 41. Elections: General.
Sec. 42. Elections: Absentee voting.
Sec. 43. Elections: Canvassing board, duties.
Sec. 36. Elections.
The city commission shall, by ordinance, make all regulations which it considers
necessary, not inconsistent with this Charter or state law, for the conduct of municipal elections
and for the prevention of fraud therein.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93; Ord. No. 33-10-17, § 1, 6-28-10)
Sec. 37. Nonpartisan elections.
All elections for the office of commissioner and mayor-commissioner shall be conducted
on a nonpartisan basis without any designation of political party affiliation.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 38. Electors; registration.
Any person who is qualified to register to vote and is a resident of Atlantic Beach who
has qualified as an elector of this state, and who registers in the manner prescribed by F.S.
Chapter 98 and ordinances of Atlantic Beach, shall be a qualified elector of the municipality.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 39. Nominations.
Any elector of the city having the additional qualifications and limitations as set forth in
Article II, Section 6, may be nominated for a seat in the city commission. Such nomination shall
be only by petition. A petition for this purpose shall be signed by not less than ten (10) qualified
electors of the city. The signatures on the nominating petition need not all be subscribed on one
paper. Each separate paper shall have affixed a signed statement of the circulator thereof
stating the number of signers of such paper and that each signature appended thereto was
made in the presence of the circulator and is the genuine signature of the person whose name it
purports to be. Each signer, including the circulator, shall provide his/her place of residence,
including the street and number. The form of the nomination petition shall be substantially as
follows:
"We, the undersigned electors of the City of Atlantic Beach hereby nominate ________
whose residence is ________
for the office of Commissioner, Seat No. ________
to be voted for at the election to be held on the ________
day of ________
, ________
A.D., and we individually certify that our names appear on the rolls of registered voters, and
that we are qualified to vote for a candidate for the city commission.
Name, street, and number address from which last date of registered (if different) signing.
(Spaces for signatures and required date)
STATEMENT OF CIRCULATOR
The undersigned is the circulator of the foregoing paper containing ;#rule; signatures.
Each signature appended thereto was made in my presence and is the genuine signature of the
person whose name it purports to be.
SIGNATURE OF CIRCULATOR _____
ADDRESS: _____"
Any signature made earlier than forty (40) days prior to the first day of qualifying shall be
void. All petitions must be filed with the city clerk no later than 10 days prior to the qualifying
period. The qualifying period will begin no later than noon on the 71st day (Monday) prior to the
primary election and will end at noon on the 67th day (Friday) prior to the primary election. All
other qualifying papers shall be filed as one instrument with the city clerk during the qualifying
period. The city clerk shall make a record of the exact time at which each petition is filed, and
shall take and preserve the name and address of the person by whom it is filed. No nominating
petition shall be accepted unless accompanied by a signed acceptance of the nomination in
substantially the following form:
"ACCEPTANCE OF NOMINATION
I hereby accept the nomination for Seat No. ________
on the city commission and agree to serve if elected.
SIGNATURE OF CANDIDATE _____"
Within two days after the filing of a nominating petition, the city clerk shall notify the
candidate and the person who filed the petition whether or not it is found to be signed by the
required number of qualified electors. If a petition is found insufficient, the city clerk shall return
it immediately to the person who filed it with a statement certifying wherein the petition is found
insufficient. Within the regular time for filing petitions, such a petition may be amended and filed
again as a new petition, in which case the time of the first filing shall be disregarded in
determining the validity of signatures thereon, or a different petition may be filed for the same
candidate. The petition of each person nominated to be a member of the city commission shall
be preserved by the city clerk until the expiration of the term of office for which the candidate
has been nominated.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93; Ord. No. 33-07-13, § 1, 10-2-07; Ord. No. 33-10-17, § 1,
6-28-10)
Sec. 40. Elections: Primary.
A primary election for the nomination of candidates for the office of city commissioner of
the city shall be held every two (2) years on the Tuesday that is ten (10) weeks prior to the
General Election, for each seat on the city commission which shall become vacant on the
second Monday in November of the same year, or when the newly elected city commissioners
assume the duties office in accordance with Sec. 14 of this Charter. The two candidates for
each seat to be filled receiving the greatest number of votes in said primary shall be certified as
candidates or nominees at the general election, provided, however, that should any candidate
receive at such primary election a majority of all votes cast, he shall be declared regularly
elected and shall not be required to enter the general election as hereinafter provided. However,
should only one candidate be nominated for a particular seat, an election for that seat will not be
required and the unopposed candidate shall be declared elected to the office of city
commissioner.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93; Ord. No. 33-07-13, § 1, 10-2-07; Ord. No. 33-10-17, § 1,
6-28-10)
Sec. 41. Elections: General.
A regular or general election of candidates or nominees to the office of city
commissioner shall be held every two (2) years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in
November, unless all vacancies have been determined by the primary election in accordance
with Section 40 of this Charter. The candidate or nominee receiving the majority of votes for
each seat at such general election shall be declared elected. In the event of a tie between two
candidates in the general election the candidates shall draw lots in accordance with Florida
Statutes to determine the winner.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93; Ord. No. 33-07-13, § 1, 10-2-07; Ord. No. 33-10-17, § 1,
6-28-10)
Sec. 42. Elections: Absentee voting.
Except as herein specifically provided all elections and absentee voting in the city shall
be conducted in accordance with the provisions of F.S. Chapter 101.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 43. Elections: Canvassing board, duties.
The City of Atlantic Beach Canvassing Board shall be composed of the City Attorney,
City Manager and City Clerk. In the event that any member is unable to serve, a replacement
member shall be appointed by the remaining two board members. Said replacement shall be a
registered voter residing in Atlantic Beach. Should the City of Atlantic Beach municipal election
occur on the same day as a county or special election, the county canvassing board will fulfill
the following duties listed in this section. The Atlantic Beach Canvassing Board shall meet in a
building accessible to the public to publicly canvass the absentee electors' ballots and
provisional ballots as provided for in Florida Statutes. Public notice of canvassing shall be given
at least 48 hours in advance in a publication of general circulation in the City of Atlantic Beach.
The canvass shall be made from the returns and certificates of the inspectors as signed and
filed by them. The canvassing board shall submit to the Supervisor of Elections the preliminary
returns by 11:59 pm on election night. See Fla.Stat. Chapters 101 and 102 for a complete listing
of Canvassing Board duties. The clerk shall provide a certificate of election to the candidates
elected.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93; Ord. No. 33-07-13, § 1, 10-2-07; Ord. No. 33-10-17, § 1,
6-28-10)
Editor's note—
Section 1 of Ord. No. 33-10-17, adopted June 28, 2010, changed the title of § 43 from
"Elections: Canvass of returns" to "Elections: Canvassing board, duties."
ARTICLE X. INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM
Sec. 44. Power of initiative.
Sec. 45. Power of referendum.
Sec. 46. Form of petitions; committee of petitioners.
Sec. 47. Filing, examination and certification of petitions.
Sec. 48. Amendment of petitions.
Sec. 49. Effect of certification of referendum petition.
Sec. 50. Consideration by city commission.
Sec. 51. Submission to electors.
Sec. 52. Form of ballot for initiated and referred ordinances.
Sec. 53. Availability of list of qualified electors.
Sec. 54. Results of election.
Sec. 55. Repealing ordinances.
Sec. 44. Power of initiative.
The electors shall have the power to propose any ordinance, except an ordinance
appropriating money or authorizing the levy of taxes, and to adopt or reject the same at the
polls, such power being known as the initiative. Any initiated ordinance may be submitted to the
city commission by a petition signed by registered electors of the city equal in number to at least
twenty-five per centum (25%) of the registered electors at the last regular municipal election.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 45. Power of referendum.
Under the power known as the referendum the electors shall have power to approve or
reject at the polls any ordinance passed by the city commission, or submitted by the city
commission to a vote of the electors, except as provided in F.S. 166 Part II for bond ordinances.
Ordinances submitted to the city commission by initiative petition and passed by the city
commission without change shall be subject to the referendum. Within twenty days after the
enactment by the city commission of any ordinance which is subject to a referendum, a petition
signed by registered electors of the city equal to at least twenty-five per centum (25%) of the
registered electors at the last preceding regular municipal election may be filed with the city
clerk requesting any such ordinance be either repealed or submitted to a vote of the electors.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 46. Form of petitions; committee of petitioners.
All petition papers circulated for the purpose of an initiative or referendum shall be
uniform in size and style, and shall contain the full text of the proposed ordinance. The
signatures to the initiative or referendum petitions need not all be appended to one paper.
Signatures on such petitions shall be in ink and shall be followed by the petitioner's place of
residence by street and number. There shall appear on each petition the names and addresses
of five electors who, as a committee of the petitioners, shall be regarded as responsible for the
circulation and filing of the petition.
Attached to each separate petition paper there shall be a notarized affidavit signed by
the circulator of the petition stating the number of signatures, that all signatures appended
thereto were made in the presence of the circulator, and that the circulator believes them to be
the genuine signatures of the persons whose names appear on the petition.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 47. Filing, examination and certification of petitions.
All petition papers comprising an initiative or referendum petition shall be assembled and
filed with the city clerk as one instrument. Within twenty days after a petition is filed, the city
clerk shall determine whether each page of the petition has a proper statement of the circulator
and whether the petition is signed by a sufficient number of qualified electors. The city clerk
shall declare any petition paper invalid which does not have attached thereto an affidavit signed
by the circulator on each page. If a petition paper is found to be signed by more persons than
the numbers of signatures certified by the circulator, the last signatures in excess of the number
certified shall be disregarded. If a petition paper is found to be signed by fewer persons than the
number certified, the signatures shall be accepted unless void on other grounds. After
completing the examination of the petition, the city clerk shall certify the result to the city
commission at its next regular meeting. If the city clerk certifies the petition is insufficient, a
certificate listing the defective items shall be prepared and provided to the committee of
petitioners.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 48. Amendment of petitions.
An initiative or referendum petition may be amended within ten (10) days after the
certificate of insufficiency has been sent by the city clerk. An amended petition may be filed as
provided by Section 46. The city clerk shall, within five (5) days, examine the amended petition
and if the petition is still insufficient, shall file a certificate to that effect and notify the committee
of the petitioners of such findings. The finding of the insufficiency of a petition shall not prejudice
the filing of a new petition.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 49. Effect of certification of referendum petition.
When a referendum petition, or an amended petition, as defined in Section 46 has been
certified as sufficient, the ordinance specified in the petition shall not go into effect until and
unless approved by the qualified registered electors.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 50. Consideration by city commission.
Whenever the city commission receives a certified initiative or referendum petition from
the city clerk, it shall proceed forthwith to consider such petition. A proposed initiative ordinance
shall be read and a public hearing shall be held upon the proposed ordinance. The city
commission shall take final action on the ordinance not later than sixty (60) days after the date
on which such ordinance was submitted to the city commission. If such ordinance is referred for
reconsideration by the city commission, it shall be brought forth for its final vote upon such
reconsideration and the question shall be, "Shall the ordinance specified in the referendum be
repealed?"
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 51. Submission to electors.
If the city commission shall fail to pass an ordinance proposed by initiative petition or
shall pass it in a form different from that set forth, or if the city commission fails to repeal an
ordinance referred for reconsideration, the proposed or referred ordinance shall be submitted to
the electors not less than thirty (30) days nor more than one year from the date the city
commission takes its final vote. If no regular election is to be held within the specified time
frame, the city commission may provide for a special election.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 52. Form of ballot for initiated and referred ordinances.
Ordinances submitted to a vote of the electors in accordance with the initiative and
referendum provision of this Charter shall be submitted by ballot title prepared by the city
attorney or other legal advisor of the city. The ballot title may be different from the legal title of
any such initiated or referred ordinance and shall be a clear, concise statement, without
argument or prejudice, descriptive of the subject of such ordinance. The ballot used in voting
upon any ordinance shall have below the ballot title the following propositions, one above the
other, in order indicated: "FOR THE ORDINANCE" and "AGAINST THE ORDINANCE."
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 53. Availability of list of qualified electors.
Lists of qualified electors or registers may be purchased from the Supervisor of Elections
for Duval County in accordance with the provisions of F.S. 98.211.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 54. Results of election.
If a majority of the electors shall vote in favor of a proposed initiative or referred
ordinance it shall become an ordinance of the city. If conflicting ordinances are approved by the
electors at the same election, the one receiving the greatest number of the affirmative votes
shall prevail.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 55. Repealing ordinances.
Initiated and referred ordinances may be amended or repealed only by a four-fifths
affirmative vote of the full city commission following a public hearing.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE XI. RECALL ELECTIONS
Sec. 56. Procedures.
Sec. 56. Procedures.
Recall elections shall follow those procedures prescribed by F.S. 100.361.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE XII. FRANCHISES
Sec. 57. Granting of franchises.
Sec. 57. Granting of franchises.
The city shall have power to grant a franchise to any private or public enterprise for the
use of streets and other public places in the furnishing of any public service or utility service to
the city and its inhabitants. All franchises and any renewals, extensions and amendments
thereto shall be granted only by ordinance, and under such limitations as may be provided by
the laws of the State of Florida. If the proposed franchise is for fifteen years or more, the
ordinance approving said franchise shall not be effective unless it is approved at a referendum
in the same manner provided in F.S. 166 for the approval of issuance of bonds.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE XIII. TAX ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 58. Tax administration.
Sec. 58. Tax administration.
Tax administration shall be in accordance with Florida Statutes or as otherwise provided
for in the Code of Ordinances.
Note: Currently F.S. 193.116, F.S. 205, and Code of Ordinances Chapter 20.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE XIV. ZONING
Sec. 59. Zoning, land development regulations and maximum building height.
Sec. 59. Zoning, land development regulations and maximum building height.
Zoning and land development regulations shall be in accordance with Florida Statutes or
as otherwise provided for within the Code of Ordinances, except that in no case shall the
maximum height of buildings within the City of Atlantic Beach exceed thirty-five (35) feet;
provided however, that existing buildings which exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height may be
repaired to that existing height, no alterations shall be made to any building, which would cause
that building to exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height, and this Charter provision shall not restrict
any property owner's vested rights under constitutional, statutory or common law.
Further provided, however, that the city commission may approve, pursuant to the
applicable section of the city's land development regulations, requests to exceed the maximum
building height of thirty-five (35) feet for exterior architectural design elements, exterior decks or
porches within nonresidential land use categories as designated by the future land use map of
the adopted comprehensive plan, for nonresidential development.
The only property excepted from this height limitation shall be certain parts of the
existing Sea Turtle Inn hotel property, located at 1 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, Florida,
which property is bounded by Ahern Street on the north, the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Atlantic
Boulevard on the south, and Ocean Boulevard on the west, and only those parts of said
property as follows:
(1) The existing buildings that exceed thirty-five (35) feet on the property as of the
effective date of this ordinance; and
(2) That part of said property extending west from the existing hotel tower no more
than one hundred twenty-five (125) feet towards the west property line, no closer
than fifty (50) feet to the south property line, with no more than a maximum width
of one hundred (100) feet and containing an additional footprint of no more than
eleven thousand five hundred (11,500) square feet.
However, any future development, redevelopment or expansion on these parts of the
property, which are proposed to exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height shall be subject to approval
by the city commission and shall in no event exceed the height of the existing hotel tower
building as of the effective date of this ordinance.
Note: Currently F.S. 163, F.S. 166, and Code of Ordinances Chapters 14 and 20.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93; Ord. No. 90-06-194, § 1, 8-14-06)
ARTICLE XV. MUNICIPAL BORROWING
Sec. 60. Authority to borrow.
Sec. 60. Authority to borrow.
The city may borrow money, contract loans and issue bonds as provided by F.S. 166
Part II from time to time to finance the undertaking of any capital or other project for the
purposes permitted by the State Constitution, and may pledge funds, credit, property, and tax
revenues for the payment of such debts and bonds.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE XVI. SUITS AGAINST THE CITY
Sec. 61. Suits.
Sec. 61. Suits.
No suit shall be brought against the city for damages arising out of an alleged tortious
act, unless all provisions of state law have been met.
Upon receiving notice of any suit, the city manager shall diligently investigate the matter
and file a written report with the city clerk to be presented to the city commission at its next
meeting. The city clerk shall determine if a special meeting should be scheduled to deal with an
emergency situation. Upon receipt of a written claim for damages by an injured party the city
commission may, by ordinance, make a settlement of the claim.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE XVII. GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 62. Removal of officers and employees.
Sec. 63. Removal of members of boards, commissions, or agencies.
Sec. 64. Investigations.
Sec. 65. Publicity of records.
Sec. 66. Personal interest.
Sec. 67. Official bonds.
Sec. 68. Oath of office.
Sec. 69. Effect of this Charter on existing law.
Sec. 70. Rights of officers and employees preserved.
Sec. 71. Continuance of present officers.
Sec. 72. Continuity of offices, boards, commissions or agencies.
Sec. 73. Transfer of records and property.
Sec. 74. Title to property reserved.
Sec. 75. Continuance of contracts and public improvements.
Sec. 76. Pending actions and proceedings.
Sec. 77. Short title.
Sec. 78. Separability clause.
Sec. 62. Removal of officers and employees.
Any officer or employee appointed by the city manager or head of any office, department
or agency may be removed by the city manager at any time pursuant to city ordinances.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 63. Removal of members of boards, commissions, or agencies.
Except as provided in this Charter, an agent, a member of any board, committee, task
force, commission or agency of the city who has been appointed by the city commission, may
be removed by the city commission in the same manner as provided for the removal of the city
manager in Section 25 of this Charter.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 64. Investigations.
The city commission, or any committee thereof, the city manager or any advisory board
appointed by the city commission for such purpose, shall have power at any time to cause the
affairs of any department or the conduct of any officer or employee under their jurisdiction to be
investigated; and for such purpose shall have power to compel the attendance of witnesses and
the production of books, papers and other evidence; and for that purpose may issue subpoenas
which shall be signed by the president or chairman of the body, or by the officer making the
investigation, and shall be served by an officer authorized to serve such process. The authority
making such investigation shall have power to cause the testimony to be given under oath, such
oath to be administered by some officer having authority under the law of the state to administer
oaths. Failure to obey such subpoena or to produce books, papers, or other evidence as
ordered under the provisions of this section shall constitute a violation of the municipal
ordinance and shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by
imprisonment not to exceed sixty days, or both. Enforcement of any violation of this municipal
ordinance shall be by the State Attorney's office.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 65. Publicity of records.
To the extent required by F.S. Chapter 119, records and accounts of every office,
department or agency of the city shall be public records and open to inspection under
reasonable regulations established by the city commission in accordance with the Public
Records Act.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 66. Personal interest.
No member of the city commission, any officer of the city or department head shall have
a financial interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or in the sale to the city or to a contractor
supplying the city of any land or rights or interests in any land, material, supplies or services.
Any wilful violation of this section shall constitute malfeasance in office, and shall be grounds for
removal or termination. Any contract entered into in violation of this section shall be voidable by
the city manager or the city commission.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
State law reference— Code of ethics and public officers and employees, F.S. 112, Part III.
Sec. 67. Official bonds.
The city commission shall determine whether or not each officer, clerk, or employee
shall give bond, and the amount thereof, but all officers, clerks and employees handling any
funds or property of the city shall be required to give bond to the city, which bonds shall be
procured from a regularly accredited surety company, authorized to do business under the Laws
of Florida, the premiums on such bonds to be paid by the city. All such bonds shall be filed in
the office of the city clerk.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 68. Oath of office.
Every officer and employee of the city shall, before entering upon the duties of his office,
take and subscribe to the following oath or affirmation, to be filed and kept in the office of the
city clerk:
"I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution and will obey the laws of the
United States and of the State of Florida, that I will, in all respects, observe the provisions of the
Charter and ordinances of the City of Atlantic Beach, and will faithfully discharge the duties of
the office of _____ ."
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
State law reference— Oaths required of persons on payroll, F.S. 876.05.
Sec. 69. Effect of this Charter on existing law.
All laws, ordinances and resolutions relating to or affecting the city in force when this
Charter takes effect are hereby repealed and superseded to the extent that such are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 70. Rights of officers and employees preserved.
Nothing contained in this Charter, except as specifically provided, shall affect or impair
the rights or privileges of officers or employees of the City of Atlantic Beach or of any office,
department, board, commission, or agency existing at the time when this Charter shall take
effect.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 71. Continuance of present officers.
All commissions, administrative and executive officers, agents, department heads, board
and committee members and their powers, duties and obligations at the time this Charter takes
effect shall continue in effect until provisions have been made in accordance herewith for the
performance of such duties or the discontinuance of such office, powers or obligations.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 72. Continuity of offices, boards, commissions or agencies.
Any office, department, board, commission or agency provided for in this Charter with
powers and duties the same or substantially the same as those which previously existed shall
be deemed to be a continuation of such office, department, board, commission, agent or agency
with the power to continue its duties and obligations.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 73. Transfer of records and property.
All records, property and equipment whatsoever of any office, department, board,
commission, agency, or agent, all the powers and duties of which are assigned to any other
office, department, board, commission, or agency by this Charter, shall be transferred and
delivered to the office, department, board, commission, or agency to which such powers and
duties are so assigned. If part of the powers and duties of any office, department, board,
commission, or agency are by this Charter assigned to any other office, department, board,
commission, or agency, all records, property and equipment relating exclusively thereto shall be
transferred and delivered to the office, department, board, commission or agency to which such
powers and duties are so assigned.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 74. Title to property reserved.
The title, rights, and ownership of property, uncollected taxes, dues, claims, judgments,
decrees and choses in action, held or owned by the City of Atlantic Beach shall continue to be
vested in the corporation under this Charter.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 75. Continuance of contracts and public improvements.
All contracts entered into by the City of Atlantic Beach, or for its benefit, prior to the
taking effect of this Charter, shall continue in full force and effect. Public improvements, for
which legislative steps have been taken under laws or Charter provisions existing at the time
this Charter takes effect, shall be carried to completion in accordance with the provisions of
such existing laws and Charter provisions.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 76. Pending actions and proceedings.
No action or proceeding, civil or criminal, pending at the time when this Charter takes
effect, brought by or against the City of Atlantic Beach, or any office, department, board, agents,
commission, or agency or officer thereof, shall be affected or abated by the adoption of this
Charter or by anything therein contained.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 77. Short title.
This Charter shall be known as the "Atlantic Beach Charter."
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 78. Separability clause.
If any section or part of a section of this Charter shall be held invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the remainder of this Charter or the context
in which such section or part of section so held invalid may appear, except to the extent that an
entire section or part of a section may be inseparably connected in meaning and effect with the
section or part of section to which such holding shall directly apply.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
ARTICLE XVIII. WHEN ACT TAKES EFFECT
Sec. 79. Effective date of Act.
Sec. 80. Effect of changes in state law.
Sec. 79. Effective date of Act.
This Act shall go into effect subject to the referendum and in accordance with state law
under F.S. 166.031.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
Sec. 80. Effect of changes in state law.
In the event of changes in state law which are in conflict with any provisions of this
Charter, state law shall prevail.
(Ord. No. 28-93-3, § 1, 8-23-93)
CHARTER COMPARATIVE TABLE
This table shows the location of the sections of the basic Charter and the special acts amending
the Charter.
Chapter Section Section
this Charter
57-1126 1—183 1—183
59-1052 2
61-1861 6
82
61-1862 5
65-1248 80
67-1086 33
86-416 1 82
86-461 1 2(b)
CHARTER COMPARATIVE TABLE ORDINANCES
This table shows the location of ordinances amending the Charter.
Ordinance
Number
Adoption
Date
Section Section
this Charter
5-75-3 12-22-75 3 7
33-77-4 6-13-77 I 79
II 80
III 81
IV 85
40-79-8 6-11-79 A 109
5-82-8 4-26-82 1 32
2 34
5-83-9 11-14-83 1 7
5-83-12 2-13-84 1 Art. VII(note)
4-86-3 1-26-87 1 Art. XIV(note)
28-91-1 10-28-91 1 5
28-92-4 8-24-92 1 5
28-93-3 8-23-93 1 Rpld 1—6,
8—16,
24—31,
78
81—99,
109,
158,
160—183
Added 1—80
28-96-4 1-13-97 3 2
90-06-194 8-14-06 1 59
33-07-12 10- 2-07 1 5
33-07-13 10- 2-07 1 14, 39, 40, 41, 43
33-10-17 6-28-10 1 14, 36, 39—41, 43
i --(1)--
Editor's note—
Section 1 of Ordinance No. 28-93-3, adopted August 23, 1993, adopted a new Charter
which amended and repealed all former Charter provisions, and which was
approved at an election held on October 5, 1993. The former Charter derived from
Chapter 57-1126 of the 1957 Laws of Florida, and was amended by those special
acts and ordinances listed in the Charter Comparative Tables on pages 79 and 91,
respectively. Amendments to the Charter as herein set out are indicated by
historical citations in parenthesis following each amended section.
State law reference— Municipal Home Rule Powers Act, F.S. Ch. 166.
ORDINANCE NO. 33- 12 -18: ATTACHMENT
Atlantic Beach Voting Districts (2010) Census"
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File: 2012- 07- 10_rec- districts Date: 7/10/2012
Cit of74tantic geaci
VOTINGDISTRICT REVIEW
N
Atlantic Beach Geographical Information System
Community Development Department 1 Planning & Zoning Division I GI5 Section'
800 Seminole Road I Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
P) 904.247.5800 1 (F) 904.247.5845 n
www.coab.
ORDINANCE NO. 33 -12 -18
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES,
ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE II, CITYCOMMISSION, BYADDINGA
NEW SEC. 2 -22, VOTING DISTRICTS, TO ESTABLISH THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE FOUR DISTRICTS FOR SEATS TWOTHROUGH
FIVE OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND RENUMBERING SAID
DISTRICTS, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City established districts for Seats2 through 5 of the City Commission
by the passage on September 22, 2008, of Ordinance No. 33- 08 -16; and
WHEREAS, the City has elected to amend the boundaries of said districts (redistrict)
after receipt of the 2010 Census from the U.S. Census Bureau; and
WHEREAS, the City desires that said districts comply with the mandates of Sec. 5 of the
Atlantic Beach Charter and be "...as equal in population as possible, and to the extentpossible
shall maintain the integrity of neighborhoods and communities of interest;" and
WHEREAS, the Duval County Supervisor of Elections has renumbered the voting
precincts in Atlantic Beach and the districts for Seats 2 through 5 should be renumbered
accordingly.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION ON
BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1: TheCode of Ordinances of the City of Atlantic Beach, Florida, is hereby
amended by adding a new section to be numberedSection 2 -22, which section shall read as
follows:
Sec. 2 -22. Voting districts.
The four (4) voting districts within the City of Atlantic Beach for Seats 2 through
5 of the City Commission are as described and renumbered as follows:
a) Seat 2. District 1308 (formerly13H) shall be as shown on the attached
drawing entitled "Atlantic Beach Voting Districts (2010 Census) ", the boundaries of which are
as follows:
Beginning ata pointin the City of Atlantic Beach's eastern city limits, being a
point of intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern extension of the 16
Street right -of -way; then running westerly along the 16 Street right -of -way and
extension thereof, to a point of intersection with the Beach Avenue right -of -way;
then running northerly along the Beach Avenue right -of -way to a point of
intersection with the 17 Street right -of -way; then running westerly along the 17th
Street right -of -way to a point of intersection with the Seminole Road right -of-
way; then running northerly along the SeminoleRoad right -of -way, to a point of
intersection with the Saturiba Driveright -of -way; then running westerly along the
Saturiba Driveright -of -way to its western terminus; then running southwestto a
point of intersection with the western city limits line, being alsothe southwestern
corner of the Sevilla Gardens condominium property; then running southerly
along the city limits line, being alsothe eastern boundary of the Selva Marina
Country Club property, to a point of intersection with theeastern extension of the
Dutton Island Road right -of -way, also being the northern city limits; then running
westerly along the Dutton Island Road right -of -way andeastern extension thereof,
to a point of intersection with the Main Street right -of -way; then running
southerly along the Main Street right -of -way to a point of intersection with the
Levy Road right -of -way; then running easterly along the Levy Road right -of -way
to point of intersection with the Mayport Road right -of -way; then running
southerly along the Mayport Road right -of -way to a point of intersection with the
Plaza right -of -way; then running easterly along the Plaza right -of -way to a point
of intersection with the Ocean Boulevard right -of -way; then running northerly
along the Ocean Boulevard right -of -way to a point of intersection with the 10
Street right -of -way; then running easterly along the 10 Street right -of -way to a
point of intersection with the Beach Avenue right -of -way; then running northerly
along the Beach Avenue right -of -way to a point of intersection with the 11 Street
right -of -way; then running easterly along the 11 Street right -of -way andthe
eastern extension thereof, to a point of intersection with the Atlantic Ocean, being
also theeastern city limits line; then running northerly along the city limits line to
the point of beginning.
b) Seat 3. District 1307 (formerly 13G) shall be as shown on the attached
drawing entitled "Atlantic Beach Voting Districts (2010 Census) ", the boundaries of which are
as follows:
Beginning at a point in the City of Atlantic Beach' s northern city limits onthe
east at its intersection with the Atlantic Ocean; then running westerly along the
northern city limits line, also being the southern boundary of Hanna Park, to a
point located at the southwest corner of the Hanna Park property; then running
southerly along the city limits line, and then westerly along the city limits line to a
point of intersection with the Mayport Road right -of -way; then running southerly
along the city limits line to a point where the city limits line turns east just south
of the Fairway Villas PUD; then running east, then north along the city limits line,
being the southern boundary of the Fleet Landing PUD and alsothe northern
boundary of the Selva Marina Country Club golf course property, to a point
located in the southwestcorner of the Sevilla Gardens condominium property;
then running northeast to a point of intersection with the western terminus of the
Saturiba Drive right -of -way; then running easterly along said Saturiba Drive
Ordinance No. 33 -12 -18 Page 2 of 4
right -of -way to a point of intersection with the Seminole Road right -of -way; then
running southerly along the Seminole Road right -of -way to a point of intersection
with the 17 Street right -of -way; then running easterlyalong the 17 Street right -
of -way to a point of intersection with the Beach Avenue right -of -way; then
running southerly along theBeach Avenue right -of -way to a point of intersection
with the 16 Street right of way; then running easterly along the 16 Street right
of way and the eastern extension thereof, to a point of intersection with the
Atlantic Ocean, being also the eastern city limits line; then running northerly
along the citylimits line to the point of beginning.
c) Seat 4. District 1306 (formerly 13F) shall be as shown on the attached
drawing entitled "Atlantic Beach Voting Districts (2010 Census) ", the boundaries of which are
as follows:
Beginning ata point in the City of Atlantic Beach's eastern city limits, being a
point of intersection between the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern extension of the
11 Street right -of -way; then running westerly along the 11 Street right -of -way
to a point of intersection with the Beach Avenue right -of -way; then running
southerly along the Beach Avenue right -of -way to a point of intersection with the
10 Street right -of -way; then running westerly along the 10 Street right -of -way
to a point of intersection with the Ocean Boulevard right -of -way; then running
southerly along the Ocean Boulevard right -of -way to a point of intersection with
the Plaza right -of -way; then runningwesterly along the Plaza right -of -way to a
point of intersection with the Sargo Road right -of -way; then running southerly
along the Sargo Road right -of -way to a point of intersection with the Cavalla
Road right -of -way; then running easterlyalongthe Cavalla Road right -of -way to
a point of intersection with the Royal Palms Drive right -of -way; then running
southerly along the Royal Palms Driveright -of -way to a point of intersection with
the southern city limits, which is a line parallel at right angles to, and sixteen (16)
feet north of the centerline of the Atlantic Boulevard right -of -way; then running
easterlyalong the southern city limits line to a point of intersection with the
Atlantic Ocean, being the eastern city limits; then running northerly along the
eastern city limits line to the point of beginning.
d) Seat 5. District 1312 (formerly 13S) shall be as shown on the attached
drawing entitled "Atlantic Beach Voting Districts (2010 Census) ", the boundaries of which are
as follows:
Beginning at a point in the City of Atlantic Beach's northern city limits, being a
point of intersection between the Dutton Island Road right -of -way andthe Main
Street right -of -way; then running westerly along the northern city limits line to a
point of intersection with the Intracoastal Waterway Canal right -of -way, being
also the western city limits line; then running southerly along the western city
limits line to a point of intersection with a line lying parallel at right angles to, and
sixteen (16) feet north of the center line of the Atlantic Boulevard right -of -way,
being also the southern city limits line; then running easterlyalong said southern
city limits line to a point of intersection with the Royal Palms right -of -way; then
Ordinance No. 33 -12 -18 Page 3 of 4
running northerly along the Royal Palms right -of -way to a point of intersection
with the Cavalla Road right -of -way; then runningwesterly along the Cavalla
Road right -of -way to a point of intersection with the Sargo Road right -of -way;
then running northerly along the Sargo Road right -of -way to a point of
intersection with the Plaza right -of -way; then running westerly along the Plaza
right -of -way to a point of intersection with the Mayport Road right -of -way; then
running northerly along the Mayport Road right -of -way to a point of intersection
with the Levy Road right -of -way; then runningwesterly along the Levy Road
right -of -way to a point of intersection with the Main Street right -of -way; then
running northerly along the Main Street right -of -way tothe point of beginning."
SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall take effect on January 1, 2013.
PASSED by the City Commission on first reading this 23rd day of July, 2012.
PASSED by the City Commission on second and final reading this 13 day of August
2012.
ATTEST:
DONNA L. BARTLE, CMC LOUIS BORNO, JR.
City Clerk Mayor, Presiding Officer
Appro - . as to form and correctness:
ijek
pc. JENSEN, ESQUIRE
Ci Attorney
Ordinance No. 33 -12 -18 Page 4 of 4
WHERE TO GET ASSISTANCE
Atlantic Beach City Clerk
City Hall
800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Phone: (904) 247-5809
Fax: (904) 247-5846
E-mail: dbartle@coab.us
Duval County Supervisor of Elections
Beth Fleet
Director of Candidates
Candidate Administration, Public Records and Coordinator
Phone: (904) 630-8002
Email: bfleet@coj.net
105 East Monroe Street (Map)
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 630-1414
Fax: (904) 630-2920
Web page: www.duvalelections.com
Department of State
Division of Elections
Room 316, R.A. Gray Building,
500 Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Fl.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250
Main Line: (850) 245-6200
Fax Numbers: (850) 245-6217 or (850) 245-6218
Email:DivElections@dos.state.fl.us
Web page: http://election.dos.state.fl.us
FLORIDA COMMISSION ON
ETHICS
GUIDE to the
SUNSHINE AMENDMENT
and
CODE of ETHICS
for Public Officers and Employees
_____________________________2014
State of Florida
COMMISSION ON ETHICS
Morgan R. Bentley, Chair
Sarasota
Michelle Anchors
Ft. Walton Beach
Matthew F. Carlucci
Jacksonville
I. Martin Ford
Vero Beach
Tom Freeman
DeBary
Susan Horovitz Maurer
Ft. Lauderdale
Linda M. Robison
Pompano Beach
Stanley Weston
Jacksonville
Virlindia Doss
Executive Director
P.O. Drawer 15709
Tallahassee, FL 32317-5709
www.ethics.state.fl.us
(850) 488-7864*
*Please direct all requests for information to this number.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. HISTORY OF FLORIDA’S ETHICS LAWS ............................................................................1
II. ROLE OF THE COMMISSION ON ETHICS ...........................................................................1
III. THE ETHICS LAWS .................................................................................................................2
A. PROHIBITED ACTIONS OR CONDUCT ...........................................................................2
1. Solicitation or Acceptance of Gifts ....................................................................................2
2. Unauthorized Compensation ..............................................................................................3
3. Misuse of Public Position ...................................................................................................3
4. Disclosure or Use of Certain Information ..........................................................................3
5. Solicitation or Acceptance of Honoraria ............................................................................3
B. PROHIBITED EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS ..............................4
1. Doing Business With One’s Agency ..................................................................................4
2. Conflicting Employment or Contractual Relationship .......................................................4
3. Exemptions .........................................................................................................................4
4. Additional Exemption ........................................................................................................5
5. Lobbying State Agencies by Legislators ............................................................................5
6. Employees Holding Office .................................................................................................5
7. Professional & Occupational Licensing Board Members ..................................................5
8. Contractual Services: Prohibited Employment ..................................................................6
9. Local Government Attorneys .............................................................................................6
10. Dual Public Employment…. ..............................................................................................6
C. RESTRICTIONS ON APPOINTING, EMPLOYING, AND CONTRACTING
WITH RELATIVES ...............................................................................................................6
1. Anti-Nepotism Law ............................................................................................................6
2. Additional Restrictions .......................................................................................................7
D. POST OFFICEHOLDING & EMPLOYMENT (REVOLVING DOOR) RESTRICTIONS ......7
1.Lobbying By Former Legislators, Statewide Elected Officers,
and Appointed State Officers ..............................................................................................7
2. Lobbying By Former State Employees ..............................................................................7
3. Additional Restrictions on Former State Employees .........................................................8
4. Lobbying By Former Local Government Officers and Employees ...................................8
E. VOTING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ................................................................................8
F. DISCLOSURES .....................................................................................................................9
1. Form 1 - Limited Financial Disclosure ..............................................................................9
2. Form 1F - Final Form 1 ......................................................................................................12
3. Form 2 - Quarterly Client Disclosure .................................................................................12
4. Form 6 - Full and Public Disclosure ..................................................................................12
5. Form 6F - Final Form 6 ......................................................................................................13
6. Form 9 - Quarterly Gift Disclosure ....................................................................................13
7. Form 10 - Annual Disclosure of Gifts from Governmental Entities and
Direct Support Organizations and Honorarium Event-Related Expenses .........................13
8. Form 30 - Donor’s Quarterly Gift Disclosure ....................................................................14
9. Forms 1X and 6X – Amendments ......................................................................................15
IV. AVAILABILITY OF FORMS ...............................................................................................15
V. PENALTIES ...........................................................................................................................15
A. For Violations of the Code of Ethics .....................................................................................15
B. For Violations by Candidates .................................................................................................15
C. For Violations by Former Officers and Employees ...............................................................16
D. For Lobbyists and Others .......................................................................................................16
E. Felony Convictions: Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits .........................................................16
F. Automatic Penalties for Failure to File Annual Disclosure ....................................................16
VI. ADVISORY OPINIONS........................................................................................................16
A. Who Can Request an Opinion ................................................................................................16
B. How to Request an Opinion ...................................................................................................17
C. How to Obtain Published Opinions ........................................................................................17
VII. COMPLAINTS ......................................................................................................................17
A. Citizen Involvement ...............................................................................................................17
B. Referrals .................................................................................................................................17
C. Confidentiality ........................................................................................................................17
D. How the Complaint Process Works .......................................................................................18
E. Dismissal of Complaint at Any Stage of Disposition .............................................................18
F. Statute of Limitations .............................................................................................................19
VIII. EXECUTIVE BRANCH LOBBYING ..................................................................................19
IX. WHISTLE-BLOWER’S ACT ................................................................................................19
X. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ..........................................................................................20
XI. ONLINE TRAINING .............................................................................................................20
1
FLORIDA COMMISSION ON ETHICS
GUIDE TO THE SUNSHINE AMENDMENT
and
CODE OF ETHICS
for
PUBLIC OFFICERS and EMPLOYEES
I. HISTORY OF FLORIDA’S ETHICS LAWS
Florida has been a leader among the states in establishing ethics standards for public officials and
recognizing the right of citizens to protect the public trust against abuse. Our state Constitution was revised
in 1968 to require a code of ethics, prescribed by law, for all state employees and non-judicial officers
prohibiting conflict between public duty and private interests.
Florida’s first successful constitutional initiative resulted in the adoption of the Sunshine Amendment in
1976, providing additional constitutional guarantees concerning ethics in government. In the area of
enforcement, the Sunshine Amendment requires that there be an independent commission (the Commission
on Ethics) to investigate complaints concerning breaches of public trust by public officers and employees
other than judges.
The Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees is found in Chapter 112 (Part III) of the Florida
Statutes. Foremost among the goals of the Code is to promote the public interest and maintain the respect of
the people for their government. The Code is also intended to ensure that public officials conduct themselves
independently and impartially, not using their offices for private gain other than compensation provided by law.
While seeking to protect the integrity of government, the Code also seeks to avoid the creation of unnecessary
barriers to public service.
Criminal penalties, which initially applied to violations of the Code, were eliminated in 1974 in favor of
administrative enforcement. The Legislature created the Commission on Ethics that year “to serve as guardian
of the standards of conduct” for public officials, state and local. Five of the Commission’s nine members are
appointed by the Governor, and two each are appointed by the President of the Senate and Speaker of the
House of Representatives. No more than five Commission members may be members of the same political
party, and none may be lobbyist, or hold any public employment during their two-year terms of office. A chair
is selected from among the members to serve a one-year term and may not succeed himself or herself.
II. ROLE OF THE COMMISSION ON ETHICS
In addition to its constitutional duties regarding the investigation of complaints, the Commission:
• Renders advisory opinions to public officials;
• Prescribes forms for public disclosure;
• Prepares mailing lists of public officials subject to financial disclosure for use by Supervisors of Elections
and the Commission in distributing forms and notifying delinquent filers;
2
• Makes recommendations to disciplinary officials when appropriate for violations of ethics and disclosure
laws, since it does not impose penalties;
• Administers the Executive Branch Lobbyist Registration and Reporting Law;
• Maintains financial disclosure filings of constitutional officers and state officers and employees; and,
• Administers automatic fines for public officers and employees who fail to timely file required annual financial
disclosure.
III. THE ETHICS LAWS
The ethics laws generally consist of two types of provisions, those prohibiting certain actions or conduct
and those requiring that certain disclosures be made to the public. The following descriptions of these laws
have been simplified, in an effort to put people on notice of their requirements. Therefore, we also suggest
that you review the wording of the actual law. Citations to the appropriate laws are contained in brackets.
The laws summarized below apply generally to all public officers and employees, state and local, including
members of advisory bodies. The principal exception to this broad coverage is the exclusion of judges, as they
fall within the jurisdiction of the Judicial Qualifications Commission.
Public Service Commission (PSC) members and employees, as well as members of the PSC Nominating
Council, are subject to additional ethics standards that are enforced by the Commission on Ethics under
Chapter 350, Florida Statutes. Further, members of the governing boards of charter schools are subject to
some of the provisions of the Code of Ethics [Sec. 1002.33(26), Fla. Stat.], as are the officers, directors, chief
executive officers and some employees of business entities that serve as the chief administrative or executive
officer or employee of a political subdivision. [Sec. 112.3136, Fla. Stat.].
A. PROHIBITED ACTIONS OR CONDUCT
1. Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts
Public officers, employees, local government attorneys, and candidates are prohibited from soliciting or
accepting anything of value, such as a gift, loan, reward, promise of future employment, favor, or service, that
is based on an understanding that their vote, official action, or judgment would be influenced by such gift.
[Sec. 112.313(2), Fla. Stat.]
Persons required to file financial disclosure FORM 1 or FORM 6 (see Part III F of this brochure), and state
procurement employees, are prohibited from soliciting any gift from a political committee, lobbyist who has
lobbied the official or his or her agency within the past 12 months, or the partner, firm, employer, or principal
of such a lobbyist or from a vendor doing business with the official’s agency. [Sec. 112.3148, Fla. Stat.]
Persons required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6, and state procurement employees are prohibited from
directly or indirectly accepting a gift worth more than $100 from such a lobbyist, from a partner, firm,
employer, or principal of the lobbyist, or from a political committee or vendor doing business with their agency.
[Sec.112.3148, Fla. Stat.]
However, effective in 2006 and notwithstanding Sec. 112.3148, Fla. Stat., no Executive Branch lobbyist or
principal shall make, directly or indirectly, and no Executive Branch agency official who files FORM 1 or
FORM 6 shall knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any expenditure made for the purpose of lobbying.
3
[Sec. 112.3215, Fla. Stat.] Typically, this would include gifts valued at less than $100 that formerly were
permitted under Section 112.3148, Fla. Stat. Similar rules apply to members and employees of the
Legislature. However, these laws are not administered by the Commission on Ethics. [Sec. 11.045, Fla. Stat.]
Also, effective May 1, 2013, persons required to file Form 1 or Form 6, and state procurement employees
and members of their immediate families, are prohibited from accepting any gift from a political committee.
[Sec. 112.31485, Fla. Stat.]
2. Unauthorized Compensation
Public officers or employees, local government attorneys, and their spouses and minor children are
prohibited from accepting any compensation, payment, or thing of value when they know, or with the exercise
of reasonable care should know, that it is given to influence a vote or other official action. [Sec. 112.313(4),
Fla. Stat.]
3. Misuse of Public Position
Public officers and employees, and local government attorneys are prohibited from corruptly using or
attempting to use their official positions or the resources thereof to obtain a special privilege or benefit for
themselves or others. [Sec. 112.313(6), Fla. Stat.]
4. Disclosure or Use of Certain Information
Public officers and employees and local government attorneys are prohibited from disclosing or using
information not available to the public and obtained by reason of their public position for the personal benefit
of themselves or others. [Sec. 112.313(8), Fla. Stat.]
5. Solicitation or Acceptance of Honoraria
Persons required to file financial disclosure FORM 1 or FORM 6 (see Part III F of this brochure), and state
procurement employees, are prohibited from soliciting honoraria related to their public offices or duties. [Sec.
112.3149, Fla. Stat.]
Persons required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6, and state procurement employees, are prohibited from
knowingly accepting an honorarium from a political committee, lobbyist who has lobbied the person’s agency
within the past 12 months, or the partner, firm, employer, or principal of such a lobbyist, or from a vendor
doing business with the official’s agency. However, he or she may accept the payment of expenses related to
an honorarium event from such individuals or entities, provided that the expenses are disclosed. See Part III F
of this brochure. [Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat.]
Lobbyists and their partners, firms, employers, and principals, as well as political committees and vendors,
are prohibited from giving an honorarium to persons required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6 and to state
procurement employees. Violations of this law may result in fines of up to $5,000 and prohibitions against
lobbying for up to two years. [Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat.]
However, notwithstanding Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat., no Executive Branch or legislative lobbyist or principal
shall make, directly or indirectly, and no Executive Branch agency official who files FORM 1 or FORM 6 shall
4
knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any expenditure made for the purpose of lobbying. [Sec. 112.3215,
Fla. Stat.] This may include honorarium event related expenses that formerly were permitted under Sec.
112.3149, Fla. Stat. Similar rules apply to members and employees of the Legislature. However, these laws
are not administered by the Commission on Ethics. [Sec. 11.045, Fla. Stat.]
B. PROHIBITED EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
1. Doing Business With One’s Agency
(a) A public employee acting as a purchasing agent, or public officer acting in an official capacity, is
prohibited from purchasing, renting, or leasing any realty, goods, or services for his or her agency from a
business entity in which the officer or employee or his or her spouse or child owns more than a 5% interest.
[Sec. 112.313(3), Fla. Stat.]
(b) A public officer or employee, acting in a private capacity, also is prohibited from renting, leasing, or
selling any realty, goods, or services to his or her own agency if the officer or employee is a state officer or
employee, or, if he or she is an officer or employee of a political subdivision, to that subdivision or any of its
agencies. [Sec. 112.313(3), Fla. Stat.]
2. Conflicting Employment or Contractual Relationship
(a) A public officer or employee is prohibited from holding any employment or contract with any business
entity or agency regulated by or doing business with his or her public agency. [Sec. 112.313(7), Fla. Stat.]
(b) A public officer or employee also is prohibited from holding any employment or having a contractual
relationship which will pose a frequently recurring conflict between the official’s private interests and public
duties or which will impede the full and faithful discharge of the official’s public duties. [Sec. 112.313(7), Fla.
Stat.]
(c) Limited exceptions to this prohibition have been created in the law for legislative bodies, certain
special tax districts, drainage districts, and persons whose professions or occupations qualify them to hold
their public positions. [Sec. 112.313(7)(a) and (b), Fla. Stat.]
3. Exemptions—Pursuant to Sec. 112.313(12), Fla. Stat., the prohibitions against doing business with one’s
agency and having conflicting employment may not apply:
(a) When the business is rotated among all qualified suppliers in a city or county.
(b) When the business is awarded by sealed, competitive bidding and neither the official nor his or her
spouse or child have attempted to persuade agency personnel to enter the contract. NOTE: Disclosure of the
interest of the official, spouse, or child and the nature of the business must be filed prior to or at the time of
submission of the bid on Commission FORM 3A with the Commission on Ethics or Supervisor of Elections,
depending on whether the official serves at the state or local level.
(c) When the purchase or sale is for legal advertising, utilities service, or for passage on a common
carrier.
5
(d) When an emergency purchase must be made to protect the public health, safety, or welfare.
(e) When the business entity is the only source of supply within the political subdivision and there is full
disclosure of the official’s interest to the governing body on Commission FORM 4A.
(f) When the aggregate of any such transactions does not exceed $500 in a calendar year.
(g) When the business transacted is the deposit of agency funds in a bank of which a county, city, or
district official is an officer, director, or stockholder, so long as agency records show that the governing body
has determined that the member did not favor his or her bank over other qualified banks.
(h) When the prohibitions are waived in the case of ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS by the appointing
person or by a two-thirds vote of the appointing body (after disclosure on Commission FORM 4A).
(i) When the public officer or employee purchases in a private capacity goods or services, at a price and
upon terms available to similarly situated members of the general public, from a business entity which is doing
business with his or her agency.
(j) When the public officer or employee in a private capacity purchases goods or services from a
business entity which is subject to the regulation of his or her agency where the price and terms of the
transaction are available to similarly situated members of the general public and the officer or employee
makes full disclosure of the relationship to the agency head or governing body prior to the transaction.
4. Additional Exemptions
No elected public officer is in violation of the conflicting employment prohibition when employed by a tax
exempt organization contracting with his or her agency so long as the officer is not directly or indirectly
compensated as a result of the contract, does not participate in any way in the decision to enter into the
contract, abstains from voting on any matter involving the employer, and makes certain disclosures. [Sec.
112.313(15), Fla. Stat.] A qualified blind trust established pursuant to Sec. 112.31425, Fla. Stat., may afford
an official protection from conflicts of interest arising from assets placed in the trust.
5. Lobbying State Agencies By Legislators
A member of the Legislature is prohibited from representing another person or entity for compensation
during his or her term of office before any state agency other than judicial tribunals. [Art. II, Sec. 8(e), Fla.
Const., and Sec. 112.313(9), Fla. Stat.]
6. Employees Holding Office
A public employee is prohibited from being a member of the governing body which serves as his or her
employer. [Sec. 112.313(10), Fla. Stat.]
7. Professional and Occupational Licensing Board Members
An officer, director, or administrator of a state, county, or regional professional or occupational
organization or association, while holding such position, may not serve as a member of a state examining or
6
licensing board for the profession or occupation. [Sec. 112.313(11), Fla. Stat.]
8. Contractual Services: Prohibited Employment
A state employee of the executive or judicial branches who participates in the decision-making process
involving a purchase request, who influences the content of any specification or procurement standard, or who
renders advice, investigation, or auditing, regarding his or her agency’s contract for services, is prohibited
from being employed with a person holding such a contract with his or her agency. [Sec. 112.3185(2), Fla.
Stat.]
9. Local Government Attorneys
Local government attorneys, such as the city attorney or county attorney, and their law firms are prohibited
from representing private individuals and entities before the unit of local government which they serve. A local
government attorney cannot recommend or otherwise refer to his or her firm legal work involving the local
government unit unless the attorney’s contract authorizes or mandates the use of that firm. [Sec. 112.313(16),
Fla. Stat.]
10. Dual Public Employment
Candidates and elected officers are prohibited from accepting public employment if they know or should
know it is being offered for the purpose of influence. Further, public employment may not be accepted unless
the position was already in existence or was created without the anticipation of the official’s interest was
publicly advertised, and the officer had to meet the same qualifications and go through the same hiring
process as other applicants.
For elected public officers already holding public employment, no promotion given for the purpose of
influence may be accepted, nor may promotions that are inconsistent with those given other similarly situated
employees.
C. RESTRICTIONS ON APPOINTING, EMPLOYING, AND CONTRACTING WITH RELATIVES
1. Anti-Nepotism Law
A public official is prohibited from seeking for a relative any appointment, employment, promotion or
advancement in the agency in which he or she is serving or over which the official exercises jurisdiction or
control. No person may be appointed, employed, promoted, or advanced in or to a position in an agency if
such action has been advocated by a related public official who is serving in or exercising jurisdiction or
control over the agency; this includes relatives of members of collegial government bodies. NOTE: This
prohibition does not apply to school districts (except as provided in Sec. 1012.23, Fla. Stat.), community
colleges and state universities, or to appointments of boards, other than those with land-planning or zoning
responsibilities, in municipalities of fewer than 35,000 residents. Also, the approval of budgets does not
constitute “jurisdiction or control” for the purposes of this prohibition. This provision does not apply to
volunteer emergency medical, firefighting, or police service providers. [Sec. 112.3135, Fla. Stat.]
7
2. Additional Restrictions
A state employee of the executive or judicial branch or the PSC is prohibited from directly or indirectly
procuring contractual services for his or her agency from a business entity of which a relative is an officer,
partner, director, or proprietor, or in which the employee, or his or her spouse, or children own more than a
5% interest. [Sec. 112.3185(6), Fla. Stat.]
D. POST OFFICE HOLDING AND EMPLOYMENT (REVOLVING DOOR) RESTRICTIONS
1. Lobbying by Former Legislators, Statewide Elected Officers, and Appointed State Officers
A member of the Legislature or a statewide elected or appointed state official is prohibited for two years
following vacation of office from representing another person or entity for compensation before the
government body or agency of which the individual was an officer or member, and also from lobbying the
executive branch. [Art. II, Sec. 8(e), Fla. Const. and Sec. 112.313(9), Fla. Stat.]
2. Lobbying by Former State Employees
Certain employees of the executive and legislative branches of state government are prohibited from
personally representing another person or entity for compensation before the
agency with which they were employed for a period of two years after leaving their positions, unless employed
by another agency of state government. [Sec. 112.313(9), Fla. Stat.] These employees include the following:
(a) Executive and legislative branch employees serving in the Senior Management Service and Selected
Exempt Service, as well as any person employed by the Department of the Lottery having authority over
policy or procurement.
(b) Persons serving in the following position classifications: the Auditor General; the director of the Office
of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA); the Sergeant at Arms and Secretary
of the Senate; the Sergeant at Arms and Clerk of the House of Representatives; the executive director and
deputy executive director of the Commission on Ethics; an executive director, staff director, or deputy staff
director of each joint committee, standing committee, or select committee of the Legislature; an executive
director, staff director, executive assistant, legislative analyst, or attorney serving in the Office of the President
of the Senate, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate Majority Party Office,
the Senate Minority Party Office, the House Majority Party Office, or the House Minority Party Office; the
Chancellor and Vice-Chancellors of the State University System; the general counsel to the Board of Regents;
the president, vice presidents, and deans of each state university; any person hired on a contractual basis and
having the power normally conferred upon such persons, by whatever title; and any person having the power
normally conferred upon the above positions.
This prohibition does not apply to a person who was employed by the Legislature or other agency prior to
July 1, 1989; who was a defined employee of the SUS or the PSC who held such employment on December
31, 1994; or who reached normal retirement age and retired by July 1, 1991. It does apply to OPS
employees.
PENALTIES: Persons found in violation of this section are subject to the penalties contained in the Code
(see PENALTIES, Part V) as well as a civil penalty in an amount equal to the compensation which the person
8
received for the prohibited conduct. [Sec. 112.313(9)(a)5, Fla. Stat.]
3. Additional Restrictions on Former State Employees
A former executive or judicial branch employee or PSC employee is prohibited from having employment or
a contractual relationship, at any time after retirement or termination of employment, with any business entity
(other than a public agency) in connection with a contract in which the employee participated personally and
substantially by recommendation or decision while a public employee. [Sec. 112.3185(3), Fla. Stat.]
A former executive or judicial branch employee or PSC employee who has retired or terminated
employment is prohibited from having any employment or contractual relationship for two years with any
business entity (other than a public agency) in connection with a contract for services which was within his or
her responsibility while serving as a state employee. [Sec.112.3185(4), Fla. Stat.]
Unless waived by the agency head, a former executive or judicial branch employee or PSC employee may
not be paid more for contractual services provided by him or her to the former agency during the first year
after leaving the agency than his or her annual salary before leaving. [Sec. 112.3185(5), Fla. Stat.]
These prohibitions do not apply to PSC employees who were so employed on or before Dec. 31, 1994.
4. Lobbying by Former Local Government Officers and Employees
A person elected to county, municipal, school district, or special district office is prohibited from
representing another person or entity for compensation before the government body or agency of which he or
she was an officer for two years after leaving office. Appointed officers and employees of counties,
municipalities, school districts, and special districts may be subject to a similar restriction by local ordinance or
resolution. [Sec. 112.313(13) and (14), Fla. Stat.]
E. VOTING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
State public officers are prohibited from voting in an official capacity on any measure which they know
would inure to their own special private gain or loss. A state public officer who abstains, or who votes on a
measure which the officer knows would inure to the special private gain or loss of any principal by whom he or
she is retained, of the parent organization or subsidiary or sibling of a corporate principal by which he or she
is retained, of a relative, or of a business associate, must make every reasonable effort to file a memorandum
of voting conflict with the recording secretary in advance of the vote. If that is not possible, it must be filed
within 15 days after the vote occurs. The memorandum must disclose the nature of the officer’s interest in the
matter.
No county, municipal, or other local public officer shall vote in an official capacity upon any measure which
would inure to his or her special private gain or loss, or which the officer knows would inure to the special
private gain or loss of any principal by whom he or she is retained, of the parent organization or subsidiary or
sibling of a corporate principal by which he or she is retained, of a relative, or of a business associate. The
officer must publicly announce the nature of his or her interest before the vote and must file a memorandum of
voting conflict on Commission Form 8B with the meeting’s recording officer within 15 days after the vote
occurs disclosing the nature of his or her interest in the matter. However, members of community
redevelopment agencies and district officers elected on a one-acre, one-vote basis are not required to abstain
9
when voting in that capacity.
No appointed state or local officer shall participate in any matter which would inure to the officer’s special
private gain or loss, the special private gain or loss of any principal by whom he or she is retained, of the
parent organization or subsidiary or sibling of a corporate principal by which he or she is retained, of a
relative, or of a business associate, without first disclosing the nature of his or her interest in the matter. The
memorandum of voting conflict (Commission Form 8A or 8B) must be filed with the meeting’s recording
officer, be provided to the other members of the agency, and be read publicly at the next meeting.
If the conflict is unknown or not disclosed prior to the meeting, the appointed official must orally disclose
the conflict at the meeting when the conflict becomes known. Also, a written memorandum of voting conflict
must be filed with the meeting’s recording officer within 15 days of the disclosure being made and must be
provided to the other members of the agency with the disclosure being read publicly at the next scheduled
meeting. [Sec. 112.3143, Fla. Stat.]
A qualified blind trust established pursuant to Sec. 112.31425, Fla. Stat., may afford an official protection
from voting conflicts of interest arising from assets placed in the trust.
F. DISCLOSURES
Conflicts of interest may occur when public officials are in a position to make decisions that affect their
personal financial interests. This is why public officers and employees, as well as candidates who run for
public office, are required to publicly disclose their financial interests. The disclosure process serves to remind
officials of their obligation to put the public interest above personal considerations. It also helps citizens to
monitor the considerations of those who spend their tax dollars and participate in public policy decisions or
administration.
All public officials and candidates do not file the same degree of disclosure; nor do they all file at the same
time or place. Thus, care must be taken to determine which disclosure forms a particular official or candidate
is required to file.
The following forms are described below to set forth the requirements of the various disclosures and the
steps for correctly providing the information in a timely manner.
1. FORM 1 - Limited Financial Disclosure
Who Must File:
Persons required to file FORM 1 include all state officers, local officers, candidates for local elective office,
and specified state employees as defined below (other than those officers who are required by law to file
FORM 6).
STATE OFFICERS include:
1) Elected public officials not serving in a political subdivision of the state and any person appointed to fill a
vacancy in such office, unless required to file full disclosure on Form 6.
10
2) Appointed members of each board, commission, authority, or council having statewide jurisdiction,
excluding members of solely advisory bodies; but including judicial nominating commission members;
directors of Enterprise Florida, Scripps Florida Funding Corporation, and Workforce Florida, and members of
the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys; and governors and senior managers of Citizens
Property Insurance Corporation and Florida Workers’ Compensation Joint Underwriting Association, board
members of the Northeast Florida Regional Transportation Commission, and members of the board of
Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc.
3) The Commissioner of Education, members of the State Board of Education, the Board of Governors, and
the local boards of trustees and presidents of state universities.
LOCAL OFFICERS include:
1) Persons elected to office in any political subdivision (such as municipalities, counties, and special districts)
and any person appointed to fill a vacancy in such office, unless required to file full disclosure on Form 6.
2) Appointed members of the following boards, councils, commissions, authorities, or other bodies of any
county, municipality, school district, independent special district, or other political subdivision: the governing
body of the subdivision; a community college or junior college district board of trustees; a board having the
power to enforce local code provisions; a planning or zoning board, board of adjustments or appeals,
community redevelopment agency board, or other board having the power to recommend, create, or modify
land planning or zoning within the political subdivision, except for citizen advisory committees, technical
coordinating committees, and similar groups who only have the power to make recommendations to planning
or zoning boards; a pension board or retirement board empowered to invest pension or retirement funds or to
determine entitlement to or amount of a pension or other retirement benefit.
3) Any other appointed member of a local government board who is required to file a statement of financial
interests by the appointing authority or the enabling legislation, ordinance, or resolution creating the board.
4) Persons holding any of these positions in local government: mayor; county or city manager; chief
administrative employee or finance director of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision; county or
municipal attorney; chief county or municipal building inspector; county or municipal water resources
coordinator; county or municipal pollution control director; county or municipal environmental control director;
county or municipal administrator with power to grant or deny a land development permit; chief of police; fire
chief; municipal clerk; appointed district school superintendent; community college president; district medical
examiner; purchasing agent (regardless of title) having the authority to make any purchase exceeding $20,000
for the local governmental unit.
5) Members of governing boards of charter schools operated by a city or other public entity.
6) The officers, directors, and chief executive officer of a corporation, partnership, or other business entity
that is serving as the chief administrative or executive officer or employee of a political subdivision, and any
business entity employee who is acting as the chief administrative or executive officer or employee of the
political subdivision. [Sec. 112.3136, Fla. Stat.]
11
SPECIFIED STATE EMPLOYEE includes:
1) Employees in the Office of the Governor or of a Cabinet member who are exempt from the Career Service
System, excluding secretarial, clerical, and similar positions.
2) The following positions in each state department, commission, board, or council: secretary or state
surgeon general, assistant or deputy secretary, executive director, assistant or deputy executive director, and
anyone having the power normally conferred upon such persons, regardless of title.
3) The following positions in each state department or division: director, assistant or deputy director, bureau
chief, assistant bureau chief, and any person having the power normally conferred upon such persons,
regardless of title.
4) Assistant state attorneys, assistant public defenders, criminal conflict and civil regional counsel, assistant
criminal conflict and civil regional counsel, public counsel, full-time state employees serving as counsel or
assistant counsel to a state agency, judges of compensation claims, administrative law judges, and hearing
officers.
5) The superintendent or director of a state mental health institute established for training and research in the
mental health field, or any major state institution or facility established for corrections, training, treatment, or
rehabilitation.
6) State agency business managers, finance and accounting directors, personnel officers, grant coordinators,
and purchasing agents (regardless of title) with power to make a purchase exceeding $20,000.
7) The following positions in legislative branch agencies: each employee (other than those employed in
maintenance, clerical, secretarial, or similar positions and legislative assistants exempted by the presiding
officer of their house); and each employee of the Commission on Ethics.
What Must Be Disclosed:
FORM 1 requirements are set forth fully on the form. In general, this includes the reporting person’s
sources and types of financial interests, such as the names of employers and addresses of real property
holdings. NO DOLLAR VALUES ARE REQUIRED TO BE LISTED. In addition, the form requires the
disclosure of certain relationships with, and ownership interests in, specified types of businesses such as
banks, savings and loans, insurance companies, and utility companies.
When to File:
CANDIDATES for elected local office must file FORM 1 together with and at the same time they file their
qualifying papers.
STATE and LOCAL OFFICERS and SPECIFIED STATE EMPLOYEES are required to file disclosure by
July 1 of each year. They also must file within thirty days from the date of appointment or the beginning of
employment. Those appointees requiring Senate confirmation must file prior to confirmation.
12
Where to File:
Each LOCAL OFFICER files FORM 1 with the Supervisor of Elections in the county in which he or she
permanently resides.
A STATE OFFICER or SPECIFIED STATE EMPLOYEE files with the Commission on Ethics. [Sec.
112.3145, Fla. Stat.]
2. FORM 1F - Final Form 1 Limited Financial Disclosure
FORM 1F is the disclosure form required to be filed within 60 days after a public officer or employee
required to file FORM 1 leaves his or her public position. The form covers the disclosure period between
January 1 and the last day of office or employment within that year.
3. FORM 2 - Quarterly Client Disclosure
The state officers, local officers, and specified state employees listed above, as well as elected
constitutional officers, must file a FORM 2 if they or a partner or associate of their professional firm represent
a client for compensation before an agency at their level of government.
A FORM 2 disclosure includes the names of clients represented by the reporting person or by any partner
or associate of his or her professional firm for a fee or commission before agencies at the reporting person’s
level of government. Such representations do not include appearances in ministerial matters, appearances
before judges of compensation claims, or representations on behalf of one’s agency in one’s official capacity.
Nor does the term include the preparation and filing of forms and applications merely for the purpose of
obtaining or transferring a license, so long as the issuance of the license does not require a variance, special
consideration, or a certificate of public convenience and necessity.
When to File:
This disclosure should be filed quarterly, by the end of the calendar quarter following the calendar quarter
during which a reportable representation was made. FORM 2 need not be filed merely to indicate that no
reportable representations occurred during the preceding quarter; it should be filed ONLY when reportable
representations were made during the quarter.
Where To File:
LOCAL OFFICERS file with the Supervisor of Elections of the county in which they permanently reside.
STATE OFFICERS and SPECIFIED STATE EMPLOYEES file with the Commission on Ethics. [Sec.
112.3145(4), Fla. Stat.]
4. FORM 6 - Full and Public Disclosure
Who Must File:
Persons required by law to file FORM 6 include all elected constitutional officers and candidates for such
13
office; the mayor and members of the city council and candidates for these offices in Jacksonville; the Duval
County Superintendent of Schools; judges of compensation claims (pursuant to Sec. 440.442, Fla. Stat.); and
members of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board and the Florida Prepaid College Board; and
members of expressway authorities, transportation authorities (except the Jacksonville Transportation
Authority), or toll authorities created pursuant to Ch. 348 or 343, or 349, or other general law.
What Must be Disclosed:
FORM 6 is a detailed disclosure of assets, liabilities, and sources of income over $1,000 and their values,
as well as net worth. Officials may opt to file their most recent income tax return in lieu of listing sources of
income but still must disclose their assets, liabilities, and net worth. In addition, the form requires the
disclosure of certain relationships with, and ownership interests in, specified types of businesses such as
banks, savings and loans, insurance companies, and utility companies.
When and Where To File:
Incumbent officials must file FORM 6 annually by July 1 with the Commission on Ethics. CANDIDATES
must file with the officer before whom they qualify at the time of qualifying. [Art. II, Sec. 8(a) and (i), Fla.
Const., and Sec. 112.3144, Fla. Stat.]
5. FORM 6F - Final Form 6 Full and Public Disclosure
This is the disclosure form required to be filed within 60 days after a public officer or employee required to
file FORM 6 leaves his or her public position. The form covers the disclosure period between January 1 and
the last day of office or employment within that year.
6. FORM 9 - Quarterly Gift Disclosure
Each person required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6, and each state procurement employee, must file a
FORM 9, Quarterly Gift Disclosure, with the Commission on Ethics on the last day of any calendar quarter
following the calendar quarter in which he or she received a gift worth more than $100, other than gifts from
relatives, gifts prohibited from being accepted, gifts primarily associated with his or her business or
employment, and gifts otherwise required to be disclosed. FORM 9 NEED NOT BE FILED if no such gift was
received during the calendar quarter.
Information to be disclosed includes a description of the gift and its value, the name and address of the
donor, the date of the gift, and a copy of any receipt for the gift provided by the donor. [Sec. 112.3148, Fla.
Stat.]
7. FORM 10 - Annual Disclosure of Gifts from Government Agencies and Direct-Support Organizations and
Honorarium Event Related Expenses
State government entities, airport authorities, counties, municipalities, school boards, water management
districts, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, and the Technological Research and
Development Authority may give a gift worth more than $100 to a person required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6,
and to state procurement employees, if a public purpose can be shown for the gift. Also, a direct-support
organization for a governmental entity may give such a gift to a person who is an officer or employee of that
entity. These gifts are to be reported on FORM 10, to be filed by July 1.
14
The governmental entity or direct-support organization giving the gift must provide the officer or employee
with a statement about the gift no later than March 1 of the following year. The officer or employee then must
disclose this information by filing a statement by July 1 with his or her annual financial disclosure that
describes the gift and lists the donor, the date of the gift, and the value of the total gifts provided during the
calendar year. State procurement employees file their statements with the Commission on Ethics. [Sec.
112.3148, Fla. Stat.]
In addition, a person required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6, or a state procurement employee, who receives
expenses or payment of expenses related to an honorarium event from someone who is prohibited from giving
him or her an honorarium, must disclose annually the name, address, and affiliation of the donor, the amount
of the expenses, the date of the event, a description of the expenses paid or provided, and the total value of
the expenses on FORM 10. The donor paying the expenses must provide the officer or employee with a
statement about the expenses within 60 days of the honorarium event.
The disclosure must be filed by July 1, for expenses received during the previous calendar year, with the
officer’s or employee’s FORM 1 or FORM 6. State procurement employees file their statements with the
Commission on Ethics. [Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat.]
However, notwithstanding Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat., no executive branch or legislative lobbyist or principal
shall make, directly or indirectly, and no executive branch agency official or employee who files FORM 1 or
FORM 6 shall knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any expenditure made for the purpose of lobbying.
This may include gifts or honorarium event related expenses that formerly were permitted under Sections
112.3148 and 112.3149. [Sec. 112.3215, Fla. Stat.] Similar prohibitions apply to legislative officials and
employees. However, these laws are not administered by the Commission on Ethics. [Sec. 11.045, Fla. Stat.]
In addition, gifts, which include anything not primarily related to political activities authorized under ch. 106,
are prohibited from political committees. [Sec. 112.31485 Fla. Stat.]
8. FORM 30 - Donor’s Quarterly Gift Disclosure
As mentioned above, the following persons and entities generally are prohibited from giving a gift worth
more than $100 to a reporting individual (a person required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6) or to a state
procurement employee; a political committee; a lobbyist who lobbies the reporting individual’s or procurement
employee’s agency, and the partner, firm, employer, or principal of such a lobbyist; and vendors. If such
person or entity makes a gift worth between $25 and $100 to a reporting individual or state procurement
employee (that is not accepted in behalf of a governmental entity or charitable organization), the gift should be
reported on FORM 30. The donor also must notify the recipient at the time the gift is made that it will be
reported.
The FORM 30 should be filed by the last day of the calendar quarter following the calendar quarter in
which the gift was made. If the gift was made to an individual in the legislative branch, FORM 30 should be
filed with the Lobbyist Registrar. If the gift was to any other reporting individual or state procurement
employee, FORM 30 should be filed with the Commission on Ethics.
However, notwithstanding Section 112.3148, Fla. Stat., no executive branch lobbyist or principal shall
make, directly or indirectly, and no executive branch agency official or employee who files FORM 1 or FORM
6 shall knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any expenditure made for the purpose of lobbying. This may
include gifts that formerly were permitted under Section 112.3148. [Sec. 112.3215, Fla. Stat.] Similar
15
prohibitions apply to legislative officials and employees. However, these laws are not administered by the
Commission on Ethics. [Sec. 11.045, Fla. Stat.] In addition, gifts from political committees are prohibited. [Sec.
112.31485, Fla. Stat.]
9. FORM 1X AND FORM 6X - Amendments to Form 1 and Form 6
These forms are provided for officers or employees who want to amend their previously filed Form 1 or
Form 6.
IV. AVAILABILITY OF FORMS
LOCAL OFFICERS and EMPLOYEES who must file FORM 1 annually will be sent the form by mail from
the Supervisor of Elections in the county in which they permanently reside not later than JUNE 1 of each year.
Newly elected and appointed officials or employees should contact the heads of their agencies for copies of
the form or download it from www.ethics.state.fl.us, as should those persons who are required to file their final
disclosure statements within 60 days of leaving office or employment.
ELECTED CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS, OTHER STATE OFFICERS, and SPECIFIED STATE
EMPLOYEES who must file annually FORM 1 or 6 will be sent these forms by mail from the Commission on
Ethics by JUNE 1 of each year. Newly elected and appointed officers and employees should contact the
heads of their agencies or the Commission on Ethics for copies of the form or download it from
www.ethics.state.fl.us, as should those persons who are required to file their final disclosure statements within
60 days of leaving office or employment.
Any person needing one or more of the other forms described here may also obtain them from a
Supervisor of Elections or from the Commission on Ethics, P.O. Drawer 15709, Tallahassee, Florida 32317-
5709. They are also available on the Commission’s website: www.ethics.state.fl.us.
V. PENALTIES
A. Non-criminal Penalties for Violation of the Sunshine Amendment and the Code of Ethics
There are no criminal penalties for violation of the Sunshine Amendment and the Code of Ethics. Penalties
for violation of these laws may include: impeachment, removal from office or employment, suspension, public
censure, reprimand, demotion, reduction in salary level, forfeiture of no more than one-third salary per month
for no more than twelve months, a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000, and restitution of any pecuniary
benefits received, and triple the value of a gift from a political committee.
B. Penalties for Candidates
CANDIDATES for public office who are found in violation of the Sunshine Amendment or the Code of
Ethics may be subject to one or more of the following penalties: disqualification from being on the ballot,
public censure, reprimand, or a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000, and triple the value of a gift received from
a political committee.
16
C. Penalties for Former Officers and Employees
FORMER PUBLIC OFFICERS or EMPLOYEES who are found in violation of a provision applicable to
former officers or employees or whose violation occurred prior to such officer’s or employee’s leaving public
office or employment may be subject to one or more of the following penalties: public censure and reprimand,
a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000, and restitution of any pecuniary benefits received, and triple the value of
a gift received from a political committee.
D. Penalties for Lobbyists and Others
An executive branch lobbyist who has failed to comply with the Executive Branch Lobbying Registration
law (see Part VIII) may be fined up to $5,000, reprimanded, censured, or prohibited from lobbying executive
branch agencies for up to two years. Lobbyists, their employers, principals, partners, and firms, and political
committees and committees of continuous existence who give a prohibited gift or honorarium or fail to comply
with the gift reporting requirements for gifts worth between $25 and $100, may be penalized by a fine of not
more than $5,000 and a prohibition on lobbying, or employing a lobbyist to lobby, before the agency of the
public officer or employee to whom the gift was given for up to two years. Any agent or person acting on
behalf of a political committee giving a prohibited gift is personally liable for a civil penalty of up to triple the
value of the gift.
Executive Branch lobbying firms that fail to timely file their quarterly compensation reports may be fined
$50 per day per principal for each day the report is late, up to a maximum fine of $5,000 per report.
E. Felony Convictions: Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits
Public officers and employees are subject to forfeiture of all rights and benefits under the retirement
system to which they belong if convicted of certain offenses. The offenses include embezzlement or theft of
public funds; bribery; felonies specified in Chapter 838, Florida Statutes; impeachable offenses; and felonies
committed with intent to defraud the public or their public agency. [Sec. 112.3173, Fla. Stat.]
F. Automatic Penalties for Failure to File Annual Disclosure
Public officers and employees required to file either Form 1 or Form 6 annual financial disclosure are
subject to automatic fines of $25 for each day late the form is filed after September 1, up to a maximum
penalty of $1,500. [Sec. 112.3144 and 112.3145, Fla. Stat.]
VI. ADVISORY OPINIONS
Conflicts of interest may be avoided by greater awareness of the ethics laws on the part of public officials
and employees through advisory assistance from the Commission on Ethics.
A. Who Can Request an Opinion
Any public officer, candidate for public office, or public employee in Florida who is in doubt about the
applicability of the standards of conduct or disclosure laws to himself or herself, or anyone who has the power
to hire or terminate another public employee, may seek an advisory opinion from the Commission about
himself or herself or that employee.
17
B. How to Request an Opinion
Opinions may be requested by letter presenting a question based on a real situation and including a
detailed description of the situation. Opinions are issued by the Commission and are binding on the conduct of
the person who is the subject of the opinion, unless material facts were omitted or misstated in the request for
the opinion. Published opinions will not bear the name of the persons involved unless they consent to the use
of their names; however, the request and all information pertaining to it is a public record, made available to
the Commission and to members of the public in advance of the Commission’s consideration of the question.
C. How to Obtain Published Opinions
All of the Commission’s opinions are available for viewing or download at its website:
www.ethics.state.fl.us.
VII. COMPLAINTS
A. Citizen Involvement
The Commission on Ethics cannot conduct investigations of alleged violations of the Sunshine Amendment
or the Code of Ethics unless a person files a sworn complaint with the Commission alleging such violation has
occurred, or a referral is received, as discussed below.
If you have knowledge that a person in government has violated the standards of conduct or disclosure
laws described above, you may report these violations to the Commission by filing a sworn complaint on the
form prescribed by the Commission and available for download at www.ethics.state.fl.us. The Commission is
unable to take action based on learning of such misdeeds through newspaper reports, telephone calls, or
letters.
You can obtain a complaint form (FORM 50), by contacting the Commission office at the address or phone
number shown on the inside front cover of this booklet, or you can download it from the Commission’s
website: www.ethics.state.fl.us.
B. Referrals
The Commission may accept referrals from: the Governor, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, a
State Attorney, or a U.S. Attorney. A vote of six of the Commission’s nine members is required to proceed on
such a referral.
C. Confidentiality
The complaint or referral, as well as all proceedings and records relating thereto, is confidential until the
accused requests that such records be made public or until the matter reaches a stage in the Commission’s
proceedings where it becomes public. This means that unless the Commission receives a written waiver of
confidentiality from the accused, the Commission is not free to release any documents or to comment on a
complaint or referral to members of the public or press, so long as the complaint or referral remains in a
confidential stage.
18
A COMPLAINT OR REFERRAL MAY NOT BE FILED WITH RESPECT TO A CANDIDATE ON THE DAY OF
THE ELECTION, OR WITHIN THE 30 CALENDAR DAYS PRECEDING THE ELECTION DATE, UNLESS IT IS
BASED ON PERSONAL INFORMATION OR INFORMATION OTHER THAN HEARSAY.
D. How the Complaint Process Works
Complaints which allege a matter within the Commission’s jurisdiction are assigned a tracking number and
Commission staff forwards a copy of the original sworn complaint to the accused within five working days of its
receipt. Any subsequent sworn amendments to the complaint also are transmitted within five working days of
their receipt.
Once a complaint is filed, it goes through three procedural stages under the Commission’s rules. The first
stage is a determination of whether the allegations of the complaint are legally sufficient: that is, whether they
indicate a possible violation of any law over which the Commission has jurisdiction. If the complaint is found not
to be legally sufficient, the Commission will order that the complaint be dismissed without investigation, and all
records relating to the complaint will become public at that time.
In cases of very minor financial disclosure violations, the official will be allowed an opportunity to correct or
amend his or her disclosure form. Otherwise, if the complaint is found to be legally sufficient, a preliminary
investigation will be undertaken by the investigative staff of the Commission. The second stage of the
Commission’s proceedings involves this preliminary investigation and a decision by the Commission as to
whether there is probable cause to believe that there has been a violation of any of the ethics laws. If the
Commission finds no probable cause to believe there has been a violation of the ethics laws, the complaint will
be dismissed and will become a matter of public record. If the Commission finds probable cause to believe
there has been a violation of the ethics laws, the complaint becomes public and usually enters the third stage of
proceedings. This stage requires the Commission to decide whether the law was actually violated and, if so,
whether a penalty should be recommended. At this stage, the accused has the right to request a public hearing
(trial) at which evidence is presented or the Commission may order that such a hearing be held. Public
hearings usually are held in or near the area where the alleged violation occurred.
When the Commission concludes that a violation has been committed, it issues a public report of its
findings and may recommend one or more penalties to the appropriate disciplinary body or official.
When the Commission determines that a person has filed a complaint with knowledge that the complaint
contains one or more false allegations or with reckless disregard for whether the complaint contains false
allegations, the complainant will be liable for costs plus reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the person
complained against. The Department of Legal Affairs may bring a civil action to recover such fees and costs, if
they are not paid voluntarily within 30 days.
E. Dismissal of Complaints At Any Stage of Disposition
The Commission may, at its discretion, dismiss any complaint at any stage of disposition should it
determine that the public interest would not be served by proceeding further, in which case the Commission will
issue a public report stating with particularity its reasons for the dismissal. [Sec. 112.324(11), Fla. Stat.]
19
F. Statute of Limitations
All sworn complaints alleging a violation of the Sunshine Amendment or the Code of Ethics must be filed
with the Commission within five years of the alleged violation or other breach of the public trust. Time starts to
run on the day AFTER the violation or breach of public trust is committed. The statute of limitations is tolled on
the day a sworn complaint is filed with the Commission. If a complaint is filed and the statute of limitations has
run, the complaint will be dismissed. [Sec. 112.3231, Fla. Stat.]
VIII. EXECUTIVE BRANCH LOBBYING
Any person who, for compensation and on behalf of another, lobbies an agency of the executive branch of
state government with respect to a decision in the area of policy or procurement may be required to register as
an executive branch lobbyist. Registration is required before lobbying an agency and is renewable annually. In
addition, each lobbying firm must file a compensation report with the Commission for each calendar quarter
during any portion of which one or more of the firm’s lobbyists were registered to represent a principal. As
noted above, no executive branch lobbyist or principal can make, directly or indirectly, and no executive branch
agency official or employee who files FORM 1 or FORM 6 can knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any
expenditure made for the purpose of lobbying. [Sec. 112.3215, Fla. Stat.]
Paying an executive branch lobbyist a contingency fee based upon the outcome of any specific executive
branch action, and receiving such a fee, is prohibited. A violation of this prohibition is a first degree
misdemeanor, and the amount received is subject to forfeiture. This does not prohibit sales people from
receiving a commission. [Sec. 112.3217, Fla. Stat.]
Executive branch departments, state universities, community colleges, and water management districts are
prohibited from using public funds to retain an executive branch (or legislative branch) lobbyist, although these
agencies may use full-time employees as lobbyists. [Sec. 11.062, Fla. Stat.]
Additional information about the executive branch lobbyist registration system may be obtained by
contacting the Lobbyist Registrar at the following address:
Executive Branch Lobbyist Registration
Room G-68, Claude Pepper Building
111 W. Madison Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1425
Phone: 850/922-4987
IX. WHISTLE-BLOWER’S ACT
In 1986, the Legislature enacted a “Whistle-blower’s Act” to protect employees of agencies and
government contractors from adverse personnel actions in retaliation for disclosing information in a sworn
complaint alleging certain types of improper activities. Since then, the Legislature has revised this law to
afford greater protection to these employees.
While this language is contained within the Code of Ethics, the Commission has no jurisdiction or
authority to proceed against persons who violate this Act. Therefore, a person who has disclosed
20
information alleging improper conduct governed by this law and who may suffer adverse consequences as a
result should contact one or more of the following: the Office of the Chief Inspector General in the
Executive Office of the Governor; the Department of Legal Affairs; the Florida Commission on Human
Relations; or a private attorney. [Sec. 112.3187 - 112.31895, Fla. Stat.]
X. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
As mentioned above, we suggest that you review the language used in each law for a more detailed
understanding of Florida’s ethics laws. The “Sunshine Amendment” is Article II, Section 8, of the Florida
Constitution. The Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees is contained in Part III of Chapter 112,
Florida Statutes.
Additional information about the Commission’s functions and interpretations of these laws may be found in
Chapter 34 of the Florida Administrative Code, where the Commission’s rules are published, and in The
Florida Administrative Law Reports, which until 2005 published many of the Commission’s final orders. The
Commission’s rules, orders, and opinions also are available at www.ethics.state.fl.us.
If you are a public officer or employee concerned about your obligations under these laws, the staff of the
Commission will be happy to respond to oral and written inquiries by providing information about the law, the
Commission’s interpretations of the law, and the Commission’s procedures.
XI. TRAINING
Constitutional officers are required to receive a total of four hours training, per calendar year, in the area
of ethics, public records, and open meetings. The Commission on Ethics does not track compliance or certify
providers.
Through a project funded by the Florida Legislature, online training addressing Florida’s Code of Ethics,
Sunshine Law, and Public Records Act is available. See www.iog.learnsomething.com for current fees. Bulk
purchase arrangements, including state and local government purchase orders, are available. For more
information, visit www.ethics.state.fl.us.
PRIMARY ELECTION TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015
GENERAL ELECTION (IF REQUIRED) NOVEMBER 3, 2015
NOTE: A candidate may announce his intention to seek elected office at any time. To become a filed
candidate you must appoint a campaign treasurer and file Form DS-DE9 with the City Clerk (A
candidate may serve as his/her own campaign treasurer and may appoint up to three deputies)
F.S. 106.021 (1)(a)
ATTENTION: Within 10 days after filing the Form DS-DE9, a Statement of Candidate Form
DS-DE84 is required.
1 Please Note: Late filing will result in fines. Refer to 106.07(8)(a) for language regarding fines
for late filing.
2015 ELECTION CALENDAR
Date Subject Reference Comments
February 10
Monday
Treasurer’s Report- 2015 (M1)
due no later than 5:00 PM for
filed candidates
for period 1/1/15 – 1/31/15
F.S. 106.07(1)
10th day following the end
of each calendar month
from the time the
Campaign Treasurer is
appointed
March 10
Tuesday
Treasurer’s Report 2015 (M2)
due no later than 5:00 PM for
filed candidates
for period 2/1/15 – 2/28/15
F.S. 106.07(1)
10th day following the end
of each calendar month
from the time the
Campaign Treasurer is
appointed
April 10
Friday
Treasurer’s Report 2015 (M3)
due no later than 5:00 PM for
filed candidates
for period 3/1/15 – 3/31/15
F.S. 106.07(1)
10th day following the end
of each calendar month
from the time the
Campaign Treasurer is
appointed
May 6
Wednesday
First day Petitions and Nominations
can be circulated
Charter
Sec. 39
40 days prior to the 1st day
of qualifying
May 11
Monday
Treasurer’s Report 2015 (M4)
due no later than 5:00 PM for
filed candidates
for period 4/1/15 – 4/30/15
F.S. 106.07(1)
10th day following the end
of each calendar month
from the time the
Campaign Treasurer is
appointed, (except when it
falls on a weekend or
holiday)
ELECTION CALENDAR DETAILS 2015 Page 2 of 7
May 15
Friday
Deadline to submit resignation
letter for any current Commissioner
(whose seat is not expiring on
November 9, 2015) wishing to run
for Mayor
Code
Sec. 2-21
At least 30 days prior to 1st
day of qualifying
June 5
Friday
5:00 pm - Deadline to file petitions
with City Clerk
Charter
Sec. 39
No later than 10 days prior
to the qualifying period
June 10
Wednesday
Treasurer’s Report 2015 (M5)
due no later than 5:00 PM for
filed candidates
for period 5/1/15 – 5/31/15
F.S. 106.07(1)
10th day following the end
of each calendar month
from the time the
Campaign Treasurer is
appointed
June 15
Monday
12:00 Noon - Opening for filing
qualifying documents
Charter
Sec. 39
Noon on 71st day (Monday)
prior to the Primary
Election
June 15
Monday
First day Campaign Signs may be
posted by a qualified candidate
Note: Campaign signs may not be
posted until after candidate has
qualified
Code
Sec. 17-26 (b) (7)
Beginning date for
qualifying
June 19
Friday
12:00 Noon – Qualifying period
closes
Charter
Sec. 39
Noon on 67th day (Friday)
prior to the Primary
Election
July 6
Monday Vote-By-Mail Portal Opens Duval SOE
website
See information on Duval
SOE website
July 10
Friday
Treasurer’s Report 2015 (M6)
due no later than 5:00 PM for
filed candidates
for period 6/1/15 – 6/30/15
(This does not apply to
unopposed candidates)
F.S. 106.07(1)
10th day following the end
of each calendar month
from the time the
Campaign Treasurer is
appointed
July 10
Friday
Overseas/ Military Absentees go
out for Primary Election F.S. 101.62 46 days. No fewer than 45
days
July 21
Tuesday
Domestic Absentees go out for
Primary Election F.S. 101.62 Between 28 – 35 days
2 July 27
Monday
Books Close to register to vote
for Primary Election F.S. 97.055 29 days prior to the
Election
July 31
Friday
Treasurer’s Report 2015 (P1) due
no later than 5:00 PM for filed
candidates
for period 7/1/15 – 7/24/15
(This does not apply to
unopposed candidates)
F.S. 106.07(1) 25th day before the primary
election
ELECTION CALENDAR DETAILS 2015 Page 3 of 7
August 11
Tuesday
12:00 Noon - Deadline to submit
names of poll watchers for Primary
Election
F.S. 101.131 (2) 2nd Tues. prior to election
August 14
Friday
Treasurer’s Report 2015 (P2) due
no later than 5:00 PM for filed
candidates
for period 7/25/15 – 8/7/15
(This does not apply to
unopposed candidates)
F.S. 106.07(1) 11th day before the
primary election
August 18
Tuesday
Logic and Accuracy of voting
equipment test for Primary
Election- 9:30 am at Duval SOE
Warehouse and Training Center,
at 1 Imeson Park Blvd.
Building 100
Jacksonville, FL 32218
(map)
F.S. 101.5612 (2)
On any day not more than
10 days before Election
Day.
August 18
Tuesday
Last day for SOE to approve Poll
watchers for Primary Election F.S. 101.131 (2) Tuesday prior to election
August 19
Wednesday
5:00 PM – Deadline to request
absentee ballots to be mailed to
voters for Primary Election
(Contact Duval County Supervisor
of Elections @ (904) 630-1414)
F.S. 101.62 (2) 6th day before the election
August 20
Thursday
12:00 Midnight – Deadline for
candidates to accept
contributions for Aug. 25th
Primary Election
F.S. 106.08(3)(a) On the 5th day prior to the
Primary Election
August 21
Friday
Treasurer’s Report (P3) due
no later than 5:00 p.m.
Period: 8/8/15– 8/20/15
(This does not apply to
unopposed candidates)
F.S. 106.07(1)
4 days prior to Primary
Election
August 21
Friday
Last Date for Supervisor of
Elections to mail absentee
ballots for Primary Election
F.S. 101.62 (2) 4 days before the election
August 25
Tuesday
PRIMARY ELECTION -
POLLS OPEN 7:00 AM,
CLOSE 7:00 PM
Charter
Sec. 40
Tuesday that is 10 weeks
prior to General Election
August 25
Tuesday
Canvassing of absentees and
provisionals will begin at the
close of the polls.
Charter
Sec. 43
The canvassing board shall
submit to the Supervisor of
Elections the preliminary
returns by 11:59 pm on
election night.
2 August 26
Wednesday Registration Books reopen F.S. 97.055 (1)(a)
Day after the
Election
ELECTION CALENDAR DETAILS 2015 Page 4 of 7
August 28
Friday
First unofficial results of the
Primary Election due.
Charter
Sec. 43
FS 102.141
Not later than noon of the
3rd day after a primary
election. Cannot be earlier
than Thursday due to
provisional ID deadline.
August 30
Sunday
Second unofficial results of the
Primary Election due. FS 102.141(7)
No later than 3 p.m. on
the 5th day after any
primary election
September 1
Tuesday
Official certification of the Primary
Election issued FS 102.112
No later than 5 pm on the
7th day following the
Primary
September 10
Thursday
Treasurer’s Report 2015 (M8)
due no later than 5:00 PM for
filed candidates
for period 8/21/15 – 8/3/15
F.S. 106.07(1)
10th day following the end
of each calendar month
from the time the
Campaign Treasurer is
appointed, (except when it
falls on a weekend or
holiday)
September 14
Monday
Vote-By-Mail First Drop data
posted on Portal
Duval SOE
website
See information on Duval
SOE website
September 17
Thursday
ANY UNOPPOSED
CANDIDATE needs to file final
Treasurer’s Report (U-TR) by
5:00 PM
for period 6/1/15 – 9/17/15
F.S. 106.07(c)
90 days after
becoming
unopposed,
after qualifying
September 18
Friday
Overseas/ Military Absentees
go out for General Election F.S. 101.62 No fewer than 45 days
October 5
Monday
Books Close to register to vote
for General Election F.S. 97.055
29 days prior to the
Election except on legal
holidays
October 6
Tuesday
Domestic Absentees go out for
General Election F.S. 101.62 28th day. (Between 28 – 35
days)
ELECTION CALENDAR DETAILS 2015 Page 5 of 7
October 9
Friday
Treasurer’s Report 2015 (G1)
due no later than 5:00 PM for
filed candidates
for period 9/1/15 – 10/2/15
F.S. 106.07(1) 25th day before the general
election
October 20
Tuesday
12:00 Noon - Deadline to submit
names of poll watchers for
General Election, if required
F.S. 101.131 (2)
2nd Tues. prior to election
October 23
Friday
Treasurer’s Report (G2) due
no later than 5:00 p.m. for
candidates in the General
Election (if General Election is
required)
(Period: 10/3/15 – 10/16/15)
F. S. 106.07(1)
11th day prior to the
General Election
October 27
Tuesday
Last day for SOE to approve Poll
watchers for General Election, if
required
F.S. 101.131 (2) Tuesday prior to election
October 27
Tuesday
Logic and Accuracy of voting
equipment test for General
Election, if required- 9:30 at
Duval SOE Warehouse and
Training Center, at 1 Imeson
Park Blvd.
Building 100
Jacksonville, FL 32218
(map)
F.S. 101.5612 (2)
On any day not more than
10 days before Election
Day.
October 28
Wednesday
5:00 PM – Deadline to request
absentee ballots to be mailed to
voters for General Election
(Contact Duval County Supervisor
of Elections @ (904) 630-1414)
F.S. 101.62 (2) 6th day before the election
October 29
Thursday
12:00 Midnight – Deadline for
candidates to accept
contributions for Nov. 3rd
General Election (if required)
F.S. 106.08(3)(a) On the 5th day prior to the
General Election
October 30
Friday
Treasurer’s Report (G3) due
no later than 5:00 p.m. for
candidates in the General
Election (if General Election is
required)
(Period: 10/17/15 – 10/29/15)
F. S. 106.07(1)
4 days prior to General
Election
October 30
Friday
Last Date for Supervisor of
Elections to mail absentee
ballots for General Election (if
required)
F.S. 101.62 (2) 4 days before the election
November 3
Tuesday
GENERAL ELECTION, IF
REQUIRED - Polls open 7:00
Charter
Sec. 41
1st Tuesday after the 1st
Monday in November
ELECTION CALENDAR DETAILS 2015 Page 6 of 7
AM, close 7:00 PM
November 3
Tuesday
Canvassing of ballots begins at
the close of the polls.
Charter
Sec. 43
The canvassing board shall
submit to the Supervisor of
Elections the preliminary
returns by 11:59 pm on
election night.
November 4
Wednesday
Registration books reopen
following General Election F.S. 97.055 (1)(a) Day after the
election
November 7
Saturday
First unofficial results of
General Election due.
Charter
Sec. 43
FS 102.141
First unofficial results due
– 4 days following general
November 9
Monday
Official certification of the General
Election due. 6:30 PM-
Commission seat becomes vacant
(provided that SOE has certified
results)
6:30 PM - City Commission
meeting - Oath of office
administered to New Commission
(provided that SOE has certified
results)
Charter Sec. 40
Charter Sec. 14
2nd Monday in November
except when it is a
holiday.
November 23
Monday
90-day disposition of funds report
(P-TR) due no later than 5:00 PM
for candidates elected or defeated
on August 25, 2015
(Period 8/21/15 – 11/23/15)
F.S. 106.141(1)
90 days from election
February 1
2016
Monday
90-day disposition of funds report
(G-TR) due no later than 5:00 PM
for candidates elected or defeated
on
Nov. 3, 2015
F.S. 106.141(1)
90 days from election
Forms are available in the office of the City Clerk or may be downloaded from the Florida Division of
Elections website at http://elections.myflorida.com by clicking on forms.
1 F.S. 106.07 - Reports; certification and filing
(8)(a) “Any candidate or political committee failing to file a report on the designated due date is
subject to a fine as provided in paragraph (b) for each late day, and, in the case of a candidate,
such fine shall be paid only from personal funds of the candidate. The fine shall be assessed by
the filing officer and the moneys collected shall be deposited:
1. In the General Revenue Fund, in the case of a candidate for state office or a political committee
that registers with the Division of Elections; or
2. In the general revenue fund of the political subdivision, in the case of a candidate for an office
of a political subdivision or a political committee that registers with an officer of a political
subdivision.”
ELECTION CALENDAR DETAILS 2015 Page 7 of 7
WAIVER OF REPORT – In any reporting period when there has been no activity in the account (no funds
expended or received) the filing of the required report is waived. However, the filing officer must be notified in
writing on the prescribed reporting date that no report is being filed. (See Section 106.07(7), F.S.) Form DS-DE 87
Waiver of Report is to be used.
PENALTY FOR LATE FILING - Any candidate, political committee, political party or an electioneering
communication organization failing to file a report on the designated due date shall be subject to fine of $50 per
day for the first three days late and, thereafter $500 per day for each late day; not to exceed 25% of the total
receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report. However, for the reports
immediately preceding each primary and general election, the fine shall be $500 per day for each late day, not to
exceed 25% of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report.
(See Section 106.07(8)(b), F.S.)
2 F.S. 97.055 Registration books; when closed for an election
(1)(a) The registration books must be closed on the 29th day before each election and must
remain closed until after that election. If an election is called and there are fewer than 29 days
before that election, the registration books must be closed immediately.
MEMORANDUM
TO: 2015 CANDIDATES FOR CITY ELECTION
FROM: DONNA L. BARTLE, CITY CLERK
DATE: JANUARY 2015
SUBJECT: NOTICE OF STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE
Florida Statute Section 106.023, provides that each candidate must file a
*statement (Form DS-DE 84) with the qualifying officer (City Clerk) within ten
days after he/she files his/her Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and
Designation of Campaign Depository for Candidates (Form DS-DE9), stating that
he/she has read and understands the requirements of F.S. Chapter 106. Willful
failure to file this form is a violation of F.S. Sections 106.19(1)(c) and 106.25.
*Note: A copy of Chapter 106 is included in the handout titled: A Compilation of
the Election Laws of the State of Florida and the Statement of Candidate (Form
DS-DE 84) is provided in the front pocket of your Candidate Notebook.
Revised: September 2014
The following sections of the Florida Election Code were changed from the 2013 version by legislative
action during the 2014 Session.
Ch. 2014‐17, Laws of Florida (SB 934, effective July 1, 2014):
Section 8. Subsection (2) of section 104.0616, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
104.0616 Absentee ballots and voting; violations.—
(2) Any person who provides or offers to provide, and any person who accepts, a
pecuniary or other benefit in exchange for distributing, ordering, requesting, collecting,
delivering, or otherwise physically possessing more than two absentee ballots per
election in addition to his or her own ballot or a ballot belonging to an immediate family
member, except as provided in ss. 101.6105‐101.694 101.6105 101.695, commits a
misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s.
775.084.
Reviser’s note.—Amended to conform to the transfer of s. 101.695 to s. 97.065 by s. 42,
ch. 65‐380, Laws of Florida, and the further transfer of s. 97.065 to s. 101.665 by s. 17,
ch. 94‐224, Laws of Florida.
Section 9. Subsection (15) of section 106.011, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
106.011 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following
meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(15) “Political advertisement” means a paid expression in a communications medium
media prescribed in subsection (4), whether radio, television, newspaper, magazine,
periodical, campaign literature, direct mail, or display or by means other than the
spoken word in direct conversation, which expressly advocates the election or defeat of
a candidate or the approval or rejection of an issue. However, political advertisement
does not include:
(a) A statement by an organization, in existence before the time during which a
candidate qualifies or an issue is placed on the ballot for that election, in support of or
opposition to a candidate or issue, in that organization’s newsletter, which newsletter is
distributed only to the members of that organization.
(b) Editorial endorsements by a newspaper, a radio or television station, or any other
recognized news medium.
Reviser’s note.—Amended to confirm the editorial substitution of the word “medium”
for the word “media” to conform to context.
Section 10. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section 106.0703, Florida Statutes, is amended to
read:
106.0703 Electioneering communications organizations; reporting requirements;
certification and filing; penalties.—
(2)(a) Except as provided in s. 106.0705, the reports required of an electioneering
communications organization shall be filed with the filing officer not later than 5 p.m. of
the day designated. However, any report postmarked by the United States Postal
Service no later than midnight of the day designated is deemed to have been filed in a
timely manner. Any report received by the filing officer within 5 days after the
designated due date that was delivered by the United States Postal Service is be
deemed timely filed unless it has a postmark that indicates that the report was mailed
after the designated due date. A certificate of mailing obtained from and dated by the
United States Postal Service at the time of mailing, or a receipt from an established
courier company, which bears a date on or before the date on which the report is due,
suffices as proof of mailing in a timely manner. Reports other than daily reports must
contain information on all previously unreported contributions received and
expenditures made as of the preceding Friday, except that the report filed on the Friday
immediately preceding the election must contain information on all previously
unreported contributions received and expenditures made as of the day preceding the
designated due date; daily reports must contain information on all previously
unreported contributions received as of the preceding day. All such reports are open to
public inspection.
Reviser’s note.—Amended to confirm the editorial deletion of the word “be.”
Ch. 2014‐22, Laws of Florida (CS/CS/CS SB 1632, Effective July 1, 2014):
Section 56. Paragraph (c) of subsection (4) of section 100.011, Florida Statutes, is amended to
read:
100.011 Opening and closing of polls, all elections; expenses.—
(4)
(c) The provisions of any special law to the contrary notwithstanding, all independent
and dependent special district elections, with the exception of community development
district elections, shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of ss. 189.04
and 189.041 189.405 and 189.4051.
Section 57. Paragraph (f) of subsection (1) of section 101.657, Florida Statutes, is amended to
read:
101.657 Early voting.—
(1)
(f) Notwithstanding the requirements of s. 189.04 189.405, special districts may provide
early voting in any district election not held in conjunction with county or state
elections. If a special district provides early voting, it may designate as many sites as
necessary and shall conduct its activities in accordance with the provisions of
paragraphs (a)‐(c). The supervisor is not required to conduct early voting if it is provided
pursuant to this subsection.
TITLEIX
ELECTORSANDELECTIONS
CHAPTER97
QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS
PARTIGENERALPROVISIONS(ss.97.011-97.028)
PARTIIFLORIDAVOTERREGISTRATIONACT(ss.97.032-97.105)
PARTI
GENERALPROVISIONS
97.011Shorttitle.
97.0115Preemption.
97.012SecretaryofStateaschiefelectionofficer.
97.021Definitions.
97.023Proceduresoncomplaintsofviolations.
97.025ElectionCode;copiesthereof.
97.026Formstobeavailableinalternativeformats
andviatheInternet.
97.028Proceduresoncomplaintsofviolationsof
TitleIIIoftheHelpAmericaVoteActof
2002.
97.011Shorttitle.—Chapters97-106inclusive
shallbeknownandmaybecitedas“TheFlorida
ElectionCode.”
History.—s.1,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.65-60;s.1,ch.77-175.
97.0115Preemption.—Allmatterssetforthin
chapters97-105arepreemptedtothestate,except
asotherwisespecificallyauthorizedbystateorfederal
law.Theconductofmunicipalelectionsshallbe
governedbys.100.3605.
History.—s.1,ch.2010-167.
97.012SecretaryofStateaschiefelectionoffi-
cer.—TheSecretaryofStateisthechiefelectionofficer
ofthestate,anditishisorherresponsibilityto:
(1)Obtainandmaintainuniformityintheinterpreta-
tionandimplementationoftheelectionlaws.Inorderto
obtainandmaintainuniformityintheinterpretationand
implementationoftheelectionlaws,theDepartmentof
Statemay,pursuanttoss.120.536(1)and120.54,
adoptbyruleuniformstandardsfortheproperand
equitableinterpretationandimplementationofthe
requirementsofchapters97-102andchapter105of
theElectionCode.
(2)Provideuniformstandardsfortheproperand
equitableimplementationoftheregistrationlawsby
administrativeruleoftheDepartmentofStateadopted
pursuanttoss.120.536(1)and120.54.
(3)Activelyseekoutandcollectthedataand
statisticsnecessarytoknowledgeablyscrutinizethe
effectivenessofelectionlaws.
(4)Providetechnicalassistancetothesupervisors
ofelectionsonvotereducationandelectionpersonnel
trainingservices.
(5)Providetechnicalassistancetothesupervisors
ofelectionsonvotingsystems.
(6)Providevotereducationassistancetothepublic.
(7)Coordinatethestate’sresponsibilitiesunderthe
NationalVoterRegistrationActof1993.
(8)Providetrainingtoallaffectedstateagencieson
thenecessaryproceduresforproperimplementationof
thischapter.
(9)Ensurethatallregistrationapplicationsand
formsprescribedorapprovedbythedepartmentare
incompliancewiththeVotingRightsActof1965andthe
NationalVoterRegistrationActof1993.
(10)CoordinatewiththeUnitedStatesDepartmentof
Defensesothatarmedforcesrecruitmentoffices
administervoterregistrationinamannerconsistent
withtheproceduressetforthinthiscodeforvoter
registrationagencies.
(11)Createandadministerastatewidevoterregis-
trationsystemasrequiredbytheHelpAmericaVoteAct
of2002.Thesecretarymaydelegatevoterregistration
dutiesandrecordsmaintenanceactivitiestovoter
registrationofficials.Anyresponsibilitiesdelegatedby
thesecretaryshallbeperformedinaccordancewith
stateandfederallaw.
(12)Maintainavoterfraudhotlineandprovide
electionfraudeducationtothepublic.
(13)Designateanofficewithinthedepartmenttobe
responsibleforprovidinginformationregardingvoter
registrationproceduresandabsenteeballotprocedures
toabsentuniformedservicesvotersandoverseas
voters.
(14)Bringandmaintainsuchactionsatlaworin
equitybymandamusorinjunctiontoenforcethe
performanceofanydutiesofacountysupervisorof
electionsoranyofficialperformingdutieswithrespectto
chapters97-102andchapter105ortoenforcecom-
pliancewitharuleoftheDepartmentofStateadoptedto
interpretorimplementanyofthosechapters.
(a)VenueforsuchactionsshallbeintheCircuit
CourtofLeonCounty.
(b)Whenthesecretaryfilesanactionunderthis
sectionandnotmorethan60daysremainbeforean
electionasdefinedins.97.021,orduringthetime
periodaftertheelectionandbeforecertificationofthe
electionpursuanttos.102.112ors.102.121,thecourt,
includinganappellatecourt,shallsetanimmediate
hearing,givingthecasepriorityoverotherpending
cases.
1
(c)Priortofilinganactiontoenforceperformanceof
thedutiesofthesupervisorofelectionsoranyofficial
describedinthissubsection,thesecretaryorhisorher
designeefirstmustconfer,ormustmakeagoodfaith
attempttoconfer,withthesupervisorofelectionsorthe
officialtoensurecompliancewithchapters97-102and
chapter105ortherulesoftheDepartmentofState
adoptedunderanyofthosechapters.
(15)Conductpreliminaryinvestigationsintoany
irregularitiesorfraudinvolvingvoterregistration,voting,
candidatepetition,orissuepetitionactivitiesandreport
hisorherfindingstothestatewideprosecutororthe
stateattorneyforthejudicialcircuitinwhichthealleged
violationoccurredforprosecution,ifwarranted.The
DepartmentofStatemayprescribebyrulerequire-
mentsforfilinganelections-fraudcomplaintandfor
investigatinganysuchcomplaint.
(16)Providewrittendirectionandopinionstothe
supervisorsofelectionsontheperformanceoftheir
officialdutieswithrespecttotheFloridaElectionCode
orrulesadoptedbytheDepartmentofState.
History.—s.1,ch.75-98;s.21,ch.84-302;s.2,ch.89-348;s.1,ch.90-315;s.
2,ch.94-224;s.1381,ch.95-147;s.34,ch.97-13;s.1,ch.98-129;s.1,ch.
2003-415;s.1,ch.2005-277;s.1,ch.2005-278;s.1,ch.2008-95;s.1,ch.2011-40.
97.021Definitions.—Forthepurposesofthis
code,exceptwherethecontextclearlyindicatesother-
wise,theterm:
(1)“Absentelector”meansanyregisteredand
qualifiedvoterwhocastsanabsenteeballot.
(2)“Absentuniformedservicesvoter”means:
(a)Amemberofauniformedserviceonactiveduty
who,byreasonofsuchactiveduty,isabsentfromthe
placeofresidencewherethememberisotherwise
qualifiedtovote;
(b)Amemberofthemerchantmarinewho,by
reasonofserviceinthemerchantmarine,isabsentfrom
theplaceofresidencewherethememberisotherwise
qualifiedtovote;or
(c)Aspouseordependentofamemberreferredto
inparagraph(a)orparagraph(b)who,byreasonofthe
activedutyorserviceofthemember,isabsentfromthe
placeofresidencewherethespouseordependentis
otherwisequalifiedtovote.
(3)“Alternativeformats”hasthemeaningascribed
intheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990,Pub.L.
No.101-336,42U.S.C.ss.12101etseq.,including
specificallythetechnicalassistancemanualspromul-
gatedthereunder,asamended.
(4)“Ballot”or“officialballot”whenusedinreference
to:
(a)“Marksenseballots”meansthatprintedsheetof
paper,usedinconjunctionwithanelectronicor
electromechanicalvotetabulationvotingsystem,con-
tainingthenamesofcandidates,orastatementof
proposedconstitutionalamendmentsorotherquestions
orpropositionssubmittedtotheelectorateatany
election,onwhichsheetofpaperanelectorcastshis
orhervote.
(b)“Electronicorelectromechanicaldevices”
meansaballotthatisvotedbytheprocessofelectro-
nicallydesignating,includingbytouchscreen,ormark-
ingwithamarkingdevicefortabulationbyautomatic
tabulatingequipmentordataprocessingequipment.
(5)“Candidate”meansanypersontowhomanyone
ormoreofthefollowingapplies:
(a)Anypersonwhoseekstoqualifyfornomination
orelectionbymeansofthepetitioningprocess.
(b)Anypersonwhoseekstoqualifyforelectionasa
write-incandidate.
(c)Anypersonwhoreceivescontributionsormakes
expenditures,orgiveshisorherconsentforanyother
persontoreceivecontributionsormakeexpenditures,
withaviewtobringingabouthisorhernominationor
electionto,orretentionin,publicoffice.
(d)Anypersonwhoappointsatreasurerand
designatesaprimarydepository.
(e)Anypersonwhofilesqualificationpapersand
subscribestoacandidate’soathasrequiredbylaw.
However,thisdefinitiondoesnotincludeanycandidate
forapoliticalpartyexecutivecommittee.
(6)“Department”meanstheDepartmentofState.
(7)“Division”meanstheDivisionofElectionsofthe
DepartmentofState.
(8)“Earlyvoting”meanscastingaballotpriorto
electiondayatalocationdesignatedbythesupervisor
ofelectionsanddepositingthevotedballotinthe
tabulationsystem.
(9)“Earlyvotingarea”meanstheareadesignated
bythesupervisorofelectionsatanearlyvotingsiteat
whichearlyvotingactivitiesoccur,including,butnot
limitedto,linesofvoterswaitingtobeprocessed,the
areawherevoterscheckinandareprocessed,andthe
areawherevoterscasttheirballots.
(10)“Earlyvotingsite”meansthoselocationsspeci-
fiedins.101.657andthebuildinginwhichearlyvoting
occurs.
(11)“Election”meansanyprimaryelection,special
primaryelection,specialelection,generalelection,or
presidentialpreferenceprimaryelection.
(12)“Electionboard”meanstheclerkandinspectors
appointedtoconductanelection.
(13)“Electioncosts”shallinclude,butnotbelimited
to,expendituresforallpapersuppliessuchasenvel-
opes,instructionstovoters,affidavits,reports,ballot
cards,ballotbookletsforabsenteevoters,postage,
noticestovoters;advertisementsforregistrationbook
closings,testingofvotingequipment,sampleballots,
andpollingplaces;formsusedtoqualifycandidates;
pollingsiterentalandequipmentdeliveryandpickup;
dataprocessingtimeandsupplies;electionrecords
retention;andlaborcosts,includingthosecostsun-
iquelyassociatedwithabsenteeballotpreparation,poll
workers,andelectionnightcanvass.
(14)“Elector”issynonymouswiththeword“voter”or
“qualifiedelectororvoter,”exceptwherethewordis
usedtodescribepresidentialelectors.
(15)“Generalelection”meansanelectionheldonthe
firstTuesdayafterthefirstMondayinNovemberinthe
even-numberedyears,forthepurposeoffillingnational,
state,county,anddistrictofficesandforvotingon
constitutionalamendmentsnototherwiseprovidedfor
bylaw.
(16)“Listsofregisteredelectors”meansnamesand
associatedinformationofregisteredelectorsmain-
tainedbythedepartmentinthestatewidevoter
Ch.97 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS F.S.2014
2
registrationsystemorgeneratedorderivedfromthe
statewidevoterregistrationsystem.Listsmaybe
producedinprintedorelectronicformat.
(17)“MemberoftheMerchantMarine”meansan
individual,otherthanamemberofauniformedservice
oranindividualemployed,enrolled,ormaintainedon
theGreatLakesfortheinlandwaterways,whois:
(a)Employedasanofficerorcrewmemberofa
vesseldocumentedunderthelawsoftheUnitedStates,
avesselownedbytheUnitedStates,oravesselof
foreign-flagregistryunderchartertoorcontrolofthe
UnitedStates;or
(b)EnrolledwiththeUnitedStatesforemployment
ortrainingforemployment,ormaintainedbytheUnited
Statesforemergencyreliefservice,asanofficerorcrew
memberofsuchvessel.
(18)“Minorpoliticalparty”isanygroupasspecifiedin
s.103.095whichonJanuary1precedingaprimary
electiondoesnothaveregisteredasmembers5percent
ofthetotalregisteredelectorsofthestate.
(19)“Newspaperofgeneralcirculation”meansa
newspaperprintedinthelanguagemostcommonly
spokenintheareawithinwhichitcirculatesandwhichis
readilyavailableforpurchasebyallinhabitantsinthe
areaofcirculation,butdoesnotincludeanewspaper
intendedprimarilyformembersofaparticularprofes-
sionaloroccupationalgroup,anewspapertheprimary
functionofwhichistocarrylegalnotices,oranews-
paperthatisgivenawayprimarilytodistributeadvertis-
ing.
(20)“Nominalvalue”meanshavingaretailvalueof
$10orless.
(21)“Nonpartisanoffice”meansanofficeforwhicha
candidateisprohibitedfromcampaigningorqualifying
forelectionorretentioninofficebasedonparty
affiliation.
(22)“Officethatservespersonswithdisabilities”
meansanystateofficethattakesapplicationseither
inpersonoroverthetelephonefrompersonswith
disabilitiesforanyprogram,service,orbenefitprimarily
relatedtotheirdisabilities.
(23)“Overseasvoter”means:
(a)Anabsentuniformedservicesvoterwho,by
reasonofactivedutyorservice,isabsentfromthe
UnitedStatesonthedateoftheelectioninvolved;
(b)ApersonwhoresidesoutsidetheUnitedStates
andisqualifiedtovoteinthelastplaceinwhichthe
personwasdomiciledbeforeleavingtheUnitedStates;
or
(c)ApersonwhoresidesoutsidetheUnitedStates
and,butforsuchresidence,wouldbequalifiedtovotein
thelastplaceinwhichthepersonwasdomiciledbefore
leavingtheUnitedStates.
(24)“Overvote”meansthattheelectormarksor
designatesmorenamesthantherearepersonstobe
electedtoanofficeordesignatesmorethanoneanswer
toaballotquestion,andthetabulatorrecordsnovotefor
theofficeorquestion.
(25)“Personswithdisabilities”meansindividuals
whohaveaphysicalormentalimpairmentthatsub-
stantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivities.
(26)“Pollingplace”isthebuildingwhichcontainsthe
pollingroomwhereballotsarecast.
(27)“Pollingroom”meanstheactualroominwhich
ballotsarecastonelectiondayandduringearlyvoting.
(28)“Primaryelection”meansanelectionheldpre-
cedingthegeneralelectionforthepurposeofnominat-
ingapartynomineetobevotedforinthegeneral
electiontofillanational,state,county,ordistrictoffice.
(29)“Provisionalballot”meansaconditionalballot,
thevalidityofwhichisdeterminedbythecanvassing
board.
(30)“Publicassistance”meansassistanceprovided
throughthefoodassistanceprogramunderthefederal
SupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram;theMed-
icaidprogram;theSpecialSupplementalFoodProgram
forWomen,Infants,andChildren;andtheTemporary
CashAssistanceProgram.
(31)“Publicoffice”meansanyfederal,state,county,
municipal,school,orotherdistrictofficeorposition
whichisfilledbyvoteoftheelectors.
(32)“Qualifyingeducationalinstitution”meansany
publicorprivateeducationalinstitutionreceivingstate
financialassistancewhichhas,asitsprimarymission,
theprovisionofeducationortrainingtostudentswho
areatleast18yearsofage,providedsuchinstitution
hasmorethan200studentsenrolledinclasseswiththe
institutionandprovidedthattherecognizedstudent
governmentorganizationhasrequestedthisdesigna-
tioninwritingandhasfiledtherequestwiththeofficeof
thesupervisorofelectionsinthecountyinwhichthe
institutionislocated.
(33)“Specialelection”isaspecialelectioncalledfor
thepurposeofvotingonapartynomineetofilla
vacancyinthenational,state,county,ordistrictoffice.
(34)“Specialprimaryelection”isaspecialnomina-
tionelectiondesignatedbytheGovernor,calledforthe
purposeofnominatingapartynomineetobevotedonin
ageneralorspecialelection.
(35)“Supervisor”meansthesupervisorofelections.
(36)“Tactileinputdevice”meansadevicethat
providesinformationtoavotingsystembymeansof
avotertouchingthedevice,suchasakeyboard,and
thatcomplieswiththerequirementsofs.
101.56062(1)(k)and(l).
(37)“Third-partyregistrationorganization”means
anyperson,entity,ororganizationsolicitingorcollecting
voterregistrationapplications.Athird-partyvoterregis-
trationorganizationdoesnotinclude:
(a)Apersonwhoseeksonlytoregistertovoteor
collectvoterregistrationapplicationsfromthatperson’s
spouse,child,orparent;or
(b)Apersonengagedinregisteringtovoteor
collectingvoterregistrationapplicationsasanemployee
oragentofthedivision,supervisorofelections,
DepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles,or
avoterregistrationagency.
(38)“Undervote”meansthattheelectordoesnot
properlydesignateanychoiceforanofficeorballot
question,andthetabulatorrecordsnovotefortheoffice
orquestion.
(39)“Uniformedservices”meanstheArmy,Navy,Air
Force,MarineCorps,andCoastGuard,thecommis-
sionedcorpsofthePublicHealthService,andthe
commissionedcorpsoftheNationalOceanicand
AtmosphericAdministration.
F.S.2014 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS Ch.97
3
(40)“Voterinterfacedevice”meansanydevicethat
communicatesvotinginstructionsandballotinformation
toavoterandallowsthevotertoselectandvotefor
candidatesandissues.
(41)“Voterregistrationagency”meansanyoffice
thatprovidespublicassistance,anyofficethatserves
personswithdisabilities,anycenterforindependent
living,oranypubliclibrary.
(42)“Voterregistrationofficial”meansanysupervisor
ofelectionsorindividualauthorizedbytheSecretaryof
Statetoacceptvoterregistrationapplicationsand
executeupdatestothestatewidevoterregistration
system.
(43)“Votingbooth”or“booth”meansthatboothor
enclosurewhereinanelectorcastshisorherballotfor
tabulationbyanelectronicorelectromechanicaldevice.
(44)“Votingsystem”meansamethodofcastingand
processingvotesthatfunctionswhollyorpartlybyuseof
electromechanicalorelectronicapparatusorbyuseof
marksenseballotsandincludes,butisnotlimitedto,the
proceduresforcastingandprocessingvotesandthe
programs,operatingmanuals,supplies,printouts,and
othersoftwarenecessaryforthesystem’soperation.
History.—s.2,ch.6469,1913;RGS300;s.1,ch.8582,1921;CGL356;s.1,ch.
13761,1929;s.1,ch.18060,1937;s.1,ch.19663,1939;s.1,ch.26870,1951;s.1,
ch.28156,1953;s.1,ch.61-370;s.2,ch.65-60;s.1,ch.67-32;s.2,ch.67-142;s.
2,ch.67-386;s.1,ch.69-137;s.1,ch.69-280;s.1,ch.69-377;s.1,ch.70-269;s.
1,ch.70-439;s.1,ch.71-206;s.1,ch.73-157;s.31,ch.73-333;s.23,ch.77-104;
s.1,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.79-157;s.24,ch.79-400;s.1,ch.81-105;s.15,ch.
82-143;s.22,ch.84-302;s.1,ch.87-184;ss.5,12,ch.87-363;s.1,ch.89-338;s.
3,ch.89-348;s.2,ch.90-315;s.3,ch.94-224;s.1382,ch.95-147;s.1,ch.96-57;
s.54,ch.96-175;s.1,ch.96-327;s.35,ch.97-13;s.3,ch.98-129;ss.2,34,ch.
2001-40;s.4,ch.2002-281;s.2,ch.2003-415;s.9,ch.2004-252;s.2,ch.
2005-277;s.2,ch.2005-278;s.2,ch.2005-286;s.1,ch.2007-30;s.2,ch.
2010-167;s.1,ch.2010-209;s.2,ch.2011-40.
Note.—Formers.102.02.
97.023Proceduresoncomplaintsofviolations.
(1)(a)Anypersonwhoisaggrievedbyaviolationof
eithertheNationalVoterRegistrationActof1993ora
voterregistrationorremovalprocedureunderthe
FloridaElectionCodemayfileawrittencomplaint
withthedepartment,whichshallserveasnoticeto
theSecretaryofState.
(b)Acomplaintmuststatetheallegedviolationand
thepersonorentityresponsible,whomustbethe
department,avoterregistrationagency,asupervisor,
theDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles,
oranArmedForcesRecruitmentCenter.Ifthedepart-
mentdeterminesthatacomplaintfailstoallegebotha
violationandapersonorentityresponsibleforthe
violation,thedepartmentshallinformthecomplainant
thatheorshehasnotgivensufficientnoticeandthe
stepsthatmustbetakeninordertogivepropernotice.
(c)Forthepurposesofthissection,aviolationof
eithertheNationalVoterRegistrationActof1993ora
voterregistrationorremovalprocedureunderthe
FloridaElectionCodeisthefailuretoperformanact
requiredortheperformanceofanactprohibitedby
eithertheNationalVoterRegistrationActof1993ora
voterregistrationorremovalprocedureunderthe
FloridaElectionCode.
(d)Thedepartmenthasprimaryjurisdictionover
complaintsfiledundertheprovisionsofthissection.
(2)Whenacomplaintisfiledwiththedepartment,
thepartiestothecomplaintmustbegiventheoppor-
tunitytoresolvethecomplaintthroughaninformal
disputeresolutionprocesstobeestablishedbythe
department.Thisprocessmustprovidefor:
(a)Atimelimitationof30daysontheprocess,
unlesstheallegedviolationoccurredwithin120days
beforethedateofanelection,inwhichcasetheremust
beatimelimitationof20days;
(b)Amediatorprovidedbythedepartment,who
maybeadepartmentemployeeunlessthedepartment
isallegedtoberesponsiblefortheviolation,inwhich
casetheGovernormustappointamediatorwhoisnota
departmentemployee;
(c)Noticetoacomplainant;
(d)Noticetoarespondentoftheallegationsfiled
againsthimorherinthecomplaint;
(e)Anopportunityforthepartiestosubmitwritten
statements,presentoralargumenteitherinpersonorby
telephone,andpresentevidence;and
(f)Awrittenstatementbythemediatortothe
departmentstatingtheoutcomeofthedisputeresolu-
tionprocess.
(3)Ifanallegedviolationoccurredwithin30days
beforethedateofastateorfederalelectionandthe
allegedviolationwillaffecttheregistrant’srighttovotein
thatelection,thecomplainantmayimmediatelybringan
actioninthecircuitcourtinthecountywherethealleged
violationoccurred.Otherwise,thefollowingarecondi-
tionsprecedentforacomplainanttobringanactionfor
declaratoryorinjunctivereliefinthecircuitcourtinthe
countywheretheallegedviolationoccurred:
(a)Thecomplainantgaveproperwrittennoticeof
theallegedviolationtotheSecretaryofState;
(b)Thecomplainantparticipatedintheinformal
disputeresolutionprocess;and
(c)Anagreementisnotreachedoranalleged
violationisnotcorrectedwithin90daysafterreceiptof
noticeor20daysafterreceiptofnoticeifthealleged
violationoccurredwithin120daysbeforethedateofan
election.
History.—s.4,ch.94-224;s.1383,ch.95-147.
97.025ElectionCode;copiesthereof.—A
pamphletofareprintoftheElectionCode,adequately
indexed,shallbepreparedbytheDepartmentofState.
Thepamphletshallbemadeavailabletoeachcandi-
datewhoqualifieswiththedepartment.Thepamphlet
shallbemadeavailabletoeachsupervisor,priortothe
firstdayofqualifying,sothateachcandidatewho
qualifieswiththesupervisorandeachclerkofelections
haveaccesstothepamphlet.Thecostofmakingthe
pamphletsavailableshallbepaidoutoffundsappro-
priatedforconductingelections.
History.—s.38,ch.3879,1889;RS192;s.69,ch.4328,1895;GS253;RGS
297;CGL353;s.2,ch.26870,1951;s.17,ch.65-134;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.5,
ch.77-175;s.2,ch.79-365;s.5,ch.94-224;s.3,ch.2011-40.
Note.—Formers.99.54;s.98.251.
97.026Formstobeavailableinalternativefor-
matsandviatheInternet.—Itistheintentofthe
Legislaturethatallformsrequiredtobeusedinchapters
97-106shallbemadeavailableuponrequest,in
alternativeformats.Suchformsshallincludeabsentee
ballotsasalternativeformatsforsuchballotsbecome
availableandtheDivisionofElectionsisabletocertify
systemsthatprovidethem.Wheneverpossible,such
Ch.97 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS F.S.2014
4
forms,withtheexceptionofabsenteeballots,shallbe
madeavailablebytheDepartmentofStateviathe
Internet.Sectionsthatcontainsuchformsinclude,but
arenotlimitedto,ss.97.051,97.052,97.053,97.057,
97.058,97.0583,97.071,97.073,97.1031,98.075,
99.021,100.361,100.371,101.045,101.171,101.20,
101.6103,101.62,101.64,101.65,101.657,105.031,
106.023,and106.087.
History.—s.5,ch.2002-281;s.3,ch.2005-278;s.24,ch.2012-116.
97.028Proceduresoncomplaintsofviolations
ofTitleIIIoftheHelpAmericaVoteActof2002.—
(1)(a)Anypersonwhobelievesthataviolationof
TitleIIIoftheHelpAmericaVoteActof2002has
occurred,isoccurring,orisabouttooccurmayfilea
complaintwiththedepartment.
(b)Thecomplaintmustbeinwritingandmustbe
signedandsworntobeforeanotarybythepersonfiling
thecomplaint.Further,thecomplaintmuststatethe
allegedviolationandthepersonorentityresponsiblefor
theviolation.Thedepartmentshallprescribetheform
forcomplaintsfiledunderthissection.Ifthedepartment
determinesthatthecomplaintfailstoallegebotha
violationandapersonorentityresponsibleforthe
violation,orthatthecomplaintisnotproperlyexecuted,
thedepartmentshallinformthecomplainantinwriting
thatthecomplaintislegallyinsufficient.
(c)Forpurposesofthissection,aviolationofTitleIII
oftheHelpAmericaVoteActof2002isthefailureto
performanactrequiredortheperformanceofanact
prohibitedbyTitleIIIoftheHelpAmericaVoteActof
2002byacoveredpersonorentity.
(d)Thedepartmentshallhavesolejurisdictionover
complaintsfiledundertheprovisionsofthissection.
(e)Thissectionprovidesthesoleavenueofredress
forallegedviolationsofTitleIIIoftheHelpAmericaVote
Actof2002anddoesnotgiverisetoanyothercauseof
action.
(f)Thedepartmentmayconsolidatecomplaints
filedunderthissection.
(g)Allproceedingsunderthissectionareexempt
fromchapter120.
(2)(a)Whenalegallysufficientcomplaintisfiledwith
thedepartment,theagencyheadshalldesignatea
hearingofficerwhoshall:
1.Providethesubjectofthecomplaintwithacopy
ofthecomplaint.Thesubjectofthecomplaintshall,
within10daysafterreceiptofthecomplaint,filewiththe
departmentawritten,swornresponsetothecomplaint.
2.Uponreceiptoftheresponse,thehearingofficer
shallreviewbothswornfilingstodeterminewhethera
violationofTitleIIIoftheHelpAmericaVoteActof2002
hasoccurred,isoccurring,orisabouttooccur.The
complaintandtheresponseshallconstitutetheofficial
hearingrecordtobeconsideredbythehearingofficer.
Thehearingofficershallprovidethecomplainantwitha
copyoftheresponse.
3.Atthehearingofficer’sdiscretion,thecomplai-
nantandtherespondentmaybeorderedbythehearing
officertoprovideadditionalswornoralorwritten
statementsoradditionaldocumentstoassistthe
hearingofficerinmakinghisorherdetermination.
Further,otherrelevantwitnessesmayalsobeordered
bythehearingofficertogivesworntestimonyorto
providerelevantdocumentstoassistthehearingofficer
inmakinghisorherdetermination.Anysuchstatements
ordocumentsreceivedbythehearingofficershallalso
becomepartoftheofficialhearingrecord.Forpurposes
ofthissection,thehearingofficerisauthorizedto
administeroathsandtoissuesubpoenas.
4.Thehearingofficershalladviseboththecom-
plainantandrespondentinwritingoftheirdetermina-
tion.Ifthehearingofficerdeterminesthatnoviolation
hasoccurred,isoccurring,orisabouttooccur,the
departmentshalldismissthecomplaintandpublishits
determination.Ifthehearingofficerdeterminesthata
violationofTitleIIIoftheHelpAmericaVoteActhas
occurred,isoccurring,orisabouttooccur,the
departmentshallissueanddeliveranorderdirecting
theappropriateremedytopersonsresponsiblefor
effectingsuchremedy.Theissuanceofanorderdoes
notconstituteagencyactionforwhichahearingunders.
120.569ors.120.57maybesought.Forpurposesof
enforcingtheorder,thedepartmentmayinitiatea
proceedinginthenameofthestateseekingissuance
ofaninjunction,awritofmandamus,orotherequitable
remedyagainstanypersonwhoviolatesanyprovision
ofsuchorder.
5.Thedepartmentshallmakeafinaldetermination
withrespecttothecomplaintwithin90daysafterthe
datethatthecomplaintwasfiled,unlessthecomplai-
nantconsentstoalongerperiodformakingsucha
determination.
(b)Ifthedepartmentfailstomeetthedeadline
establishedinsubparagraph(a)5.,thecomplaintshall
beforwardedtomediation.Mediationshalloccurwithin
60daysafterthedepartment’sfailuretomakea
determinationwithinthetimeframeestablishedinsub-
paragraph(a)5.Therecordcreatedunderthissection
shallbemadeavailableforuseinthemediation.
History.—s.5,ch.2003-415.
PARTII
FLORIDAVOTERREGISTRATIONACT
97.032Shorttitle.
97.041Qualificationstoregisterorvote.
97.051Oathuponregistering.
97.052Uniformstatewidevoterregistrationappli-
cation.
97.053Acceptanceofvoterregistrationapplica-
tions.
97.0535Specialrequirementsforcertainapplicants.
97.055 Registrationbooks;whenclosedforan
election.
97.0555Lateregistration.
97.057 VoterregistrationbytheDepartmentof
HighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles.
97.0575Third-partyvoterregistrations.
97.058Voterregistrationagencies.
97.0583Voterregistrationatqualifyingeducational
institutions.
97.05831Voterregistrationapplicationsmadeavail-
abletotheFishandWildlifeConserva-
tionCommission.
F.S.2014 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS Ch.97
5
97.0585Publicrecordsexemption;informationre-
gardingvotersandvoterregistration;
confidentiality.
97.061Specialregistrationforelectorsrequiring
assistance.
97.071Voterinformationcard.
97.073 Dispositionofvoterregistrationapplica-
tions;cancellationnotice.
97.1031Noticeofchangeofresidence,changeof
name,orchangeofpartyaffiliation.
97.105Permanentsingleregistrationsystemes-
tablished.
97.032Shorttitle.—Thispartmaybecitedasthe
“FloridaVoterRegistrationAct.”
History.—s.7,ch.94-224.
97.041Qualificationstoregisterorvote.—
(1)(a)Apersonmaybecomearegisteredvoteronlyif
thatperson:
1.Isatleast18yearsofage;
2.IsacitizenoftheUnitedStates;
3.IsalegalresidentoftheStateofFlorida;
4.Isalegalresidentofthecountyinwhichthat
personseekstoberegistered;and
5.RegisterspursuanttotheFloridaElectionCode.
(b)Apersonwhoisotherwisequalifiedmaypre-
registeronorafterthatperson’s16thbirthdayandmay
voteinanyelectionoccurringonorafterthatperson’s
18thbirthday.
(2)Thefollowingpersons,whomightbeotherwise
qualified,arenotentitledtoregisterorvote:
(a)Apersonwhohasbeenadjudicatedmentally
incapacitatedwithrespecttovotinginthisoranyother
stateandwhohasnothadhisorherrighttovote
restoredpursuanttolaw.
(b)Apersonwhohasbeenconvictedofanyfelony
byanycourtofrecordandwhohasnothadhisorher
righttovoterestoredpursuanttolaw.
(3)Apersonwhoisnotregisteredmaynotvote.
History.—ss.1,chs.3850,3879,1889;RS154;s.1,ch.4328,1895;GS170;
RGS215;s.1,ch.8583,1921;CGL248;s.1,ch.26870,1951;s.2,ch.28156,
1953;s.1,ch.63-408;s.3,ch.65-60;s.1,ch.67-67;ss.1,4,ch.71-108;s.1,ch.
72-197;s.2,ch.73-157;s.31,ch.73-333;s.1,ch.74-5;s.1,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.
89-338;s.8,ch.94-224;s.12,ch.2007-30;s.2,ch.2008-95.
Note.—Formers.98.01.
97.051Oathuponregistering.—Apersonregis-
teringtovotemustsubscribetothefollowingoath:“Ido
solemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatIwillprotectanddefend
theConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesandtheConstitu-
tionoftheStateofFlorida,thatIamqualifiedtoregister
asanelectorundertheConstitutionandlawsofthe
StateofFlorida,andthatallinformationprovidedinthis
applicationistrue.”
History.—s.7,ch.3879,1889;RS161;s.8,ch.4328,1895;GS178;RGS222;
CGL257;s.4,ch.25383,1949;s.1,ch.26870,1951;s.3,ch.69-280;ss.2,4,ch.
71-108;s.1,ch.72-63;s.2,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.81-304;s.9,ch.94-224;s.3,ch.
2005-277;s.4,ch.2005-278.
Note.—Formers.98.11.
97.052Uniformstatewidevoterregistrationap-
plication.—
(1)Thedepartmentshallprescribebyruleauniform
statewidevoterregistrationapplicationforuseinthis
state.
(a)Theuniformstatewidevoterregistrationapplica-
tionmustbeacceptedforanyoneormoreofthe
followingpurposes:
1.Initialregistration.
2.Changeofaddress.
3.Changeofpartyaffiliation.
4.Changeofname.
5.Replacementofavoterinformationcard.
6.Signatureupdate.
(b)Thedepartmentisresponsibleforprintingthe
uniformstatewidevoterregistrationapplicationandthe
voterregistrationapplicationformprescribedbythe
ElectionAssistanceCommissionpursuanttofederal
law.Theapplicationsandformsmustbedistributed,
uponrequest,tothefollowing:
1.Individualsseekingtoregistertovoteorupdate
avoterregistrationrecord.
2.Individualsorgroupsconductingvoterregistra-
tionprograms.Achargeof1centperapplicationshall
beassessedonrequestsfor10,000ormoreapplica-
tions.
3.TheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
Vehicles.
4.Voterregistrationagencies.
5.Armedforcesrecruitmentoffices.
6.Qualifyingeducationalinstitutions.
7.Supervisors,whomustmaketheapplications
andformsavailableinthefollowingmanner:
a.Bydistributingtheapplicationsandformsintheir
officestoanyindividualorgroup.
b.Bydistributingtheapplicationsandformsat
otherlocationsdesignatedbyeachsupervisor.
c.Bymailingtheapplicationsandformstoappli-
cantsupontherequestoftheapplicant.
(c)Theuniformstatewidevoterregistrationapplica-
tionmaybereproducedbyanyprivateindividualor
group,providedthereproducedapplicationisinthe
sameformatastheapplicationprescribedbyruleunder
thissection.
(2)Theuniformstatewidevoterregistrationapplica-
tionmustbedesignedtoelicitthefollowinginformation
fromtheapplicant:
(a)Last,first,andmiddlename,includinganysuffix.
(b)Dateofbirth.
(c)Addressoflegalresidence.
(d)Mailingaddress,ifdifferent.
(e)E-mailaddressandwhethertheapplicant
wishestoreceivesampleballotsbye-mail.
(f)Countyoflegalresidence.
(g)Raceorethnicitythatbestdescribestheappli-
cant:
1.AmericanIndianorAlaskanNative.
2.AsianorPacificIslander.
3.Black,notHispanic.
4.White,notHispanic.
5.Hispanic.
(h)Stateorcountryofbirth.
(i)Sex.
(j)Partyaffiliation.
(k)Whethertheapplicantneedsassistancein
voting.
(l)Nameandaddresswherelastregistered.
Ch.97 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS F.S.2014
6
(m)Lastfourdigitsoftheapplicant’ssocialsecurity
number.
(n)Floridadriverlicensenumberortheidentification
numberfromaFloridaidentificationcardissuedunders.
322.051.
(o)Anindication,ifapplicable,thattheapplicanthas
notbeenissuedaFloridadriverlicense,aFlorida
identificationcard,orasocialsecuritynumber.
(p)Telephonenumber(optional).
(q)Signatureofapplicantunderpenaltyforfalse
swearingpursuanttos.104.011,bywhichtheperson
subscribestotheoathrequiredbys.3,Art.VIofthe
StateConstitutionands.97.051,andswearsoraffirms
thattheinformationcontainedintheregistrationappli-
cationistrue.
(r)Whethertheapplicationisbeingusedforinitial
registration,toupdateavoterregistrationrecord,orto
requestareplacementvoterinformationcard.
(s)WhethertheapplicantisacitizenoftheUnited
Statesbyaskingthequestion“Areyouacitizenofthe
UnitedStatesofAmerica?”andprovidingboxesforthe
applicanttochecktoindicatewhethertheapplicantisor
isnotacitizenoftheUnitedStates.
(t)Whethertheapplicanthasbeenconvictedofa
felony,and,ifconvicted,hashadhisorhercivilrights
restoredbyincludingthestatement“IaffirmIamnota
convictedfelon,or,ifIam,myrightsrelatingtovoting
havebeenrestored.”andprovidingaboxforthe
applicanttochecktoaffirmthestatement.
(u)Whethertheapplicanthasbeenadjudicated
mentallyincapacitatedwithrespecttovotingor,ifso
adjudicated,hashadhisorherrighttovoterestoredby
includingthestatement“IaffirmIhavenotbeen
adjudicatedmentallyincapacitatedwithrespectto
voting,or,ifIhave,mycompetencyhasbeenrestored.”
andprovidingaboxfortheapplicanttochecktoaffirm
thestatement.
Theregistrationapplicationmustbeinplainlanguage
anddesignedsothatconvictedfelonswhosecivilrights
havebeenrestoredandpersonswhohavebeen
adjudicatedmentallyincapacitatedandhavehadtheir
votingrightsrestoredarenotrequiredtorevealtheir
priorconvictionoradjudication.
(3)Theuniformstatewidevoterregistrationapplica-
tionmustalsocontain:
(a)Theoathrequiredbys.3,Art.VIoftheState
Constitutionands.97.051.
(b)Astatementspecifyingeacheligibilityrequire-
mentunders.97.041.
(c)Thepenaltiesprovidedins.104.011forfalse
swearinginconnectionwithvoterregistration.
(d)Astatementthat,ifanapplicantdeclinesto
registertovote,thefactthattheapplicanthasdeclined
toregisterwillremainconfidentialandmaybeusedonly
forvoterregistrationpurposes.
(e)Astatementthatinformstheapplicantwho
choosestoregistertovoteorupdateavoterregistration
recordthattheofficeatwhichtheapplicantsubmitsa
voterregistrationapplicationorupdatesavoterregis-
trationrecordwillremainconfidentialandmaybeused
onlyforvoterregistrationpurposes.
(f)Astatementinforminganapplicantwhohasnot
beenissuedaFloridadriverlicense,aFloridaidentifica-
tioncard,orasocialsecuritynumberthatifthe
applicationissubmittedbymailandtheapplicantis
registeringforthefirsttimeinthisstate,theapplicantwill
berequiredtoprovideidentificationpriortovotingthe
firsttime.
(4)Asupervisormayproduceavoterregistration
applicationthathasthesupervisor’sdirectmailing
addressifthedepartmenthasreviewedtheapplication
anddeterminedthatitissubstantiallythesameasthe
uniformstatewidevoterregistrationapplication.
(5)Thevoterregistrationapplicationformpre-
scribedbytheElectionAssistanceCommissionpur-
suanttofederallaworthefederalpostcardapplication
mustbeacceptedasanapplicationforregistrationin
thisstateifthecompletedapplicationorpostcard
applicationcontainstheinformationrequiredbythe
constitutionandlawsofthisstate.
(6)Ifavoterregistrationapplicantfailstoprovide
anyoftherequiredinformationonthevoterregistration
applicationform,thesupervisorshallnotifytheapplicant
ofthefailurebymailwithin5businessdaysafterthe
supervisorhastheinformationavailableinthevoter
registrationsystem.Theapplicantshallhaveanoppor-
tunitytocompletetheapplicationformtovoteinthenext
electionupuntilthebookclosingforthatnextelection.
History.—s.5,ch.25391,1949;s.2,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.59-231;s.8,ch.
65-134;s.1,ch.67-170;s.8,ch.69-377;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.2,ch.72-63;s.5,
ch.77-175;s.23,ch.84-302;s.6,ch.89-338;s.10,ch.94-224;s.2,ch.96-327;s.
26,ch.97-13;s.4,ch.98-129;ss.1,7,ch.2002-189;s.3,ch.2003-415;s.4,ch.
2005-277;s.5,ch.2005-278;s.1,ch.2013-192.
Note.—Formers.97.05;s.98.111.
97.053Acceptanceofvoterregistrationapplica-
tions.—
(1)Voterregistrationapplications,changesinre-
gistration,andrequestsforareplacementvoterinfor-
mationcardmustbeacceptedintheofficeofany
supervisor,thedivision,adriverlicenseoffice,avoter
registrationagency,oranarmedforcesrecruitment
officewhenhanddeliveredbytheapplicantorathird
partyduringthehoursthatofficeisopenorwhen
mailed.
(2)Avoterregistrationapplicationiscompleteand
becomestheofficialvoterregistrationrecordofthat
applicantwhenallinformationnecessarytoestablish
theapplicant’seligibilitypursuanttos.97.041is
receivedbyavoterregistrationofficialandverified
pursuanttosubsection(6).Iftheapplicantfailsto
completehisorhervoterregistrationapplicationpriorto
thedateofbookclosingforanelection,thensuch
applicantshallnotbeeligibletovoteinthatelection.
(3)Theregistrationdateforavalidinitialvoter
registrationapplicationthathasbeenhanddeliveredis
thedatethattheapplicationisreceivedbyadriver
licenseoffice,avoterregistrationagency,anarmed
forcesrecruitmentoffice,thedivision,ortheofficeof
anysupervisorinthestate.
(4)Theregistrationdateforavalidinitialvoter
registrationapplicationthathasbeenmailedtoadriver
licenseoffice,avoterregistrationagency,anarmed
forcesrecruitmentoffice,thedivision,ortheofficeof
anysupervisorinthestateandbearsaclearpostmarkis
thedateofthatpostmark.Ifaninitialvoterregistration
F.S.2014 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS Ch.97
7
applicationthathasbeenmaileddoesnotbeara
postmarkorifthepostmarkisunclear,theregistration
dateisthedatetheapplicationisreceivedbyany
supervisororthedivision,unlessitisreceivedwithin5
daysaftertheclosingofthebooksforanelection,
excludingSaturdays,Sundays,andlegalholidays,in
whichcasetheregistrationdateisthebook-closing
date.
(5)(a)Avoterregistrationapplicationiscompleteifit
containsthefollowinginformationnecessarytoestab-
lishtheapplicant’seligibilitypursuanttos.97.041,
including:
1.Theapplicant’sname.
2.Theapplicant’slegalresidenceaddress.
3.Theapplicant’sdateofbirth.
4.Amarkinthecheckboxaffirmingthatthe
applicantisacitizenoftheUnitedStates.
5.a.Theapplicant’scurrentandvalidFloridadriver
licensenumberortheidentificationnumberfroma
Floridaidentificationcardissuedunders.322.051,or
b.Iftheapplicanthasnotbeenissuedacurrent
andvalidFloridadriverlicenseoraFloridaidentification
card,thelastfourdigitsoftheapplicant’ssocialsecurity
number.
Incaseanapplicanthasnotbeenissuedacurrentand
validFloridadriverlicense,Floridaidentificationcard,or
socialsecuritynumber,theapplicantshallaffirmthis
factinthemannerprescribedintheuniformstatewide
voterregistrationapplication.
6.Amarkinthecheckboxaffirmingthatthe
applicanthasnotbeenconvictedofafelonyorthat,if
convicted,hashadhisorhercivilrightsrestored.
7.Amarkinthecheckboxaffirmingthatthe
applicanthasnotbeenadjudicatedmentallyincapaci-
tatedwithrespecttovotingorthat,ifsoadjudicated,has
hadhisorherrighttovoterestored.
8.Theoriginalsignatureoradigitalsignature
transmittedbytheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyand
MotorVehiclesoftheapplicantswearingoraffirming
underthepenaltyforfalseswearingpursuanttos.
104.011thattheinformationcontainedintheregistra-
tionapplicationistrueandsubscribingtotheoath
requiredbys.3,Art.VIoftheStateConstitutionands.
97.051.
(b)Anapplicantwhofailstodesignatepartyaffilia-
tionmustberegisteredwithoutpartyaffiliation.The
supervisormustnotifythevoterbymailthatthevoter
hasbeenregisteredwithoutpartyaffiliationandthatthe
votermaychangepartyaffiliationasprovidedins.
97.1031.
(6)Avoterregistrationapplicationmaybeaccepted
asvalidonlyafterthedepartmenthasverifiedthe
authenticityornonexistenceofthedriverlicense
number,theFloridaidentificationcardnumber,orthe
lastfourdigitsofthesocialsecuritynumberprovidedby
theapplicant.Ifacompletedvoterregistrationapplica-
tionhasbeenreceivedbythebook-closingdeadlinebut
thedriverlicensenumber,theFloridaidentificationcard
number,orthelastfourdigitsofthesocialsecurity
numberprovidedbytheapplicantcannotbeverified,the
applicantshallbenotifiedthatthenumbercannotbe
verifiedandthattheapplicantmustprovideevidenceto
thesupervisorsufficienttoverifytheauthenticityofthe
applicant’sdriverlicensenumber,Floridaidentification
cardnumber,orlastfourdigitsofthesocialsecurity
number.Iftheapplicantprovidesthenecessaryevi-
dence,thesupervisorshallplacetheapplicant’sname
ontheregistrationrollsasanactivevoter.Ifthe
applicanthasnotprovidedthenecessaryevidenceor
thenumberhasnototherwisebeenverifiedpriortothe
applicantpresentinghimselforherselftovote,the
applicantshallbeprovidedaprovisionalballot.The
provisionalballotshallbecountedonlyifthenumberis
verifiedbytheendofthecanvassingperiodorifthe
applicantpresentsevidencetothesupervisorofelec-
tionssufficienttoverifytheauthenticityoftheapplicant’s
driverlicensenumber,Floridaidentificationcardnum-
ber,orlastfourdigitsofthesocialsecuritynumberno
laterthan5p.m.oftheseconddayfollowingthe
election.
(7)Allvoterregistrationapplicationsreceivedbya
voterregistrationofficialshallbeenteredintothe
statewidevoterregistrationsystemwithin13days
afterreceipt.Onceentered,theapplicationshallbe
immediatelyforwardedtotheappropriatesupervisorof
elections.
History.—s.11,ch.94-224;s.27,ch.97-13;s.5,ch.98-129;s.4,ch.2003-415;
s.5,ch.2005-277;s.6,ch.2005-278;s.13,ch.2007-30;s.3,ch.2008-95.
97.0535Specialrequirementsforcertainappli-
cants.—
(1)Eachapplicantwhoregistersbymailandwho
hasneverpreviouslyvotedinthestateandwhothe
departmenthasverifiedhasnotbeenissuedacurrent
andvalidFloridadriverlicense,Floridaidentification
card,orsocialsecuritynumbershallberequiredto
provideacopyofacurrentandvalididentification,as
providedinsubsection(3),orindicatethatheorsheis
exemptfromtherequirementspriortovoting.Such
identificationorindicationmaybeprovidedatthetimeof
registering,oratanytimepriortovotingforthefirsttime
inthestate.Ifthevoterregistrationapplicationclearly
providesinformationfromwhichavoterregistration
officialcandeterminethattheapplicantmeetsatleast
oneoftheexemptionsinsubsection(4),thevoter
registrationofficialshallmakethenotationonthe
registrationrecordsofthestatewidevoterregistration
systemandtheapplicantshallnotberequiredto
providetheidentificationrequiredbythissection.
(2)Thevoterregistrationofficialshall,uponaccept-
ingthevoterregistrationapplicationsubmittedpursuant
tosubsection(1),determineiftheapplicantprovidedthe
requiredidentificationatthetimeofregistering.Ifthe
requiredidentificationwasnotprovided,thesupervisor
shallnotifytheapplicantthatheorshemustprovidethe
identificationpriortovotingthefirsttimeinthestate.
(3)(a)Thefollowingformsofidentificationshallbe
consideredcurrentandvalidiftheycontainthename
andphotographoftheapplicantandhavenotexpired:
1.UnitedStatespassport.
2.Debitorcreditcard.
3.Militaryidentification.
4.Studentidentification.
5.Retirementcenteridentification.
6.Neighborhoodassociationidentification.
7.Publicassistanceidentification.
Ch.97 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS F.S.2014
8
(b)Thefollowingformsofidentificationshallbe
consideredcurrentandvalidiftheycontainthename
andcurrentresidenceaddressoftheapplicant:
1.Utilitybill.
2.Bankstatement.
3.Governmentcheck.
4.Paycheck.
5.Othergovernmentdocument(excludingvoter
identificationcard).
(4)Thefollowingpersonsareexemptfromthe
identificationrequirementsofthissection:
(a)Persons65yearsofageorolder.
(b)Personswithatemporaryorpermanentphysical
disability.
(c)Membersoftheuniformedserviceonactiveduty
who,byreasonofsuchactiveduty,areabsentfromthe
countyonelectionday.
(d)MembersoftheMerchantMarinewho,by
reasonofserviceintheMerchantMarine,areabsent
fromthecountyonelectionday.
(e)Thespouseordependentofamemberreferred
toinparagraph(c)orparagraph(d)who,byreasonof
theactivedutyorserviceofthemember,isabsentfrom
thecountyonelectionday.
(f)PersonscurrentlyresidingoutsidetheUnited
StateswhoareeligibletovoteinFlorida.
History.—s.6,ch.2003-415;s.7,ch.2005-278;s.4,ch.2008-95.
97.055Registrationbooks;whenclosedforan
election.—
(1)(a)Theregistrationbooksmustbeclosedonthe
29thdaybeforeeachelectionandmustremainclosed
untilafterthatelection.Ifanelectioniscalledandthere
arefewerthan29daysbeforethatelection,the
registrationbooksmustbeclosedimmediately.
(b)Exceptasprovidedinparagraph(c),whenthe
registrationbooksareclosedforanelection,updatesto
avoter’sname,address,andsignaturepursuanttoss.
98.077and101.045shallbetheonlychangespermitted
forpurposesoftheupcomingelection.Newvoter
registrationapplicationsmustbeacceptedbutonlyfor
thepurposeofsubsequentelections.
(c)Whentheregistrationbooksareclosedforan
upcomingelection,anupdateorchangetoavoter’s
partyaffiliationmadepursuanttos.97.1031shallbe
permittedforthatupcomingelectionunlesssuch
electionisforthepurposeofnominatingapolitical
partynominee,inwhichcasetheupdateorchangeshall
bepermittedonlyforthepurposeofsubsequent
elections.
(2)Incomputingthe29-dayperiodfortheclosingof
theregistrationbooks,thedayoftheelectionis
excludedandallotherdaysareincluded.Ifthe29th
dayprecedinganelectionfallsonaSundayoralegal
holiday,theregistrationbooksmustbeclosedonthe
nextdaythatisnotaSundayoralegalholiday.
History.—s.2,ch.25391,1949;s.2,ch.26870,1951;s.5,ch.29934,s.1,ch.
29761,1955;s.3,ch.65-134;s.2,ch.67-530;s.1,ch.71-124;ss.7,8,ch.72-63;s.
4,ch.74-5;s.1,ch.77-174;s.5,ch.77-175;s.7,ch.80-292;s.5,ch.81-304;s.1,
ch.83-25;s.27,ch.84-302;s.11,ch.85-80;s.6,ch.89-338;s.12,ch.94-224;s.6,
ch.2005-277;s.8,ch.2005-278;s.3,ch.2005-286;s.5,ch.2008-95.
Note.—Formers.97.02;s.98.051.
97.0555Lateregistration.—Anindividualorac-
companyingfamilymemberwhohasbeendischarged
orseparatedfromtheuniformedservicesortheUnited
StatesMerchantMarine,hasreturnedfromamilitary
deploymentoractivation,orhasseparatedfromem-
ploymentoutsidetheterritoriallimitsoftheUnited
States,afterthebook-closingdateforanelection
pursuanttos.97.055andwhoisotherwisequalified
mayregistertovoteinsuchelectionuntil5p.m.onthe
Fridaybeforethatelectionintheofficeofthesupervisor
ofelections.Suchpersonsmustproducesufficient
documentationshowingevidenceofqualifyingforlate
registrationpursuanttothissection.
History.—s.47,ch.2001-40;s.1,ch.2002-17;s.25,ch.2012-116;s.1,ch.
2013-57.
97.057VoterregistrationbytheDepartmentof
HighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles.—
(1)TheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
Vehiclesshallprovidetheopportunitytoregistertovote
ortoupdateavoterregistrationrecordtoeachindividual
whocomestoanofficeofthatdepartmentto:
(a)Applyfororrenewadriverlicense;
(b)Applyfororrenewanidentificationcardpur-
suanttochapter322;or
(c)Changeanaddressonanexistingdriverlicense
oridentificationcard.
(2)TheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
Vehiclesshall:
(a)Notifyeachindividual,orallyorinwriting,that:
1.Informationgatheredforthecompletionofa
driverlicenseoridentificationcardapplication,renewal,
orchangeofaddresscanbeautomaticallytransferred
toavoterregistrationapplication;
2.Ifadditionalinformationandasignatureare
provided,thevoterregistrationapplicationwillbe
completedandsenttotheproperelectionauthority;
3.Informationprovidedcanalsobeusedtoupdate
avoterregistrationrecord;
4.Alldeclinationswillremainconfidentialandmay
beusedonlyforvoterregistrationpurposes;and
5.Theparticulardriverlicenseofficeinwhichthe
personappliestoregistertovoteorupdatesavoter
registrationrecordwillremainconfidentialandmaybe
usedonlyforvoterregistrationpurposes.
(b)Requireadriverlicenseexaminertoinquire
orallyor,iftheapplicantishearingimpaired,inquirein
writingwhethertheapplicantwishestoregistertovote
orupdateavoterregistrationrecordduringthecomple-
tionofadriverlicenseoridentificationcardapplication,
renewal,orchangeofaddress.
1.Iftheapplicantchoosestoregistertovoteorto
updateavoterregistrationrecord:
a.AllapplicableinformationreceivedbytheDe-
partmentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehiclesinthe
courseoffillingouttheformsnecessaryundersubsec-
tion(1)mustbetransferredtoavoterregistration
application.
b.Theadditionalnecessaryinformationmustbe
obtainedbythedriverlicenseexaminerandmustnot
duplicateanyinformationalreadyobtainedwhilecom-
pletingtheformsrequiredundersubsection(1).
c.Avoterregistrationapplicationwithallofthe
applicant’svoterregistrationinformationrequiredto
establishtheapplicant’seligibilitypursuanttos.97.041
mustbepresentedtotheapplicanttoreviewandverify
F.S.2014 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS Ch.97
9
thevoterregistrationinformationreceivedandprovide
anelectronicsignatureaffirmingtheaccuracyofthe
informationprovided.
2.Iftheapplicantdeclinestoregistertovote,
updatetheapplicant’svoterregistrationrecord,or
changetheapplicant’saddressbyeitherorallydeclining
orbyfailingtosignthevoterregistrationapplication,the
DepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehiclesmust
notesuchdeclinationonitsrecordsandshallforward
thedeclinationtothestatewidevoterregistration
system.
(3)Forthepurposeofthissection,theDepartment
ofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles,withthe
approvaloftheDepartmentofState,shallprescribe:
(a)Avoterregistrationapplicationthatisthesame
incontent,format,andsizeastheuniformstatewide
voterregistrationapplicationprescribedunders.
97.052;and
(b)Aformthatwillinformapplicantsundersubsec-
tion(1)oftheinformationcontainedinparagraph(2)(a).
(4)TheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
Vehiclesmustelectronicallytransmitcompletedvoter
registrationapplicationswithin24hoursafterreceiptto
thestatewidevoterregistrationsystem.Completed
papervoterregistrationapplicationsreceivedbythe
DepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehiclesshall
beforwardedwithin5daysafterreceipttothesuper-
visorofthecountywheretheofficethatprocessedor
receivedthatapplicationislocated.
(5)TheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
Vehiclesmustsend,witheachdriverlicenserenewal
extensionapplicationauthorizedpursuanttos.
322.18(8),auniformstatewidevoterregistrationappli-
cation,thevoterregistrationapplicationprescribed
underparagraph(3)(a),oravoterregistrationapplica-
tiondevelopedespeciallyforthepurposesofthis
subsectionbytheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyand
MotorVehicles,withtheapprovaloftheDepartmentof
State,whichmustmeettherequirementsofs.97.052.
(6)Apersonprovidingvoterregistrationservicesfor
adriverlicenseofficemaynot:
(a)Seektoinfluenceanapplicant’spoliticalpre-
ferenceorpartyregistration;
(b)Displayanypoliticalpreferenceorpartyalle-
giance;
(c)Makeanystatementtoanapplicantortakeany
actionthepurposeoreffectofwhichistodiscouragethe
applicantfromregisteringtovote;or
(d)Discloseanyapplicant’svoterregistrationin-
formationexceptasneededfortheadministrationof
voterregistration.
(7)TheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
Vehiclesshallcollectdatadeterminednecessarybythe
DepartmentofStateforprogramevaluationandreport-
ingtotheElectionAssistanceCommissionpursuantto
federallaw.
(8)TheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
Vehiclesmustensurethatallvoterregistrationservices
providedbydriverlicenseofficesareincompliancewith
theVotingRightsActof1965.
(9)TheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
Vehiclesshallretaincompleterecordsofvoterregistra-
tioninformationreceived,processed,andsubmittedto
thestatewidevoterregistrationsystembytheDepart-
mentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles.These
recordsshallbefortheexplicitpurposeofsupporting
auditandaccountingcontrolsestablishedtoensure
accurateandcompleteelectronictransmissionofre-
cordsbetweenthestatewidevoterregistrationsystem
andtheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
Vehicles.
(10)ThedepartmentshallprovidetheDepartmentof
HighwaySafetyandMotorVehicleswithanelectronic
databaseofstreetaddressesvalidforuseasthelegal
residenceaddressasrequiredins.97.053(5).The
DepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehiclesshall
comparetheaddressprovidedbytheapplicantagainst
thedatabaseofvalidstreetaddresses.Iftheaddress
providedbytheapplicantdoesnotmatchavalidstreet
addressinthedatabase,theapplicantwillbeaskedto
verifytheaddressprovided.TheDepartmentofHigh-
waySafetyandMotorVehiclesshallnotrejectany
applicationforvoterregistrationforwhichavalidmatch
cannotbemade.
(11)TheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
Vehiclesshallenterintoanagreementwiththedepart-
menttomatchinformationinthestatewidevoter
registrationsystemwithinformationinthedatabaseof
theDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles
totheextentrequiredtoverifytheaccuracyofthedriver
licensenumber,Floridaidentificationnumber,orlast
fourdigitsofthesocialsecuritynumberprovidedon
applicationsforvoterregistrationasrequiredins.
97.053.
(12)TheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
VehiclesshallenterintoanagreementwiththeCom-
missionerofSocialSecurityasrequiredbytheHelp
AmericaVoteActof2002toverifythelastfourdigitsof
thesocialsecuritynumberprovidedinapplicationsfor
voterregistrationasrequiredins.97.053.
History.—s.13,ch.94-224;s.2,ch.2002-189;s.9,ch.2005-278.
97.0575Third-partyvoterregistrations.—
(1)Beforeengaginginanyvoterregistrationactiv-
ities,athird-partyvoterregistrationorganizationmust
registerandprovidetothedivision,inanelectronic
format,thefollowinginformation:
(a)Thenamesoftheofficersoftheorganization
andthenameandpermanentaddressoftheorganiza-
tion.
(b)Thenameandaddressoftheorganization’s
registeredagentinthestate.
(c)Thenames,permanentaddresses,andtempor-
aryaddresses,ifany,ofeachregistrationagent
registeringpersonstovoteinthisstateonbehalfof
theorganization.
(d)Aswornstatementfromeachregistrationagent
employedbyorvolunteeringfortheorganizationstating
thattheagentwillobeyallstatelawsandrulesregarding
theregistrationofvoters.Suchstatementmustbeona
formcontainingnoticeofapplicablepenaltiesforfalse
registration.
(2)Thedivisionorthesupervisorofelectionsshall
makevoterregistrationformsavailabletothird-party
voterregistrationorganizations.Allsuchformsmust
containinformationidentifyingtheorganizationtowhich
Ch.97 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS F.S.2014
10
theformsareprovided.Thedivisionshallmaintaina
databaseofallthird-partyvoterregistrationorganiza-
tionsandthevoterregistrationformsassignedtothe
third-partyvoterregistrationorganization.Eachsuper-
visorofelectionsshallprovidetothedivisioninformation
onvoterregistrationformsassignedtoandreceived
fromthird-partyvoterregistrationorganizations.The
informationmustbeprovidedinaformatandattimesas
requiredbythedivisionbyrule.Thedivisionmust
updateinformationonthird-partyvoterregistrations
dailyandmaketheinformationpubliclyavailable.
(3)(a)Athird-partyvoterregistrationorganization
thatcollectsvoterregistrationapplicationsservesasa
fiduciarytotheapplicant,ensuringthatanyvoter
registrationapplicationentrustedtotheorganization,
irrespectiveofpartyaffiliation,race,ethnicity,orgender,
shallbepromptlydeliveredtothedivisionorthe
supervisorofelectionswithin48hoursafterthe
applicantcompletesitorthenextbusinessdayifthe
appropriateofficeisclosedforthat48-hourperiod.Ifa
voterregistrationapplicationcollectedbyanythird-party
voterregistrationorganizationisnotpromptlydelivered
tothedivisionorsupervisorofelections,thethird-party
voterregistrationorganizationisliableforthefollowing
fines:
1.Afineintheamountof$50foreachapplication
receivedbythedivisionorthesupervisorofelections
morethan48hoursaftertheapplicantdeliveredthe
completedvoterregistrationapplicationtothethird-
partyvoterregistrationorganizationoranyperson,
entity,oragentactingonitsbehalforthenextbusiness
day,iftheofficeisclosed.Afineintheamountof$250
foreachapplicationreceivedifthethird-partyvoter
registrationorganizationorperson,entity,oragency
actingonitsbehalfactedwillfully.
2.Afineintheamountof$100foreachapplication
collectedbyathird-partyvoterregistrationorganization
oranyperson,entity,oragentactingonitsbehalf,
beforebookclosingforanygivenelectionforfederalor
stateofficeandreceivedbythedivisionorthesuper-
visorofelectionsafterthebook-closingdeadlinefor
suchelection.Afineintheamountof$500foreach
applicationreceivedifthethird-partyregistrationorga-
nizationorperson,entity,oragencyactingonitsbehalf
actedwillfully.
3.Afineintheamountof$500foreachapplication
collectedbyathird-partyvoterregistrationorganization
oranyperson,entity,oragentactingonitsbehalf,which
isnotsubmittedtothedivisionorsupervisorof
elections.Afineintheamountof$1,000forany
applicationnotsubmittedifthethird-partyvoterregis-
trationorganizationorperson,entity,oragencyacting
onitsbehalfactedwillfully.
Theaggregatefinepursuanttothisparagraphwhich
maybeassessedagainstathird-partyvoterregistration
organization,includingaffiliateorganizations,forviola-
tionscommittedinacalendaryearis$1,000.
(b)Ashowingbythethird-partyvoterregistration
organizationthatthefailuretodeliverthevoterregistra-
tionapplicationwithintherequiredtimeframeisbased
uponforcemajeureorimpossibilityofperformanceshall
beanaffirmativedefensetoaviolationofthis
subsection.Thesecretarymaywaivethefinesde-
scribedinthissubsectionuponashowingthatthe
failuretodeliverthevoterregistrationapplication
promptlyisbaseduponforcemajeureorimpossibility
ofperformance.
(4)IftheSecretaryofStatereasonablybelievesthat
apersonhascommittedaviolationofthissection,the
secretarymayreferthemattertotheAttorneyGeneral
forenforcement.TheAttorneyGeneralmayinstitutea
civilactionforaviolationofthissectionortopreventa
violationofthissection.Anactionforreliefmayinclude
apermanentortemporaryinjunction,arestraining
order,oranyotherappropriateorder.
(5)Thedivisionshalladoptbyruleaformtoelicit
specificinformationconcerningthefactsandcircum-
stancesfromapersonwhoclaimstohavebeen
registeredtovotebyathird-partyvoterregistration
organizationbutwhodoesnotappearasanactivevoter
onthevoterregistrationrolls.Thedivisionshallalso
adoptrulestoensuretheintegrityoftheregistration
process,includingrulesrequiringthird-partyvoter
registrationorganizationstoaccountforallstateand
federalregistrationformsusedbytheirregistration
agents.Suchrulesmayrequireanorganizationto
provideorganizationandformspecificidentification
informationoneachformasdeterminedbythedepart-
mentasneededtoassistintheaccountingofstateand
federalregistrationforms.
(6)Thedateonwhichanapplicantsignsavoter
registrationapplicationispresumedtobethedateon
whichthethird-partyvoterregistrationorganization
receivedorcollectedthevoterregistrationapplication.
(7)Therequirementsofthissectionareretroactive
foranythird-partyvoterregistrationorganizationregis-
teredwiththedepartmentontheeffectivedateofthis
act,andmustbecompliedwithwithin90daysafterthe
departmentprovidesnoticetothethird-partyvoter
registrationorganizationoftherequirementscontained
inthissection.Failureofthethird-partyvoterregistra-
tionorganizationtocomplywiththerequirementswithin
90daysafterreceiptofthenoticeshallautomatically
resultinthecancellationofthethird-partyvoter
registrationorganization’sregistration.
History.—s.7,ch.2005-277;s.2,ch.2007-30;s.4,ch.2011-40.
97.058Voterregistrationagencies.—
(1)Eachvoterregistrationagencymustprovide
eachapplicanttheopportunitytoregistertovoteorto
updateavoterregistrationrecord,atthetimethe
applicantappliesforservicesorassistancefromthat
agency,forrenewalofsuchservicesorassistance,or
forachangeofaddressrequiredwithrespecttothe
servicesorassistance.
(2)Eachvoterregistrationagency,otherthana
publiclibrary,mustdevelopandprovideeachapplicant
withaformapprovedbythedepartmentcontainingallof
thefollowing:
(a)Thequestions:
1.“Ifyouarenotregisteredtovotewhereyoulive
now,wouldyouliketoapplytoregistertovotetoday?”
2.“Ifyouareregisteredtovotewhereyoulivenow,
wouldyouliketoupdateyourvoterregistrationrecord?”
F.S.2014 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS Ch.97
11
(b)Foragenciesprovidingpublicassistance,the
statement,“Applyingtoregisterordecliningtoregister
tovotewillnotaffecttheamountofassistancethatyou
willbeprovidedbythisagency.”
(c)Boxesfortheapplicanttocheckwhichindicate
that:
1.Theapplicantwouldliketoregistertovoteor
updateacurrentvoterregistration;
2.Theapplicantwouldliketodeclinetoregisterto
vote;or
3.Theapplicantisalreadyregisteredtovoteand
doesnotneedtoupdatethevoterregistration,
togetherwiththestatement,“Ifyoudonotcheckany
box,youwillbeconsideredtohavedecidednotto
registertovoteorupdateavoterregistrationatthis
time.”
(d)Thestatement,“Ifyouwouldlikehelpinfilling
outthevoterregistrationapplication,wewillhelpyou.
Thedecisionwhethertoseekoraccepthelpisyours.
Youmayfilloutthevoterregistrationapplicationin
private.”
(e)Thestatement,“Ifyoubelievethatsomeonehas
interferedwithyourrighttoregisterortodeclineto
registertovote,yourrighttoprivacyindecidingwhether
toregisterorinapplyingtoregistertovote,oryourright
tochooseyourownpoliticalpartyorotherpolitical
preference,youmayfileacomplaintwiththeSecretary
ofState.”
(f)Theaddressandtelephonenumberofthe
appropriateofficeinthedepartmentwhereacomplaint
maybefiled.
(g)Astatementthatalldeclinationswillremain
confidentialandmaybeusedonlyforvoterregistration
purposes.
(h)Astatementthatinformstheapplicantwho
choosestoregistertovoteorupdateavoterregistration
recordthattheofficeatwhichtheapplicantsubmitsa
voterregistrationapplicationorupdatesavoterregis-
trationrecordwillremainconfidentialandmaybeused
onlyforvoterregistrationpurposes.
(3)(a)Avoterregistrationagencymayusetheuni-
formstatewidevoterregistrationapplicationormay
createanduseavoterregistrationapplicationthat
meetstherequirementsofs.97.052,withtheapproval
ofthedepartment.
(b)Avoterregistrationagencymustprovidetoeach
applicantundersubsection(1)thevoterregistration
applicationthattheagencydecidestousepursuantto
paragraph(a).Anapplicantwhoindicatesadesireto
registertovoteorupdateavoterregistrationrecord
mustbeprovidedthesamedegreeofassistancewith
regardtothecompletionofthatvoterregistration
applicationasisprovidedbytheagencywithregard
tothecompletionofitsownforms,unlesstheapplicant
refusesthatassistance.
(4)Ifavoterregistrationagencyprovidesservices
toapersonwithadisabilityattheperson’shome,the
agencymustalsoprovidevoterregistrationservicesat
theperson’shome.
(5)Avoterregistrationagencymustestablish
proceduresforprovidingvoterregistrationservicesto
applicantswhoapplybytelephone.
(6)Avoterregistrationagencymustforwardall
completedandincompletevoterregistrationapplica-
tionswithin5daysafterreceipttothesupervisorofthe
countywheretheagencythatprocessedorreceived
thatapplicationislocated.
(7)Avoterregistrationagencymustretaindeclina-
tionsforaperiodof2years,duringwhichtimethe
declinationsarenotconsideredarecordoftheclient
pursuanttothelawsgoverningtheagency’srecords.
(8)Apersonprovidingvoterregistrationservicesfor
avoterregistrationagencymaynot:
(a)Seektoinfluenceanapplicant’spoliticalpre-
ferenceorpartyregistration;
(b)Displayanypoliticalpreferenceorpartyalle-
giance;
(c)Makeanystatementtoanapplicantortakeany
actionthepurposeoreffectofwhichistoleadthe
applicanttobelievethatadecisiontoregisterornotto
registerhasanybearingontheavailabilityofservicesor
benefits;
(d)Makeanystatementtoanapplicantortakeany
actionthepurposeoreffectofwhichistodiscouragethe
applicantfromregisteringtovote;or
(e)Discloseanyapplicant’svoterregistrationin-
formationexceptasneededfortheadministrationof
voterregistrations.
(9)Avoterregistrationagencymustcollectdata
determinednecessarybythedepartment,asprovided
byrule,forprogramevaluationandreportingtothe
ElectionAssistanceCommissionpursuanttofederal
law.
(10)Eachstateagencywhichcontractswithaprivate
providerthatisalsoavoterregistrationagencyas
definedins.97.021isresponsibleforcontractingfor
voterregistrationserviceswiththatproviderandfor
ensuringthattheprivateprovidercomplieswiththe
provisionsofthissection.
(11)Eachvoterregistrationagencymustensurethat
allvoterregistrationservicesprovidedbyitsofficesare
incompliancewiththeVotingRightsActof1965.
History.—s.14,ch.94-224;s.3,ch.2002-189;s.10,ch.2005-278.
97.0583Voterregistrationatqualifyingeduca-
tionalinstitutions.—Eachqualifyingeducationalinsti-
tutionshallprovideeachstudentenrolledinthat
institutiontheopportunitytoregistertovoteortoupdate
avoterregistrationrecordoneachcampusatleastonce
ayear.Qualifyingeducationalinstitutionsarealso
encouragedtoprovidevoterregistrationservicesat
othertimesandplaces,suchasuponapplicationfor
financialaid,duringadmissions,atregistration,upon
issuanceofstudentidentifications,andatnew-student
orientation.
History.—s.3,ch.96-327.
97.05831Voterregistrationapplicationsmade
availabletotheFishandWildlifeConservation
Commission.—Asrequiredins.379.352,eachsuper-
visorofelectionsshallsupplyvoterregistrationapplica-
tionstotheFishandWildlifeConservationCommission
anditssubagents,asneeded.
History.—s.1,ch.2006-95;s.183,ch.2008-247.
Ch.97 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS F.S.2014
12
97.0585Publicrecordsexemption;information
regardingvotersandvoterregistration;confidenti-
ality.—
(1)Thefollowinginformationheldbyanagencyas
definedins.119.011isconfidentialandexemptfroms.
119.07(1)ands.24(a),Art.IoftheStateConstitution
andmaybeusedonlyforpurposesofvoterregistration:
(a)Alldeclinationstoregistertovotemadepursuant
toss.97.057and97.058.
(b)Informationrelatingtotheplacewhereaperson
registeredtovoteorwhereapersonupdatedavoter
registration.
(c)Thesocialsecuritynumber,driverlicensenum-
ber,andFloridaidentificationnumberofavoter
registrationapplicantorvoter.
(2)Thesignatureofavoterregistrationapplicantor
avoterisexemptfromthecopyingrequirementsofs.
119.07(1)ands.24(a),Art.IoftheStateConstitution.
(3)Thenames,addresses,andtelephonenumbers
ofpersonswhoarevictimsofstalkingoraggravated
stalkingareexemptfroms.119.07(1)ands.24(a),Art.I
oftheStateConstitutioninthesamemannerthatthe
names,addresses,andtelephonenumbersofpartici-
pantsintheAddressConfidentialityProgramforVictims
ofDomesticViolencewhichareheldbytheAttorney
Generalunders.741.465areexemptfromdisclosure,
providedthatthevictimfilesaswornstatementof
stalkingwiththeOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneraland
otherwisecomplieswiththeproceduresinss.741.401-
741.409.
(4)Thissectionappliestoinformationheldbyan
agencybefore,on,oraftertheeffectivedateofthis
exemption.
(5)Subsection(3)issubjecttotheOpenGovern-
mentSunsetReviewActinaccordancewiths.119.15
andshallstandrepealedonOctober2,2015,unless
reviewedandsavedfromrepealthroughreenactment
bytheLegislature.
History.—ss.1,2,ch.94-345;s.24,ch.96-406;ss.1,3,ch.2005-279;s.1,ch.
2010-42;ss.1,2,ch.2010-115;s.11,ch.2013-15.
97.061Specialregistrationforelectorsrequir-
ingassistance.—
(1)Anypersonwhoiseligibletoregisterandwhois
unabletoreadorwriteorwho,becauseofsome
disability,needsassistanceinvotingshalluponthat
person’srequestberegisteredundertheprocedure
prescribedbythissectionandshallbeentitledto
receiveassistanceatthepollsundertheconditions
prescribedbythissection.
(2)Ifapersonisqualifiedtoregisterpursuanttothis
section,thevoterregistrationofficialshallnoteinthat
person’sregistrationrecordthatthepersonneeds
assistanceinvoting.
(3)Theprecinctregistergeneratedbythesuper-
visorshallcontainanotationthatsuchpersoniseligible
forassistanceinvoting,andthesupervisormaymakea
notationonthevoterinformationcardthatsuchperson
iseligibleforassistanceinvoting.Suchpersonshallbe
entitledtoreceivetheassistanceoftwoelectionofficials
orsomeotherpersonofhisorherownchoice,other
thantheperson’semployer,theagentoftheperson’s
employer,oranofficeroragentoftheperson’sunion,
withoutthenecessityofexecutingthe“Declarationto
SecureAssistance”prescribedins.101.051.Such
personshallnotifythesupervisorofanychangeinhisor
herconditionwhichmakesitunnecessaryforhimorher
toreceiveassistanceinvoting.
History.—s.14,ch.6469,1913;RGS318;CGL375;s.3,ch.25388,1949;s.6,
ch.25391,1949;s.1,ch.26870,1951;s.3,ch.28156,1953;s.1,ch.59-446;s.1,
ch.61-358;s.4,ch.65-60;s.3,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.79-366;s.2,ch.81-304;s.1,
ch.84-302;s.15,ch.94-224;s.1384,ch.95-147;s.11,ch.2005-278;s.26,ch.
2012-116.
Note.—Formerss.97.06and102.21.
97.071Voterinformationcard.—
(1)Avoterinformationcardshallbefurnishedby
thesupervisortoallregisteredvotersresidinginthe
supervisor’scounty.Thecardmustcontain:
(a)Voter’sregistrationnumber.
(b)Dateofregistration.
(c)Fullname.
(d)Partyaffiliation.
(e)Dateofbirth.
(f)Addressoflegalresidence.
(g)Precinctnumber.
(h)Pollingplaceaddress.
(i)Nameofsupervisorandcontactinformationof
supervisor.
(j)Otherinformationdeemednecessarybythe
supervisor.
(2)Avotermayreceiveareplacementvoterin-
formationcardbyprovidingasigned,writtenrequestfor
areplacementcardtoavoterregistrationofficial.Upon
verificationofregistration,thesupervisorshallissuethe
voteraduplicatecardwithoutcharge.
(3)Inthecaseofachangeofname,addressof
legalresidence,pollingplaceaddress,orpartyaffilia-
tion,thesupervisorshallissuethevoteranewvoter
informationcard.
History.—s.13,ch.3879,1889;RS167;s.15,ch.4328,1895;GS191,192;
RGS235,236;CGL288,289;s.4,ch.24203,1947;s.11,ch.25035,1949;s.1,ch.
26870,1951;s.10,ch.27991,1953;s.6,ch.65-60;s.8,ch.69-377;ss.10,35,ch.
69-106;s.18,ch.94-224;s.28,ch.97-13;s.7,ch.98-129;s.2,ch.2000-250;s.4,
ch.2002-189;s.8,ch.2005-277;s.12,ch.2005-278;s.4,ch.2005-286;s.5,ch.
2011-40.
Note.—Formerss.98.31and98.32.
97.073Dispositionofvoterregistrationapplica-
tions;cancellationnotice.—
(1)Thesupervisormustnotifyeachapplicantofthe
dispositionoftheapplicant’svoterregistrationapplica-
tionwithin5businessdaysaftervoterregistration
informationisenteredintothestatewidevoterregistra-
tionsystem.Thenoticemustinformtheapplicantthat
theapplicationhasbeenapproved,isincomplete,has
beendenied,orisaduplicateofacurrentregistration.A
voterinformationcardsenttoanapplicantconstitutes
noticeofapprovalofregistration.Iftheapplicationis
incomplete,thesupervisormustrequestthatthe
applicantsupplythemissinginformationusingavoter
registrationapplicationsignedbytheapplicant.Anotice
ofdenialmustinformtheapplicantofthereasonthe
applicationwasdenied.
(2)Within2weeksafterapprovalofavoter
registrationapplicationthatindicatesthattheapplicant
waspreviouslyregisteredinanotherstate,thedepart-
mentmustnotifytheregistrationofficialinthepriorstate
thattheapplicantisnowregisteredinthisstate.
History.—s.19,ch.94-224;s.62,ch.2001-40;s.13,ch.2005-278;s.7,ch.
2011-40.
F.S.2014 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS Ch.97
13
97.1031Noticeofchangeofresidence,change
ofname,orchangeofpartyaffiliation.—
(1)(a)Whenanelectorchangeshisorherresidence
address,theelectormustnotifythesupervisorof
elections.Exceptasprovidedinparagraph(b),an
addresschangemustbesubmittedusingavoter
registrationapplication.
(b)Iftheaddresschangeiswithinthestateand
noticeisprovidedtothesupervisorofelectionsofthe
countywheretheelectorhasmoved,theelectormaydo
soby:
1.Contactingthesupervisorofelectionsviatele-
phoneorelectronicmeans,inwhichcasetheelector
mustprovidehisorherdateofbirth;or
2.Submittingthechangeonavoterregistration
applicationorothersignedwrittennotice.
(2)Whenanelectorseekstochangepartyaffilia-
tion,theelectorshallnotifyhisorhersupervisorof
electionsorothervoterregistrationofficialbyusinga
signedwrittennoticethatcontainstheelector’sdateof
birthorvoterregistrationnumber.Whenanelector
changeshisorhernamebymarriageorotherlegal
process,theelectorshallnotifyhisorhersupervisorof
electionsorothervoterregistrationofficialbyusinga
signedwrittennoticethatcontainstheelector’sdateof
birthorvoter’sregistrationnumber.
(3)Thevoterregistrationofficialshallmakethe
necessarychangesintheelector’srecordsassoonas
practicaluponreceiptofsuchnoticeofachangeof
addressoflegalresidence,name,orpartyaffiliation.
Thesupervisorofelectionsshallissuethenewvoter
informationcard.
History.—s.7,ch.78-403;s.5,ch.80-292;s.21,ch.94-224;s.29,ch.97-13;s.
31,ch.99-2;s.3,ch.2000-250;s.5,ch.2002-189;s.14,ch.2005-278;s.5,ch.
2005-286;s.8,ch.2011-40.
97.105Permanentsingleregistrationsystem
established.—Apermanentsingleregistrationsystem
fortheregistrationofelectorstoqualifythemtovotein
allelectionsisprovidedfortheseveralcountiesand
municipalities.Thissystemshallbeputintousebyall
municipalitiesandshallbeinlieuofanyothersystemof
municipalregistration.Electorsshallberegistered
pursuanttothissystembyavoterregistrationofficial,
andelectorsregisteredshallnotthereafterberequired
toregisterorreregisterexceptasprovidedbylaw.
History.—s.1,ch.25391,1949;s.2,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.59-237;s.2,ch.
69-377;s.1,ch.73-155;s.32,ch.73-333;s.5,ch.77-175;s.23,ch.94-224;s.15,
ch.2005-278.
Note.—Formers.97.01;s.98.041.
Ch.97 QUALIFICATIONANDREGISTRATIONOFELECTORS F.S.2014
14
CHAPTER98
REGISTRATIONOFFICE,OFFICERS,ANDPROCEDURES
98.015Supervisorofelections;election,tenureof
office,compensation,custodyofregistra-
tion-relateddocuments,officehours,suc-
cessor,seal;appointmentofdeputy
supervisors;duties.
98.035Statewidevoterregistrationsystem;imple-
mentation,operation,andmaintenance.
98.045Administrationofvoterregistration.
98.065Registrationlistmaintenanceprograms.
98.0655Registrationlistmaintenanceforms.
98.075Registrationrecordsmaintenanceactivities;
ineligibilitydeterminations.
98.0755Appealofdeterminationofineligibility.
98.077Updateofvotersignature.
98.081Namesremovedfromthestatewidevoter
registrationsystem;restrictionsonrere-
gistering;recordkeeping;restorationof
erroneouslyorillegallyremovednames.
98.093Dutyofofficialstofurnishinformationrelat-
ingtodeceasedpersons,personsadjudi-
catedmentallyincapacitated,andpersons
convictedofafelony.
98.0981Reports;votinghistory;statewidevoterre-
gistrationsysteminformation;precinct-
levelelectionresults;bookclosingstatis-
tics.
98.212Departmentandsupervisorstofurnishsta-
tisticalandotherinformation.
98.255Votereducationprograms.
98.461 Registrationapplication,precinctregister;
contents.
98.015Supervisorofelections;election,tenure
ofoffice,compensation,custodyofregistration-
relateddocuments,officehours,successor,seal;
appointmentofdeputysupervisors;duties.—
(1)Asupervisorofelectionsshallbeelectedineach
countyatthegeneralelectionineachyearthenumber
ofwhichisamultipleoffourfora4-yearterm
commencingonthefirstTuesdayafterthefirstMonday
inJanuarysucceedinghisorherelection.Eachsuper-
visorshall,beforeperforminganyofhisorherduties,
taketheoathprescribedins.5,Art.IIoftheState
Constitution.
(2)Thesupervisor’scompensationshallbepaidby
theboardofcountycommissioners.
(3)Thesupervisorshallupdatevoterregistration
information,enternewvoterregistrationsintothe
statewidevoterregistrationsystem,andactasthe
officialcustodianofdocumentsreceivedbythesuper-
visorrelatedtotheregistrationofelectorsandchanges
invoterregistrationstatusofelectorsofthesupervisor’s
county.
(4)Ataminimum,theofficeofthesupervisormust
beopenMondaythroughFriday,excludinglegalholi-
days,foraperiodofnotlessthan8hoursperday,
beginningnolaterthan9a.m.
(5)Thesupervisorshallpreservestatementsand
otherinformationrequiredtobefiledwiththe
supervisor’sofficepursuanttochapter106foraperiod
of10yearsfromdateofreceipt.
(6)Thesupervisorshall,uponleavingoffice,deliver
tohisorhersuccessorimmediatelyallrecordsbelong-
ingtotheoffice.
(7)Eachsupervisorisauthorizedtoobtainforthe
officeanimpressionsealapprovedbythedepartment.
Animpressionofthesealwithadescriptionthereofshall
befiledwiththedepartment.Thesupervisorisempow-
eredtoattachanimpressionofthesealuponofficial
documentsandcertificatesexecutedoverthesuper-
visor’ssignatureandtakeoathsandacknowledgments
underthesupervisor’ssealinmatterspertainingtothe
office.However,saidsealneednotbeaffixedto
registrationcertificates.
(8)Eachsupervisormayselectandappoint,subject
toremovalbythesupervisor,asmanydeputysuper-
visorsasarenecessary,whosecompensationmustbe
paidbythesupervisorandwhoshallhavethesame
powersandwhoseactsshallhavethesameeffectas
theactsofthesupervisor;exceptthatthesupervisor
shalllimitthepowertoappointdeputysupervisorsto
designateddeputysupervisors.Eachdeputysupervisor
shall,beforeenteringoffice,takeanoathinwritingthat
heorshewillfaithfullyperformthedutiesofthedeputy
supervisor’soffice,whichoathmustbeacknowledged
bythesupervisororadesignateddeputysupervisorand
mustbefiledintheofficeofthesupervisor.
(9)Eachsupervisormustmaketraininginthe
properimplementationofvoterregistrationprocedures
availabletoanyindividual,group,centerforindepen-
dentliving,orpubliclibraryinthesupervisor’scounty.
(10)Eachsupervisorshallensurethatallvoter
registrationandlistmaintenanceproceduresconducted
bysuchsupervisorareincompliancewithanyapplic-
ablerequirementsprescribedbyruleofthedepartment
throughthestatewidevoterregistrationsystemor
prescribedbytheVotingRightsActof1965,the
NationalVoterRegistrationActof1993,ortheHelp
AmericaVoteActof2002.
(11)Eachsupervisorshallensurethatanyvoter
registrationsystemusedbythesupervisorforadmin-
isteringhisorherdutiesasavoterregistrationofficial
complieswiththespecificationsandproceduresestab-
lishedbyruleofthedepartmentandthestatewidevoter
registrationsystem.
(12)Eachsupervisorshallmaintainalistofvalid
residentialstreetaddressesforpurposesofverifyingthe
legaladdressesofvotersresidinginthesupervisor’s
county.Thesupervisorshallmakeallreasonableefforts
tocoordinatewithcounty911serviceproviders,prop-
ertyappraisers,theUnitedStatesPostalService,or
otheragenciesasnecessarytoensurethecontinued
accuracyofsuchlist.Thesupervisorshallprovidethe
listofvalidresidentialaddressestothestatewidevoter
registrationsysteminthemannerandfrequency
specifiedbyruleofthedepartment.
History.—chs.3700,3704,1887;s.8,ch.3879,1889;RS162;s.9,ch.4328,
1895;GS179,180;s.1,ch.5614,1907;s.1,ch.9271,1923;RGS223,224;CGL
258,259;ss.1,2,ch.22759,1945;s.2,ch.26870,1951;s.10,ch.65-134;ss.10,
F.S.2014 REGISTRATIONOFFICE,OFFICERS,ANDPROCEDURES Ch.98
15
11,35,ch.69-106;s.33,ch.69-216;s.5,ch.77-175;s.25,ch.94-224;s.1385,ch.
95-147;s.17,ch.98-34;s.2,ch.98-129;s.16,ch.2005-278.
Note.—Formerss.98.13,98.14,98.17;s.98.161.
98.035Statewidevoterregistrationsystem;im-
plementation,operation,andmaintenance.—
(1)TheSecretaryofState,aschiefelectionofficer
ofthestate,shallberesponsibleforimplementing,
operating,andmaintaining,inauniformandnondiscri-
minatorymanner,asingle,uniform,official,centralized,
interactive,computerizedstatewidevoterregistration
systemasrequiredbytheHelpAmericaVoteActof
2002.Thedepartmentmayadoptrulestoadminister
thissection.
(2)Thestatewidevoterregistrationsystemmust
containthenameandregistrationinformationofevery
legallyregisteredvoterinthestate.Allvotersshallbe
assignedauniqueidentifier.Thesystemshallbethe
officiallistofregisteredvotersinthestateandshall
providesecuredaccessbyauthorizedvoterregistration
officials.Thesystemshallenablevoterregistration
officialstoprovide,access,andupdatevoterregistra-
tioninformation.
(3)Thedepartmentmaynotcontractwithanyother
entityfortheoperationofthestatewidevoterregistra-
tionsystem.
(4)Theimplementationofthestatewidevoter
registrationsystemshallnotpreventanysupervisorof
electionsfromacquiring,maintaining,orusingany
hardwareorsoftwarenecessaryordesirabletocarry
outthesupervisor’sresponsibilitiesrelatedtotheuseof
voterregistrationinformationortheconductofelec-
tions,providedthatsuchhardwareorsoftwaredoesnot
conflictwiththeoperationofthestatewidevoter
registrationsystem.
(5)Thedepartmentmayadoptrulesgoverningthe
access,use,andoperationofthestatewidevoter
registrationsystemtoensuresecurity,uniformity,and
integrityofthesystem.
History.—s.17,ch.2005-278.
98.045Administrationofvoterregistration.—
(1)ELIGIBILITYOFAPPLICANT.—Thesupervisor
mustensurethatanyeligibleapplicantforvoter
registrationisregisteredtovoteandthateachapplica-
tionforvoterregistrationisprocessedinaccordance
withlaw.Thesupervisorshalldeterminewhetheravoter
registrationapplicantisineligiblebasedonanyofthe
following:
(a)Thefailuretocompleteavoterregistration
applicationasspecifiedins.97.053.
(b)Theapplicantisdeceased.
(c)Theapplicanthasbeenconvictedofafelonyfor
whichhisorhercivilrightshavenotbeenrestored.
(d)Theapplicanthasbeenadjudicatedmentally
incapacitatedwithrespecttotherighttovoteandsuch
righthasnotbeenrestored.
(e)Theapplicantdoesnotmeettheagerequire-
mentpursuanttos.97.041.
(f)TheapplicantisnotaUnitedStatescitizen.
(g)Theapplicantisafictitiousperson.
(h)Theapplicanthasprovidedanaddressoflegal
residencethatisnothisorherlegalresidence.
(i)Theapplicanthasprovidedadriverlicense
number,Floridaidentificationcardnumber,orthelast
fourdigitsofasocialsecuritynumberthatisnot
verifiablebythedepartment.
(2)REMOVALOFREGISTEREDVOTERS.—
(a)Onceavoterisregistered,thenameofthatvoter
maynotberemovedfromthestatewidevoterregistra-
tionsystemexceptatthewrittenrequestofthevoter,by
reasonofthevoter’sconvictionofafelonyoradjudica-
tionasmentallyincapacitatedwithrespecttovoting,by
deathofthevoter,orpursuanttoaregistrationlist
maintenanceactivityconductedpursuanttos.98.065or
s.98.075.
(b)Informationreceivedbyavoterregistration
officialfromanelectionofficialinanotherstateindicat-
ingthataregisteredvoterinthisstatehasregisteredto
voteinthatotherstateshallbeconsideredasawritten
requestfromthevotertohavethevoter’sname
removedfromthestatewidevoterregistrationsystem.
(3)PUBLICRECORDSACCESSANDRETEN-
TION.—Eachsupervisorshallmaintainforatleast2
years,andmakeavailableforpublicinspectionand
copying,allrecordsconcerningimplementationof
registrationlistmaintenanceprogramsandactivities
conductedpursuanttoss.98.065and98.075.The
recordsmustincludelistsofthenameandaddressof
eachpersontowhomanoticewassentandinformation
astowhethereachsuchpersonrespondedtothe
mailing,butmaynotincludeanyinformationthatis
confidentialorexemptfrompublicrecordsrequirements
underthiscode.
(4)STATEWIDEELECTRONICDATABASEOF
VALIDRESIDENTIALSTREETADDRESSES.—
(a)Thedepartmentshallcompileandmaintaina
statewideelectronicdatabaseofvalidresidentialstreet
addressesfromtheinformationprovidedbythesuper-
visorsofelectionspursuanttos.98.015.Thedepart-
mentshallevaluatetheinformationprovidedbythe
supervisorsofelectionstoidentifyanyduplicatead-
dressesandanyaddressthatmayoverlapcounty
boundaries.
(b)Thedepartmentshallmakethestatewidedata-
baseofvalidstreetaddressesavailabletotheDepart-
mentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehiclesasprovided
ins.97.057(10).TheDepartmentofHighwaySafety
andMotorVehiclesshallusethedatabaseforpurposes
ofvalidatingthelegalresidentialaddressesprovidedin
voterregistrationapplicationsreceivedbytheDepart-
mentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles.
(5)FORMS.—Thedepartmentmayprescribeby
ruleformsnecessarytoconductmaintenanceof
recordsinthestatewidevoterregistrationsystem.
History.—s.26,ch.94-224;s.36,ch.97-13;s.2,ch.2002-17;s.7,ch.
2003-415;s.9,ch.2005-277;s.18,ch.2005-278.
98.065Registrationlistmaintenanceprograms.
(1)Thesupervisormustconductageneralregistra-
tionlistmaintenanceprogramtoprotecttheintegrityof
theelectoralprocessbyensuringthemaintenanceof
accurateandcurrentvoterregistrationrecordsinthe
statewidevoterregistrationsystem.Theprogrammust
beuniform,nondiscriminatory,andincompliancewith
theVotingRightsActof1965,theNationalVoter
RegistrationActof1993,andtheHelpAmericaVote
Ch.98 REGISTRATIONOFFICE,OFFICERS,ANDPROCEDURES F.S.2014
16
Actof2002.Asusedinthissubsection,theterm
“nondiscriminatory”appliestoandincludespersons
withdisabilities.
(2)Asupervisormustincorporateoneormoreof
thefollowingproceduresinthesupervisor’sbiennial
registrationlistmaintenanceprogramunderwhich:
(a)Change-of-addressinformationsuppliedbythe
UnitedStatesPostalServicethroughitslicenseesis
usedtoidentifyregisteredvoterswhoseaddresses
mighthavechanged;
(b)Change-of-addressinformationisidentifiedfrom
returnednonforwardablereturn-if-undeliverablemail
senttoallregisteredvotersinthecounty;or
(c)Change-of-addressinformationisidentifiedfrom
returnednonforwardablereturn-if-undeliverablead-
dressconfirmationrequestsmailedtoallregistered
voterswhohavenotvotedinthelast2yearsandwho
didnotmakeawrittenrequestthattheirregistration
recordsbeupdatedduringthattime.
(3)Aregistrationlistmaintenanceprogrammustbe
conductedbyeachsupervisor,ataminimum,ineach
odd-numberedyearandmustbecompletednotlater
than90dayspriortothedateofanyfederalelection.All
listmaintenanceactionsassociatedwitheachvoter
mustbeentered,tracked,andmaintainedinthestate-
widevoterregistrationsystem.
(4)(a)Ifthesupervisorreceiveschange-of-address
informationpursuanttotheactivitiesconductedin
subsection(2),fromjurynoticessignedbythevoter
andreturnedtothecourts,fromtheDepartmentof
HighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles,orfromother
sourceswhichindicatesthataregisteredvoter’slegal
residencemighthavechangedtoanotherlocation
withinthestate,thesupervisormustchangethe
registrationrecordstoreflectthenewaddressand
mustsendthevoteranaddresschangenoticeas
providedins.98.0655(2).
(b)Ifthesupervisorofelectionsreceiveschange-of-
addressinformationpursuanttotheactivitiesconducted
insubsection(2),fromjurynoticessignedbythevoter
andreturnedtothecourts,orfromothersourceswhich
indicatesthataregisteredvoter’slegalresidencemight
havechangedtoalocationoutsidethestate,the
supervisorofelectionsshallsendanaddressconfirma-
tionfinalnoticetothevoterasprovidedins.98.0655(3).
(c)Thesupervisormustdesignateasinactiveall
voterswhohavebeensentanaddressconfirmation
finalnoticeandwhohavenotreturnedthepostage
prepaid,preaddressedreturnformwithin30daysorfor
whichthefinalnoticehasbeenreturnedasundeliver-
able.Namesontheinactivelistmaynotbeusedto
calculatethenumberofsignaturesneededonany
petition.Avoterontheinactivelistmayberestoredto
theactivelistofvotersuponthevoterupdatinghisorher
registration,requestinganabsenteeballot,orappearing
tovote.However,ifthevoterdoesnotupdatehisorher
voterregistrationinformation,requestanabsentee
ballot,orvotebythesecondgeneralelectionafter
beingplacedontheinactivelist,thevoter’snameshall
beremovedfromthestatewidevoterregistration
systemandthevotershallberequiredtoreregisterto
havehisorhernamerestoredtothestatewidevoter
registrationsystem.
(5)Anoticemaynotbeissuedpursuanttothis
sectionandavoter’snamemaynotberemovedfrom
thestatewidevoterregistrationsystemlaterthan90
dayspriortothedateofafederalelection.However,this
sectiondoesnotprecludetheremovalofthenameofa
voterfromthestatewidevoterregistrationsystematany
timeuponthevoter’swrittenrequest,byreasonofthe
voter’sdeath,oruponadeterminationofthevoter’s
ineligibilityasprovidedins.98.075(7).
(6)(a)NolaterthanJuly31andJanuary31ofeach
year,thesupervisormustcertifytothedepartmentthe
listmaintenanceactivitiesconductedduringthefirst6
monthsandthesecond6monthsoftheyear,respec-
tively,includingthenumberofaddressconfirmation
requestssent,thenumberofvotersdesignatedas
inactive,andthenumberofvotersremovedfromthe
statewidevoterregistrationsystem.
(b)If,basedonthecertificationprovidedpursuantto
paragraph(a),thedepartmentdeterminesthatasuper-
visorhasnotconductedthelistmaintenanceactivities
requiredbythissection,thedepartmentshallconduct
theappropriatelistmaintenanceactivitiesforthat
county.Failuretoconductlistmaintenanceactivities
asrequiredinthissectionconstitutesaviolationofs.
104.051.
History.—s.28,ch.94-224;s.6,ch.2002-281;s.19,ch.2005-278;s.6,ch.
2008-95.
98.0655Registrationlistmaintenanceforms.—
Thedepartmentshallprescriberegistrationlistmain-
tenanceformstobeusedbythesupervisorswhichmust
include:
(1)Anaddressconfirmationrequestthatmust
contain:
(a)Thevoter’snameandaddressoflegalresidence
asshownonthevoterregistrationrecord;and
(b)Arequestthatthevoternotifythesupervisorif
eitherthevoter’snameoraddressoflegalresidenceis
incorrect.
(2)Anaddresschangenoticethatmustbesentto
thenewlyrecordedaddressoflegalresidenceby
forwardablemail,includingapostageprepaid,pread-
dressedreturnformwithwhichthevotermayverifyor
correctthevoter’snewaddressinformation.
(3)Anaddressconfirmationfinalnoticethatmustbe
senttothenewlyrecordedaddressoflegalresidenceby
forwardablemailandmustcontainapostageprepaid,
preaddressedreturnformandastatementthat:
(a)Ifthevoterhasnotchangedhisorherlegal
residenceorhaschangedhisorherlegalresidence
withinthestate,thevotershouldreturntheformwithin
30daysafterthedateonwhichthenoticewassentto
thevoter.
(b)Ifthevoterhaschangedhisorherlegal
residencetoalocationoutsidethestate:
1.Thevotershallreturntheform,whichservesas
arequesttoberemovedfromtheregistrationbooks;
and
2.Thevotershallbeprovidedwithinformationon
howtoregisterinthenewjurisdictioninordertobe
eligibletovote.
F.S.2014 REGISTRATIONOFFICE,OFFICERS,ANDPROCEDURES Ch.98
17
(c)Ifthereturnformisnotreturned,thevoter’s
nameshallbedesignatedasinactiveinthestatewide
voterregistrationsystem.
History.—s.7,ch.2008-95.
98.075Registrationrecordsmaintenanceactiv-
ities;ineligibilitydeterminations.—
(1)MAINTENANCEOFRECORDS.—Thedepart-
mentshallprotecttheintegrityoftheelectoralprocess
byensuringthemaintenanceofaccurateandcurrent
voterregistrationrecords.Listmaintenanceactivities
mustbeuniform,nondiscriminatory,andincompliance
withtheVotingRightsActof1965,theNationalVoter
RegistrationActof1993,andtheHelpAmericaVoteAct
of2002.Thedepartmentmayadoptbyruleuniform
standardsandprocedurestointerpretandadminister
thissection.
(2)DUPLICATEREGISTRATION.—Thedepart-
mentshallidentifythosevoterswhoareregistered
morethanonceorthoseapplicantswhoseregistration
applicationswouldresultinduplicateregistrations.The
mostrecentapplicationshallbedeemedanupdateto
thevoterregistrationrecord.
(3)DECEASEDPERSONS.—
(a)1.Thedepartmentshallidentifythoseregistered
voterswhoaredeceasedbycomparinginformation
receivedfromeither:
a.TheDepartmentofHealthasprovidedins.
98.093;or
b.TheUnitedStatesSocialSecurityAdministra-
tion,including,butnotlimitedto,anymasterdeathfileor
indexcompiledbytheUnitedStatesSocialSecurity
Administration.
2.Within7daysafterreceiptofsuchinformation
throughthestatewidevoterregistrationsystem,the
supervisorshallremovethenameoftheregistered
voter.
(b)Thesupervisorshallremovethenameofa
deceasedregisteredvoterfromthestatewidevoter
registrationsystemuponreceiptofacopyofadeath
certificateissuedbyagovernmentalagencyauthorized
toissuedeathcertificates.
(4)ADJUDICATIONOFMENTALINCAPACITY.
Thedepartmentshallidentifythoseregisteredvoters
whohavebeenadjudicatedmentallyincapacitatedwith
respecttovotingandwhohavenothadtheirvoting
rightsrestoredbycomparinginformationreceivedfrom
theclerkofthecircuitcourtasprovidedins.98.093.The
departmentshallreviewsuchinformationandmakean
initialdeterminationastowhethertheinformationis
credibleandreliable.Ifthedepartmentdeterminesthat
theinformationiscredibleandreliable,thedepartment
shallnotifythesupervisorandprovideacopyofthe
supportingdocumentationindicatingthepotentialin-
eligibilityofthevotertoberegistered.Uponreceiptof
thenoticethatthedepartmenthasmadeadetermina-
tionofinitialcredibilityandreliability,thesupervisor
shalladheretotheproceduressetforthinsubsection(7)
priortotheremovalofaregisteredvoterfromthe
statewidevoterregistrationsystem.
(5)FELONYCONVICTION.—Thedepartmentshall
identifythoseregisteredvoterswhohavebeencon-
victedofafelonyandwhoserightshavenotbeen
restoredbycomparinginformationreceivedfrom,but
notlimitedto,aclerkofthecircuitcourt,theBoardof
ExecutiveClemency,theDepartmentofCorrections,
theDepartmentofLawEnforcement,oraUnitedStates
Attorney’sOffice,asprovidedins.98.093.Thedepart-
mentshallreviewsuchinformationandmakeaninitial
determinationastowhethertheinformationiscredible
andreliable.Ifthedepartmentdeterminesthatthe
informationiscredibleandreliable,thedepartmentshall
notifythesupervisorandprovideacopyofthe
supportingdocumentationindicatingthepotentialin-
eligibilityofthevotertoberegistered.Uponreceiptof
thenoticethatthedepartmenthasmadeadetermina-
tionofinitialcredibilityandreliability,thesupervisor
shalladheretotheproceduressetforthinsubsection(7)
priortotheremovalofaregisteredvoter’snamefrom
thestatewidevoterregistrationsystem.
(6)OTHERBASESFORINELIGIBILITY.—Ifthe
departmentorsupervisorreceivesinformationfrom
sourcesotherthanthoseidentifiedinsubsections(2)-
(5)thataregisteredvoterisineligiblebecauseheorshe
isdeceased,adjudicatedaconvictedfelonwithout
havinghadhisorhercivilrightsrestored,adjudicated
mentallyincapacitatedwithouthavinghadhisorher
votingrightsrestored,doesnotmeettheagerequire-
mentpursuanttos.97.041,isnotaUnitedStates
citizen,isafictitiousperson,orhaslistedaresidence
thatisnothisorherlegalresidence,thesupervisormust
adheretotheproceduressetforthinsubsection(7)prior
totheremovalofaregisteredvoter’snamefromthe
statewidevoterregistrationsystem.
(7)PROCEDURESFORREMOVAL.—
(a)Ifthesupervisorreceivesnoticeorinformation
pursuanttosubsections(4)-(6),thesupervisorofthe
countyinwhichthevoterisregisteredshall:
1.Notifytheregisteredvoterofhisorherpotential
ineligibilitybymailwithin7daysafterreceiptofnoticeor
information.Thenoticeshallinclude:
a.Astatementofthebasisfortheregistered
voter’spotentialineligibilityandacopyofanydocu-
mentationuponwhichthepotentialineligibilityisbased.
b.Astatementthatfailuretorespondwithin30
daysafterreceiptofthenoticemayresultina
determinationofineligibilityandinremovalofthe
registeredvoter’snamefromthestatewidevoter
registrationsystem.
c.Areturnformthatrequirestheregisteredvoterto
admitordenytheaccuracyoftheinformationunderlying
thepotentialineligibilityforpurposesofafinaldetermi-
nationbythesupervisor.
d.Astatementthat,ifthevoterisdenyingthe
accuracyoftheinformationunderlyingthepotential
ineligibility,thevoterhasarighttorequestahearingfor
thepurposeofdeterminingeligibility.
e.Instructionsfortheregisteredvotertocontact
thesupervisorofelectionsofthecountyinwhichthe
voterisregisteredifassistanceisneededinresolving
thematter.
f.Instructionsforseekingrestorationofcivilrights
followingafelonyconviction,ifapplicable.
2.Ifthemailednoticeisreturnedasundeliverable,
thesupervisorshallpublishnoticeonceinanewspaper
ofgeneralcirculationinthecountyinwhichthevoter
Ch.98 REGISTRATIONOFFICE,OFFICERS,ANDPROCEDURES F.S.2014
18
waslastregistered.Thenoticeshallcontainthe
following:
a.Thevoter’snameandaddress.
b.Astatementthatthevoterispotentiallyineligible
toberegisteredtovote.
c.Astatementthatfailuretorespondwithin30
daysafterthenoticeispublishedmayresultina
determinationofineligibilitybythesupervisorand
removaloftheregisteredvoter’snamefromthestate-
widevoterregistrationsystem.
d.Aninstructionforthevotertocontactthe
supervisornolaterthan30daysafterthedateofthe
publishednoticetoreceiveinformationregardingthe
basisforthepotentialineligibilityandtheprocedureto
resolvethematter.
e.Aninstructiontothevoterthat,iffurtherassis-
tanceisneeded,thevotershouldcontactthesupervisor
ofelectionsofthecountyinwhichthevoteris
registered.
3.Ifaregisteredvoterfailstorespondtoanotice
pursuanttosubparagraph1.orsubparagraph2.,the
supervisorshallmakeafinaldeterminationofthevoter’s
eligibility.Ifthesupervisordeterminesthatthevoteris
ineligible,thesupervisorshallremovethenameofthe
registeredvoterfromthestatewidevoterregistration
system.Thesupervisorshallnotifytheregisteredvoter
ofthesupervisor’sdeterminationandaction.
4.Ifaregisteredvoterrespondstothenotice
pursuanttosubparagraph1.orsubparagraph2.and
admitstheaccuracyoftheinformationunderlyingthe
potentialineligibility,thesupervisorshallmakeafinal
determinationofineligibilityandshallremovethevoter’s
namefromthestatewidevoterregistrationsystem.The
supervisorshallnotifytheregisteredvoterofthe
supervisor’sdeterminationandaction.
5.Ifaregisteredvoterrespondstothenotice
issuedpursuanttosubparagraph1.orsubparagraph
2.anddeniestheaccuracyoftheinformationunderlying
thepotentialineligibilitybutdoesnotrequestahearing,
thesupervisorshallreviewtheevidenceandmakea
finaldeterminationofeligibility.Ifsuchregisteredvoter
requestsahearing,thesupervisorshallsendnoticeto
theregisteredvotertoattendahearingatatimeand
placespecifiedinthenotice.Uponhearingallevidence
presentedatthehearing,thesupervisorshallmakea
determinationofeligibility.Ifthesupervisordetermines
thattheregisteredvoterisineligible,thesupervisorshall
removethevoter’snamefromthestatewidevoter
registrationsystemandnotifytheregisteredvoterof
thesupervisor’sdeterminationandaction.
(b)Thefollowingshallapplytothissubsection:
1.Alldeterminationsofeligibilityshallbebasedon
apreponderanceoftheevidence.
2.Allproceedingsareexemptfromtheprovisions
ofchapter120.
3.Anynoticeshallbesenttotheregisteredvoter
bycertifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested,orother
meansthatprovidesaverificationofreceiptorshallbe
publishedinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationwhere
thevoterwaslastregistered,whicheverisapplicable.
4.Thesupervisorshallremovethenameofany
registeredvoterfromthestatewidevoterregistration
systemonlyafterthesupervisormakesafinaldetermi-
nationthatthevoterisineligibletovote.
5.Anyvoterwhosenamehasbeenremovedfrom
thestatewidevoterregistrationsystempursuanttoa
determinationofineligibilitymayappealthatdetermina-
tionundertheprovisionsofs.98.0755.
6.Anyvoterwhosenamewasremovedfromthe
statewidevoterregistrationsystemonthebasisofa
determinationofineligibilitywhosubsequentlybecomes
eligibletovotemustreregisterinordertohavehisorher
namerestoredtothestatewidevoterregistration
system.
(8)CERTIFICATION.—
(a)NolaterthanJuly31andJanuary31ofeach
year,thesupervisorshallcertifytothedepartmentthe
activitiesconductedpursuanttothissectionduringthe
first6monthsandthesecond6monthsoftheyear,
respectively.Thecertificationshallincludethenumber
ofpersonstowhomnoticesweresentpursuantto
subsection(7),thenumberofpersonswhoresponded
tothenotices,thenumberofnoticesreturnedas
undeliverable,thenumberofnoticespublishedinthe
newspaper,thenumberofhearingsconducted,andthe
numberofpersonsremovedfromthestatewidevoter
registrationsystemsandthereasonsforsuchremovals.
(b)If,basedonthecertificationprovidedpursuantto
paragraph(a),thedepartmentdeterminesthatasuper-
visorhasnotsatisfiedtherequirementsofthissection,
thedepartmentshallsatisfytheappropriaterequire-
mentsforthatcounty.Failuretosatisfytherequire-
mentsofthissectionshallconstituteaviolationofs.
104.051.
History.—s.29,ch.94-224;s.1386,ch.95-147;s.20,ch.2005-278;s.9,ch.
2011-40.
98.0755Appealofdeterminationofineligibility.
Appealofthesupervisor’sdeterminationofineligibility
pursuanttos.98.075(7)maybetakentothecircuitcourt
inandforthecountywherethepersonwasregistered.
Noticeofappealmustbefiledwithinthetimeandinthe
mannerprovidedbytheFloridaRulesofAppellate
Procedureandactsassupersedeas.Trialinthecircuit
courtisdenovoandgovernedbytherulesofthatcourt.
Unlessthepersoncanshowthathisorhernamewas
erroneouslyorillegallyremovedfromthestatewide
voterregistrationsystem,orthatheorsheisindigent,
thepersonmustbearthecostsofthetrialinthecircuit
court.Otherwise,thecostoftheappealmustbepaidby
thesupervisorofelections.
History.—s.21,ch.2005-278.
98.077Updateofvotersignature.—
(1)Aregisteredvotermayupdatehisorher
signatureonfileinthestatewidevoterregistration
systematanytimeusingavoterregistrationapplication
submittedtoavoterregistrationofficial.
(2)Thedepartmentandsupervisorsofelections
shallincludeinanycorrespondence,otherthanpost-
cardnotificationsandnoticesrelatingtoeligibility,sent
toaregisteredvoterinformationregardingwhen,where,
andhowtoupdatethevoter’ssignatureandshall
providethevoterinformationonhowtoobtainavoter
registrationapplicationfromavoterregistrationofficial
whichcanbereturnedtoupdatethesignature.
F.S.2014 REGISTRATIONOFFICE,OFFICERS,ANDPROCEDURES Ch.98
19
(3)Atleastonceduringeachgeneralelectionyear,
thesupervisorshallpublishinanewspaperofgeneral
circulationorothernewspaperinthecountydeemed
appropriatebythesupervisoranoticespecifyingwhen,
where,orhowavotercanupdatehisorhersignature
thatisonfileandhowavotercanobtainavoter
registrationapplicationfromavoterregistrationofficial.
(4)Allsignatureupdatesforuseinverifyingabsen-
teeandprovisionalballotsmustbereceivedbythe
appropriatesupervisorofelectionsnolaterthanthe
startofthecanvassingofabsenteeballotsbythe
canvassingboard.Thesignatureonfileatthestartof
thecanvassoftheabsenteeballotsisthesignaturethat
shallbeusedinverifyingthesignatureontheabsentee
andprovisionalballotcertificates.
History.—s.8,ch.2002-189;s.10,ch.2005-277;s.22,ch.2005-278;s.8,ch.
2006-1.
98.081Namesremovedfromthestatewidevoter
registrationsystem;restrictionsonreregistering;
recordkeeping;restorationoferroneouslyorilleg-
allyremovednames.—
(1)Whenthenameofanyelectorisremovedfrom
thestatewidevoterregistrationsystempursuanttos.
98.065ors.98.075,theelector’soriginalregistration
applicationshallberetainedbythesupervisorof
electionshavingcustodyoftheapplication.Asalter-
natives,registrationsremovedfromthestatewidevoter
registrationsystemmaybemicrofilmedandsuch
microfilmssubstitutedfortheoriginalregistrationappli-
cations;or,whenvoterregistrationinformation,includ-
ingthevoter’ssignature,ismaintaineddigitallyoron
electronic,magnetic,oropticmedia,suchstored
informationmaybesubstitutedfortheoriginalregistra-
tionapplication.Suchmicrofilmsorstoredinformation
shallberetainedbythesupervisorofelectionshaving
custody.Intheeventtheoriginalregistrationapplica-
tionsaremicrofilmedormaintaineddigitallyoron
electronicorothermedia,suchoriginalsmaybe
destroyedinaccordancewiththescheduleapproved
bytheBureauofArchivesandRecordsManagementof
theDivisionofLibraryandInformationServicesofthe
department.
(2)Whenthenameofanyelectorhasbeen
erroneouslyorillegallyremovedfromthestatewide
voterregistrationsystem,thenameoftheelectorshall
berestoredbyavoterregistrationofficialuponsatis-
factoryproof,eventhoughtheregistrationperiodfor
thatelectionisclosed.
History.—s.8,ch.25391,1949;s.2,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.61-86;s.5,ch.
77-175;s.1,ch.78-102;s.14,ch.79-365;s.8,ch.80-292;s.45,ch.81-259;s.18,
ch.81-304;s.7,ch.82-143;s.3,ch.90-315;s.30,ch.94-224;s.1387,ch.95-147;
s.23,ch.2005-278;s.6,ch.2005-286.
Note.—Formers.97.08.
98.093Dutyofofficialstofurnishinformation
relatingtodeceasedpersons,personsadjudicated
mentallyincapacitated,andpersonsconvictedofa
felony.—
(1)Inordertoidentifyineligibleregisteredvoters
andmaintainaccurateandcurrentvoterregistration
recordsinthestatewidevoterregistrationsystem
pursuanttoproceduresins.98.065ors.98.075,itis
necessaryforthedepartmentandsupervisorsof
electionstoreceiveoraccesscertaininformationfrom
stateandfederalofficialsandentitiesintheformat
prescribed.
(2)Tothemaximumextentfeasible,stateandlocal
governmentagenciesshallfacilitateprovisionofinfor-
mationandaccesstodatatothedepartment,including,
butnotlimitedto,databasesthatcontainreliable
criminalrecordsandrecordsofdeceasedpersons.
Stateandlocalgovernmentagenciesthatprovidesuch
datashalldosowithoutchargeifthedirectcostincurred
bythoseagenciesisnotsignificant.
(a)TheDepartmentofHealthshallfurnishmonthly
tothedepartmentalistcontainingthename,address,
dateofbirth,dateofdeath,socialsecuritynumber,race,
andsexofeachdeceasedperson17yearsofageor
older.
(b)Eachclerkofthecircuitcourtshallfurnish
monthlytothedepartmentalistofthosepersonswho
havebeenadjudicatedmentallyincapacitatedwith
respecttovotingduringtheprecedingcalendar
month,alistofthosepersonswhosementalcapacity
withrespecttovotinghasbeenrestoredduringthe
precedingcalendarmonth,andalistofthosepersons
whohavereturnedsignedjurynoticesduringthe
precedingmonthstotheclerkofthecircuitcourt
indicatingachangeofaddress.Eachlistshallinclude
thename,address,dateofbirth,race,sex,and,
whicheverisavailable,theFloridadriverlicensenum-
ber,Floridaidentificationcardnumber,orsocialsecurity
numberofeachsuchperson.
(c)UponreceiptofinformationfromtheUnited
StatesAttorney,listingpersonsconvictedofafelony
infederalcourt,thedepartmentshallusesuchinforma-
tiontoidentifyregisteredvotersorapplicantsforvoter
registrationwhomaybepotentiallyineligiblebasedon
informationprovidedinaccordancewiths.98.075.
(d)TheDepartmentofLawEnforcementshall
identifythosepersonswhohavebeenconvictedofa
felonywhoappearinthevoterregistrationrecords
suppliedbythestatewidevoterregistrationsystem,ina
timeandmannerthatenablesthedepartmenttomeet
itsobligationsunderstateandfederallaw.
(e)TheFloridaCommissiononOffenderReview
shallfurnishatleastbimonthlytothedepartmentdata,
includingtheidentityofthosepersonsgrantedclem-
encyintheprecedingmonthoranyupdatestoprior
recordswhichhaveoccurredintheprecedingmonth.
Thedatashallcontainthecommission’scasenumber
andtheperson’sname,address,dateofbirth,race,
gender,Floridadriverlicensenumber,Floridaidentifi-
cationcardnumber,orthelastfourdigitsofthesocial
securitynumber,ifavailable,andreferencestorecord
identifiersassignedbytheDepartmentofCorrections
andtheDepartmentofLawEnforcement,aunique
identifierofeachclemencycase,andtheeffectivedate
ofclemencyofeachperson.
(f)TheDepartmentofCorrectionsshallidentify
thosepersonswhohavebeenconvictedofafelonyand
committedtoitscustodyorplacedoncommunity
supervision.Theinformationmustbeprovidedtothe
departmentatatimeandinamannerthatenablesthe
departmenttoidentifyregisteredvoterswhoarecon-
victedfelonsandtomeetitsobligationsunderstateand
federallaw.
Ch.98 REGISTRATIONOFFICE,OFFICERS,ANDPROCEDURES F.S.2014
20
(g)TheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotor
Vehiclesshallfurnishmonthlytothedepartmentalistof
thosepersonswhosenameshavebeenremovedfrom
thedriverlicensedatabasebecausetheyhavebeen
licensedinanotherstate.Thelistshallcontainthe
name,address,dateofbirth,sex,socialsecurity
number,anddriverlicensenumberofeachsuch
person.
(3)Thissectiondoesnotlimitorrestrictthesuper-
visorinhisorherdutytoremovethenamesofpersons
fromthestatewidevoterregistrationsystempursuantto
s.98.075(7)baseduponinformationreceivedfrom
othersources.
History.—s.3,ch.14730,1931;CGL1936Supp.302(1);s.10,ch.24203,1947;
s.11,ch.25035,1949;s.2,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.29917;s.9,ch.29934,1955;
s.33,ch.73-333;s.27,ch.77-147;s.5,ch.77-175;s.32,ch.94-224;s.1388,ch.
95-147;s.7,ch.99-8;s.24,ch.2005-278;s.10,ch.2011-40;s.4,ch.2012-5;s.6,
ch.2014-191.
Note.—Formers.98.41;s.98.301.
98.0981Reports;votinghistory;statewidevoter
registrationsysteminformation;precinct-level
electionresults;bookclosingstatistics.—
(1)VOTINGHISTORYANDSTATEWIDEVOTER
REGISTRATIONSYSTEMINFORMATION.—
(a)Within30daysaftercertificationbytheElections
CanvassingCommissionofapresidentialpreference
primary,specialelection,primaryelection,orgeneral
election,supervisorsofelectionsshalltransmittothe
department,inauniformelectronicformatspecifiedin
paragraph(d),completelyupdatedvotinghistoryin-
formationforeachqualifiedvoterwhovoted.
(b)Afterreceiptoftheinformationinparagraph(a),
thedepartmentshallprepareareportinelectronic
formatwhichcontainsthefollowinginformation,sepa-
ratelycompiledfortheprimaryandgeneralelectionfor
allvotersqualifiedtovoteineitherelection:
1.Theuniqueidentifierassignedtoeachqualified
voterwithinthestatewidevoterregistrationsystem;
2.Allinformationprovidedbyeachqualifiedvoter
onhisorhervoterregistrationapplicationpursuanttos.
97.052(2),exceptthatwhichisconfidentialorexempt
frompublicrecordsrequirements;
3.Eachqualifiedvoter’sdateofregistration;
4.Eachqualifiedvoter’scurrentstaterepresenta-
tivedistrict,statesenatorialdistrict,andcongressional
district,assignedbythesupervisorofelections;
5.Eachqualifiedvoter’scurrentprecinct;and
6.Votinghistoryastransmittedunderparagraph
(a)toincludewhetherthequalifiedvotervotedata
precinctlocation,votedduringtheearlyvotingperiod,
votedbyabsenteeballot,attemptedtovotebyabsentee
ballotthatwasnotcounted,attemptedtovoteby
provisionalballotthatwasnotcounted,ordidnotvote.
(c)Within45daysaftercertificationbytheElections
CanvassingCommissionofapresidentialpreference
primary,specialelection,primaryelection,orgeneral
election,thedepartmentshallsendtothePresidentof
theSenate,theSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresenta-
tives,theSenateMinorityLeader,andtheHouse
MinorityLeaderareportinelectronicformatthat
includesallinformationsetforthinparagraph(b).
(d)Filespecificationsareasfollows:
1.Thefileshallcontainrecordsdesignatedbythe
categoriesbelowforallqualifiedvoterswho,regardless
ofthevoter’scountyofresidenceoractiveorinactive
registrationstatusatthebookclosingforthecorre-
spondingelectionthatthefileisbeingcreatedfor:
a.Votedaregularballotataprecinctlocation.
b.Votedataprecinctlocationusingaprovisional
ballotthatwassubsequentlycounted.
c.Votedaregularballotduringtheearlyvoting
period.
d.Votedduringtheearlyvotingperiodusinga
provisionalballotthatwassubsequentlycounted.
e.Votedbyabsenteeballot.
f.Attemptedtovotebyabsenteeballot,butthe
ballotwasnotcounted.
g.Attemptedtovotebyprovisionalballot,butthe
ballotwasnotcountedinthatelection.
2.Eachfileshallbecreatedorconvertedintoatab-
delimitedformat.
3.Filenamesshalladheretothefollowingcon-
vention:
a.Three-charactercountyidentifierasestablished
bythedepartmentfollowedbyanunderscore.
b.Followedbyfour-characterfiletypeidentifierof
‘VH03’followedbyanunderscore.
c.FollowedbyFVRSelectionIDfollowedbyan
underscore.
d.FollowedbyDateCreatedfollowedbyanunder-
score.
e.DateformatisYYYYMMDD.
f.FollowedbyTimeCreated-HHMMSS.
g.Followedby“.txt”.
4.Eachrecordshallcontainthefollowingcolumns:
RecordIdentifier,FVRSVoterIDNumber,FVRS
ElectionIDNumber,VoteDate,VoteHistoryCode,
Precinct,CongressionalDistrict,HouseDistrict,Senate
District,CountyCommissionDistrict,andSchoolBoard
District.
(e)Eachsupervisorofelectionsshallreconcile,
beforesubmission,theaggregatetotalofballotscast
ineachprecinctasreportedintheprecinct-levelelection
resultstotheaggregatetotalnumberofvoterswithvoter
historyfortheelectionforeachdistrict.
(f)Eachsupervisorofelectionsshallsubmitthe
resultsofthedatareconciliationasdescribedin
paragraph(e)tothedepartmentinanelectronicformat
andgiveawrittenexplanationforanyprecinctswhere
thereconciliationasdescribedinparagraph(e)results
inadiscrepancybetweenthevoterhistoryandthe
electionresults.
(2)PRECINCT-LEVELELECTIONRESULTS.—
(a)Within30daysaftercertificationbytheElections
CanvassingCommissionofapresidentialpreference
primaryelection,specialelection,primaryelection,or
generalelection,thesupervisorsofelectionsshall
collectandsubmittothedepartmentprecinct-level
electionresultsfortheelectioninauniformelectronic
formatspecifiedbyparagraph(c).Theprecinct-level
electionresultsshallbecompiledseparatelyforthe
primaryorspecialprimaryelectionthatprecededthe
generalorspecialgeneralelection,respectively.The
resultsshallspecificallyincludeforeachprecinctthe
totalofallballotscastforeachcandidateornomineeto
fillanational,state,county,ordistrictofficeorproposed
constitutionalamendment,withsubtotalsforeach
F.S.2014 REGISTRATIONOFFICE,OFFICERS,ANDPROCEDURES Ch.98
21
candidateandballottype,unlessfewerthan10voters
votedaballottype.“Allballotscast”meansballotscast
byvoterswhocastaballotwhetherataprecinct
location,byabsenteeballotincludingoverseasabsen-
teeballots,duringtheearlyvotingperiod,orby
provisionalballot.
(b)Thedepartmentshallmakesuchinformation
availableonasearchable,sortable,anddownloadable
databaseviaitswebsitethatalsoincludesthefilelayout
andcodes.Thedatabaseshallbesearchableand
sortablebycounty,precinct,andcandidate.The
databaseshallbedownloadableinatab-delimited
format.Thedatabaseshallbeavailablefordownload
county-by-countyandalsoasastatewidefile.Such
reportshallalsobemadeavailableuponrequest.
(c)Thefilescontainingtheprecinct-levelelection
resultsshallbecreatedinaccordancewiththeapplic-
ablefilespecification:
1.Theprecinct-levelresultsfileshallbecreatedor
convertedintoatab-delimitedtextfile.
2.Therowimmediatelybeforethefirstdatarecord
shallcontainthecolumnnamesofthedataelements
thatmakeupthedatarecords.Thereshallbeone
headerrecordfollowedbymultipledatarecords.
3.Thedatarecordsshallincludethefollowing
columns:CountyName,ElectionNumber,Election
Date,UniquePrecinctIdentifier,PrecinctPollingLoca-
tion,TotalRegisteredVoters,TotalRegisteredRepub-
licans,TotalRegisteredDemocrats,TotalRegistered
AllOtherParties,ContestName,Candidate/Retention/
IssueName,CandidateFloridaVoterRegistration
SystemIDNumber,DivisionofElectionsUnique
CandidateIdentifyingNumber,CandidateParty,Dis-
trict,UndervoteTotal,OvervoteTotal,Write-inTotal,
andVoteTotal.
(3)PRECINCT-LEVELBOOKCLOSINGSTATIS-
TICS.—Afterthedateofbookclosingbutbeforethe
dateofanelectionasdefinedins.97.021tofilla
national,state,county,ordistrictoffice,ortovoteona
proposedconstitutionalamendment,thedepartment
shallcompilethefollowingprecinct-levelstatisticaldata
foreachcounty:
(a)Precinctnumbers.
(b)Totalnumberofactiveregisteredvotersbyparty
foreachprecinct.
(4)REPORTSPUBLICLYAVAILABLE.—Thede-
partmentshallalsomakepubliclyavailablethereports
andresultsrequiredinsubsections(1)-(3).
(5)RULEMAKING.—Thedepartmentshalladopt
rulesandprescribeformstocarryoutthepurposesof
thissection.
History.—s.25,ch.2005-278;s.8,ch.2008-95;s.3,ch.2010-167;s.11,ch.
2011-40.
98.212Departmentandsupervisorstofurnish
statisticalandotherinformation.—
(1)(a)Uponwrittenrequest,thedepartmentandany
supervisoroftherespectivecountiesshall,aspromptly
aspossible,furnishtorecognizedpublicorprivate
universitiesandseniorcollegeswithinthestate,tostate
orcountygovernmentalagencies,andtorecognized
politicalpartycommitteesstatisticalinformationforthe
purposeofanalyzingelectionreturnsandresults.
(b)Thedepartmentandanysupervisormayrequire
reimbursementforanypartoralloftheactualexpenses
ofsupplyinganyinformationrequestedunderpara-
graph(a).Forthepurposesofthissubsection,the
departmentandsupervisorsmayusetheservicesof
anyresearchandstatisticalpersonnelthatmaybe
supplied.
(c)Listsofnamessubmittedtothedepartmentand
anysupervisoroftherespectivecountiesforindication
ofregistrationornonregistrationorofpartyaffiliation
shallbeprocessedatanytimeatcost,exceptthatinno
caseshallthechargeexceed10centsforeachnameon
whichtheinformationisfurnished.
(2)Thesupervisorsshallprovideinformationas
requestedbythedepartmentforprogramevaluation
andreportingtotheElectionAssistanceCommission
pursuanttofederallaw.
History.—s.2,ch.57-810;s.5,ch.77-175;s.26,ch.79-400;s.34,ch.94-224;
s.40,ch.97-13;s.11,ch.2003-415;s.26,ch.2005-278.
98.255Votereducationprograms.—
(1)TheDepartmentofStateshalladoptrules
prescribingminimumstandardsfornonpartisanvoter
education.Thestandardsshall,ataminimum,address:
(a)Voterregistration;
(b)Ballotingprocedures,absenteeandpolling
place;
(c)Voterrightsandresponsibilities;
(d)Distributionofsampleballots;and
(e)Publicserviceannouncements.
(2)Eachcountysupervisorshallimplementthe
minimumvotereducationstandards,andshallconduct
additionalnonpartisaneducationeffortsasnecessaryto
ensurethatvotershaveaworkingknowledgeofthe
votingprocess.
(3)ByDecember15ofeachgeneralelectionyear,
eachsupervisorofelectionsshallreporttotheDepart-
mentofStateadetaileddescriptionofthevoter
educationprogramsimplementedandanyotherinfor-
mationthatmaybeusefulinevaluatingtheeffective-
nessofvotereducationefforts.Thedepartmentshall
reexaminetherulesadoptedpursuanttosubsection(1)
andusethefindingsinthesereportsasabasisfor
modifyingtherulestoincorporatesuccessfulvoter
educationprogramsandtechniques,asnecessary.
History.—s.9,ch.80-292;s.1,ch.83-16;s.530,ch.95-147;s.59,ch.2001-40;
s.35,ch.2010-102.
98.461Registrationapplication,precinctregis-
ter;contents.—
(1)Aregistrationapplication,approvedbythe
DepartmentofState,containingtheinformationre-
quiredins.97.052shallberetainedbythesupervisorof
electionsofthecountyoftheapplicant’sregistration.
However,theregistrationapplicationmaybemicro-
filmedandsuchmicrofilmsubstitutedfortheoriginal
registrationapplication;or,whenvoterregistration
information,includingthevoter’ssignature,ismain-
taineddigitallyoronelectronic,magnetic,oroptic
media,suchstoredinformationmaybesubstitutedfor
theoriginalregistrationapplication.Suchmicrofilmsor
storedinformationshallberetainedinthecustodyofthe
supervisorofelectionsofthecountyoftheapplicant’s
registration.Intheeventtheoriginalregistration
Ch.98 REGISTRATIONOFFICE,OFFICERS,ANDPROCEDURES F.S.2014
22
applicationsaremicrofilmedormaintaineddigitallyoron
electronicorothermedia,suchoriginalsmaybe
destroyedinaccordancewiththescheduleapproved
bytheBureauofArchivesandRecordsManagementof
theDivisionofLibraryandInformationServicesofthe
DepartmentofState.
(2)Acomputerprintoutorelectronicdatabaseshall
beusedatthepollsasaprecinctregister.Theprecinct
registershallcontainthedateoftheelection,the
precinctnumber,andthefollowinginformationconcern-
ingeachregisteredelector:lastname,firstname,
middlenameorinitial,andsuffix;partyaffiliation;
residenceaddress;registrationnumber;dateofbirth;
sex,ifprovided;race,ifprovided;whetherthevoter
needsassistanceinvoting;andsuchotheradditional
informationastoreadilyidentifytheelector.The
precinctregistershallalsocontainaspaceforthe
elector’ssignatureandaspacefortheinitialsofthe
witnessingclerkorinspectororanelectronicdevice
maybeprovidedforthispurpose.
History.—s.1,ch.77-267;s.1,ch.86-200;s.6,ch.90-315;s.36,ch.94-224;s.
30,ch.97-13;s.9,ch.98-129;s.12,ch.2003-415;s.27,ch.2005-278.
F.S.2014 REGISTRATIONOFFICE,OFFICERS,ANDPROCEDURES Ch.98
23
CHAPTER99
CANDIDATES
99.012 Restrictionsonindividualsqualifyingfor
publicoffice.
99.021Formofcandidateoath.
99.061 Methodofqualifyingfornominationor
electiontofederal,state,county,or
districtoffice.
99.0615Write-incandidateresidencyrequirements.
99.063CandidatesforGovernorandLieutenant
Governor.
99.081UnitedStatesSenatorselectedingeneral
election.
99.091RepresentativestoCongress.
99.092Qualifyingfeeofcandidate;notificationof
DepartmentofState.
99.093 Municipalcandidates;electionassess-
ment.
99.095Petitionprocessinlieuofaqualifyingfee
andpartyassessment.
99.0955Candidateswithnopartyaffiliation;name
ongeneralelectionballot.
99.096Minorpoliticalpartycandidates;nameson
ballot.
99.09651Signaturerequirementsforballotpositionin
yearofapportionment.
99.097Verificationofsignaturesonpetitions.
99.103DepartmentofStatetoremitpartoffiling
feesandpartyassessmentsofcandi-
datestostateexecutivecommittee.
99.121DepartmentofStatetocertifynominations
tosupervisorsofelections.
99.012Restrictionsonindividualsqualifyingfor
publicoffice.—
(1)Asusedinthissection:
(a)“Officer”meansaperson,whetherelectedor
appointed,whohastheauthoritytoexercisethe
sovereignpowerofthestatepertainingtoanoffice
recognizedundertheStateConstitutionorlawsofthe
state.Withrespecttoamunicipality,theterm“officer”
meansaperson,whetherelectedorappointed,whohas
theauthoritytoexercisemunicipalpowerasprovidedby
theStateConstitution,statelaws,ormunicipalcharter.
(b)“Subordinateofficer”meansapersonwhohas
beendelegatedtheauthoritytoexercisethesovereign
powerofthestatebyanofficer.Withrespecttoa
municipality,subordinateofficermeansapersonwho
hasbeendelegatedtheauthoritytoexercisemunicipal
powerbyanofficer.
(2)Nopersonmayqualifyasacandidateformore
thanonepublicoffice,whetherfederal,state,district,
county,ormunicipal,ifthetermsoranypartthereofrun
concurrentlywitheachother.
(3)(a)Noofficermayqualifyasacandidatefor
anotherstate,district,county,ormunicipalpublicoffice
ifthetermsoranypartthereofrunconcurrentlywith
eachotherwithoutresigningfromtheofficeheorshe
presentlyholds.
(b)Theresignationisirrevocable.
(c)Thewrittenresignationmustbesubmittedat
least10dayspriortothefirstdayofqualifyingforthe
officeheorsheintendstoseek.
(d)Theresignationmustbeeffectivenolaterthan
theearlierofthefollowingdates:
1.Thedatetheofficerwouldtakeoffice,ifelected;
or
2.Thedatetheofficer’ssuccessorisrequiredto
takeoffice.
(e)1.Anelecteddistrict,county,ormunicipalofficer
mustsubmithisorherresignationtotheofficerbefore
whomheorshequalifiedfortheofficeheorsheholds,
withacopytotheGovernorandtheDepartmentof
State.
2.Anappointeddistrict,county,ormunicipalofficer
mustsubmithisorherresignationtotheofficeror
authoritywhichappointedhimorhertotheofficeheor
sheholds,withacopytotheGovernorandthe
DepartmentofState.
3.Allotherofficersmustsubmittheirresignations
totheGovernorwithacopytotheDepartmentofState.
(f)1.Withregardtoanelectiveoffice,theresignation
createsavacancyinofficetobefilledbyelection.
Personsmayqualifyascandidatesfornominationand
electionasifthepublicofficer’stermwereotherwise
scheduledtoexpire.
2.Withregardtoanelectivechartercountyoffice
orelectivemunicipaloffice,thevacancycreatedbythe
officer’sresignationmaybefilledforthatportionofthe
officer’sunexpiredterminamannerprovidedbythe
respectivecharter.Theofficeisdeemedvacantupon
theeffectivedateoftheresignationsubmittedbythe
officialinhisorherletterofresignation.
(g)Anyofficerwhosubmitshisorherresignation,
effectiveimmediatelyoreffectiveonadatepriortothe
dateofhisorherqualifyingforoffice,maythenqualify
forofficeasanonofficeholder,andtheprovisionsofthis
subsectiondonotapply.
(4)Apersonwhoisasubordinateofficer,deputy
sheriff,orpoliceofficermustresigneffectiveupon
qualifyingpursuanttothischapterifthepersonis
seekingtoqualifyforapublicofficethatiscurrently
heldbyanofficerwhohasauthoritytoappoint,employ,
promote,orotherwisesupervisethatpersonandwho
hasqualifiedasacandidateforreelectiontothatoffice.
(5)Ifanorderofacourtthathasbecomefinal
determinesthatapersondidnotcomplywiththis
section,thepersonshallnotbequalifiedasacandidate
forelectionandhisorhernamemaynotappearonthe
ballot.
(6)Thissectiondoesnotapplyto:
(a)Politicalpartyoffices.
(b)Personsservingwithoutsalaryasmembersof
anappointiveboardorauthority.
(7)Nothingcontainedinsubsection(3)relatesto
personsholdinganyfederalofficeorseekingtheoffice
ofPresidentorVicePresident.
History.—s.1,ch.63-269;s.2,ch.65-378;s.1,ch.70-80;s.10,ch.71-373;s.
1,ch.74-76;s.3,ch.75-196;s.1,ch.79-391;s.47,ch.81-259;s.1,ch.83-15;s.
Ch.99 CANDIDATES F.S.2014
24
28,ch.84-302;s.31,ch.91-107;s.534,ch.95-147;s.1,ch.99-146;s.1,ch.
2000-274;s.14,ch.2007-30;s.14,ch.2008-4;s.9,ch.2008-95;s.12,ch.2011-40.
99.021Formofcandidateoath.—
(1)(a)1.Eachcandidate,whetherapartycandidate,
acandidatewithnopartyaffiliation,orawrite-in
candidate,inordertoqualifyfornominationorelection
toanyofficeotherthanajudicialofficeasdefinedin
chapter105orafederaloffice,shalltakeandsubscribe
toanoathoraffirmationinwriting.Acopyoftheoathor
affirmationshallbemadeavailabletothecandidateby
theofficerbeforewhomsuchcandidateseekstoqualify
andshallbesubstantiallyinthefollowingform:
StateofFlorida
Countyof__
Beforeme,anofficerauthorizedtoadministeroaths,
personallyappeared (pleaseprintnameasyouwishittoappearonthe
ballot),tomewellknown,who,beingsworn,saysthathe
orsheisacandidatefortheofficeof __;thatheorshe
isaqualifiedelectorof __County,Florida;thatheor
sheisqualifiedundertheConstitutionandthelawsof
Floridatoholdtheofficetowhichheorshedesirestobe
nominatedorelected;thatheorshehasqualifiedforno
otherpublicofficeinthestate,thetermofwhichofficeor
anypartthereofrunsconcurrentwiththatoftheofficehe
orsheseeks;thatheorshehasresignedfromanyoffice
fromwhichheorsheisrequiredtoresignpursuanttos.
99.012,FloridaStatutes;andthatheorshewillsupport
theConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesandtheConstitu-
tionoftheStateofFlorida.
(Signatureofcandidate)
(Address)
Sworntoandsubscribedbeforemethis __dayof
__,(year),at __County,Florida.
(Signatureandtitleofofficeradministeringoath)
2.Eachcandidateforfederaloffice,whethera
partycandidate,acandidatewithnopartyaffiliation,ora
write-incandidate,inordertoqualifyfornominationor
electiontoofficeshalltakeandsubscribetoanoathor
affirmationinwriting.Acopyoftheoathoraffirmation
shallbemadeavailabletothecandidatebytheofficer
beforewhomsuchcandidateseekstoqualifyandshall
besubstantiallyinthefollowingform:
StateofFlorida
Countyof __
Beforeme,anofficerauthorizedtoadministeroaths,
personallyappeared (pleaseprintnameasyouwishittoappearonthe
ballot),tomewellknown,who,beingsworn,saysthathe
orsheisacandidatefortheofficeof __;thatheorshe
isqualifiedundertheConstitutionandlawsoftheUnited
Statestoholdtheofficetowhichheorshedesirestobe
nominatedorelected;thatheorshehasqualifiedforno
otherpublicofficeinthestate,thetermofwhichofficeor
anypartthereofrunsconcurrentwiththatoftheofficehe
orsheseeks;andthatheorshewillsupportthe
ConstitutionoftheUnitedStates.
(Signatureofcandidate)
(Address)
Sworntoandsubscribedbeforemethis __dayof
__,(year),at __County,Florida.
(Signatureandtitleofofficeradministeringoath)
(b)Inaddition,anypersonseekingtoqualifyfor
nominationasacandidateofanypoliticalpartyshall,at
thetimeofsubscribingtotheoathoraffirmation,statein
writing:
1.Thepartyofwhichthepersonisamember.
2.Thatthepersonhasnotbeenaregistered
memberofanyotherpoliticalpartyfor365daysbefore
thebeginningofqualifyingprecedingthegeneral
electionforwhichthepersonseekstoqualify.
3.Thatthepersonhaspaidtheassessmentlevied
againsthimorher,ifany,asacandidateforsaidoffice
bytheexecutivecommitteeofthepartyofwhichheor
sheisamember.
(c)Theofficerbeforewhomsuchpersonqualifies
shallcertifythenameofsuchpersontothesupervisorof
electionsineachcountyaffectedbysuchcandidacyso
thatthenameofsuchpersonmaybeprintedonthe
ballot.Eachpersonseekingelectionasawrite-in
candidateshallsubscribetotheoathprescribedin
thissectioninordertobeentitledtohavewrite-inballots
castforhimorhercounted.
(2)Theprovisionsofsubsection(1)relatingtothe
oathrequiredofcandidates,andtheformofoath
prescribed,shallapplywithequalforceandeffectto,
andshallbetheoathrequiredof,acandidatefor
electiontoapoliticalpartyexecutivecommitteeoffice,
asprovidedbylaw.Therequirementssetforthinthis
sectionshallalsoapplytoanypersonfillingavacancy
onapoliticalpartyexecutivecommittee.
(3)Thissectiondoesnotapplytoapersonwho
seekstoqualifyforelectionpursuanttoss.103.021and
103.101.
History.—ss.22,23,ch.6469,1913;RGS326,327;CGL383,384;s.3,ch.
19663,1939;s.3,ch.26870,1951;s.10,ch.28156,1953;s.1,ch.57-742;s.1,ch.
61-128;s.2,ch.63-269;s.1,ch.63-66;s.1,ch.65-376;s.1,ch.67-149;s.2,ch.
70-269;s.19,ch.71-355;s.6,ch.77-175;s.3,ch.79-365;s.27,ch.79-400;s.2,
ch.81-105;s.3,ch.86-134;s.535,ch.95-147;s.7,ch.99-6;s.8,ch.99-318;s.15,
ch.2007-30;s.10,ch.2008-95;s.13,ch.2011-40.
Note.—Formerss.102.29,102.30.
99.061Methodofqualifyingfornominationor
electiontofederal,state,county,ordistrictoffice.
(1)Theprovisionsofanyspecialacttothecontrary
notwithstanding,eachpersonseekingtoqualifyfor
nominationorelectiontoafederal,state,ormulticounty
districtoffice,otherthanelectiontoajudicialofficeas
definedinchapter105ortheofficeofschoolboard
member,shallfilehisorherqualificationpaperswith,
andpaythequalifyingfee,whichshallconsistofthe
filingfeeandelectionassessment,andpartyassess-
ment,ifanyhasbeenlevied,to,theDepartmentof
State,orqualifybythepetitionprocesspursuanttos.
99.095withtheDepartmentofState,atanytimeafter
noonofthe1stdayforqualifying,whichshallbeas
follows:the120thdaypriortotheprimaryelection,but
notlaterthannoonofthe116thdaypriortothedateof
theprimaryelection,forpersonsseekingtoqualifyfor
nominationorelectiontofederalofficeortotheofficeof
thestateattorneyorthepublicdefender;andnoonof
the71stdaypriortotheprimaryelection,butnotlater
thannoonofthe67thdaypriortothedateoftheprimary
election,forpersonsseekingtoqualifyfornominationor
electiontoastateormulticountydistrictoffice,other
F.S.2014 CANDIDATES Ch.99
25
thantheofficeofthestateattorneyorthepublic
defender.
(2)Theprovisionsofanyspecialacttothecontrary
notwithstanding,eachpersonseekingtoqualifyfor
nominationorelectiontoacountyoffice,ordistrictoffice
notcoveredbysubsection(1),shallfilehisorher
qualificationpaperswith,andpaythequalifyingfee,
whichshallconsistofthefilingfeeandelection
assessment,andpartyassessment,ifanyhasbeen
levied,to,thesupervisorofelectionsofthecounty,or
shallqualifybythepetitionprocesspursuanttos.
99.095withthesupervisorofelections,atanytimeafter
noonofthe1stdayforqualifying,whichshallbethe71st
daypriortotheprimaryelection,butnotlaterthannoon
ofthe67thdaypriortothedateoftheprimaryelection.
Within30daysaftertheclosingofqualifyingtime,the
supervisorofelectionsshallremittothesecretaryofthe
stateexecutivecommitteeofthepoliticalpartytowhich
thecandidatebelongstheamountofthefilingfee,two-
thirdsofwhichshallbeusedtopromotethecandidacy
ofcandidatesforcountyofficesandthecandidacyof
membersoftheLegislature.
(3)Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofanyspecialact
tothecontrary,eachpersonseekingtoqualifyfor
electiontoaspecialdistrictofficeshallqualifybetween
noonofthe71stdaypriortotheprimaryelectionand
noonofthe67thdaypriortothedateoftheprimary
election.Candidatesforsingle-countyspecialdistricts
shallqualifywiththesupervisorofelectionsinthe
countyinwhichthedistrictislocated.Ifthedistrictisa
multicountydistrict,candidatesshallqualifywiththe
DepartmentofState.Allspecialdistrictcandidatesshall
qualifybypayingafilingfeeof$25orqualifybythe
petitionprocesspursuanttos.99.095.Notwithstanding
s.106.021,acandidatewhodoesnotcollectcontribu-
tionsandwhoseonlyexpenseisthefilingfeeor
signatureverificationfeeisnotrequiredtoappointa
campaigntreasurerordesignateaprimarycampaign
depository.
(4)(a)Eachpersonseekingtoqualifyforelectionto
officeasawrite-incandidateshallfilehisorher
qualificationpaperswiththerespectivequalifyingofficer
atanytimeafternoonofthe1stdayforqualifying,but
notlaterthannoonofthelastdayofthequalifyingperiod
fortheofficesought.
(b)Anypersonwhoisseekingelectionasawrite-in
candidateshallnotberequiredtopayafilingfee,
electionassessment,orpartyassessment.Awrite-in
candidateisnotentitledtohavehisorhernameprinted
onanyballot;however,spaceforthewrite-incandida-
te’snametobewritteninmustbeprovidedonthe
generalelectionballot.Apersonmaynotqualifyasa
write-incandidateifthepersonhasalsootherwise
qualifiedfornominationorelectiontosuchoffice.
(5)Atthetimeofqualifyingforoffice,eachcandi-
dateforaconstitutionalofficeshallfileafullandpublic
disclosureoffinancialinterestspursuanttos.8,Art.IIof
theStateConstitution,whichmustbeverifiedunder
oathoraffirmationpursuanttos.92.525(1)(a),anda
candidateforanyotheroffice,includinglocalelective
office,shallfileastatementoffinancialinterests
pursuanttos.112.3145.
(6)TheDepartmentofStateshallcertifytothe
supervisorofelections,within7daysaftertheclosing
dateforqualifying,thenamesofalldulyqualified
candidatesfornominationorelectionwhohavequalified
withtheDepartmentofState.
(7)(a)Inorderforacandidatetobequalified,the
followingitemsmustbereceivedbythefilingofficerby
theendofthequalifyingperiod:
1.Aproperlyexecutedcheckdrawnuponthe
candidate’scampaignaccountpayabletotheperson
orentityasprescribedbythefilingofficerinanamount
notlessthanthefeerequiredbys.99.092,unlessthe
candidateobtainedtherequirednumberofsignatures
onpetitionspursuanttos.99.095.Thefilingfeefora
specialdistrictcandidateisnotrequiredtobedrawn
uponthecandidate’scampaignaccount.Ifacandida-
te’scheckisreturnedbythebankforanyreason,the
filingofficershallimmediatelynotifythecandidateand
thecandidateshallhaveuntiltheendofqualifyingtopay
thefeewithacashier’scheckpurchasedfromfundsof
thecampaignaccount.Failuretopaythefeeas
providedinthissubparagraphshalldisqualifythe
candidate.
2.Thecandidate’soathrequiredbys.99.021,
whichmustcontainthenameofthecandidateasitisto
appearontheballot;theofficesought,includingthe
districtorgroupnumberifapplicable;andthesignature
ofthecandidate,whichmustbeverifiedunderoathor
affirmationpursuanttos.92.525(1)(a).
3.Iftheofficesoughtispartisan,thewritten
statementofpoliticalpartyaffiliationrequiredbys.
99.021(1)(b).
4.Thecompletedformfortheappointmentof
campaigntreasureranddesignationofcampaignde-
pository,asrequiredbys.106.021.
5.Thefullandpublicdisclosureorstatementof
financialinterestsrequiredbysubsection(5).Apublic
officerwhohasfiledthefullandpublicdisclosureor
statementoffinancialinterestswiththeCommissionon
Ethicsorthesupervisorofelectionspriortoqualifying
forofficemayfileacopyofthatdisclosureatthetimeof
qualifying.
(b)Ifthefilingofficerreceivesqualifyingpapers
duringthequalifyingperiodprescribedinthissection
whichdonotincludeallitemsasrequiredbyparagraph
(a)priortothelastdayofqualifying,thefilingofficer
shallmakeareasonableefforttonotifythecandidateof
themissingorincompleteitemsandshallinformthe
candidatethatallrequireditemsmustbereceivedby
thecloseofqualifying.Acandidate’snameasitisto
appearontheballotmaynotbechangedaftertheendof
qualifying.
(c)Thefilingofficerperformsaministerialfunction
inreviewingqualifyingpapers.Indeterminingwhethera
candidateisqualified,thefilingofficershallreviewthe
qualifyingpaperstodeterminewhetherallitemsre-
quiredbyparagraph(a)havebeenproperlyfiledand
whethereachitemiscompleteonitsface,including
whetheritemsthatmustbeverifiedhavebeenproperly
verifiedpursuanttos.92.525(1)(a).Thefilingofficer
maynotdeterminewhetherthecontentsofthequalify-
ingpapersareaccurate.
Ch.99 CANDIDATES F.S.2014
26
(8)Notwithstandingthequalifyingperiodprescribed
inthissection,aqualifyingofficemayacceptandhold
qualifyingpaperssubmittednotearlierthan14days
priortothebeginningofthequalifyingperiod,tobe
processedandfiledduringthequalifyingperiod.
(9)Notwithstandingthequalifyingperiodprescribed
bythissection,ineachyearinwhichtheLegislature
apportionsthestate,thequalifyingperiodforpersons
seekingtoqualifyfornominationorelectiontofederal
officeshallbebetweennoonofthe71stdaypriortothe
primaryelection,butnotlaterthannoonofthe67thday
priortotheprimaryelection.
(10)TheDepartmentofStatemayprescribebyrule
requirementsforfilingpaperstoqualifyasacandidate
underthissection.
(11)Thedecisionofthefilingofficerconcerning
whetheracandidateisqualifiedisexemptfromthe
provisionsofchapter120.
History.—ss.25,26,ch.6469,1913;RGS329,330;CGL386,387;ss.4,5,ch.
13761,1929;s.1,ch.16990,1935;CGL1936Supp.386;ss.1,chs.19007,19008,
19009,1939;CGL1940Supp.4769(3);s.1,ch.20619,1941;s.1,ch.21851,1943;
s.1,ch.23006,1945;s.1,ch.24163,1947;s.3,ch.26870,1951;s.11,ch.28156,
1953;s.4,ch.29936,1955;s.10,ch.57-1;s.1,ch.59-84;s.1,ch.61-373ands.4,
ch.61-530;s.1,ch.63-502;s.7,ch.65-378;s.2,ch.67-531;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;
s.5,ch.69-281;s.1,ch.69-300;s.1,ch.70-42;s.1,ch.70-93;s.1,ch.70-439;s.6,
ch.77-175;s.1,ch.78-188;s.3,ch.81-105;s.2,ch.83-15;s.2,ch.83-25;s.1,ch.
83-251;s.29,ch.84-302;s.1,ch.86-7;s.6,ch.89-338;s.8,ch.90-315;s.32,ch.
91-107;s.536,ch.95-147;s.1,ch.95-156;s.9,ch.99-318;s.9,ch.99-326;s.3,
ch.2001-75;s.11,ch.2005-277;s.51,ch.2005-278;s.7,ch.2005-286;s.16,ch.
2007-30;s.14,ch.2011-40.
Note.—Formerss.102.32,102.33,102.351,102.36,102.66,102.69.
99.0615Write-incandidateresidencyrequire-
ments.—Atthetimeofqualification,allwrite-incandi-
datesmustresidewithinthedistrictrepresentedbythe
officesought.
History.—s.56,ch.2007-30.
99.063CandidatesforGovernorandLieutenant
Governor.—
(1)Nolaterthan5p.m.ofthe9thdayfollowingthe
primaryelection,eachcandidateforGovernorshall
designateaLieutenantGovernorasarunningmate.
Suchdesignationmustbemadeinwritingtothe
DepartmentofState.
(2)Nolaterthan5p.m.ofthe9thdayfollowingthe
primaryelection,eachdesignatedcandidateforLieu-
tenantGovernorshallfilewiththeDepartmentofState:
(a)Thecandidate’soathrequiredbys.99.021,
whichmustcontainthenameofthecandidateasitisto
appearontheballot;theofficesought;andthesignature
ofthecandidate,whichmustbeverifiedunderoathor
affirmationpursuanttos.92.525(1)(a).
(b)Iftheofficesoughtispartisan,thewritten
statementofpoliticalpartyaffiliationrequiredbys.
99.021(1)(b).
(c)Thefullandpublicdisclosureoffinancialinter-
estspursuanttos.8,Art.IIoftheStateConstitution.A
publicofficerwhohasfiledthefullandpublicdisclosure
withtheCommissiononEthicspriortoqualifyingfor
officemayfileacopyofthatdisclosureatthetimeof
qualifying.
(3)AdesignatedcandidateforLieutenantGovernor
isnotrequiredtopayaseparatequalifyingfeeorobtain
signaturesonpetitions.Ballotpositionobtainedbythe
candidateforGovernorentitlesthedesignatedcandi-
dateforLieutenantGovernor,uponreceiptbythe
DepartmentofStateofthequalifyingpapersrequired
bysubsection(2),tohavehisorhernameplacedonthe
ballotforthejointcandidacy.
(4)Inordertohavethenameofthecandidatefor
LieutenantGovernorprintedontheprimaryelection
ballot,acandidateforGovernorparticipatinginthe
primarymustdesignatethecandidateforLieutenant
Governor,andthedesignatedcandidatemustqualifyno
laterthantheendofthequalifyingperiodspecifiedins.
99.061.IfthecandidateforLieutenantGovernorhasnot
beendesignatedandhasnotqualifiedbytheendofthe
qualifyingperiodspecifiedins.99.061,thephrase“Not
YetDesignated”mustbeincludedinlieuofthe
candidate’snameontheprimaryelectionballot.
(5)FailureoftheLieutenantGovernorcandidateto
bedesignatedandqualifiedbythetimespecifiedin
subsection(2)shallresultinforfeitureofballotposition
forthecandidateforGovernorforthegeneralelection.
History.—s.1,ch.99-140;s.45,ch.2001-40;s.12,ch.2005-277;s.8,ch.
2005-286;s.15,ch.2011-40.
99.081UnitedStatesSenatorselectedingen-
eralelection.—UnitedStatesSenatorsfromFlorida
shallbeelectedatthegeneralelectionheldpreceding
theexpirationofthepresenttermofoffice,andsuch
electionshallconformasnearlyaspracticabletothe
methodsprovidedfortheelectionofstateofficers.
History.—s.3,ch.26870,1951;s.6,ch.77-175;s.7,ch.89-338.
Note.—Formers.106.01.
99.091RepresentativestoCongress.—
(1)ARepresentativetoCongressshallbeelectedin
andforeachcongressionaldistrictateachgeneral
election.
(2)WhenFloridaisentitledtoadditionalrepresen-
tativesaccordingtothelastcensus,representatives
shallbeelectedfromthestateatlargeandatlarge
thereafteruntilthestateisredistrictedbytheLegisla-
ture.
History.—ss.2,3,ch.3879,1889;RS157;s.4,ch.4328,1895;s.3,ch.4537,
1897;GS174;RGS218;CGL253;s.2,ch.25383,1949;s.3,ch.26870,1951;s.6,
ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.98.07.
99.092Qualifyingfeeofcandidate;notification
ofDepartmentofState.—
(1)Eachpersonseekingtoqualifyfornominationor
electiontoanyoffice,exceptapersonseekingtoqualify
bythepetitionprocesspursuanttos.99.095andexcept
apersonseekingtoqualifyasawrite-incandidate,shall
payaqualifyingfee,whichshallconsistofafilingfee
andelectionassessment,totheofficerwithwhomthe
personqualifies,andanypartyassessmentlevied,and
shallattachtheoriginalorsignedduplicateofthereceipt
forhisorherpartyassessmentorpaythesame,in
accordancewiththeprovisionsofs.103.121,atthetime
offilinghisorherotherqualifyingpapers.Theamountof
thefilingfeeis3percentoftheannualsalaryofthe
office.Theamountoftheelectionassessmentis1
percentoftheannualsalaryoftheofficesought.The
electionassessmentshallbetransferredtotheElec-
tionsCommissionTrustFund.Theamountoftheparty
assessmentis2percentoftheannualsalary.The
annualsalaryoftheofficeforpurposesofcomputingthe
filingfee,electionassessment,andpartyassessment
F.S.2014 CANDIDATES Ch.99
27
shallbecomputedbymultiplying12timesthemonthly
salary,excludinganyspecialqualificationpay,author-
izedforsuchofficeasofJuly1immediatelypreceding
thefirstdayofqualifying.Noqualifyingfeeshallbe
returnedtothecandidateunlessthecandidatewith-
drawshisorhercandidacybeforethelastdateto
qualify.Ifacandidatediespriortoanelectionandhas
notwithdrawnhisorhercandidacybeforethelastdate
toqualify,thecandidate’squalifyingfeeshallbe
returnedtohisorherdesignatedbeneficiary,and,if
thefilingfeeoranyportionthereofhasbeentransferred
tothepoliticalpartyofthecandidate,theSecretaryof
Stateshalldirectthepartytoreturnthatportiontothe
designatedbeneficiaryofthecandidate.
(2)Thesupervisorofelectionsshall,immediately
afterthelastdayforqualifying,submittotheDepart-
mentofStatealistcontainingthenames,party
affiliations,andaddressesofallcandidatesandthe
officesforwhichtheyqualified.
History.—s.24,ch.6469,1913;RGS328;CGL385;s.3,ch.26870,1951;s.
12,ch.29934,1955;s.4,ch.65-378;s.1,ch.67-531;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.6,
ch.69-281;s.1,ch.74-119;s.1,ch.75-123;s.1,ch.75-247;s.6,ch.77-175;s.28,
ch.79-400;s.4,ch.81-105;s.1,ch.83-242;s.8,ch.89-338;s.1,ch.91-107;s.
537,ch.95-147;s.11,ch.97-13;s.2,ch.99-140;s.10,ch.99-318;s.13,ch.
2005-277;s.2,ch.2010-16;s.16,ch.2011-40.
Note.—Formerss.102.31,99.031.
99.093Municipalcandidates;electionassess-
ment.—
(1)Eachpersonseekingtoqualifyfornominationor
electiontoamunicipalofficeshallpay,atthetimeof
qualifyingforoffice,anelectionassessment.The
electionassessmentshallbeanamountequalto1
percentoftheannualsalaryoftheofficesought.Within
30daysafterthecloseofqualifying,thequalifying
officershallforwardallassessmentscollectedpursuant
tothissectiontotheFloridaElectionsCommissionfor
depositintheElectionsCommissionTrustFund.
(2)Anypersonseekingtoqualifyfornominationor
electiontoamunicipalofficewhoisunabletopaythe
electionassessmentwithoutimposinganundueburden
onpersonalresourcesoronresourcesotherwise
availabletohimorhershall,uponwrittencertification
ofsuchinabilitygivenunderoathtothequalifying
officer,beexemptfrompayingtheelectionassessment.
History.—s.9,ch.89-338;s.2,ch.91-107;s.538,ch.95-147;s.12,ch.97-13;
s.3,ch.2010-16;s.17,ch.2011-40.
99.095Petitionprocessinlieuofaqualifying
feeandpartyassessment.—
(1)Apersonwhoseekstoqualifyasacandidatefor
anyofficeandwhomeetsthepetitionrequirementsof
thissectionisnotrequiredtopaythequalifyingfeeor
partyassessmentrequiredbythischapter.
(2)(a)Exceptasprovidedinparagraph(b),acandi-
datemustobtainthenumberofsignaturesofvotersin
thegeographicalarearepresentedbytheofficesought
equaltoatleast1percentofthetotalnumberof
registeredvotersofthatgeographicalarea,asshownby
thecompilationbythedepartmentfortheimmediately
precedinggeneralelection.Signaturesmaynotbe
obtaineduntilthecandidatehasfiledtheappointment
ofcampaigntreasureranddesignationofcampaign
depositorypursuanttos.106.021andarevalidonlyfor
thequalifyingperiodimmediatelyfollowingsuchfilings.
(b)Acandidateforaspecialdistrictofficeshall
obtain25signaturesofvotersinthegeographicalarea
representedbytheofficesought.
(c)Theformatofthepetitionshallbeprescribedby
thedivisionandshallbeusedbycandidatesto
reproducepetitionsforcirculation.Ifthecandidateis
runningforanofficethatrequiresagroupordistrict
designation,thepetitionmustindicatethatdesignation
and,ifitdoesnot,thesignaturesarenotvalid.A
separatepetitionisrequiredforeachcandidate.
(d)Inayearofapportionment,anycandidatefor
countyordistrictofficeseekingballotpositionbythe
petitionprocessmayobtaintherequirednumberof
signaturesfromanyregisteredvoterintherespective
county,regardlessofdistrictboundaries.Thecandidate
shallobtainatleastthenumberofsignaturesequalto1
percentofthetotalnumberofregisteredvoters,as
shownbyacompilationbythedepartmentforthe
immediatelyprecedinggeneralelection,dividedbythe
totalnumberofdistrictsoftheofficeinvolved.
(3)Eachpetitionmustbesubmittedbeforenoonof
the28thdayprecedingthefirstdayofthequalifying
periodfortheofficesoughttothesupervisorofelections
ofthecountyinwhichsuchpetitionwascirculated.Each
supervisorshallcheckthesignaturesonthepetitionsto
verifytheirstatusasvotersinthecounty,district,or
othergeographicalarearepresentedbytheoffice
sought.Nolaterthanthe7thdaybeforethefirstday
ofthequalifyingperiod,thesupervisorshallcertifythe
numberofvalidsignatures.
(4)(a)Certificationsforcandidatesforfederal,state,
multicountydistrict,ormulticountyspecialdistrictoffice
shallbesubmittedtothedivisionnolaterthanthe7th
daybeforethefirstdayofthequalifyingperiodforthe
officesought.Thedivisionshalldeterminewhetherthe
requirednumberofsignatureshasbeenobtainedand
shallnotifythecandidate.
(b)Forcandidatesforcounty,district,orspecial
districtofficenotcoveredbyparagraph(a),thesuper-
visorshalldeterminewhethertherequirednumberof
signatureshasbeenobtainedandshallnotifythe
candidate.
(5)Iftherequirednumberofsignatureshasbeen
obtained,thecandidateiseligibletoqualifypursuantto
s.99.061.
History.—s.2,ch.74-119;s.6,ch.77-175;s.29,ch.79-400;s.10,ch.89-338;
s.9,ch.90-315;s.539,ch.95-147;s.3,ch.99-140;s.1,ch.99-318;s.14,ch.
2005-277;s.9,ch.2005-286;s.17,ch.2007-30;s.11,ch.2008-95;s.18,ch.
2011-40.
99.0955Candidateswithnopartyaffiliation;
nameongeneralelectionballot.—
(1)Eachpersonseekingtoqualifyforelectionasa
candidatewithnopartyaffiliationshallfilehisorher
qualifyingpapersandpaythequalifyingfeeorqualifyby
thepetitionprocesspursuanttos.99.095withthe
officerandduringthetimesandunderthecircum-
stancesprescribedins.99.061.Uponqualifying,the
candidateisentitledtohavehisorhernameplacedon
thegeneralelectionballot.
(2)Thequalifyingfeeforcandidateswithnoparty
affiliationshallconsistofafilingfeeandanelection
assessmentasprescribedins.99.092.Filingfeespaid
totheDepartmentofStateshallbedepositedintothe
Ch.99 CANDIDATES F.S.2014
28
GeneralRevenueFundofthestate.Filingfeespaidto
thesupervisorofelectionsshallbedepositedintothe
generalrevenuefundofthecounty.
History.—s.6,ch.70-269;s.1,ch.70-439;s.3,ch.74-119;s.7,ch.77-175;s.
2,ch.78-188;s.11,ch.89-338;s.10,ch.90-315;s.540,ch.95-147;s.13,ch.
95-280;s.4,ch.99-140;s.2,ch.99-318;s.15,ch.2005-277.
Note.—Formers.99.152.
99.096Minorpoliticalpartycandidates;names
onballot.—Eachpersonseekingtoqualifyforelection
asacandidateofaminorpoliticalpartyshallfilehisor
herqualifyingpaperswith,andpaythequalifyingfee
and,ifonehasbeenlevied,thepartyassessment,or
qualifybythepetitionprocesspursuanttos.99.095,
withtheofficerandatthetimesandunderthe
circumstancesprovidedins.99.061.
History.—s.5,ch.70-269;s.1,ch.70-439;s.4,ch.74-119;s.8,ch.77-175;s.
3,ch.78-188;s.12,ch.89-338;s.1,ch.90-229;s.11,ch.90-315;s.541,ch.
95-147;s.3,ch.99-318;s.16,ch.2005-277;s.18,ch.2007-30.
Note.—Formers.101.261.
99.09651Signaturerequirementsforballotpo-
sitioninyearofapportionment.—
(1)Inayearofapportionment,anycandidatefor
representativetoCongress,stateSenate,orstate
HouseofRepresentativesseekingballotpositionby
thepetitionprocessprescribedins.99.095shallobtain
atleastthenumberofsignaturesequaltoone-thirdof1
percentoftheidealpopulationforthedistrictofthe
officebeingsought.
(2)Forthepurposesofthissection,“idealpopula-
tion”meansthetotalpopulationofthestatebasedupon
themostrecentdecennialcensusdividedbythe
numberofdistrictsforrepresentativetoCongress,
stateSenate,orstateHouseofRepresentatives.For
thepurposesofthissection,idealpopulationshallbe
calculatedasofJuly1oftheyearpriortoapportion-
ment.TheidealpopulationforastateSenatedistrict
andastaterepresentativedistrictshallbecalculatedby
dividingthetotalpopulationofthestateby40forastate
Senatedistrictandbydividingby120forastate
representativedistrict.
(3)Signaturesmaybeobtainedfromanyregistered
voterinFloridaregardlessofpartyaffiliationordistrict
boundaries.
(4)Petitionsshallstatethenameoftheofficethe
candidateisseeking,butshallnotincludeadistrict
number.
(5)Exceptasotherwiseprovidedinthissection,all
requirementsandproceduresrelatingtothepetition
processshallconformtotherequirementsandproce-
duresinnonapportionmentyears.
History.—s.3,ch.91-107;s.4,ch.99-318;s.17,ch.2005-277.
99.097Verificationofsignaturesonpetitions.
(1)(a)Asdeterminedbyeachsupervisor,basedupon
localconditions,thecheckingofnamesonpetitionsmay
bebasedonthemostinexpensiveandadministratively
feasibleofeitherofthefollowingmethodsofverification:
1.Acheckofeachpetition;or
2.Acheckofarandomsample,asprovidedbythe
DepartmentofState,ofthepetitions.Thesamplemust
besuchthatadeterminationcanbemadeastowhether
ornottherequirednumberofsignatureshasbeen
obtainedwithareliabilityofatleast99.5percent.
(b)Rulesandguidelinesforpetitionverification
shallbeadoptedbytheDepartmentofState.Rules
andguidelinesforarandomsamplemethodofverifica-
tionmayincludearequirementthatpetitionsbearan
additionalnumberofnamesandsignatures,notto
exceed15percentofthenamesandsignatures
otherwiserequired.Ifthepetitionsdonotmeetsuch
criteriaorifthepetitionsareprescribedbys.100.371,
theuseoftherandomsamplemethodofverificationis
notavailabletosupervisors.
(2)Whenapetitionersubmitspetitionswhichcon-
tainatleast15percentmorethantherequirednumber
ofsignatures,thepetitionermayrequirethatthe
supervisorofelectionsusetherandomsampling
verificationmethodincertifyingthepetition.
(3)(a)Ifallotherrequirementsforthepetitionare
met,asignatureonapetitionshallbeverifiedand
countedasvalidforaregisteredvoterif,aftercomparing
thesignatureonthepetitionandthesignatureofthe
registeredvoterinthevoterregistrationsystem,the
supervisorisabletodeterminethatthepetitionsigneris
thesameastheregisteredvoter,evenifthenameon
thepetitionisnotinsubstantiallythesameformasinthe
voterregistrationsystem.
(b)Inanysituationinwhichthiscoderequiresthe
formofthepetitiontobeprescribedbythedivision,no
signatureshallbecountedtowardthenumberof
signaturesrequiredunlessitisonapetitionform
prescribedbythedivision.
(c)Ifavotersignsapetitionandlistsanaddress
otherthanthelegalresidencewherethevoteris
registered,thesupervisorshalltreatthesignatureas
ifthevoterhadlistedtheaddresswherethevoteris
registered.
(4)Thesupervisorshallbepaidinadvancethesum
of10centsforeachsignaturecheckedortheactualcost
ofcheckingsuchsignature,whicheverisless,bythe
candidateor,inthecaseofapetitiontohaveanissue
placedontheballot,bythepersonororganization
submittingthepetition.However,ifacandidate,person,
ororganizationseekingtohaveanissueplacedupon
theballotcannotpaysuchchargeswithoutimposingan
undueburdenonpersonalresourcesoruponthe
resourcesotherwiseavailabletosuchcandidate,per-
son,ororganization,suchcandidate,person,ororga-
nizationshall,uponwrittencertificationofsuchinability
givenunderoathtothesupervisor,beentitledtohave
thesignaturesverifiedatnocharge.Intheeventa
candidate,person,ororganizationsubmittingapetition
tohaveanissueplacedupontheballotisentitledto
havethesignaturesverifiedatnocharge,thesupervisor
ofelectionsofeachcountyinwhichthesignaturesare
verifiedatnochargeshallsubmitthetotalnumberof
suchsignaturescheckedinthecountytotheChief
FinancialOfficernolaterthanDecember1ofthe
generalelectionyear,andtheChiefFinancialOfficer
shallcausesuchsupervisorofelectionstobereim-
bursedfromtheGeneralRevenueFundinanamount
equalto10centsforeachnamecheckedortheactual
costofcheckingsuchsignatures,whicheverisless.In
noeventshallsuchreimbursementofcostsbedeemed
orappliedasextracompensationforthesupervisor.
Petitionsshallberetainedbythesupervisorsfora
F.S.2014 CANDIDATES Ch.99
29
periodof1yearfollowingtheelectionforwhichthe
petitionswerecirculated.
(5)Theresultsofaverificationpursuanttosubpar-
agraph(1)(a)2.maybecontestedinthecircuitcourtby
thecandidate;anannouncedopponent;arepresenta-
tiveofadesignatedpoliticalcommittee;oraperson,
party,orotherorganizationsubmittingthepetition.The
contestantshallfileacomplaint,togetherwiththefees
prescribedinchapter28,withtheclerkofthecircuit
courtinthecountyinwhichthepetitioniscertifiedorin
LeonCountyifthepetitioncoversmorethanonecounty
within10daysaftermidnightofthedatethepetitionis
certified;andthecomplaintshallsetforththegrounds
onwhichthecontestantintendstoestablishhisorher
righttorequireacompletecheckofthepetitionpursuant
tosubparagraph(1)(a)1.Intheeventthecourtordersa
completecheckofthepetitionandtheresultisnot
changedastothesuccessorlackofsuccessofthe
petitionerinobtainingtherequisitenumberofvalid
signatures,thensuchcandidate,unlessthecandidate
hasfiledtheoathstatingthatheorsheisunabletopay
suchcharges;announcedopponent;representativeofa
designatedpoliticalcommittee;orparty,person,or
organizationsubmittingthepetition,unlesssuchperson
ororganizationhasfiledtheoathstatinginabilitytopay
suchcharges,shallpaytothesupervisorofelectionsof
eachaffectedcountyforthecompletecheckanamount
calculatedattherateof10centsforeachadditional
signaturecheckedortheactualcostofcheckingsuch
additionalsignatures,whicheverisless.
(6)(a)Ifanypersonispaidtosolicitsignaturesona
petition,anundueburdenoathmaynotsubsequentlybe
filedinlieuofpayingthefeetohavesignaturesverified
forthatpetition.
(b)Ifanundueburdenoathhasbeenfiledand
paymentissubsequentlymadetoanypersontosolicit
signaturesonapetition,theundueburdenoathisno
longervalidandafeeforallsignaturespreviously
submittedtothesupervisorofelectionsandanythatare
submittedthereaftershallbepaidbythecandidate,
person,ororganizationthatsubmittedtheundue
burdenoath.Ifcontributionsasdefinedins.106.011
arereceived,anymonetarycontributionsmustfirstbe
usedtoreimbursethesupervisorofelectionsforany
signatureverificationfeesthatwerenotpaidbecauseof
thefilingofanundueburdenoath.
History.—s.2,ch.76-233;s.10,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.80-20;s.1,ch.82-141;s.
13,ch.89-338;s.2,ch.90-229;s.12,ch.90-315;s.542,ch.95-147;s.21,ch.
97-13;s.7,ch.99-318;s.109,ch.2003-261;s.19,ch.2011-40.
99.103DepartmentofStatetoremitpartoffiling
feesandpartyassessmentsofcandidatestostate
executivecommittee.—
(1)Ifmorethanthree-fourthsofthefullauthorized
membershipofthestateexecutivecommitteeofany
partywaselectedatthelastpreviouselectionforsuch
membersandifsuchpartyisdeclaredbytheDepart-
mentofStatetohaverecordedontheregistrationbooks
ofthecounties,asofthefirstTuesdayafterthefirst
MondayinJanuarypriortotheprimaryelectionin
generalelectionyears,5percentofthetotalregistration
ofsuchcountieswhenaddedtogether,suchcommittee
shallreceive,forthepurposeofmeetingitsexpenses,
allfilingfeescollectedbytheDepartmentofStatefrom
itscandidateslessanamountequalto15percentofthe
filingfees,whichamounttheDepartmentofStateshall
depositintheGeneralRevenueFundofthestate.
(2)Notlaterthan20daysafterthecloseof
qualifyingineven-numberedyears,theDepartmentof
Stateshallremit95percentofallfilingfees,lessthe
amountdepositedingeneralrevenuepursuantto
subsection(1),orpartyassessmentsthatmayhave
beencollectedbythedepartmenttotherespectivestate
executivecommitteesofthepartiescomplyingwith
subsection(1).Partyassessmentscollectedbythe
DepartmentofStateshallberemittedtotheappropriate
stateexecutivecommittee,irrespectiveofotherrequire-
mentsofthissection,providedsuchcommitteeisduly
organizedundertheprovisionsofchapter103.The
remainderoffilingfeesorpartyassessmentscollected
bytheDepartmentofStateshallberemittedtothe
appropriatestateexecutivecommitteesnotlaterthan
thedateoftheprimaryelection.
History.—s.1,ch.29935,1955;s.24,ch.57-1;s.1,ch.57-62;s.4,ch.57-166;
s.1,ch.69-295;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.11,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.83-251;s.4,ch.
91-107;s.14,ch.97-13;s.10,ch.2005-286.
99.121DepartmentofStatetocertifynomina-
tionstosupervisorsofelections.—TheDepartment
ofStateshallcertifytothesupervisorofelectionsof
eachcountyaffectedbyacandidacyforofficethe
namesofpersonsnominatedtosuchoffice.Thenames
ofsuchpersonsshallbeprintedbythesupervisorof
electionsupontheballotintheirproperplaceas
providedbylaw.
History.—s.30,ch.4328,1895;s.10,ch.4537,1897;GS215,3824;s.54,ch.
6469,1913;RGS259,358,5885;CGL315,415,8148;s.11,ch.26329,1949;s.3,
ch.26870,1951;s.5,ch.57-166;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.11,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formerss.99.13,102.51.
Ch.99 CANDIDATES F.S.2014
30
CHAPTER100
GENERAL,PRIMARY,SPECIAL,BOND,ANDREFERENDUMELECTIONS
100.011Openingandclosingofpolls,allelections;
expenses.
100.021Noticeofgeneralelection.
100.025Citizensresidingoverseas;noticeofelec-
tions.
100.031Generalelection.
100.032Electionpreparationreport;generalelec-
tion.
100.041Officerschosenatgeneralelection.
100.051 Candidate’snameongeneralelection
ballot.
100.061Primaryelection.
100.081 Nominationofcountycommissionersat
primaryelection.
100.101Specialelectionsandspecialprimaryelec-
tions.
100.102Costofspecialelectionsandspecialpri-
maryelectionstobeincurredbythe
state.
100.111Fillingvacancy.
100.141Noticeofspecialelectiontofillanyvacancy
inoffice.
100.151Specialelectionscalledbylocalgoverning
bodies,notice.
100.161FillingvacancyofUnitedStatesSenators.
100.181Determinationofpersonelected.
100.191Generalelectionlawsapplicabletospecial
elections;returns.
100.201 Referendumrequiredbeforeissuing
bonds.
100.211 Powertocallbondreferendum;notice
required.
100.221 Generalelectionlawstogovernbond
referenda.
100.241Freeholdervoting;election;penaltiesfor
ineligiblepersonswhovoteasfree-
holders.
100.261Holdingbondreferendawithotherelec-
tions.
100.271Inspectors,clerk,duties;returnandcan-
vassofreferendumrecorded.
100.281Approvaltoissuebonds.
100.291 Recordresultsofelectionprimafacie
evidence.
100.301Refundingbondsexcluded.
100.311Locallawgovernsbondelectionheldby
municipalities.
100.321Testsuit.
100.331Referendumfordefeatedbondissue.
100.341Bondreferendumballot.
100.342Noticeofspecialelectionorreferendum.
100.351Referendumelection;certificateofresults
toDepartmentofState.
100.3605Conductofmunicipalelections.
100.361Municipalrecall.
100.371 Initiatives;procedureforplacementon
ballot.
100.011Openingandclosingofpolls,allelec-
tions;expenses.—
(1)Thepollsshallbeopenatthevotingplacesat
7:00a.m.,onthedayoftheelection,andshallbekept
openuntil7:00p.m.,ofthesameday,andthetimeshall
beregulatedbythecustomarytimeinstandardusein
thecountyseatofthelocality.Theinspectorsshall
makepublicproclamationoftheopeningandclosingof
thepolls.Duringtheelectionandcanvassofthevotes,
theballotboxshallnotbeconcealed.Anyelectorwhois
inlineatthetimeoftheofficialclosingofthepollsshall
beallowedtocastavoteintheelection.
(2)Thetimeofopeningandclosingofthepollsshall
beobservedinallelectionsheldinthisstate,including
municipalandschoolelections.
(3)Theexpensesofholdingallelectionsforcounty
andstateofficesnecessarilyincurredshallbepaidout
ofthetreasuryofthecountyorstate,asthecasemay
be,inthesamemannerandbythesameofficersasin
generalelections.
(4)(a)Theprovisionsofanyspeciallawtothe
contrarynotwithstanding,theexpensesofholdinga
specialdistrictorcommunitydevelopmentdistrictelec-
tion,orthedistrict’sproportionateshareofregular
electioncosts,asthecasemaybe,shallbepaidoutof
thedistrict’streasuryandinthesamemannerasin
generalelections.Thissubsectionappliestoany
district,whethercreatedbyorpursuanttospecialor
generallaw,whichisaspecialdistrictasdefinedins.
200.001(8)(c)oracommunitydevelopmentdistrictas
definedins.190.003(6).
(b)Theprovisionsofanyspeciallawtothecontrary
notwithstanding,thesupervisorofelectionsmayimpose
aninterestpenaltyonanyamountdueandowingtohim
orherfromaspecialdistrictorcommunitydevelopment
districtifpaymentisnotmadewithin30daysfrom
receiptofthebillorwithin10workingdaysofthe
requiredtimeauthorizedbyinterlocalagreement.The
rateofsuchinterestshallbetherateestablished
pursuanttos.55.03.
(c)Theprovisionsofanyspeciallawtothecontrary
notwithstanding,allindependentanddependentspecial
districtelections,withtheexceptionofcommunity
developmentdistrictelections,shallbeconductedin
accordancewiththerequirementsofss.189.04and
189.041.
History.—s.23,ch.3879,1889;RS177;s.27,ch.4328,1895;GS209;s.8,ch.
6469,1913;RGS253,306;CGL309,362;ss.1,2,ch.20409,1941;ss.1,2,ch.
22739,1945;s.4,ch.25384,1949;s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.12,ch.77-175;s.6,ch.
87-363;s.53,ch.89-169;s.543,ch.95-147;s.4,ch.96-327;s.18,ch.2005-277;s.
56,ch.2014-22.
Note.—Formerss.99.07,102.08.
100.021Noticeofgeneralelection.—TheDepart-
mentofStateshall,inanyyearinwhichageneral
electionisheld,makeoutanoticestatingwhatoffices
andvacanciesaretobefilledatthegeneralelectionin
thestate,andineachcountyanddistrictthereof.During
the30dayspriortothebeginningofqualifying,the
DepartmentofStateshallhavethenoticepublishedtwo
timesinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationineach
F.S.2014 GENERAL,PRIMARY,ANDSPECIALELECTIONS Ch.100
31
county;and,incountiesinwhichthereisnonewspaper
ofgeneralcirculation,itshallsendtothesheriffanotice
oftheofficesandvacanciestobefilledatsuchgeneral
electionbythequalifiedvotersofthesheriff’scountyor
anydistrictthereof,andthesheriffshallhaveatleast
fivecopiesofthenoticepostedinconspicuousplacesin
thecounty.
History.—s.5,ch.3879,1889;RS159;s.6,ch.4328,1895;s.4,ch.4537,
1897;GS176;RGS220;CGL255;s.1,ch.25383,1949;s.4,ch.26870,1951;ss.
10,35,ch.69-106;s.12,ch.77-175;s.3,ch.83-251;s.544,ch.95-147.
Note.—Formers.98.06.
100.025Citizensresidingoverseas;noticeof
elections.—Acitizenofthisstatewhoisresiding
overseasmaynotifythesupervisorofelectionsinthe
countywhereheorsheisregisteredofhisorher
overseasaddress;and,thereafter,thesupervisorshall
notifysuchcitizenatleast90dayspriortoregular
primaryandgeneralelectionsandwhenpossibleprior
toanyspecialelectionsothatsuchcitizenmayfollow
theproceduresforabsenteevotingprovidedbylaw.
History.—s.1,ch.67-454;s.8,ch.69-280;s.3,ch.77-175;s.16,ch.81-304;s.
4,ch.89-338;s.16,ch.94-224;s.1389,ch.95-147.
Note.—Formers.97.0631.
100.031Generalelection.—Ageneralelection
shallbeheldineachcountyonthefirstTuesdayafter
thefirstMondayinNovemberofeacheven-numbered
yeartochooseasuccessortoeachelectivefederal,
state,county,anddistrictofficerwhosetermwillexpire
beforethenextgeneralelectionand,exceptasprovided
intheStateConstitution,tofilleachvacancyinelective
officefortheunexpiredportionoftheterm.
History.—s.2,ch.3879,1889;RS155;s.2,ch.4328,1895;s.1,ch.4537,
1897;GS171;RGS216;CGL251;s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.12,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.98.04.
100.032Electionpreparationreport;general
election.—Eachsupervisorofelectionsmustposta
reportonhisorherofficialwebsiteatleast3months
beforeageneralelectionwhichoutlinespreparationsfor
theupcominggeneralelection.Thereportmustinclude,
ataminimum,thefollowingelements:theanticipated
staffinglevelsduringtheearlyvotingperiod,onelection
dayandafterelectionday;andtheanticipatedamount
ofautomatictabulatingequipmentateachearlyvoting
siteandpollingplace.
History.—s.2,ch.2013-57.
100.041Officerschosenatgeneralelection.—
(1)Statesenatorsshallbeelectedfortermsof4
years,thosefromodd-numbereddistrictsineachyear
thenumberofwhichisamultipleof4andthosefrom
even-numbereddistrictsineacheven-numberedyear
thenumberofwhichisnotamultipleof4.Membersof
theHouseofRepresentativesshallbeelectedforterms
of2yearsineacheven-numberedyear.Ineachcounty,
aclerkofthecircuitcourt,sheriff,superintendentof
schools,propertyappraiser,andtaxcollectorshallbe
chosenbythequalifiedelectorsatthegeneralelection
ineachyearthenumberofwhichisamultipleof4.The
Governorandtheadministrativeofficersoftheexecu-
tivebranchofthestateshallbeelectedfortermsof4
yearsineacheven-numberedyearthenumberofwhich
isnotamultipleof4.Thetermsofstateofficesother
thanthetermsofmembersoftheLegislatureshallbegin
onthefirstTuesdayafterthefirstMondayinJanuary
aftersaidelection.Thetermofofficeofeachmemberof
theLegislatureshallbeginuponelection.
(2)(a)Eachcountycommissionerfromanodd-num-
bereddistrictshallbeelectedatthegeneralelectionin
eachyearthenumberofwhichisamultipleof4,fora4-
yeartermcommencingonthesecondTuesdayfollow-
ingsuchelection,andeachcountycommissionerfrom
aneven-numbereddistrictshallbeelectedatthe
generalelectionineacheven-numberedyearthe
numberofwhichisnotamultipleof4,fora4-year
termcommencingonthesecondTuesdayfollowing
suchelection.Acountycommissioneris“elected”for
purposesofthisparagraphonthedatethatthecounty
canvassingboardcertifiestheresultsoftheelection
pursuanttos.102.151.
(b)Notwithstandingparagraph(a),thegoverning
boardofachartercountymayprovidebyordinance,to
beapprovedbyreferendum,thatthetermsofits
membersshallcommenceonadatelaterthanthe
secondTuesdayfollowinggeneralelections,butinany
casethedateofcommencementshallbeuniformforall
membersandshallbenolaterthanthefirstTuesday
afterthefirstMondayinJanuaryfollowingeach
member’selection.
(3)(a)Schoolboardmembersshallbeelectedata
generalelectionfortermsof4years.Thetermofoffice
ofaschoolboardmemberandofasuperintendentof
schoolsshallbeginonthesecondTuesdayfollowingthe
generalelectioninwhichsuchmemberorsuperinten-
dentiselected.
(b)Ineachschooldistrictwhichhasfiveschool
boardmembers,thetermsshallbearrangedsothat
threemembersareelectedatonegeneralelectionand
twomemberselectedatthenextensuinggeneral
election.
(4)Thetermofofficeofeachcountyandeach
districtofficernototherwiseprovidedbylawshall
commenceonthefirstTuesdayafterthefirstMonday
inJanuaryfollowinghisorherelection.
History.—s.3,ch.3879,1889;RS156;s.3,ch.4328,1895;s.2,ch.4537,
1897;GS172;s.10,ch.7838,1919;RGS217;CGL252;s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.
15,ch.28156,1953;s.1,ch.59-140;s.1,ch.63-479;s.1,ch.67-98;s.1,ch.
67-510;s.11,ch.69-216;s.1,ch.69-300;(4)formerlys.14,Art.XVIIIofthe
Constitutionof1885,asamended;convertedtostatutorylawbys.10,Art.XIIofthe
Constitutionasrevisedin1968;s.1,ch.73-47;s.18,ch.73-334;s.1,ch.77-102;s.
12,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.78-321;s.21,ch.79-164;s.14,ch.85-226;s.1,ch.88-85;
s.14,ch.89-338;s.545,ch.95-147;s.11,ch.98-129;s.20,ch.2007-30.
Note.—Formers.98.05.
100.051Candidate’snameongeneralelection
ballot.—Thesupervisorofelectionsofeachcounty
shallprintonballotstobeusedinthecountyatthenext
generalelectionthenamesofcandidateswhohave
beennominatedbyapoliticalpartyandthecandidates
whohaveotherwiseobtainedapositiononthegeneral
electionballotincompliancewiththerequirementsof
thiscode.
History.—s.53,ch.6469,1913;RGS357;CGL414;s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.3,
ch.70-269;s.1,ch.70-439;s.12,ch.77-175;s.21,ch.2007-30.
Note.—Formers.102.50.
100.061Primaryelection.—Ineachyearinwhich
ageneralelectionisheld,aprimaryelectionfor
nominationofcandidatesofpoliticalpartiesshallbe
heldontheTuesday10weekspriortothegeneral
election.Thecandidatereceivingthehighestnumberof
Ch.100 GENERAL,PRIMARY,ANDSPECIALELECTIONS F.S.2014
32
votescastineachcontestintheprimaryelectionshall
bedeclarednominatedforsuchoffice.Iftwoormore
candidatesreceiveanequalandhighestnumberof
votesforthesameoffice,suchcandidatesshalldraw
lotstodeterminewhichcandidateisnominated.
History.—s.5,ch.6469,1913;RGS303;CGL359;s.2,ch.13761,1929;s.1,
ch.17897,1937;s.7,ch.26329,1949;s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.57-166;s.1,
ch.59-4;s.1,ch.69-1745;s.4,ch.83-251;s.11,ch.2005-286;s.22,ch.2007-30;
s.20,ch.2011-40;s.3,ch.2013-57.
Note.—Formers.102.05.
100.081Nominationofcountycommissioners
atprimaryelection.—Theprimaryelectionshallpro-
videforthenominationofcountycommissionersbythe
qualifiedelectorsofsuchcountyatthetimeandplace
setforvotingonothercountyofficers.
History.—s.63,ch.6469,1913;s.10,ch.6874,1915;RGS362;CGL419;s.
18,ch.13761,1929;CGL1936Supp.424(2);s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.11,ch.
69-216;s.12,ch.77-175;s.12,ch.2005-286.
Note.—Formers.102.55.
100.101Specialelectionsandspecialprimary
elections.—Aspecialelectionorspecialprimaryelec-
tionshallbeheldinthefollowingcases:
(1)Ifnopersonhasbeenelectedatageneral
electiontofillanofficewhichwasrequiredtobefilledby
electionatsuchgeneralelection.
(2)Ifavacancyoccursintheofficeofstatesenator
ormemberofthestatehouseofrepresentatives.
(3)Ifitisnecessarytoelectpresidentialelectors,by
reasonoftheofficesofPresidentandVicePresident
bothhavingbecomevacant.
(4)Ifavacancyoccursintheofficeofmemberfrom
FloridaoftheHouseofRepresentativesofCongress.
History.—s.4,ch.3879,1889;RS158;s.5,ch.4328,1895;GS175;RGS219;
CGL254;s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.12,ch.77-175;s.3,ch.83-15;s.19,ch.
2005-277;s.21,ch.2011-40.
Note.—Formers.98.08.
100.102Costofspecialelectionsandspecial
primaryelectionstobeincurredbythestate.—
Wheneveranyspecialelectionorspecialprimary
electionisheldasrequiredins.100.101,eachcounty
incurringexpensesresultingfromsuchspecialelection
orspecialprimaryelectionshallbereimbursedbythe
state.Reimbursementshallbebaseduponactual
expensesasfiledbythesupervisorofelectionswith
thecountygoverningbody.TheDepartmentofState
shallverifytheexpensesofeachspecialelectionand
eachspecialprimaryelectionandauthorizepaymentfor
reimbursementtoeachcountyaffected.
History.—s.2,ch.74-120;s.12,ch.77-175.
100.111Fillingvacancy.—
(1)(a)Ifanyvacancyoccursinanyofficewhichis
requiredtobefilledpursuanttos.1(f),Art.IVofthe
StateConstitutionandtheremainderofthetermofsuch
officeis28monthsorlonger,thenatthenextgeneral
electionapersonshallbeelectedtofilltheunexpired
portionofsuchterm,commencingonthefirstTuesday
afterthefirstMondayfollowingsuchgeneralelection.
(b)Ifsuchavacancyoccurspriortothefirstdayset
bylawforqualifyingforelectiontoofficeatsuchgeneral
election,anypersonseekingnominationorelectionto
theunexpiredportionofthetermshallqualifywithinthe
timeprescribedbylawforqualifyingforotherofficesto
befilledbyelectionatsuchgeneralelection.
(c)Ifsuchavacancyoccurspriortotheprimary
electionbutonorafterthefirstdaysetbylawfor
qualifying,theSecretaryofStateshallsetdatesfor
qualifyingfortheunexpiredportionofthetermofsuch
office.Anypersonseekingnominationorelectiontothe
unexpiredportionofthetermshallqualifywithinthetime
setbytheSecretaryofState.Iftimedoesnotpermit
partynominationstobemadeinconjunctionwiththe
primaryelection,theGovernormaycallaspecial
primaryelectiontoselectpartynomineesforthe
unexpiredportionofsuchterm.
(2)Wheneverthereisavacancyforwhichaspecial
electionisrequiredpursuanttos.100.101,theGover-
nor,afterconsultationwiththeSecretaryofState,shall
fixthedatesofaspecialprimaryelectionandaspecial
election.Nomineesofpoliticalpartiesshallbechosen
undertheprimarylawsofthisstateinthespecial
primaryelectiontobecomecandidatesinthespecial
election.Priortosettingthespecialelectiondates,the
Governorshallconsideranyupcomingelectionsinthe
jurisdictionwherethespecialelectionwillbeheld.The
datesfixedbytheGovernorshallbespecificdays
certainandshallnotbeestablishedbythehappeningof
aconditionorstatedinthealternative.Thedatesfixed
shallprovideaminimumof2weeksbetweeneach
election.Intheeventavacancyoccursintheofficeof
statesenatorormemberoftheHouseofRepresenta-
tiveswhentheLegislatureisinregularlegislative
session,theminimumtimesprescribedbythissubsec-
tionmaybewaiveduponconcurrenceoftheGovernor,
theSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,andthe
PresidentoftheSenate.Ifavacancyoccursintheoffice
ofstatesenatorandnosessionoftheLegislatureis
scheduledtobeheldpriortothenextgeneralelection,
theGovernormayfixthedatesforthespecialprimary
electionandforthespecialelectiontocoincidewiththe
datesoftheprimaryelectionandgeneralelection.Ifa
vacancyinofficeoccursinanydistrictinthestate
SenateorHouseofRepresentativesorinanycongres-
sionaldistrict,andnosessionoftheLegislature,or
sessionofCongressifthevacancyisinacongressional
district,isscheduledtobeheldduringtheunexpired
portionoftheterm,theGovernorisnotrequiredtocalla
specialelectiontofillsuchvacancy.
(a)Thedatesforcandidatestoqualifyinsuch
specialelectionorspecialprimaryelectionshallbe
fixedbytheDepartmentofState,andcandidatesshall
qualifynotlaterthannoonofthelastdaysofixed.The
datesfixedforqualifyingshallallowaminimumof14
daysbetweenthelastdayofqualifyingandthespecial
primaryelection.
(b)Thefilingofcampaignexpensestatementsby
candidatesinsuchspecialelectionsorspecialprimaries
andbycommitteesmakingcontributionsorexpendi-
turestoinfluencetheresultsofsuchspecialprimariesor
specialelectionsshallbenotlaterthansuchdatesas
shallbefixedbytheDepartmentofState,andinfixing
suchdatestheDepartmentofStateshalltakeinto
considerationandbegovernedbythepracticaltime
limitations.
(c)Thedatesforacandidatetoqualifybythe
petitionprocesspursuanttos.99.095insuchspecial
primaryorspecialelectionshallbefixedbythe
F.S.2014 GENERAL,PRIMARY,ANDSPECIALELECTIONS Ch.100
33
DepartmentofState.InfixingsuchdatestheDepart-
mentofStateshalltakeintoconsiderationandbe
governedbythepracticaltimelimitations.Anycandi-
dateseekingtoqualifybythepetitionprocessina
specialprimaryelectionshallobtain25percentofthe
signaturesrequiredbys.99.095.
(d)Thequalifyingfeesandpartyassessmentsof
suchcandidatesasmayqualifyshallbethesameas
collectedforthesameofficeatthelastpreviousprimary
forthatoffice.Thepartyassessmentshallbepaidtothe
appropriateexecutivecommitteeofthepoliticalpartyto
whichthecandidatebelongs.
(e)Eachcountycanvassingboardshallmakeas
speedyareturnoftheresultofsuchspecialprimary
electionsandspecialelectionsastimewillpermit,and
theElectionsCanvassingCommissionlikewiseshall
makeasspeedyacanvassanddeclarationofthe
nomineesastimewillpermit.
(3)(a)Intheeventthatdeath,resignation,withdra-
wal,orremovalshouldcauseapartytohaveavacancy
innominationwhichleavesnocandidateforanoffice
fromsuchparty,thefilingofficerbeforewhomthe
candidatequalifiedshallnotifythechairofthestateand
countypoliticalpartyexecutivecommitteeofsuchparty
and:
1.Ifthevacancyinnominationisforastatewide
office,thestatepartychairshall,within5days,calla
meetingofhisorherexecutiveboardtoconsider
designationofanomineetofillthevacancy.
2.Ifthevacancyinnominationisfortheofficeof
UnitedStatesRepresentative,statesenator,state
representative,stateattorney,orpublicdefender,the
statepartychairshallnotifytheappropriatecountychair
orchairsand,within5days,theappropriatecounty
chairorchairsshallcallameetingofthemembersofthe
executivecommitteeintheaffectedcountyorcounties
toconsiderdesignationofanomineetofillthevacancy.
3.Ifthevacancyinnominationisforacounty
office,thestatepartychairshallnotifytheappropriate
countychairand,within5days,theappropriatecounty
chairshallcallameetingofhisorherexecutive
committeetoconsiderdesignationofanomineetofill
thevacancy.
Thenameofanypersonsodesignatedshallbe
submittedtothefilingofficerbeforewhomthecandidate
qualifiedwithin7daysafternoticetothechairinorder
thatthepersondesignatedmayhavehisorhernameon
theballotoftheensuinggeneralelection.Ifthenameof
thenewnomineeissubmittedafterthecertificationof
resultsoftheprecedingprimaryelection,however,the
ballotsshallnotbechangedandtheformerparty
nominee’snamewillappearontheballot.Anyballots
castfortheformerpartynomineewillbecountedforthe
persondesignatedbythepoliticalpartytoreplacethe
formerpartynominee.Ifthereisnooppositiontothe
partynominee,thepersondesignatedbythepolitical
partytoreplacetheformerpartynomineewillbeelected
toofficeatthegeneralelection.
(b)When,underthecircumstancessetforthinthe
precedingparagraph,vacanciesinnominationare
requiredtobefilledbycommitteenominations,such
vacanciesshallbefilledbypartyrule.Inanyinstancein
whichanomineeisselectedbyacommitteetofilla
vacancyinnomination,suchnomineeshallpaythe
samefilingfeeandtakethesameoathasthenominee
wouldhavetakenhadheorsheregularlyqualifiedfor
electiontosuchoffice.
(c)Anypersonwho,atthecloseofqualifyingas
prescribedinss.99.061and105.031,wasqualifiedfor
nominationorelectiontoorretentioninapublicofficeto
befilledattheensuinggeneralelectionorwho
attemptedtoqualifyandfailedtoqualifyisprohibited
fromqualifyingasacandidatetofillavacancyin
nominationforanyotherofficetobefilledatthatgeneral
election,evenifsuchpersonhaswithdrawnorbeen
eliminatedasacandidatefortheoriginalofficesought.
However,thisparagraphdoesnotapplytoacandidate
fortheofficeofLieutenantGovernorwhoappliestofilla
vacancyinnominationfortheofficeofGovernoronthe
sameticketortoapersonwhohaswithdrawnorbeen
eliminatedasacandidateandwhoissubsequently
designatedasacandidateforLieutenantGovernor
unders.99.063.
(4)Avacancyinnominationisnotcreatedifan
orderofacourtthathasbecomefinaldeterminesthata
nomineedidnotproperlyqualifyordidnotmeetthe
necessaryqualificationstoholdtheofficeforwhichhe
orshesoughttoqualify.
(5)Intheeventofunforeseeablecircumstancesnot
contemplatedinthesegeneralelectionlawsconcerning
thecallingandholdingofspecialprimaryelectionsand
specialelectionsresultingfromcourtorderorother
unpredictablecircumstances,theDepartmentofState
shallhavetheauthoritytoprovidefortheconductof
orderlyelections.
History.—s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.16,ch.28156,1953;s.1,ch.29938,1955;s.
1,ch.57-91;s.1,ch.59-139;s.2,ch.65-240;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.1,ch.
73-191;s.1,ch.74-120;s.12,ch.77-175;s.30,ch.79-400;s.4,ch.83-15;s.1,ch.
83-149;s.15,ch.89-338;s.3,ch.90-229;s.13,ch.90-315;s.546,ch.95-147;s.1,
ch.95-197;s.5,ch.99-140;s.12,ch.99-318;s.20,ch.2005-277;s.13,ch.
2005-286;s.23,ch.2007-30;s.22,ch.2011-40.
100.141Noticeofspecialelectiontofillany
vacancyinoffice.—
(1)Wheneveraspecialelectionisrequiredtofillany
vacancyinoffice,theGovernor,afterconsultationwith
theSecretaryofState,shallissueanorderdeclaringon
whatdaytheelectionshallbeheldanddelivertheorder
totheDepartmentofState.
(2)TheDepartmentofStateshallprepareanotice
statingwhatofficesaretobefilledinthespecial
election,thedatessetforthespecialprimaryelection
andthespecialelection,thedatesfixedforqualifyingfor
office,thedatesfixedforqualifyingbythepetition
processpursuanttos.99.095,andthedatesfixedfor
filingcampaignexpensestatements.
(3)Thedepartmentshalldeliveracopyofsuch
noticetothesupervisorofelectionsofeachcountyin
whichthespecialelectionistobeheld.Thesupervisor
shallhavethenoticepublishedtwotimesinanews-
paperofgeneralcirculationinthecountyatleast10
dayspriortothefirstdaysetforqualifyingforoffice.If
suchanewspaperisnotpublishedwithintheperiodset
forth,thesupervisorshallpostatleastfivecopiesofthe
Ch.100 GENERAL,PRIMARY,ANDSPECIALELECTIONS F.S.2014
34
noticeinconspicuousplacesinthecountynotlessthan
10dayspriortothefirstdatesetforqualifying.
History.—s.6,ch.3879,1889;RS160;s.7,ch.4328,1895;GS177;RGS221;
CGL256;s.3,ch.25383,1949;s.1,ch.26329,1949;s.4,ch.26870,1951;ss.10,
35,ch.69-106;s.12,ch.77-175;s.14,ch.90-315;s.13,ch.99-318;s.21,ch.
2005-277;s.14,ch.2005-286.
Note.—Formers.98.10.
100.151Specialelectionscalledbylocalgov-
erningbodies,notice.—Countycommissionersorthe
governingauthorityofamunicipalityshallnotcallany
specialelectionuntilnoticeisgiventothesupervisorof
electionsandhisorherconsentobtainedastoadate
whentheregistrationbookscanbeavailable.
History.—s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.2,ch.65-60;s.16,ch.89-338;s.547,ch.
95-147.
100.161FillingvacancyofUnitedStatesSena-
tors.—Shouldavacancyhappenintherepresentation
ofthisstateintheSenateoftheUnitedStates,the
Governorshallissueawritofelectiontofillsuch
vacancyatthenextgeneralelection;andtheGovernor
maymakeatemporaryappointmentuntilthevacancyis
filledbyelection.
History.—s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.17,ch.28156,1953;s.12,ch.77-175.
100.181Determinationofpersonelected.—The
personreceivingthehighestnumberofvotescastina
generalorspecialelectionforanofficeshallbeelected
totheoffice.Incasetwoormorepersonsreceivean
equalandhighestnumberofvotesforthesameoffice,
suchpersonsshalldrawlotstodeterminewhoshallbe
electedtotheoffice.
History.—s.7,ch.20872,1941;s.4,ch.26329,1949;s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.
24,ch.77-104;s.12,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.98.49.
100.191Generalelectionlawsapplicableto
specialelections;returns.—Alllawsthatareapplic-
abletogeneralelectionsareapplicabletospecial
electionsorspecialprimaryelectionstofillavacancy
inofficeornomination.TheElectionsCanvassing
Commissionshallimmediately,uponreceiptofreturns
fromthecountyinwhichaspecialelectionisheld,
proceedtocanvassthereturnsanddetermineand
declaretheresultthereof.
History.—s.6,ch.20872,1941;s.4,ch.26870,1951;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.
12,ch.77-175;s.24,ch.2007-30.
Note.—Formers.98.48.
100.201Referendumrequiredbeforeissuing
bonds.—Wheneveranycounty,district,ormunicipality
isbylawgivenpowertoissuebondswhicharerequired
tobeapprovedbyreferendum,suchbondsshallbe
issuedonlyafterthesamehavebeenapprovedbythe
majorityofvotescastbythosepersonseligibletovotein
suchreferendum.Theelectioncostsofsuchreferen-
dumshallbepaidinwholeorinpart,asthecasemay
be,outofthecounty,district,ormunicipaltreasury.
History.—s.1,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.457(1);s.4,ch.26870,1951;
s.3,ch.69-377;s.12,ch.77-175;s.7,ch.87-363.
Note.—Formers.103.01.
100.211Powertocallbondreferendum;notice
required.—Theboardofcountycommissionersorthe
governingauthorityofanydistrictormunicipalitymay
callabondreferendumunderthiscode.Intheeventany
referendumiscalledtodecidewhetheramajorityofthe
electorsparticipatingareinfavoroftheissuanceof
bondsinthecounty,district,ormunicipality,theboardof
countycommissioners,orthegoverningauthorityofthe
municipalityordistrict,shallbyresolutionorderthebond
referendumtobeheldinthecounty,district,or
municipalityandshallgivenoticeoftheelectioninthe
mannerprescribedbys.100.342.
History.—s.2,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.457(2);s.4,ch.26870,1951;
s.4,ch.69-377;s.12,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.103.02.
100.221Generalelectionlawstogovernbond
referenda.—Thelawsgoverningtheholdingofgeneral
electionsareapplicabletobondreferenda,exceptas
providedinss.100.201-100.351.Acounty,district,or
municipalityisnotrequiredtoofferearlyvotingfora
bondreferendumthatisnotheldinconjunctionwitha
countyorstateelection.Theplacesforvotinginabond
referendumshallbethesameastheplacesforvotingin
generalelectionswhenabondreferendumisheldinthe
countyordistrict;however,whenabondreferendumis
heldinamunicipality,thepollingplacesshallbethe
sameasinothermunicipalelections.
History.—s.8,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.457(8);s.4,ch.26870,1951;
s.12,ch.77-175;s.12,ch.2008-95.
Note.—Formers.103.08.
100.241Freeholdervoting;election;penalties
forineligiblepersonswhovoteasfreeholders.—
(1)Inanyelectionorreferenduminwhichonly
electorswhoarefreeholdersarequalifiedtovote,the
regularregistrationbookscoveringtheprecinctslocated
withinthegeographicalareainwhichtheelectionor
referendumistobeheldshallbeused.
(2)Qualificationandregistrationofelectorspartici-
patinginafreeholderelectionorreferendumsubjectto
thissectionshallbethesameasprescribedforvotingin
otherelectionsunderthiscode,and,inaddition,each
suchelectorshallsubmitawrittendeclaration,verified
pursuanttos.92.525,affirmingthattheelectorisa
freeholderwhoisaqualifiedelectorresidinginthe
county,district,ormunicipalityinwhichtheelectionor
referendumistobeheld.
(3)Eachregisteredelectorwhosubmitsthewritten
declarationgivingalegaldescription,address,or
locationofpropertyintheelector’snamewhichisnot
whollyexemptfromtaxationisentitledtovoteinthe
electionorreferendumandisconsideredafreeholder.
(4)Theactualcostsofconductingafreeholder
electionorreferendumsubjecttothissectionshallbe
paidbythecounty,district,ormunicipalityrequiringthe
electionorreferendum.
(5)Apersonmaynotvoteinanycounty,district,or
otherelectionorreferendumwhichislimitedtoavoteof
theelectorswhoarefreeholders,unlessthepersonisa
freeholderandaqualifiedelector.Apersonwhoviolates
thissubsectioncommitsamisdemeanorofthefirst
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.
775.083.
History.—s.1,ch.9294,1923;CGL250;ss.4,6,14,ch.14715,1931;CGL
1936Supp.457(4),(6),(14);s.7,ch.22858,1945;s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.
61-332;s.5,ch.65-240;s.5,ch.69-377;s.12,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.91-224;s.548,
ch.95-147;s.1,ch.2012-156.
Note.—Formerss.98.03,103.04,103.06,103.14.
F.S.2014 GENERAL,PRIMARY,ANDSPECIALELECTIONS Ch.100
35
100.261Holdingbondreferendawithotherelec-
tions.—Wheneveranybondreferendumiscalled,it
shallbelawfulforanycounty,district,ormunicipalityto
holdsuchbondreferendumonthedayofanystate,
county,ormunicipalprimaryorgeneralelection,oron
thedayofanyelectionofsuchcounty,district,or
municipalityforanypurposeotherthanthepurposeof
votingonsuchbonds.Ifsuchbondreferendumisheld
concurrentlywitharegularlyscheduledelection,the
county,district,ormunicipalityshallpayonlyitsprorata
shareofelectioncostsdirectlyrelatedtothebond
referendum.However,nothinginthissectionshall
prohibittheholdingofaspecialorseparatebond
referendum.
History.—s.1,ch.22545,1945;s.4,ch.26870,1951;s.19,ch.28156,1953;s.
12,ch.77-175;s.8,ch.87-363.
Note.—Formers.103.21.
100.271Inspectors,clerk,duties;returnand
canvassofreferendumrecorded.—Inanybond
referendum,unlessthereferendumisheldinconnec-
tionwitharegularorspecialstate,county,ormunicipal
election,atleasttwoinspectorsandoneclerkshallbe
appointedandqualified,asincasesofgeneralelec-
tions,andtheyshallcanvassthevotecastandmake
duereturnsofsamewithoutdelay.Anybondrefer-
endumheldinamunicipalityshallbereturnedtoand
canvassedbythegoverningauthoritywhichcalledthe
referendum,butinanycountyordistrictthereturnsshall
bemadetotheboardofcountycommissioners.The
boardofcountycommissionersor,inthecaseofa
municipality,thegoverningauthoritythereof,shall
canvassthereturnsanddeclaretheresultandhave
samerecordedintheminutesoftheboardofcounty
commissioners,or,inthecaseofadistrict,the
certificateofdeclarationofresultshallberecordedin
theminutesofthegoverningauthorityofsuchdistrict,
or,inthecaseofamunicipality,theresultshallbe
recordedintheminutesofthegoverningauthorityofthe
municipality.Ifanybondreferendumisheldinconjunc-
tionwithanyotherelection,however,theofficials
responsibleforthecanvassofsuchelectionshallalso
canvassthereturnsofthereferendumandcertifythe
sametothepropergoverningbody.
History.—s.10,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.457(10);s.4,ch.26870,
1951;s.12,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.103.10.
100.281Approvaltoissuebonds.—Shoulda
majorityofthevotescastinabondreferendumbein
favoroftheissuanceofbonds,thentheissuanceofsaid
bondsisdeemedauthorizedinaccordancewiths.12,
Art.VIIoftheStateConstitution.Intheeventlessthana
majorityofthosevotingontheissuevotedinfavorofthe
issuanceoftheproposedbonds,thentheissuanceof
thosespecifiedbondsshallbedeemedtohavefailedof
approvalanditisunlawfultoissueorattempttoissue
saidbonds.
History.—s.12,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.457(12);s.4,ch.26870,
1951;s.15,ch.69-216;s.7,ch.69-377;s.12,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.103.12.
100.291Recordresultsofelectionprimafacie
evidence.—Wheneveranybondreferendumiscalled
andheld,andtheminuteshavebeenrecordedas
providedins.100.271andalsoaseparatefindingasto
thetotalnumberofvotescastinthereferendum,bothin
favorandagainsttheapprovalofbonds,thenaduly
certifiedcopyofthefindingshallbeadmissibleasprima
facieevidenceinallstatecourtsofthetruth,including
theregularity,ofthecall,conduct,andholdingofthe
referendumatthetimeandplacespecified.
History.—s.17,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.457(15);s.4,ch.26870,
1951;s.12,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.103.17.
100.301Refundingbondsexcluded.—Sections
100.201-100.351shallnotapplytorefundingbonds,
andwherevertheword“bond”or“bonds”isusedin
thesesectionsitshallbeconstruedtoexcluderefunding
bonds;butifthestatute,ordinance,orresolutionunder
whichrefundingbondsareauthorizedoraretobe
issuedrequiresareferendumtodeterminewhether
suchrefundingbondsshallbeissued,thereferendum
maybeheldasprovidedbyss.100.201-100.351.
History.—s.211/2,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.457(19);s.4,ch.26870,
1951;s.12,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.103.20.
100.311Locallawgovernsbondelectionheld
bymunicipalities.—Nosectionofthiscodecontrolling
orregulatingbondreferendashallbedeemedtorepeal
ormodifyanyprovisioncontainedinanylocallaw
relatingtobondreferendaheldbyanymunicipality,but
ss.100.201-100.351shallbedeemedadditionaland
supplementarytoanysuchlocallaw.
History.—s.21,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.457(18);s.4,ch.26870,
1951;s.12,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.103.19.
100.321Testsuit.—Anytaxpayerofthecounty,
district,ormunicipalitywhereinbondsaredeclaredto
havebeenauthorized,shallhavetherighttotestthe
legalityofthereferendumandofthedeclarationofthe
resultthereof,byanactioninthecircuitcourtofthe
countyinwhichthereferendumwasheld.Theaction
shallbebroughtagainstthecountycommissionersin
thecaseofacountyordistrictreferendum,oragainst
thegoverningauthorityofthemunicipalityinthecaseof
amunicipalreferendum.Incaseanysuchreferendum
orthedeclarationofresultsthereofshallbeadjudgedto
beillegalandvoidinanysuchsuit,thejudgmentshall
havetheeffectofnullifyingthereferendum.Nosuitshall
bebroughttotestthevalidityofanybondreferendum
unlessthesuitshallbeinstitutedwithin60daysafterthe
declarationoftheresultsofthereferendum.Intheevent
proceedingsshallbefiledinanycourttovalidatethe
bonds,whichhavebeenvotedfor,thenanysuch
taxpayershallbeboundtointerveneinsuchvalidation
suitandcontestthevalidityoftheholdingofthe
referendumorthedeclarationoftheresultsthereof,in
whicheventtheexclusivejurisdictiontodeterminethe
legalityofsuchreferendumorthedeclarationofthe
resultsthereofshallbevestedinthecourthearingand
determiningsaidvalidationproceedings.Ifsaidbondsin
thevalidationproceedingsshallbeheldvalidonfinal
hearingoraninterventionbythetaxpayershallbe
interposedandheldnottohavebeensustained,then
thejudgmentinsaidvalidationproceedingsshallbe
finalandconclusiveastothelegalityandvalidityofthe
referendumandofthedeclarationoftheresultsthereof,
Ch.100 GENERAL,PRIMARY,ANDSPECIALELECTIONS F.S.2014
36
andnoseparatesuittotestthesameshallbethereafter
permissible.
History.—s.18,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.457(16);s.4,ch.26870,
1951;s.12,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.103.18.
100.331Referendumfordefeatedbondissue.
Ifanybondreferendumiscalledandheldforapproving
theissuanceofbondsforaparticularpurposeandsuch
referendumdoesnotresultintheapprovalofthebonds,
thennootherreferendumfortheapprovalofbondsfor
thesamepurposeshallbecalledforatleast6months.
History.—s.13,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.457(13);s.4,ch.26870,
1951;s.12,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.103.13.
100.341Bondreferendumballot.—Theballots
usedinbondreferendashallincludeaprinteddescrip-
tionoftheissuanceofbondstobevotedonas
prescribedbytheauthoritycallingthereferendum.A
separatestatementofeachissueofbondstobe
approved,givingtheamountofthebondsandinterest
ratethereon,togetherwithotherdetailsnecessaryto
informtheelectors,shallbeprintedontheballotsin
connectionwiththequestion“ForBonds”and“Against
Bonds.”
History.—s.11,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.457(11);s.4,ch.26870,
1951;s.12,ch.77-175;s.4,ch.2001-40.
Note.—Formers.103.11.
100.342Noticeofspecialelectionorreferen-
dum.—Inanyspecialelectionorreferendumnot
otherwiseprovidedforthereshallbeatleast30days’
noticeoftheelectionorreferendumbypublicationina
newspaperofgeneralcirculationinthecounty,district,
ormunicipality,asthecasemaybe.Thepublication
shallbemadeatleasttwice,onceinthefifthweekand
onceinthethirdweekpriortotheweekinwhichthe
electionorreferendumistobeheld.Ifthereisno
newspaperofgeneralcirculationinthecounty,district,
ormunicipality,thenoticeshallbepostedinnolessthan
fiveplaceswithintheterritoriallimitsofthecounty,
district,ormunicipality.
History.—s.1,ch.59-335;s.2,ch.65-60;s.12,ch.77-175.
100.351Referendumelection;certificateofre-
sultstoDepartmentofState.—Wheneveranelection
isheldunderareferendumprovisionofanactofthe
Legislature,theelectionofficialsofthegovernmental
unitinwhichtheelectionisheldshallcertifytheresults
thereoftotheDepartmentofState,whichshallenter
suchresultsupontheofficialrecordoftheactrequiring
suchelectiononfileintheofficeoftheDepartmentof
State.
History.—s.1,ch.25438,1949;s.4,ch.26870,1951;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.
12,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.99.59.
100.3605Conductofmunicipalelections.—
(1)TheFloridaElectionCode,chapters97-106,
shallgoverntheconductofamunicipality’selectionin
theabsenceofanapplicablespecialact,charter,or
ordinanceprovision.Nocharterorordinanceprovision
shallbeadoptedwhichconflictswithorexemptsa
municipalityfromanyprovisionintheFloridaElection
Codethatexpresslyappliestomunicipalities.
(2)Thegoverningbodyofamunicipalitymay,by
ordinance,changethedatesforqualifyingandforthe
electionofmembersofthegoverningbodyofthe
municipalityandprovidefortheorderlytransitionof
officeresultingfromsuchdatechanges.
History.—s.2,ch.95-178.
100.361Municipalrecall.—
(1)APPLICATION;DEFINITION.—Anymemberof
thegoverningbodyofamunicipalityorchartercounty,
hereinafterreferredtointhissectionas“municipality,”
mayberemovedfromofficebytheelectorsofthe
municipality.Whentheofficialrepresentsadistrictand
iselectedonlybyelectorsresidinginthatdistrict,only
electorsfromthatdistrictareeligibletosignthepetition
torecallthatofficialandareentitledtovoteintherecall
election.Whentheofficialrepresentsadistrictandis
electedat-largebytheelectorsofthemunicipality,all
electorsofthemunicipalityareeligibletosignthe
petitiontorecallthatofficialandareentitledtovotein
therecallelection.Whereusedinthissection,theterm
“district”shallbeconstruedtomeantheareaorregion
ofamunicipalityfromwhichamemberofthegoverning
bodyiselectedbytheelectorsfromsuchareaorregion.
Membersmayberemovedfromofficepursuanttothe
proceduresprovidedinthissection.Thismethodof
removingmembersofthegoverningbodyofamunici-
palityisinadditiontoanyothermethodprovidedby
statelaw.
(2)RECALLPETITION.—
(a)Petitioncontent.—Apetitionshallcontainthe
nameofthepersonsoughttoberecalledanda
statementofgroundsforrecall.Thestatementof
groundsmaynotexceed200words,andthestated
groundsarelimitedsolelytothosespecifiedinpara-
graph(d).Ifmorethanonememberofthegoverning
bodyissoughttoberecalled,whethersuchmemberis
electedbytheelectorsofadistrictorbytheelectorsof
themunicipalityat-large,aseparaterecallpetitionshall
bepreparedforeachmembersoughttoberecalled.
Uponrequest,thecontentofapetitionshouldbe,butis
notrequiredtobe,providedbytheproponentin
alternativeformats.
(b)Requisitesignatures.—
1.Inamunicipalityordistrictoffewerthan500
electors,thepetitionshallbesignedbyatleast50
electorsorby10percentofthetotalnumberof
registeredelectorsofthemunicipalityordistrictasof
theprecedingmunicipalelection,whicheverisgreater.
2.Inamunicipalityordistrictof500ormorebut
fewerthan2,000registeredelectors,thepetitionshall
besignedbyatleast100electorsorby10percentofthe
totalnumberofregisteredelectorsofthemunicipalityor
districtasoftheprecedingmunicipalelection,which-
everisgreater.
3.Inamunicipalityordistrictof2,000ormorebut
fewerthan5,000registeredelectors,thepetitionshall
besignedbyatleast250electorsorby10percentofthe
totalnumberofregisteredelectorsofthemunicipalityor
districtasoftheprecedingmunicipalelection,which-
everisgreater.
4.Inamunicipalityordistrictof5,000ormorebut
fewerthan10,000registeredelectors,thepetitionshall
F.S.2014 GENERAL,PRIMARY,ANDSPECIALELECTIONS Ch.100
37
besignedbyatleast500electorsorby10percentofthe
totalnumberofregisteredelectorsofthemunicipalityor
districtasoftheprecedingmunicipalelection,which-
everisgreater.
5.Inamunicipalityordistrictof10,000ormorebut
fewerthan25,000registeredelectors,thepetitionshall
besignedbyatleast1,000electorsorby10percentof
thetotalnumberofregisteredelectorsofthemunici-
palityordistrictasoftheprecedingmunicipalelection,
whicheverisgreater.
6.Inamunicipalityordistrictof25,000ormore
registeredelectors,thepetitionshallbesignedbyat
least1,000electorsorby5percentofthetotalnumber
ofregisteredelectorsofthemunicipalityordistrictasof
theprecedingmunicipalelection,whicheverisgreater.
Allsignaturesshallbeobtained,asprovidedinpara-
graph(e),withinaperiodof30days,andallsignedand
datedpetitionformsshallbefiledatthesametime,no
laterthan30daysafterthedateonwhichthefirst
signatureisobtainedonthepetition.
(c)Recallcommittee.—Electorsofthemunicipality
ordistrictmakingchargescontainedinthestatementof
groundsforrecall,aswellasthosesigningtherecall
petition,shallbedesignatedastherecallcommittee.A
specificpersonshallbedesignatedinthepetitionas
chairofthecommittee,andthispersonshallactforthe
committee.Therecallcommitteeandtheofficerbeing
recalledaresubjecttotheprovisionsofchapter106.
(d)Groundsforrecall.—Thegroundsforremovalof
electedmunicipalofficialsshall,forthepurposesofthis
act,belimitedtothefollowingandmustbecontainedin
thepetition:
1.Malfeasance;
2.Misfeasance;
3.Neglectofduty;
4.Drunkenness;
5.Incompetence;
6.Permanentinabilitytoperformofficialduties;
and
7.Convictionofafelonyinvolvingmoralturpitude.
(e)Signatureprocess.—Onlyelectorsofthemuni-
cipalityordistrictareeligibletosignthepetition.Each
electorsigningapetitionshallsignanddatehisorher
nameininkorindeliblepencil.Eachpetitionshall
containappropriatelinesforeachelector’soriginal
signature,printedname,streetaddress,city,county,
voterregistrationnumberordateofbirth,anddate
signed.Theformshallalsocontainlinesforanoath,to
beexecutedbyawitnesswhoistoverifythefactthat
thewitnesssaweachpersonsignthecounterpartofthe
petition,thateachsignatureappearingthereonisthe
genuinesignatureofthepersonitpurportstobe,and
thatthepetitionwassignedinthepresenceofthe
witnessonthedateindicated.
(f)Filingofsignedpetitions.—Allsignedpetition
formsshallbefiledatthesametime,nolaterthan30
daysafterthedateonwhichthefirstsignatureis
obtainedonthepetition.Thepersondesignatedaschair
ofthecommitteeshallfilethesignedpetitionformswith
theauditororclerkofthemunicipalityorchartercounty,
orhisorherequivalent,hereinafterreferredtoas
“clerk.”Thepetitionmaynotbeamendedafteritis
filedwiththeclerk.
(g)Verificationofsignatures.—
1.Immediatelyafterthefilingofthepetitionforms,
theclerkshallsubmitsuchformstothecountysuper-
visorofelections.Nomorethan30daysafterthedate
onwhichallpetitionformsaresubmittedtothesuper-
visorbytheclerk,thesupervisorshallpromptlyverify
thesignaturesinaccordancewiths.99.097,and
determinewhethertherequisitenumberofvalidsigna-
tureshasbeenobtainedforthepetition.Thecommittee
seekingverificationofthesignaturesshallpayin
advancetothesupervisorthesumof10centsfor
eachsignaturecheckedortheactualcostofchecking
suchsignatures,whicheverisless.
2.Uponfilingwiththeclerk,thepetitionandall
subsequentpapersorformsrequiredorpermittedtobe
filedwiththeclerkinconnectionwiththissectionmust,
uponrequest,bemadeavailableinalternativeformats
bytheclerk.
3.Ifthesupervisordeterminesthatthepetition
doesnotcontaintherequisitenumberofverifiedand
validsignatures,theclerkshall,uponreceiptofsuch
writtendetermination,socertifytothegoverningbodyof
themunicipalityorchartercountyandfilethepetition
withouttakingfurtheraction,andthemattershallbeat
anend.Noadditionalnamesmaybeaddedtothe
petition,andthepetitionshallnotbeusedinanyother
proceeding.
4.Ifthesupervisordeterminesthatthepetitionhas
therequisitenumberofverifiedandvalidsignatures,
thentheproceduresoutlinedinsubsection(3)mustbe
followed.
(3)RECALLPETITIONANDDEFENSE.—
(a)Notice.—Uponreceiptofawrittendetermination
thattherequisitenumberofsignatureshasbeen
obtained,theclerkshallatonceserveupontheperson
soughttoberecalledacertifiedcopyofthepetition.
Within5daysafterservice,thepersonsoughttobe
recalledmayfilewiththeclerkadefensivestatementof
notmorethan200words.
(b)Contentandpreparation.—Within5daysafter
thedateofreceiptofthedefensivestatementorafter
thelastdateadefensivestatementcouldhavebeen
filed,theclerkshallprepareadocumententitled“Recall
PetitionandDefense.”The“RecallPetitionandDe-
fense”shallconsistoftherecallpetition,including
copiesoftheoriginallysignedpetitionsandcounter-
parts.The“RecallPetitionandDefense”mustcontain
lineswhichconformtotheprovisionsofparagraph
(2)(e),andthedefensivestatementor,ifnodefensive
statementhasbeenfiled,astatementtothateffect.The
clerkshallmakecopiesofthe“RecallPetitionand
Defense”whicharesufficienttocarrythesignaturesof
30percentoftheregisteredelectors.Immediatelyafter
preparingandmakingsufficientcopiesofthe“Recall
PetitionandDefense,”theclerkshalldeliverthecopies
tothepersondesignatedaschairofthecommitteeand
takehisorherreceipttherefor.
(c)Requisitesignatures.—Uponreceiptofthe“Re-
callPetitionandDefense,”thecommitteemaycirculate
themtoobtainthesignaturesof15percentofthe
electors.Allsignaturesshallbeobtainedandallsigned
Ch.100 GENERAL,PRIMARY,ANDSPECIALELECTIONS F.S.2014
38
petitionformsfiledwiththeclerknolaterthan60days
afterdeliveryofthe“RecallPetitionandDefense”tothe
chairofthecommittee.
(d)Signedpetitions;requestforstrikingname.—
Theclerkshallassembleallsignedpetitions,checkto
seethateachpetitionisproperlyverifiedbytheoathofa
witness,andsubmitsuchpetitionstothecounty
supervisorofelections.Anyelectorwhosignsarecall
petitionhastherighttodemandinwritingthathisorher
namebestrickenfromthepetition.Awrittendemand
signedbytheelectorshallbefiledwiththeclerk,and,
uponreceiptofthedemand,theclerkshallstrikethe
nameoftheelectorfromthepetitionandplacehisorher
initialstothesideofthesignaturestricken.However,a
signaturemaynotbestrickenaftertheclerkhas
deliveredthe“RecallPetitionandDefense”tothe
supervisorforverificationofthesignatures.
(e)Verificationofsignatures.—Within30daysafter
receiptofthesigned“RecallPetitionandDefense,”the
supervisorshalldeterminethenumberofvalidsigna-
tures,purgethenameswithdrawn,andcertifywhether
15percentofthequalifiedelectorsofthemunicipality
havesignedthepetitions.Thesupervisorshallbepaid
bythepersonsorcommitteeseekingverificationthe
sumof10centsforeachnamechecked.
(f)Reporting.—Ifthesupervisordeterminesthat
therequisitenumberofsignatureshasnotbeen
obtained,theclerkshall,uponreceiptofsuchwritten
determination,certifysuchdeterminationtothegovern-
ingbodyandretainthepetitions.Theproceedingsshall
beterminated,andthepetitionsshallnotagainbeused.
Ifthesupervisordeterminesthatatleast15percentof
thequalifiedelectorssignedthepetition,theclerkshall,
immediatelyuponreceiptofsuchwrittendetermination,
servenoticeofthatdeterminationupontheperson
soughttoberecalledanddelivertothegoverningbody
acertificateastothepercentageofqualifiedelectors
whosigned.
(4)RECALLELECTION.—Ifthepersondesignated
inthepetitionfileswiththeclerk,within5daysafterthe
last-mentionednotice,hisorherwrittenresignation,the
clerkshallatoncenotifythegoverningbodyofthatfact,
andtheresignationshallbeirrevocable.Thegoverning
bodyshallthenproceedtofillthevacancyaccordingto
theprovisionsoftheappropriatelaw.Intheabsenceof
aresignation,thechiefjudgeofthejudicialcircuitin
whichthemunicipalityislocatedshallfixadayfor
holdingarecallelectionfortheremovalofthosenot
resigning.Anysuchelectionshallbeheldnotlessthan
30daysormorethan60daysaftertheexpirationofthe
5-dayperiodlast-mentionedandatthesametimeas
anyothergeneralorspecialelectionheldwithinthe
period;butifnosuchelectionistobeheldwithinthat
period,thejudgeshallcallaspecialrecallelectiontobe
heldwithintheperiodaforesaid.
(5)BALLOTS.—Theballotsattherecallelection
shallconformtothefollowing:Withrespecttoeach
personwhoseremovalissought,thequestionshallbe
submitted:“Shall __beremovedfromtheofficeof
__byrecall?”Immediatelyfollowingeachquestion
thereshallbeprintedontheballotsthetwopropositions
intheorderheresetforth:
“(nameofperson)shouldberemovedfromoffice.”
“(nameofperson)shouldnotberemovedfromoffice.”
(6)FILLINGOFVACANCIES;SPECIALELEC-
TIONS.—
(a)Ifanelectionisheldfortherecallofmembers
electedonlyat-large,candidatestosucceedthemfor
theunexpiredtermsshallbevoteduponatthesame
electionandshallbeelectedinthesamemanneras
providedbytheappropriatelawfortheelectionof
candidatesatgeneralelections.Candidatesshallnotbe
electedtosucceedanyparticularmember.Ifonlyone
memberisremoved,thecandidatereceivingthehighest
numberofvotesshallbedeclaredelectedtofillthe
vacancy.Ifmorethanonememberisremoved,
candidatesequalinnumbertothenumberofmembers
removedshallbedeclaredelectedtofillthevacancies;
and,amongthesuccessfulcandidates,thosereceiving
thegreatestnumberofvotesshallbedeclaredelected
forthelongestterms.Casesofties,andallother
mattersnothereinspeciallyprovidedfor,shallbe
determinedbytherulesgoverningelectionsgenerally.
(b)Ifanelectionisheldfortherecallofmembers
electedonlyfromdistricts,candidatestosucceedthem
fortheunexpiredtermsshallbevoteduponataspecial
electioncalledbythechiefjudgeofthejudicialcircuitin
whichthedistrictsarelocatednotlessthan30daysor
morethan60daysaftertheexpirationoftherecall
election.Thequalifyingperiod,forpurposesofthis
section,shallbeestablishedbythechiefjudgeofthe
judicialcircuitafterconsultationwiththeclerk.Any
candidateseekingelectiontofilltheunexpiredtermofa
recalleddistrictmunicipalofficialshallresideinthe
districtrepresentedbytherecalledofficialandqualifyfor
officeinthemannerrequiredbylaw.Eachcandidate
receivingthehighestnumberofvotesforeachofficein
thespecialdistrictrecallelectionshallbedeclared
electedtofilltheunexpiredtermoftherecalledofficial.
Candidatesseekingelectiontofillavacancycreatedby
theremovalofamunicipalofficialshallbesubjecttothe
provisionsofchapter106.
(c)Whenanelectionisheldfortherecallof
membersofthegoverningbodycomposedofboth
memberselectedat-largeandfromdistricts,candidates
tosucceedthemfortheunexpiredtermsshallbevoted
uponataspecialelectionasprovidedinparagraph(b).
(d)However,inanyrecallelectionheldpursuantto
paragraph(b)orparagraph(c),ifonlyonememberis
votedtoberemovedfromoffice,thevacancycreatedby
therecallshallbefilledbythegoverningbodyaccording
totheprovisionsoftheappropriatelawforfilling
vacancies.
(7)EFFECTOFRESIGNATIONS.—Ifthemember
ofthegoverningbodybeingrecalledresignsfromoffice
priortotherecallelection,theremainingmembersshall
fillthevacancycreatedaccordingtotheappropriatelaw
forfillingvacancies.Ifallofthemembersofthe
governingbodyaresoughttoberecalledandallof
themembersresignpriortotherecallelection,therecall
electionshallbecanceled,andaspecialelectionshall
becalledtofilltheunexpiredtermsoftheresigning
members.Ifallofthemembersofthegoverningbody
aresoughttoberecalledandanyofthemembersresign
priortotherecallelection,theproceedingsfortherecall
ofmembersnotresigningandtheelectionof
F.S.2014 GENERAL,PRIMARY,ANDSPECIALELECTIONS Ch.100
39
successorstofilltheunexpiredtermsshallcontinueand
havethesameeffectasthoughtherehadbeenno
resignation.
(8)WHENPETITIONMAYBEFILED.—Nopetition
torecallanymemberofthegoverningbodyofa
municipalityshallbefileduntilthememberhasserved
one-fourthofhisorhertermofoffice.Noperson
removedbyarecall,orresigningafterapetitionhas
beenfiledagainsthimorher,shallbeeligibletobe
appointedtothegoverningbodywithinaperiodof2
yearsafterthedateofsuchrecallorresignation.
(9)RETENTIONOFPETITION.—Theclerkshall
preserveinhisorherofficeallpaperscomprisingor
connectedwithapetitionforrecallforaperiodof2years
aftertheywerefiled.
(10)OFFENSESRELATINGTOPETITIONS.—No
personshallimpersonateanother,purposelywritehisor
hernameorresidencefalselyinthesigningofany
petitionforrecallorforgeanynamethereto,orsignany
paperwithknowledgethatheorsheisnotaqualified
electorofthemunicipality.Nopersonshallemployor
payanothertoacceptemploymentorpaymentfor
circulatingorwitnessingarecallpetition.Anyperson
violatinganyoftheprovisionsofthissectioncommitsa
misdemeanoroftheseconddegreeandshall,upon
conviction,bepunishedasprovidedbylaw.
(11)INTENT.—ItistheintentoftheLegislaturethat
therecallproceduresprovidedinthisactshallbe
uniformstatewide.Therefore,allmunicipalcharter
andspeciallawprovisionswhicharecontrarytothe
provisionsofthisactareherebyrepealedtotheextent
ofthisconflict.
(12)PROVISIONSAPPLICABLE.—Theprovisions
ofthisactshallapplytocitiesandchartercounties
whetherornottheyhaveadoptedrecallprovisions.
History.—ss.1,2,ch.74-130;s.1,ch.77-174;s.12,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.
77-279;s.1,ch.81-312;s.20,ch.83-217;s.17,ch.89-338;s.15,ch.90-315;s.
549,ch.95-147;s.14,ch.95-280;s.1,ch.2000-249;s.5,ch.2001-40;s.8,ch.
2002-281;s.13,ch.2008-95.
100.371Initiatives;procedureforplacementon
ballot.—
(1)Constitutionalamendmentsproposedbyinitia-
tiveshallbeplacedontheballotforthegeneralelection,
providedtheinitiativepetitionhasbeenfiledwiththe
SecretaryofStatenolaterthanFebruary1oftheyear
thegeneralelectionisheld.Apetitionshallbedeemed
tobefiledwiththeSecretaryofStateuponthedatethe
secretarydeterminesthatvalidandverifiedpetition
formshavebeensignedbytheconstitutionallyrequired
numberanddistributionofelectorsunderthiscode.
(2)Thesponsorofaninitiativeamendmentshall,
priortoobtaininganysignatures,registerasapolitical
committeepursuanttos.106.03andsubmitthetextof
theproposedamendmenttotheSecretaryofState,with
theformonwhichthesignatureswillbeaffixed,and
shallobtaintheapprovaloftheSecretaryofStateof
suchform.TheSecretaryofStateshalladoptrules
pursuanttos.120.54prescribingthestyleandrequire-
mentsofsuchform.UponfilingwiththeSecretaryof
State,thetextoftheproposedamendmentandallforms
filedinconnectionwiththissectionmust,uponrequest,
bemadeavailableinalternativeformats.
(3)Aninitiativepetitionformcirculatedforsignature
maynotbebundledwithorattachedtoanyother
petition.Eachsignatureshallbedatedwhenmadeand
shallbevalidforaperiodof2yearsfollowingsuchdate,
providedallotherrequirementsoflawaremet.The
sponsorshallsubmitsignedanddatedformstothe
supervisorofelectionsforthecountyofresidencelisted
bythepersonsigningtheformforverificationofthe
numberofvalidsignaturesobtained.Ifasignatureona
petitionisfromaregisteredvoterinanothercounty,the
supervisorshallnotifythepetitionsponsorofthe
misfiledpetition.Thesupervisorshallpromptlyverify
thesignatureswithin30daysafterreceiptofthepetition
formsandpaymentofthefeerequiredbys.99.097.The
supervisorshallpromptlyrecord,inthemannerpre-
scribedbytheSecretaryofState,thedateeachformis
receivedbythesupervisor,andthedatethesignature
ontheformisverifiedasvalid.Thesupervisormay
verifythatthesignatureonaformisvalidonlyif:
(a)Theformcontainstheoriginalsignatureofthe
purportedelector.
(b)Thepurportedelectorhasaccuratelyrecorded
ontheformthedateonwhichheorshesignedtheform.
(c)Theformsetsforththepurportedelector’s
name,address,city,county,andvoterregistration
numberordateofbirth.
(d)Thepurportedelectoris,atthetimeheorshe
signstheformandatthetimetheformisverified,aduly
qualifiedandregisteredelectorinthestate.
Thesupervisorshallretainthesignatureformsforat
least1yearfollowingtheelectioninwhichtheissue
appearedontheballotoruntiltheDivisionofElections
notifiesthesupervisorsofelectionsthatthecommittee
thatcirculatedthepetitionisnolongerseekingtoobtain
ballotposition.
(4)TheSecretaryofStateshalldeterminefromthe
signaturesverifiedbythesupervisorsofelectionsthe
totalnumberofverifiedvalidsignaturesandthe
distributionofsuchsignaturesbycongressionaldis-
tricts.Uponadeterminationthattherequisitenumber
anddistributionofvalidsignatureshavebeenobtained,
thesecretaryshallissueacertificateofballotposition
forthatproposedamendmentandshallassigna
designatingnumberpursuanttos.101.161.
(5)(a)Within45daysafterreceiptofaproposed
revisionoramendmenttotheStateConstitutionby
initiativepetitionfromtheSecretaryofState,the
FinancialImpactEstimatingConferenceshallcomplete
ananalysisandfinancialimpactstatementtobeplaced
ontheballotoftheestimatedincreaseordecreasein
anyrevenuesorcoststostateorlocalgovernments
resultingfromtheproposedinitiative.TheFinancial
ImpactEstimatingConferenceshallsubmitthefinancial
impactstatementtotheAttorneyGeneralandSecretary
ofState.
(b)TheFinancialImpactEstimatingConference
shallprovideanopportunityforanyproponentsor
opponentsoftheinitiativetosubmitinformationand
maysolicitinformationoranalysisfromanyother
entitiesoragencies,includingtheOfficeofEconomic
andDemographicResearch.
Ch.100 GENERAL,PRIMARY,ANDSPECIALELECTIONS F.S.2014
40
(c)AllmeetingsoftheFinancialImpactEstimating
Conferenceshallbeopentothepublic.ThePresidentof
theSenateandtheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepre-
sentatives,jointly,shallbethesolejudgeforthe
interpretation,implementation,andenforcementof
thissubsection.
1.TheFinancialImpactEstimatingConferenceis
establishedtoreview,analyze,andestimatethe
financialimpactofamendmentstoorrevisionsofthe
StateConstitutionproposedbyinitiative.TheFinancial
ImpactEstimatingConferenceshallconsistoffour
principals:onepersonfromtheExecutiveOfficeof
theGovernor;thecoordinatoroftheOfficeofEconomic
andDemographicResearch,orhisorherdesignee;one
personfromtheprofessionalstaffoftheSenate;and
onepersonfromtheprofessionalstaffoftheHouseof
Representatives.Eachprincipalshallhaveappropriate
fiscalexpertiseinthesubjectmatteroftheinitiative.A
FinancialImpactEstimatingConferencemaybeap-
pointedforeachinitiative.
2.PrincipalsoftheFinancialImpactEstimating
Conferenceshallreachaconsensusormajoritycon-
currenceonaclearandunambiguousfinancialimpact
statement,nomorethan75wordsinlength,and
immediatelysubmitthestatementtotheAttorney
General.NothinginthissubsectionprohibitstheFinan-
cialImpactEstimatingConferencefromsettingfortha
rangeofpotentialimpactsinthefinancialimpact
statement.Anyfinancialimpactstatementthatacourt
findsnottobeinaccordancewiththissectionshallbe
remandedsolelytotheFinancialImpactEstimating
Conferenceforredrafting.TheFinancialImpactEsti-
matingConferenceshallredraftthefinancialimpact
statementwithin15days.
3.IfthemembersoftheFinancialImpactEstimat-
ingConferenceareunabletoagreeonthestatement
requiredbythissubsection,oriftheSupremeCourthas
rejectedtheinitialsubmissionbytheFinancialImpact
EstimatingConferenceandnoredrafthasbeenap-
provedbytheSupremeCourtby5p.m.onthe75thday
beforetheelection,thefollowingstatementshallappear
ontheballotpursuanttos.101.161(1):“Thefinancial
impactofthismeasure,ifany,cannotbereasonably
determinedatthistime.”
(d)Thefinancialimpactstatementmustbesepa-
ratelycontainedandbesetforthaftertheballot
summaryasrequiredins.101.161(1).
(e)1.AnyfinancialimpactstatementthattheSu-
premeCourtfindsnottobeinaccordancewiththis
subsectionshallberemandedsolelytotheFinancial
ImpactEstimatingConferenceforredrafting,provided
thecourt’sadvisoryopinionisrenderedatleast75days
beforetheelectionatwhichthequestionofratifyingthe
amendmentwillbepresented.TheFinancialImpact
EstimatingConferenceshallprepareandadopta
revisedfinancialimpactstatementnolaterthan5
p.m.onthe15thdayafterthedateofthecourt’sopinion.
2.If,by5p.m.onthe75thdaybeforetheelection,
theSupremeCourthasnotissuedanadvisoryopinion
ontheinitialfinancialimpactstatementpreparedbythe
FinancialImpactEstimatingConferenceforaninitiative
amendmentthatotherwisemeetsthelegalrequire-
mentsforballotplacement,thefinancialimpactstate-
mentshallbedeemedapprovedforplacementonthe
ballot.
3.Inadditiontothefinancialimpactstatement
requiredbythissubsection,theFinancialImpact
EstimatingConferenceshalldraftaninitiativefinancial
informationstatement.Theinitiativefinancialinforma-
tionstatementshoulddescribeingreaterdetailthanthe
financialimpactstatementanyprojectedincreaseor
decreaseinrevenuesorcoststhatthestateorlocal
governmentswouldlikelyexperienceiftheballot
measurewereapproved.Ifappropriate,theinitiative
financialinformationstatementmayincludebothesti-
mateddollaramountsandadescriptionplacingthe
estimateddollaramountsintocontext.Theinitiative
financialinformationstatementmustincludebotha
summaryofnotmorethan500wordsandadditional
detailedinformationthatincludestheassumptionsthat
weremadetodevelopthefinancialimpacts,work-
papers,andanyotherinformationdeemedrelevantby
theFinancialImpactEstimatingConference.
4.TheDepartmentofStateshallhaveprinted,and
shallfurnishtoeachsupervisorofelections,acopyof
thesummaryfromtheinitiativefinancialinformation
statements.Thesupervisorsshallhavethesummary
fromtheinitiativefinancialinformationstatements
availableateachpollingplaceandatthemainoffice
ofthesupervisorofelectionsuponrequest.
5.TheSecretaryofStateandtheOfficeof
EconomicandDemographicResearchshallmake
availableontheInterneteachinitiativefinancialinfor-
mationstatementinitsentirety.Inaddition,each
supervisorofelectionswhoseofficehasawebsite
shallpostthesummaryfromeachinitiativefinancial
informationstatementonthewebsite.Eachsupervisor
shallincludetheInternetaddressesfortheinformation
statementsontheSecretaryofState’sandtheOfficeof
EconomicandDemographicResearch’swebsitesinthe
publicationormailingrequiredbys.101.20.
(6)TheDepartmentofStatemayadoptrulesin
accordancewiths.120.54tocarryouttheprovisionsof
subsections(1)-(5).
(7)Noprovisionofthiscodeshallbedeemedto
prohibitaprivatepersonexercisinglawfulcontrolover
privatelyownedproperty,includingpropertyheldopen
tothepublicforthepurposesofacommercialen-
terprise,fromexcludingfromsuchpropertypersons
seekingtoengageinactivitysupportingoropposing
initiativeamendments.
History.—s.15,ch.79-365;s.12,ch.83-251;s.30,ch.84-302;s.22,ch.97-13;
s.9,ch.2002-281;s.3,ch.2002-390;s.3,ch.2004-33;s.28,ch.2005-278;s.4,ch.
2006-119;s.25,ch.2007-30;s.1,ch.2007-231;s.14,ch.2008-95;s.23,ch.
2011-40.
F.S.2014 GENERAL,PRIMARY,ANDSPECIALELECTIONS Ch.100
41
CHAPTER101
VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE
101.001Precinctsandpollingplaces;boundaries.
101.002Useofsystembymunicipalities.
101.015Standardsforvotingsystems.
101.017BureauofVotingSystemsCertification.
101.021Electortovotetheprimaryballotofthe
politicalpartyinwhichheorsheis
registered.
101.031Instructionsforelectors.
101.041Secretvoting.
101.043Identificationrequiredatpolls.
101.045Electorsmustberegisteredinprecinct;
provisionsforchangeofresidenceor
name.
101.048Provisionalballots.
101.049 Provisionalballots;specialcircum-
stances.
101.051 Electorsseekingassistanceincasting
ballots;oathtobeexecuted;formsto
befurnished.
101.111Voterchallenges.
101.131Watchersatpolls.
101.151Specificationsforballots.
101.161Referenda;ballots.
101.171Copyofconstitutionalamendmenttobe
availableatvotinglocations.
101.20Publicationofballotform;sampleballots.
101.21 Officialballots;number;printing;pay-
ment.
101.23Electioninspectortokeeplistofthose
voting.
101.24Ballotboxesandballots.
101.2512Candidates’namesongeneralelection
ballots.
101.2515Translationofballotlanguage.
101.252Candidatesentitledtohavenamesprinted
oncertainballots;exception.
101.254 Whennominatednamestoappearin
groupsordistricts.
101.292Definitions;ss.101.292-101.295.
101.293Competitivesealedbidsandproposals
required.
101.294Purchaseandsaleofvotingequipment.
101.295Penaltiesforviolation.
101.34Custodyofvotingsystem.
101.341 Prohibitedactivitiesbyvotingsystem
custodiansanddeputycustodians.
101.43Substituteballot.
101.49Procedureofelectionofficerswheresig-
naturesdiffer.
101.51Electorstooccupyboothalone.
101.545Retentionanddestructionofcertainelec-
tionmaterials.
101.5601Shorttitle.
101.5602Purpose.
101.5603DefinitionsrelatingtoElectronicVoting
SystemsAct.
101.5604 Adoptionofsystem;procurementof
equipment;commercialtabulations.
101.56042Punchcardtypesystemsprohibited.
101.5605Examinationandapprovalofequipment.
101.5606Requirementsforapprovalofsystems.
101.56062Standardsforaccessiblevotingsystems.
101.56063Accessibilityofvotingsystemsandpolling
places;intent;eligibilityforfederalfund-
ing.
101.56064Applicationforfederalfundsunderch.
2002-281.
101.56065Votingsystemdefects;disclosure;inves-
tigations;penalties.
101.5607DepartmentofStatetomaintainvoting
systeminformation;preparesoftware.
101.56075Votingmethods.
101.5608Votingbyelectronicorelectromechanical
method;procedures.
101.5610Inspectionofballotbyelectionboard.
101.5611Instructionstoelectors.
101.5612Testingoftabulatingequipment.
101.5613Examinationofequipmentduringvoting.
101.5614Canvassofreturns.
101.572Publicinspectionofballots.
101.58 Supervisingandobservingregistration
andelectionprocesses.
101.591Votingsystemaudit.
101.5911Rulemakingauthorityforvotingsystem
auditprocedures.
101.595Analysisandreportsofvotingproblems.
101.6101Shorttitle.
101.6102Mailballotelections;limitations.
101.6103Mailballotelectionprocedure.
101.6104Challengeofvotes.
101.6105Absenteevoting.
101.6106Applicationofotherelectionlaws.
101.6107DepartmentofStatetoadoptrules.
101.62Requestforabsenteeballots.
101.64Deliveryofabsenteeballots;envelopes;
form.
101.65Instructionstoabsentelectors.
101.655Supervisedvotingbyabsentelectorsin
certainfacilities.
101.657Earlyvoting.
101.661Votingabsenteeballots.
101.662Accessibilityofabsenteeballots.
101.663Electors;changeofresidencetoanother
state.
101.665Administrationofoaths;militaryperson-
nel,federalemployees,andotherab-
senteeregistrants.
101.67Safekeepingofmailedballots;deadline
forreceivingabsenteeballots.
101.68Canvassingofabsenteeballot.
101.69 Votinginperson;returnofabsentee
ballot.
101.6921 Deliveryofspecialabsenteeballotto
certainfirst-timevoters.
101.6923Specialabsenteeballotinstructionsfor
certainfirst-timevoters.
101.6925Canvassingspecialabsenteeballots.
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
42
101.694Mailingofballotsuponreceiptoffederal
postcardapplication.
101.6951Statewrite-inballot.
101.6952 Absenteeballotsforabsentuniformed
servicesandoverseasvoters.
101.697Electronictransmissionofelectionmate-
rials.
101.698Absenteevotinginemergencysituations.
101.71Pollingplace.
101.715Accessibilityofpollingplacesforpeople
havingadisability.
101.731Shorttitle.
101.732 DefinitionsrelatingtoElectionsEmer-
gencyAct.
101.733Electionemergency;purpose;elections
emergencycontingencyplan.
101.74Temporarychangeofpollingplaceincase
ofemergency.
101.75Municipalelections;changeofdatesfor
cause.
101.001Precinctsandpollingplaces;bound-
aries.—
(1)Theboardofcountycommissionersineach
county,uponrecommendationandapprovalofthe
supervisor,shallalterorcreateprecinctsforvotingin
thecounty.Eachprecinctshallbenumberedand,as
nearlyaspracticable,composedofcontiguousand
compactareas.Thesupervisorshalldesignateapolling
placeatasuitablelocationwithineachprecinct.The
precinctshallnotbechangedthereafterexceptwiththe
consentofthesupervisorandamajorityofthemembers
oftheboardofcountycommissioners.Theboardof
countycommissionersandthesupervisormayhave
precinctboundariesconformtomunicipalboundariesin
accordancewiththeprovisionsofs.101.002,but,inany
event,theregistrationbooksshallbemaintainedinsuch
amannerthattheremaybedeterminedtherefromthe
totalnumberofelectorsineachmunicipality.
(2)Wheninanyelectiontherearefewerthan25
registeredelectorsoftheonlypoliticalpartyhaving
candidatesontheballotatanyprecinct,suchprecinct
maybecombinedwithotheradjoiningprecinctsupon
therecommendationofthesupervisorandtheapproval
ofthecountycommissioners.Noticeofthecombination
ofprecinctsshallbegiveninthesamemanneras
providedins.101.71(2).
(3)(a)Eachsupervisorofelectionsshallmaintaina
suitablemapdrawntoascalenosmallerthan3milesto
theinchandclearlydelineatingallmajorobservable
featuressuchasroads,streams,andrailwaylinesand
showingthecurrentgeographicalboundariesofeach
precinct,representativedistrict,andsenatorialdistrict,
andothertypeofdistrictinthecountysubjecttothe
electionsprocessinthiscode.
(b)Thesupervisorshallprovidetothedepartment
dataonallprecinctsinthecountyassociatedwiththe
mostrecentdecennialcensusblockswithineach
precinct.
(c)Thedepartmentshallmaintainasearchable
databasethatcontainstheprecinctsandthecorre-
spondingmostrecentdecennialcensusblockswithin
theprecinctsforeachcounty,includingahistoricalfile
thatallowsthecensusblockstobetracedthroughthe
priordecade.
(d)Thesupervisorofelectionsshallnotifythe
SecretaryofStateinwritingwithin10daysafterany
reorganizationofprecinctsandshallfurnishacopyof
themapshowingthecurrentgeographicalboundaries
anddesignationofeachnewprecinct.However,if
precinctsarecomposedofwholecensusblocks,the
supervisormayfurnish,inlieuofacopyofthemap,a
list,inanelectronicformatprescribedbytheDepart-
mentofState,associatingeachcensusblockinthe
countywithitsprecinct.
(e)Anyprecinctestablishedoralteredunderthe
provisionsofthissectionshallconsistofareasbounded
onallsidesonlybycensusblockboundariesfromthe
mostrecentUnitedStatesCensus.Ifthecensusblock
boundariessplitorconflictwithanotherpoliticalbound-
arylistedbelow,theboundarylistedbelowmaybe
used:
1.Governmentalunitboundariesreportedinthe
mostrecentBoundaryandAnnexationSurveypub-
lishedbytheUnitedStatesCensusBureau;
2.Visiblefeaturesthatarereadilydistinguishable
upontheground,suchasstreets,railroads,tracks,
streams,andlakes,andthatareindicateduponcurrent
censusmaps,officialDepartmentofTransportation
maps,officialmunicipalmaps,officialcountymaps,or
acombinationofsuchmaps;
3.Boundariesofpublicparks,publicschool
grounds,orchurches;or
4.Boundariesofcounties,incorporatedmunicipa-
lities,orotherpoliticalsubdivisionsthatmeetcriteria
establishedbytheUnitedStatesCensusBureaufor
blockboundaries.
(4)(a)Within10daysafterthereisanychangeinthe
division,number,orboundariesoftheprecincts,orthe
locationofthepollingplaces,thesupervisorofelections
shallmakeinwritinganaccuratedescriptionofanynew
oralteredprecincts,settingforththeboundarylinesand
shallidentifythelocationofeachneworalteredpolling
place.Acopyofthedocumentdescribingsuchchanges
shallbepostedatthesupervisor’soffice.
(b)Anychangesinthecountyprecinctdatashallbe
providedtothedepartmentwithin10daysaftera
change.
(c)Precinctdatashallincludeallprecinctsforwhich
precinct-levelelectionresultsandvotinghistoryresults
arereported.
History.—s.10,ch.3879,1889;RS164;s.11,ch.4328,1895;GS184;RGS
228;CGL281;s.2,ch.24203,1947;s.6,ch.25383,1949;s.2,ch.26329,1949;s.
2,ch.26870,1951;s.4,ch.29934,1955;s.3,ch.57-166;s.1,ch.59-281;s.1,ch.
67-169;s.1,ch.72-25;s.3,ch.73-155;s.1,ch.76-60;s.1,ch.76-121;s.1,ch.
76-233;s.4,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.80-189;s.11,ch.80-292;s.4,ch.81-304;s.26,
ch.84-302;s.24,ch.94-224;s.1390,ch.95-147;s.54,ch.97-13;s.29,ch.
2005-278;s.24,ch.2011-40.
Note.—Formers.98.23;s.98.031.
101.002Useofsystembymunicipalities.—
(1)Theboardofcountycommissioners,withthe
concurrenceofthesupervisorofelections,mayarrange
theboundariesoftheprecinctsineachmunicipality
withinthecountytoconformtotheboundariesofthe
municipality,subjecttotheconcurrenceofthegovern-
ingbodyofthemunicipality.Allbinders,files,andother
equipmentormaterialsnecessaryforthepermanent
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
43
registrationsystemshallbefurnishedbytheboardof
countycommissioners.
(2)Thesupervisorofelectionsshalldeliverthe
recordsrequiredforamunicipalelectiontothemuni-
cipalelectionsboardsorotherappropriateelections
officialsbeforetheelectionandcollectthemafterthe
election.Themunicipalityshallreimbursethecountyfor
theactualcostsincurred.
(3)Anypersonwhoisadulyregisteredelector
pursuanttothiscodeandwhoresideswithinthe
boundariesofamunicipalityisqualifiedtoparticipate
inallmunicipalelections,theprovisionsofspecialacts
orlocalchartersnotwithstanding.Electorswhoarenot
registeredunderthepermanentregistrationsystem
shallnotbepermittedtovote.
History.—s.4,ch.25391,1949;s.2,ch.26870,1951;s.10,ch.27991,1953;s.
2,ch.29761,1955;s.1,ch.57-136;s.1,ch.63-268;s.6,ch.65-134;s.2,ch.
73-155;s.5,ch.77-175;s.31,ch.94-224.
Note.—Formers.97.04;s.98.091.
101.015Standardsforvotingsystems.—
(1)TheDepartmentofStateshalladoptruleswhich
establishminimumstandardsforhardwareandsoft-
wareforelectronicandelectromechanicalvotingsys-
tems.Suchrulesshallcontainstandardsfor:
(a)Functionalrequirements;
(b)Performancelevels;
(c)Physicalanddesigncharacteristics;
(d)Documentationrequirements;and
(e)Evaluationcriteria.
(2)Eachodd-numberedyeartheDepartmentof
Stateshallreviewtherulesgoverningstandardsand
certificationofvotingsystemstodeterminetheade-
quacyandeffectivenessofsuchrulesinassuringthat
electionsarefairandimpartial.
(3)TheDepartmentofStateshalladoptrulesto
achieveandmaintainthemaximumdegreeofcorrect-
ness,impartiality,andefficiencyoftheproceduresof
voting,includingwrite-invoting,andofcounting,
tabulating,andrecordingvotesbyvotingsystems
usedinthisstate.
(4)(a)TheDepartmentofStateshalladoptrules
establishingminimumsecuritystandardsforvoting
systems.
(b)Eachsupervisorofelectionsshallestablish
writtenprocedurestoassureaccuracyandsecurityin
hisorhercounty,includingproceduresrelatedtoearly
votingpursuanttos.101.657.Suchproceduresshallbe
reviewedineachodd-numberedyearbytheDepart-
mentofState.
(c)Eachsupervisorofelectionsshallsubmitany
revisionstothesecurityprocedurestotheDepartment
ofStateatleast45daysbeforeearlyvotingcommences
pursuanttos.101.657inanelectioninwhichtheyareto
takeeffect.
(5)(a)TheDepartmentofStateshalladoptrules
whichestablishstandardsforprovisionalapprovalof
hardwareandsoftwareforinnovativeuseofelectronic
andelectromechanicalvotingsystems.Suchrulesshall
containstandardsfor:
1.Functionalrequirements;
2.Performancelevels;
3.Physicalanddesigncharacteristics;
4.Documentationrequirements;
5.Evaluationcriteria;
6.Auditcapabilities;and
7.Considerationofprioruseofasystem.
(b)Avotingsystemshallbeprovisionallyapproved
foratotalofnomorethan2years,andtheDepartment
ofStatehastheauthoritytorevokesuchapproval.
Provisionalapprovalofasystemshallnotbegrantedby
theDepartmentofStatetosupersedecertification
requirementsofthissection.
(c)1.Noprovisionallyapprovedsystemmaybe
usedinanyelection,includinganymunicipalelection,
withouttheauthorizationoftheDepartmentofState.
2.Anapplicationforuseofaprovisionallyap-
provedsystemshallbesubmittedatleast120daysprior
totheintendedusebythesupervisorofelectionsor
municipalelectionsofficial.Suchapplicationshall
requestauthorizationforuseofthesysteminaspecific
election.Eachapplicationshallstatetheelection,the
numberofprecincts,andthenumberofanticipated
votersforwhichthesystemisrequestedforuse.
3.TheDepartmentofStateshallauthorizeordeny
authorizationoftheuseoftheprovisionallyapproved
systemforthespecificelectionandshallnotifythe
supervisorofelectionsormunicipalelectionsofficialin
writingoftheauthorizationordenialofauthorization,
alongwiththereasonstherefor,within45daysafter
receiptoftheapplication.
(d)Acontractfortheuseofaprovisionallyapproved
systemforaspecificelectionmaybeenteredintowith
theapprovaloftheDepartmentofState.Nocontractfor
titletoaprovisionallyapprovedsystemmaybeentered
into.
(e)Theuseofanyprovisionallyapprovedsystem
shallbevalidforallpurposes.
(6)Allelectronicandelectromechanicalvotingsys-
temspurchasedonorafterJanuary1,1990,mustmeet
theminimumstandardsestablishedundersubsection
(1).Allelectronicandelectromechanicalvotingsystems
inuseonorafterJuly1,1993,mustmeettheminimum
standardsestablishedundersubsection(1)orsubsec-
tion(5).
(7)TheDivisionofElectionsshallreviewthevoting
systemscertificationstandardsandensurethatnew
technologiesareavailableforselectionbyboardsof
countycommissionerswhichmeettherequirementsfor
votingsystemsandmeetuserstandards.TheDivision
ofElectionsshallcontinuouslyreviewthevotingsys-
temscertificationstandardstoensurethatnewtech-
nologiesareappropriatelycertifiedforallelectionsina
timelymanner.Thedivisionshallalsodevelopmethods
todeterminethewillofthepublicwithrespecttovoting
systems.
History.—s.4,ch.89-348;s.16,ch.90-315;s.551,ch.95-147;s.6,ch.
2001-40;s.10,ch.2004-252.
101.017BureauofVotingSystemsCertification.
ThereiscreatedaBureauofVotingSystemsCertifica-
tionwithintheDivisionofElectionsoftheDepartmentof
Statewhichshallprovidetechnicalsupporttothe
supervisorsofelectionsandwhichisresponsiblefor
votingsystemstandardsandcertification.Thepositions
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
44
necessaryforthebureautoaccomplishitsdutiesshall
beestablishedthroughthebudgetaryprocess.
History.—s.16,ch.89-348;s.20,ch.90-315.
Note.—Formers.102.1691.
101.021Electortovotetheprimaryballotofthe
politicalpartyinwhichheorsheisregistered.—Ina
primaryelectionaqualifiedelectorisentitledtovotethe
officialprimaryelectionballotofthepoliticalparty
designatedintheelector’sregistration,andnoother.
Itisunlawfulforanyelectortovoteinaprimaryforany
candidaterunningfornominationfromapartyotherthan
thatinwhichsuchelectorisregistered.
History.—s.41,ch.6469,1913;RGS345;CGL402;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.
21,ch.28156,1953;s.13,ch.77-175;s.552,ch.95-147.
Note.—Formers.102.40.
101.031Instructionsforelectors.—
(1)TheDepartmentofState,orincaseofmunicipal
electionsthegoverningbodyofthemunicipality,shall
print,inlargetypeoncards,instructionsfortheelectors
touseinvoting.Itshallprovidenotlessthantwocards
foreachvotingprecinctforeachelectionandfurnish
suchcardstoeachsupervisoruponrequisition.Each
supervisorofelectionsshallsendasufficientnumberof
thesecardstotheprecinctspriortoanelection.The
electioninspectorsshalldisplaythecardsinthepolling
placesasinformationforelectors.Thecardsshall
containinformationabouthowtovoteandsuchother
informationastheDepartmentofStatemaydeem
necessary.Thecardsmustalsoincludethelistofrights
andresponsibilitiesaffordedtoFloridavoters,as
describedinsubsection(2).
(2)Thesupervisorofelectionsineachcountyshall
havepostedateachpollingplaceinthecountythe
Voter’sBillofRightsandResponsibilitiesinthefollow-
ingform:
VOTER’SBILLOFRIGHTS
Eachregisteredvoterinthisstatehastherightto:
1.Voteandhavehisorhervoteaccuratelycounted.
2.Castavoteifheorsheisinlineattheofficial
closingofthepollsinthatcounty.
3.Askforandreceiveassistanceinvoting.
4.Receiveuptotworeplacementballotsifheorshe
makesamistakepriortotheballotbeingcast.
5.Anexplanationifhisorherregistrationoridentity
isinquestion.
6.Ifhisorherregistrationoridentityisinquestion,
castaprovisionalballot.
7.Writteninstructionstousewhenvoting,and,
uponrequest,oralinstructionsinvotingfromelections
officers.
8.Votefreefromcoercionorintimidationbyelec-
tionsofficersoranyotherperson.
9.Voteonavotingsystemthatisinworking
conditionandthatwillallowvotestobeaccuratelycast.
VOTERRESPONSIBILITIES
Eachregisteredvoterinthisstateshould:
1.Familiarizehimselforherselfwiththecandidates
andissues.
2.Maintainwiththeofficeofthesupervisorof
electionsacurrentaddress.
3.Knowthelocationofhisorherpollingplaceand
itshoursofoperation.
4.Bringproperidentificationtothepollingstation.
5.Familiarizehimselforherselfwiththeoperationof
thevotingequipmentinhisorherprecinct.
6.Treatprecinctworkerswithcourtesy.
7.Respecttheprivacyofothervoters.
8.Reportanyproblemsorviolationsofelectionlaws
tothesupervisorofelections.
9.Askquestions,ifneeded.
10.Makesurethathisorhercompletedballotis
correctbeforeleavingthepollingstation.
NOTETOVOTER:Failuretoperformanyofthese
responsibilitiesdoesnotprohibitavoterfromvoting.
(3)Nothinginthissectionshallgiverisetoalegal
causeofaction.
(4)Incaseanyelector,afterenteringthevoting
booth,shallaskforfurtherinstructionsconcerningthe
mannerofvoting,twoelectionofficerswhoarenotboth
membersofthesamepoliticalparty,ifpresent,or,ifnot,
twoelectionofficerswhoaremembersofthesame
politicalparty,shallgivesuchinstructionstosuch
elector,butnoofficerorpersonassistinganelector
shallinanymannerrequest,suggest,orseekto
persuadeorinduceanyelectortovotefororagainst
anyparticularticket,candidate,amendment,question,
orproposition.Aftergivingtheelectorinstructionsand
beforetheelectorhasvoted,theofficersorpersons
assistingtheelectorshallretire,andsuchelectorshall
voteinsecret.
History.—s.40,ch.4328,1895;s.12,ch.4537,1897;GS225;RGS270;CGL
326;s.1,ch.25106,1949;s.5,ch.26870,1951;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.25,ch.
77-104;s.13,ch.77-175;s.31,ch.79-400;s.60,ch.2001-40;s.5,ch.2002-17;s.
22,ch.2005-277.
Note.—Formers.99.24.
101.041Secretvoting.—Inallelectionsheldon
anysubjectwhichmaybesubmittedtoavote,andforall
oranystate,county,district,ormunicipalofficers,the
votingshallbebysecret,officialballotasprovidedby
thiscode,andnovoteshallbereceivedorcountedin
anyelection,exceptasprescribedbythiscode.
History.—s.24,ch.3879,1889;RS178;s.28,ch.4328,1895;GS210;RGS
254;CGL310;s.3,ch.17898,1937;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.13,ch.77-175;s.15,
ch.2008-95.
Note.—Formers.99.08.
101.043Identificationrequiredatpolls.—
(1)(a)Theprecinctregister,asprescribedins.
98.461,shallbeusedatthepollsforthepurposeof
identifyingtheelectoratthepollsbeforeallowinghimor
hertovote.Theclerkorinspectorshallrequireeach
elector,uponenteringthepollingplace,topresentone
ofthefollowingcurrentandvalidpictureidentifications:
1.Floridadriverlicense.
2.FloridaidentificationcardissuedbytheDepart-
mentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles.
3.UnitedStatespassport.
4.Debitorcreditcard.
5.Militaryidentification.
6.Studentidentification.
7.Retirementcenteridentification.
8.Neighborhoodassociationidentification.
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
45
9.Publicassistanceidentification.
(b)Ifthepictureidentificationdoesnotcontainthe
signatureoftheelector,anadditionalidentificationthat
providestheelector’ssignatureshallberequired.The
addressappearingontheidentificationpresentedby
theelectormaynotbeusedasthebasistoconfirman
elector’slegalresidenceorotherwisechallengean
elector’slegalresidence.Theelectorshallsignhisor
hernameinthespaceprovidedontheprecinctregister
oronanelectronicdeviceprovidedforrecordingthe
elector’ssignature.Theclerkorinspectorshallcompare
thesignaturewiththatontheidentificationprovidedby
theelectorandenterhisorherinitialsinthespace
providedontheprecinctregisteroronanelectronic
deviceprovidedforthatpurposeandallowtheelectorto
voteiftheclerkorinspectorissatisfiedastotheidentity
oftheelector.
(c)Whenanelectorpresentshisorherpicture
identificationtotheclerkorinspectorandtheelector’s
addressonthepictureidentificationmatchesthe
elector’saddressinthesupervisor’srecords,theelector
maynotbeaskedtoprovideadditionalinformationorto
recitehisorherhomeaddress.
(2)Iftheelectorfailstofurnishtherequired
identification,theelectorshallbeallowedtovotea
provisionalballot.Thecanvassingboardshalldeter-
minethevalidityoftheballotpursuanttos.101.048(2).
History.—s.1,ch.77-267;s.533,ch.95-147;s.10,ch.98-129;s.3,ch.
2001-40;s.13,ch.2003-415;s.23,ch.2005-277;s.30,ch.2005-278;s.26,ch.
2007-30;s.25,ch.2011-40.
Note.—Formers.98.471.
101.045Electorsmustberegisteredinprecinct;
provisionsforchangeofresidenceorname.—
(1)Apersonisnotpermittedtovoteinanyelection
precinctordistrictotherthantheoneinwhichthe
personhashisorherlegalresidenceandinwhichthe
personisregistered.However,apersontemporarily
residingoutsidethecountyshallberegisteredinthe
precinctinwhichthemainofficeofthesupervisor,as
designatedbythesupervisor,islocatedwhenthe
personhasnopermanentaddressinthecountyand
itistheperson’sintentiontoremainaresidentofFlorida
andofthecountyinwhichheorsheisregisteredto
vote.Suchpersonswhoareregisteredintheprecinctin
whichthemainofficeofthesupervisor,asdesignated
bythesupervisor,islocatedandwhoareresiding
outsidethecountywithnopermanentaddressinthe
countyshallnotberegisteredelectorsofamunicipality
andthereforeshallnotbepermittedtovoteinany
municipalelection.
(2)(a)Anelectorwhomovesfromtheprecinctin
whichtheelectorisregisteredmayvoteintheprecinct
towhichheorshehasmovedhisorherlegalresidence,
ifthechangeofresidenceiswithinthesamecountyor
theprecincttowhichtheelectorhasmovedhisorher
legalresidenceiswithinacountythatusesanelectronic
databaseasaprecinctregisteratthepollingplace,and
theelectorcompletesanaffirmationinsubstantiallythe
followingform:
ChangeofLegalResidenceofRegistered
Voter
Underpenaltiesforfalseswearing,I,(Nameofvoter),
swear(oraffirm)thattheformeraddressofmylegal
residencewas (Addressoflegalresidence)inthemunicipality
of __,in __County,Florida,andIwasregisteredto
voteinthe __precinctof __County,Florida;thatI
havenotvotedintheprecinctofmyformerregistration
inthiselection;thatInowresideat (Addressoflegal
residence)intheMunicipalityof __,in __County,
Florida,andamthereforeeligibletovoteinthe __
precinctof __County,Florida;andIfurtherswear(or
affirm)thatIamotherwiselegallyregisteredandentitled
tovote.
(Signatureofvoterwhoseaddressoflegalresidencehaschanged)
(b)Exceptforanactiveuniformedservicesvoteror
amemberofhisorherfamilyandexceptforanelector
whohasmovedhisorherlegalresidencetoaprecinct
withinacountythatusesanelectronicdatabaseasa
precinctregisteratthepollingplace,anelectorwhose
changeofaddressisfromoutsidethecountymaynot
changehisorherlegalresidenceatthepollingplace
andmustvoteaprovisionalballot.
(c)Anelectorwhosenamechangesbecauseof
marriageorotherlegalprocessmaybepermittedto
vote,providedsuchelectorcompletesanaffirmationin
substantiallythefollowingform:
ChangeofNameofRegistered
Voter
Underpenaltiesforfalseswearing,I,(Newnameofvoter),
swear(oraffirm)thatmynamehasbeenchanged
becauseofmarriageorotherlegalprocess.Myformer
nameandaddressoflegalresidenceappearonthe
registrationrecordsofprecinct __asfollows:
Name_______________________________________
Address_____________________________________
Municipality__________________________________
County______________________________________
Florida,Zip__________________________________
Mypresentnameandaddressoflegalresidenceareas
follows:
Name_______________________________________
Address_____________________________________
Municipality__________________________________
County______________________________________
Florida,Zip__________________________________
andIfurtherswear(oraffirm)thatIamotherwiselegally
registeredandentitledtovote.
(Signatureofvoterwhosenamehaschanged)
(d)Insteadoftheaffirmationcontainedinparagraph
(a)orparagraph(c),anelectormaycompleteavoter
registrationapplicationthatindicatesthechangeof
nameorchangeofaddressoflegalresidence.
(e)Suchaffirmationorapplication,whencompleted
andpresentedattheprecinctinwhichsuchelectoris
entitledtovote,anduponverificationoftheelector’s
registration,shallentitlesuchelectortovoteasprovided
inthissubsection.Iftheelector’seligibilitytovote
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
46
cannotbedetermined,heorsheshallbeentitledtovote
aprovisionalballot,subjecttotherequirementsand
proceduresins.101.048.Uponreceiptofanaffirmation
orapplicationcertifyingachangeinaddressoflegal
residenceorname,thesupervisorshallassoonas
practicablemakethenecessarychangesinthestate-
widevoterregistrationsystemtoindicatethechangein
addressoflegalresidenceornameofsuchelector.
History.—s.13,ch.3879,1889;RS167;s.15,ch.4328,1895;GS192;RGS
236;CGL289;s.4,ch.24203,1947;s.11,ch.25035,1949;s.1,ch.26870,1951;s.
4,ch.28156,1953;s.7,ch.65-60;s.1,ch.71-307;s.3,ch.77-175;s.6,ch.78-403;
s.4,ch.80-292;s.5,ch.89-338;s.20,ch.94-224;s.1391,ch.95-147;s.36,ch.
2001-40;s.31,ch.2005-278;s.16,ch.2008-95;s.26,ch.2011-40;s.4,ch.
2013-57.
Note.—Formers.98.32;s.97.091.
101.048Provisionalballots.—
(1)Atallelections,avoterclaimingtobeproperly
registeredinthestateandeligibletovoteattheprecinct
intheelectionbutwhoseeligibilitycannotbedeter-
mined,apersonwhomanelectionofficialassertsisnot
eligible,andotherpersonsspecifiedinthecodeshallbe
entitledtovoteaprovisionalballot.Oncevoted,the
provisionalballotshallbeplacedinasecrecyenvelope
andthereaftersealedinaprovisionalballotenvelope.
Theprovisionalballotshallbedepositedinaballotbox.
Allprovisionalballotsshallremainsealedintheir
envelopesforreturntothesupervisorofelections.
Thedepartmentshallprescribetheformoftheprovi-
sionalballotenvelope.Apersoncastingaprovisional
ballotshallhavetherighttopresentwrittenevidence
supportinghisorhereligibilitytovotetothesupervisor
ofelectionsbynotlaterthan5p.m.onthesecondday
followingtheelection.
(2)(a)Thecountycanvassingboardshallexamine
eachProvisionalBallotVoter’sCertificateandAffirma-
tiontodetermineifthepersonvotingthatballotwas
entitledtovoteattheprecinctwherethepersoncasta
voteintheelectionandthatthepersonhadnotalready
castaballotintheelection.Indeterminingwhethera
personcastingaprovisionalballotisentitledtovote,the
countycanvassingboardshallreviewtheinformation
providedintheVoter’sCertificateandAffirmation,
writtenevidenceprovidedbythepersonpursuantto
subsection(1),anyotherevidencepresentedbythe
supervisorofelections,and,inthecaseofachallenge,
anyevidencepresentedbythechallenger.Aballotofa
personcastingaprovisionalballotshallbecounted
unlessthecanvassingboarddeterminesbyaprepon-
deranceoftheevidencethatthepersonwasnotentitled
tovote.
(b)1.Ifitisdeterminedthatthepersonwasregis-
teredandentitledtovoteattheprecinctwherethe
personcastavoteintheelection,thecanvassingboard
shallcomparethesignatureontheProvisionalBallot
Voter’sCertificateandAffirmationwiththesignatureon
thevoter’sregistrationand,ifitmatches,shallcountthe
ballot.
2.Ifitisdeterminedthatthepersonvotingthe
provisionalballotwasnotregisteredorentitledtovoteat
theprecinctwherethepersoncastavoteintheelection,
theprovisionalballotshallnotbecountedandtheballot
shallremainintheenvelopecontainingtheProvisional
BallotVoter’sCertificateandAffirmationandthe
envelopeshallbemarked“RejectedasIllegal.”
(3)TheProvisionalBallotVoter’sCertificateand
Affirmationshallbeinsubstantiallythefollowingform:
STATEOFFLORIDA
COUNTYOF __
Idosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatmynameis __;
thatmydateofbirthis __;thatIamregisteredand
qualifiedtovotein __County,Florida;thatIam
registeredinthe __Party;thatIamaqualifiedvoterof
thecounty;andthatIhavenotvotedinthiselection.I
understandthatifIcommitanyfraudinconnectionwith
voting,voteafraudulentballot,orvotemorethanonce
inanelection,Icanbeconvictedofafelonyofthethird
degreeandfinedupto$5,000and/orimprisonedforup
to5years.
(SignatureofVoter)
(CurrentResidenceAddress)
(CurrentMailingAddress)
(City,State,ZipCode)
(DriverLicenseNumberorLastFourDigitsofSocialSecurityNumber)
Sworntoandsubscribedbeforemethis __dayof
____,(year).
(ElectionOfficial)
Precinct#__BallotStyle/PartyIssued:__
(4)Notwithstandingtherequirementsofsubsec-
tions(1),(2),and(3),thesupervisorofelectionsmay,
andforpersonswithdisabilitiesshall,providethe
appropriateprovisionalballottothevoterbyelectronic
meansthatmeettherequirementsofs.101.56062,as
providedforbythecertifiedvotingsystem.Eachperson
castingaprovisionalballotbyelectronicmeansshall,
priortocastinghisorherballot,completetheProvi-
sionalBallotVoter’sCertificateandAffirmationas
providedinsubsection(3).
(5)Eachpersoncastingaprovisionalballotshallbe
givenwritteninstructionsregardingtheperson’srightto
providethesupervisorofelectionswithwrittenevidence
ofhisorhereligibilitytovoteandregardingthefree
accesssystemestablishedpursuanttosubsection(6).
Theinstructionsshallcontaininformationonhowto
accessthesystemandtheinformationthevoterwill
needtoprovidetoobtaininformationonhisorher
particularballot.Theinstructionsshallalsoincludethe
followingstatement:“Ifthisisaprimaryelection,you
shouldcontactthesupervisorofelections’officeim-
mediatelytoconfirmthatyouareregisteredandcan
voteinthegeneralelection.”
(6)Eachsupervisorofelectionsshallestablisha
freeaccesssystemthatallowseachpersonwhocastsa
provisionalballottodeterminewhetherhisorher
provisionalballotwascountedinthefinalcanvassof
votesand,ifnot,thereasonswhy.Informationregard-
ingprovisionalballotsshallbeavailablenolaterthan30
daysfollowingtheelection.Thesystemestablished
mustrestrictinformationregardinganindividualballotto
thepersonwhocasttheballot.
History.—s.35,ch.2001-40;s.6,ch.2002-17;s.15,ch.2003-415;s.24,ch.
2005-277;s.32,ch.2005-278;s.27,ch.2007-30.
101.049Provisionalballots;specialcircum-
stances.—
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
47
(1)Anypersonwhovotesinanelectionafterthe
regularpoll-closingtimepursuanttoacourtorother
orderextendingthestatutorypollinghoursmustvotea
provisionalballot.Oncevoted,theprovisionalballot
shallbeplacedinasecrecyenvelopeandthereafter
sealedinaprovisionalballotenvelope.Theelection
officialwitnessingthevoter’ssubscriptionandaffirma-
tionontheProvisionalBallotVoter’sCertificateshall
indicatewhetherornotthevotermetallrequirementsto
votearegularballotatthepolls.Allsuchprovisional
ballotsshallremainsealedintheirenvelopesandbe
transmittedtothesupervisorofelections.
(2)Separateandapartfromallotherballots,the
countycanvassingboardshallcountalllate-voted
provisionalballotsthatthecanvassingboarddeter-
minestobevalid.
(3)Thesupervisorshallensurethatlate-voted
provisionalballotsarenotcommingledwithotherballots
duringthecanvassingprocessoratanyothertimethey
arestatutorilyrequiredtobeinthesupervisor’sposses-
sion.
(4)Thissectionshallnotapplytovotersinlineatthe
poll-closingtimeprovidedins.100.011whocasttheir
ballotssubsequenttothattime.
(5)Asanalternative,provisionalballotscastpur-
suanttothissectionmay,andforpersonswith
disabilitiesshall,becastinaccordancewiththeprovi-
sionsofs.101.048(4).
History.—s.16,ch.2003-415;s.3,ch.2004-5;s.25,ch.2005-277.
101.051Electorsseekingassistanceincasting
ballots;oathtobeexecuted;formstobefurnished.
(1)Anyelectorapplyingtovoteinanyelectionwho
requiresassistancetovotebyreasonofblindness,
disability,orinabilitytoreadorwritemayrequestthe
assistanceoftwoelectionofficialsorsomeotherperson
oftheelector’sownchoice,otherthantheelector’s
employer,anagentoftheemployer,oranofficeror
agentofhisorherunion,toassisttheelectorincasting
hisorhervote.Anysuchelector,beforeretiringtothe
votingbooth,mayhaveoneofsuchpersonsreadover
tohimorher,withoutsuggestionorinterference,the
titlesoftheofficestobefilledandthecandidates
thereforandtheissuesontheballot.Aftertheelector
requeststheaidofthetwoelectionofficialsorthe
personoftheelector’schoice,theyshallretiretothe
votingboothforthepurposeofcastingtheelector’svote
accordingtotheelector’schoice.
(2)Itisunlawfulforanypersontobeinthevoting
boothwithanyelectorexceptasprovidedinsubsection
(1).Apersonatapollingplaceorearlyvotingsite,or
within100feetoftheentranceofapollingplaceorearly
votingsite,maynotsolicitanyelectorinaneffortto
provideassistancetovotepursuanttosubsection(1).
Anypersonwhoviolatesthissubsectioncommitsa
misdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishableaspro-
videdins.775.082ors.775.083.
(3)Anyelectorapplyingtocastanabsenteeballotin
theofficeofthesupervisor,inanyelection,whorequires
assistancetovotebyreasonofblindness,disability,or
inabilitytoreadorwritemayrequesttheassistanceof
somepersonofhisorherownchoice,otherthanthe
elector’semployer,anagentoftheemployer,oran
officeroragentofhisorherunion,incastinghisorher
absenteeballot.
(4)Ifanelectorneedsassistanceinvotingpursuant
totheprovisionsofthissection,theclerkoroneofthe
inspectorsshallrequiretheelectorrequestingassis-
tanceinvotingtotakethefollowingoath:
DECLARATIONTOSECUREASSISTANCE
StateofFlorida
Countyof __
Date __
Precinct __
I,(Printname),swearoraffirmthatIamaregistered
electorandrequestassistancefrom (Printnames)in
votingatthe (nameofelection)heldon (dateofelection).
(Signatureofvoter)
Swornandsubscribedtobeforemethis __dayof
__,(year).
(SignatureofOfficialAdministeringOath)
(5)Ifanelectorneedingassistancerequeststhata
personotherthananelectionofficialprovidehimorher
withassistanceinvoting,theclerkoroneofthe
inspectorsshallrequirethepersonprovidingassistance
totakethefollowingoath:
DECLARATIONTOPROVIDEASSISTANCE
StateofFlorida
Countyof __
Date __
Precinct __
I,(Printname),havebeenrequestedby (printnameof
electorneedingassistance)toprovidehimorherwithassis-
tancetovote.IswearoraffirmthatIamnotthe
employer,anagentoftheemployer,oranofficeror
agentoftheunionofthevoterandthatIhavenot
solicitedthisvoteratthepollingplaceorearlyvotingsite
orwithin100feetofsuchlocationsinanefforttoprovide
assistance.
(Signatureofassistor)
Swornandsubscribedtobeforemethis __dayof
__,(year).
(SignatureofOfficialAdministeringOath)
(6)Thesupervisorofelectionsshalldelivera
sufficientnumberoftheseformstoeachprecinct,
alongwithotherelectionparaphernalia.
History.—s.3,ch.22018,1943;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.2,ch.59-446;s.2,ch.
65-60;s.1,ch.65-380;s.13,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.79-366;s.31,ch.84-302;s.12,
ch.85-226;s.553,ch.95-147;s.8,ch.99-6;s.10,ch.2002-281;s.26,ch.
2005-277;s.9,ch.2006-1.
Note.—Formers.100.36.
101.111Voterchallenges.—
(1)(a)Anyregisteredelectororpollwatcherofa
countymaychallengetherightofapersontovoteinthat
county.Thechallengemustbeinwritingandcontainthe
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
48
followingoath,whichshallbedeliveredtotheclerkor
inspector:
OATHOFPERSONENTERINGCHALLENGE
StateofFlorida
Countyof __
Idosolemnlyswearoraffirmthatmynameis __;thatI
amamemberofthe __Party;thatIamaregistered
voterorpollwatcher;thatmyresidenceaddressis __,
inthemunicipalityof __;andthatIhavereasonto
believethat __isattemptingtovoteillegallyandthe
reasonsformybeliefaresetforthhereintowit:____
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
(Signatureofpersonchallengingvoter)
Swornandsubscribedtobeforemethis __dayof
__,(year).
(Clerkofelection)
(b)1.Theclerkorinspectorshallimmediatelydeliver
tothechallengedpersonacopyoftheoathofthe
personenteringthechallenge,andthechallengedvoter
shallbeallowedtocastaprovisionalballotinaccor-
dancewiths.101.048,exceptasprovidedinsubpar-
agraph2.
2.Ifthebasisforthechallengeisthattheperson’s
legalresidenceisnotinthatprecinct,thepersonshall
firstbegiventheopportunitytoexecuteachangeof
legalresidenceinordertobeabletovotearegular
ballotinaccordancewiths.101.045(2).Ifthechangeof
legalresidenceissuchthatthepersonisthenproperly
registeredforthatprecinct,thepersonshallbeallowed
tovotearegularballot.Ifthechangeoflegalresidence
placesthepersoninanotherprecinct,thepersonshall
bedirectedtotheproperprecincttovote.Ifsuchperson
insiststhatheorsheiscurrentlyintheproperprecinct,
thepersonshallbeallowedtovoteaprovisionalballotin
accordancewiths.101.048.
(c)Alternatively,achallengeinaccordancewiththis
sectionmaybefiledinadvancewiththesupervisorof
electionsnosoonerthan30daysbeforeanelection.
Thesupervisorshallpromptlyprovidetheelectionboard
inthechallengedvoter’sprecinctwithacopyoftheoath
ofthepersonenteringthechallenge.Thechallenged
votershallbeallowedtocastaprovisionalballotin
accordancewiths.101.048,subjecttotheprovisionsof
subparagraph(b)2.
(2)Anyelectororpollwatcherfilingafrivolous
challengeofanyperson’srighttovotecommitsa
misdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishableaspro-
videdins.775.082ors.775.083;however,electorsor
pollwatchersshallnotbesubjecttoliabilityforany
actiontakeningoodfaithandinfurtheranceofany
activityordutypermittedofsuchelectorsorpoll
watchersbylaw.Eachinstancewhereanyelectoror
pollwatcherfilesafrivolouschallengeofanyperson’s
righttovoteconstitutesaseparateoffense.
History.—s.43,ch.4328,1895;GS227;s.43,ch.6469,1913;RGS272,347;
CGL328,404;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.10,ch.27991,1953;s.23,ch.28156,1953;
s.4,ch.65-380;s.13,ch.77-175;s.554,ch.95-147;s.9,ch.99-6;s.17,ch.
2003-415;s.27,ch.2005-277;s.10,ch.2006-1;s.17,ch.2008-95;s.4,ch.
2010-167.
Note.—Formerss.99.26,102.42.
101.131Watchersatpolls.—
(1)Eachpoliticalpartyandeachcandidatemay
haveonewatcherineachpollingroomorearlyvoting
areaatanyonetimeduringtheelection.Apolitical
committeeformedforthespecificpurposeofexpressly
advocatingthepassageordefeatofanissueonthe
ballotmayhaveonewatcherforeachpollingroomor
earlyvotingareaatanyonetimeduringtheelection.No
watchershallbepermittedtocomeclosertothe
officials’tableorthevotingboothsthanisreasonably
necessarytoproperlyperformhisorherfunctions,but
eachshallbeallowedwithinthepollingroomorearly
votingareatowatchandobservetheconductof
electorsandofficials.Thepollwatchersshallfurnish
theirownmaterialsandnecessitiesandshallnot
obstructtheorderlyconductofanyelection.Thepoll
watchersshallposeanyquestionsregardingpolling
placeproceduresdirectlytotheclerkforresolution.
Theymaynotinteractwithvoters.Eachpollwatcher
shallbeaqualifiedandregisteredelectorofthecounty
inwhichheorsheserves.
(2)Eachparty,eachpoliticalcommittee,andeach
candidaterequestingtohavepollwatchersshall
designate,inwritingtothesupervisorsofelections,
onaformprescribedbythedivision,beforenoonofthe
secondTuesdayprecedingtheelectionpollwatchers
foreachpollingroomonelectionday.Designationsof
pollwatchersforearlyvotingareasshallbesubmittedin
writingtothesupervisorofelections,onaform
prescribedbythedivision,beforenoonatleast14
daysbeforeearlyvotingbegins.Thepollwatchersfor
pollingroomsshallbeapprovedbythesupervisorof
electionsonorbeforetheTuesdaybeforetheelection.
Pollwatchersforearlyvotingareasshallbeapproved
bythesupervisorofelectionsnolaterthan7days
beforeearlyvotingbegins.Thesupervisorshallfurnish
toeachelectionboardalistofthepollwatchers
designatedandapprovedforsuchpollingroomsor
earlyvotingareas.Designationofpollwatchersshallbe
madebythechairofthecountyexecutivecommitteeof
apoliticalparty,thechairofapoliticalcommittee,orthe
candidaterequestingtohavepollwatchers.
(3)Nocandidateorsheriff,deputysheriff,police
officer,orotherlawenforcementofficermaybe
designatedasapollwatcher.
(4)Allpollwatchersshallbeallowedtoenterand
watchpollsinallpollingroomsandearlyvotingareas
withinthecountyinwhichtheyhavebeendesignatedif
thenumberofpollwatchersatanyparticularpolling
placedoesnotexceedthenumberprovidedinthis
section.
(5)Thesupervisorofelectionsshallprovidetoeach
designatedpollwatcher,nolaterthan7daysbefore
earlyvotingbegins,apollwatcheridentificationbadge
thatidentifiesthepollwatcherbyname.Eachpoll
watchermustwearhisorheridentificationbadgewhile
inthepollingroomorearlyvotingarea.
History.—s.3-D,ch.22018,1943;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.18,ch.29934,1955;
s.6,ch.65-380;s.13,ch.77-175;s.3,ch.87-184;s.14,ch.87-363;s.18,ch.
89-338;s.555,ch.95-147;s.61,ch.2001-40;s.28,ch.2005-277;s.27,ch.
2011-40.
Note.—Formers.100.45.
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
49
101.151Specificationsforballots.—
(1)(a)Marksenseballotsshallbeprintedonpaperof
suchthicknessthattheprintingcannotbedistinguished
fromthebackandshallmeetthespecificationsofthe
votingsystemthatwillbeusedtotabulatetheballots.
(b)Earlyvotingsitesmayemployaballot-on-
demandproductionsystemtoprintindividualmark-
senseballots,includingprovisionalballots,foreligible
electorspursuanttos.101.657.Ballot-on-demand
technologymaybeusedtoproducemarksenseabsen-
teeandelection-dayballots.
(2)(a)Theballotmustincludethefollowingoffice
titlesabovethenamesofthecandidatesforthe
respectiveofficesinthefollowingorder:
1.TheofficetitlesofPresidentandVicePresident
abovethenamesofthecandidatesforPresidentand
VicePresidentoftheUnitedStatesnominatedbythe
politicalpartythatreceivedthehighestvoteforGover-
norinthelastgeneralelectionoftheGovernorinthis
state,followedbythenamesofothercandidatesfor
PresidentandVicePresidentoftheUnitedStateswho
havebeenproperlynominated.
2.TheofficetitlesofUnitedStatesSenatorand
RepresentativeinCongress.
3.TheofficetitlesofGovernorandLieutenant
Governor;AttorneyGeneral;ChiefFinancialOfficer;
CommissionerofAgriculture;StateAttorney,withthe
applicablejudicialcircuit;andPublicDefender,withthe
applicablejudicialcircuit.
4.TheofficetitlesofStateSenatorandState
Representative,withtheapplicabledistrictfortheoffice
printedbeneath.
5.TheofficetitlesofClerkoftheCircuitCourtor,
whentheClerkoftheCircuitCourtalsoservesasthe
CountyComptroller,ClerkoftheCircuitCourtand
Comptroller,whenauthorizedbylaw;Clerkofthe
CountyCourt,whenauthorizedbylaw;Sheriff;Property
Appraiser;TaxCollector;DistrictSuperintendentof
Schools;andSupervisorofElections.
6.TheofficetitlesofBoardofCountyCommis-
sioners,withtheapplicabledistrictprintedbeneatheach
office,andsuchothercountyanddistrictofficesasare
involvedintheelection,intheorderfixedbythe
DepartmentofState,followed,intheyearoftheir
election,by“PartyOffices,”andthereundertheoffices
ofstateandcountypartyexecutivecommitteemem-
bers.
(b)Inageneralelection,inadditiontothenames
printedontheballot,ablankspaceshallbeprovided
undereachofficeforwhichawrite-incandidatehas
qualified.Withrespecttowrite-incandidates,iftwoor
morecandidatesareseekingelectiontooneoffice,only
oneblankspaceshallbeprovided.
(c)Whenmorethanonecandidateisnominatedfor
office,thecandidatesforsuchofficeshallqualifyand
runinagroupordistrict,andthegroupordistrict
numbershallbeprintedbeneaththenameoftheoffice.
Eachnomineeofapoliticalpartychoseninaprimary
shallappearonthegeneralelectionballotinthesame
numberedgroupordistrictasontheprimaryelection
ballot.
(d)Ifinanyelectionalltheofficesassetforthin
paragraph(a)arenotinvolved,thoseofficesnottobe
filledshallbeomittedandtheremainingofficesshallbe
arrangedontheballotintheordernamed.
(3)(a)Thenamesofthecandidatesofthepartythat
receivedthehighestnumberofvotesforGovernorinthe
lastelectioninwhichaGovernorwaselectedshallbe
placedfirstforeachofficeonthegeneralelectionballot,
togetherwithanappropriateabbreviationoftheparty
name;thenamesofthecandidatesofthepartythat
receivedthesecondhighestvoteforGovernorshallbe
placedsecondforeachoffice,togetherwithanappro-
priateabbreviationofthepartyname.
(b)Minorpoliticalpartycandidatesshallhavetheir
namesappearonthegeneralelectionballotfollowing
thenamesofrecognizedpoliticalparties,inthesame
orderastheywerequalified,followedbythenamesof
candidateswithnopartyaffiliation,intheorderasthey
werequalified.
(4)(a)Thenamesofcandidatesforeachofficeshall
bearrangedalphabeticallyastosurnamesonaprimary
electionballot.
(b)Whentwoormorecandidatesrunningforthe
sameofficeonaprimaryelectionballothavethesame
orasimilarsurname,theword“incumbent”shallappear
nexttotheincumbent’sname.
(5)Theprimaryelectionballotshallbearrangedso
thattheofficesofGovernorandLieutenantGovernor
arejoinedinasinglevotingspacetoalloweachelector
tocastasinglevoteforthejointcandidaciesfor
GovernorandLieutenantGovernor,ifapplicable.
(6)Thegeneralelectionballotshallbearrangedso
thattheofficesofPresidentandVicePresidentare
joinedinasinglevotingspacetoalloweachelectorto
castasinglevoteforthejointcandidaciesforPresident
andVicePresidentandsothattheofficesofGovernor
andLieutenantGovernorarejoinedinasinglevoting
spacetoalloweachelectortocastasinglevoteforthe
jointcandidaciesforGovernorandLieutenantGover-
nor.
(7)Exceptforjusticesorjudgesseekingretention,
thenamesofunopposedcandidatesshallnotappearon
thegeneralelectionballot.Eachunopposedcandidate
shallbedeemedtohavevotedforhimselforherself.
(8)Incountiessubjecttomulti-languageballot
requirements,thesupervisormaypetitiontheUnited
StatesDepartmentofJusticeforauthorizationforthe
supervisortoprintanddeliversingle-languageballots
foreachminoritylanguagerequired.
(9)(a)TheDepartmentofStateshalladoptrules
prescribingauniformprimaryandgeneralelectionballot
foreachcertifiedvotingsystem.Therulesshall
incorporatetherequirementssetforthinthissection
andshallprescribeadditionalmattersandformsthat
include,withoutlimitation:
1.Clearandunambiguousballotinstructionsand
directions;
2.Individualracelayout;and
3.Overallballotlayout.
(b)Thedepartmentrulesshallgraphicallydepicta
sampleuniformprimaryandgeneralelectionballotform
foreachcertifiedvotingsystem.
History.—s.35,ch.4328,1895;GS219;s.1,ch.5612,1907;RGS264;CGL
320;s.5,ch.17898,1937;ss.2,3,ch.25187,1949;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.3,ch.
29937,1955;s.1,ch.57-235;s.2,ch.59-334;s.8,ch.65-380;s.1,ch.65-52;s.2,
ch.65-60;s.8,ch.65-380;s.4,ch.67-386;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.8,ch.69-281;
s.1,ch.69-380;s.37,ch.73-333;s.1,ch.77-102;s.13,ch.77-175;s.33,ch.
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
50
79-400;s.6,ch.81-105;s.11,ch.81-304;s.9,ch.82-143;s.20,ch.89-338;s.556,
ch.95-147;s.14,ch.99-318;s.11,ch.99-326;s.14,ch.99-355;s.7,ch.2001-40;
s.7,ch.2002-17;s.29,ch.2005-277;s.5,ch.2007-30;s.28,ch.2011-40;s.5,ch.
2013-57;s.6,ch.2013-109.
Note.—Formerss.99.18,99.171.
101.161Referenda;ballots.—
(1)Wheneveraconstitutionalamendmentorother
publicmeasureissubmittedtothevoteofthepeople,a
ballotsummaryofsuchamendmentorotherpublic
measureshallbeprintedinclearandunambiguous
languageontheballotafterthelistofcandidates,
followedbytheword“yes”andalsobytheword“no,”
andshallbestyledinsuchamannerthata“yes”vote
willindicateapprovaloftheproposalanda“no”votewill
indicaterejection.Theballotsummaryoftheamend-
mentorotherpublicmeasureandtheballottitleto
appearontheballotshallbeembodiedintheconstitu-
tionalrevisioncommissionproposal,constitutionalcon-
ventionproposal,taxationandbudgetreformcommis-
sionproposal,orenablingresolutionorordinance.The
ballotsummaryoftheamendmentorotherpublic
measureshallbeanexplanatorystatement,notex-
ceeding75wordsinlength,ofthechiefpurposeofthe
measure.Inaddition,foreveryamendmentproposedby
initiative,theballotshallinclude,followingtheballot
summary,aseparatefinancialimpactstatementcon-
cerningthemeasurepreparedbytheFinancialImpact
EstimatingConferenceinaccordancewiths.
100.371(5).Theballottitleshallconsistofacaption,
notexceeding15wordsinlength,bywhichthemeasure
iscommonlyreferredtoorspokenof.Thissubsection
doesnotapplytoconstitutionalamendmentsorrevi-
sionsproposedbyjointresolution.
(2)Theballotsummaryandballottitleofacon-
stitutionalamendmentproposedbyinitiativeshallbe
preparedbythesponsorandapprovedbytheSecretary
ofStateinaccordancewithrulesadoptedpursuanttos.
120.54.TheDepartmentofStateshallgiveeach
proposedconstitutionalamendmentadesignatingnum-
berforconvenientreference.Thisnumberdesignation
shallappearontheballot.Designatingnumbersshallbe
assignedintheorderoffilingorcertificationandin
accordancewithrulesadoptedbytheDepartmentof
State.TheDepartmentofStateshallfurnishthe
designatingnumber,theballottitle,and,unlessother-
wisespecifiedinajointresolution,theballotsummaryof
eachamendmenttothesupervisorofelectionsofeach
countyinwhichsuchamendmentistobevotedon.
(3)(a)Eachjointresolutionthatproposesaconstitu-
tionalamendmentorrevisionshallincludeoneormore
ballotstatementssetforthinorderofpriority.Eachballot
statementshallconsistofaballottitle,bywhichthe
measureiscommonlyreferredtoorspokenof,not
exceeding15wordsinlength,andaballotsummarythat
describesthechiefpurposeoftheamendmentor
revisioninclearandunambiguouslanguage.Ifajoint
resolutionthatproposesaconstitutionalamendmentor
revisioncontainsonlyoneballotstatement,theballot
summarymaynotexceed75wordsinlength.Ifajoint
resolutionthatproposesaconstitutionalamendmentor
revisioncontainsmorethanoneballotstatement,the
firstballotsummary,inorderofpriority,maynotexceed
75wordsinlength.
(b)TheDepartmentofStateshallfurnishadesig-
natingnumberpursuanttosubsection(2)andthe
appropriateballotstatementtothesupervisorofelec-
tionsofeachcounty.Theballotstatementshallbe
printedontheballotafterthelistofcandidates,followed
bytheword“yes”andalsobytheword“no,”andshallbe
styledinsuchamannerthata“yes”votewillindicate
approvaloftheamendmentorrevisionanda“no”vote
willindicaterejection.
(c)1.Anyactionforajudicialdeterminationthatone
ormoreballotstatementsembodiedinajointresolution
aredefectivemustbecommencedbyfilingacomplaint
orpetitionwiththeappropriatecourtwithin30daysafter
thejointresolutionisfiledwiththeSecretaryofState.
Thecomplaintorpetitionshallassertallgroundsfor
challengetoeachballotstatement.Anygroundnot
assertedwithin30daysafterthejointresolutionisfiled
withtheSecretaryofStateiswaived.
2.Thecourt,includinganyappellatecourt,shall
accordanactiondescribedinsubparagraph1.priority
overotherpendingcasesandrenderadecisionas
expeditiouslyaspossible.Ifthecourtfindsthatallballot
statementsembodiedinajointresolutionaredefective
andfurtherappealsaredeclined,abandoned,or
exhausted,unlessotherwiseprovidedinthejoint
resolution,theAttorneyGeneralshall,within10days,
prepareandsubmittotheDepartmentofStatearevised
ballottitleorballotsummarythatcorrectsthedeficien-
ciesidentifiedbythecourt,andtheDepartmentofState
shallfurnishadesignatingnumberandtherevised
ballottitleorballotsummarytothesupervisorof
electionsofeachcountyforplacementontheballot.
Therevisedballotsummarymayexceed75wordsin
length.Thecourtshallretainjurisdictionoverchal-
lengestoarevisedballottitleorballotsummary
preparedbytheAttorneyGeneral,andanychallenge
toarevisedballottitleorballotsummarymustbefiled
within10daysafterarevisedballottitleorballot
summaryissubmittedtotheDepartmentofState.
(4)(a)ForanygeneralelectioninwhichtheSecretary
ofState,foranycircuit,orthesupervisorofelections,for
anycounty,hascertifiedtheballotpositionforan
initiativetochangethemethodofselectionofjudges,
theballotforanycircuitmustcontainthestatementin
paragraph(b)orparagraph(c)andtheballotforany
countymustcontainthestatementinparagraph(d)or
paragraph(e).
(b)Inanycircuitwheretheinitiativeistochangethe
selectionofcircuitcourtjudgestoselectionbymerit
selectionandretention,theballotshallstate:“Shallthe
methodofselectingcircuitcourtjudgesinthe (numberof
thecircuit)judicialcircuitbechangedfromelectionbya
voteofthepeopletoselectionbythejudicialnominating
commissionandappointmentbytheGovernorwith
subsequenttermsdeterminedbyaretentionvoteofthe
people?”Thisstatementmustbefollowedbytheword
“yes”andalsobytheword“no.”
(c)Inanycircuitwheretheinitiativeistochangethe
selectionofcircuitcourtjudgestoelectionbythevoters,
theballotshallstate:“Shallthemethodofselecting
circuitcourtjudgesinthe (numberofthecircuit)judicial
circuitbechangedfromselectionbythejudicial
nominatingcommissionandappointmentbythe
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
51
Governorwithsubsequenttermsdeterminedbya
retentionvoteofthepeopletoelectionbyavoteof
thepeople?”Thisstatementmustbefollowedbythe
word“yes”andalsobytheword“no.”
(d)Inanycountywheretheinitiativeistochange
theselectionofcountycourtjudgestomeritselection
andretention,theballotshallstate:“Shallthemethodof
selectingcountycourtjudgesin (nameofcounty)be
changedfromelectionbyavoteofthepeopleto
selectionbythejudicialnominatingcommissionand
appointmentbytheGovernorwithsubsequentterms
determinedbyaretentionvoteofthepeople?”This
statementmustbefollowedbytheword“yes”andalso
bytheword“no.”
(e)Inanycountywheretheinitiativeistochange
theselectionofcountycourtjudgestoelectionbythe
voters,theballotshallstate:“Shallthemethodof
selectingcountycourtjudgesin (nameofthecounty)be
changedfromselectionbythejudicialnominating
commissionandappointmentbytheGovernorwith
subsequenttermsdeterminedbyaretentionvoteofthe
peopletoelectionbyavoteofthepeople?”This
statementmustbefollowedbytheword“yes”and
alsobytheword“no.”
History.—s.34,ch.4328,1895;GS218;RGS262;CGL318;ss.1-11,ch.
16180,1933;s.1,ch.16877,1935;s.4,ch.17898,1937;s.1,ch.22626,1945;s.5,
ch.26870,1951;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.1,ch.73-7;s.13,ch.77-175;s.16,ch.
79-365;s.2,ch.80-305;s.32,ch.84-302;s.11,ch.90-203;s.10,ch.99-355;s.1,
ch.2000-361;s.4,ch.2001-75;s.5,ch.2002-390;s.5,ch.2004-33;s.11,ch.
2005-2;s.33,ch.2005-278;s.29,ch.2011-40;s.6,ch.2013-57.
Note.—Formers.99.16.
101.171Copyofconstitutionalamendmentto
beavailableatvotinglocations.—Wheneverany
amendmenttotheStateConstitutionistobevoted
uponatanyelection,theDepartmentofStateshallhave
printedandshallfurnishtoeachsupervisorofelections
asufficientnumberofcopiesoftheamendmenteitherin
posterorbookletform,andthesupervisorshallhavea
copythereofconspicuouslypostedoravailableateach
pollingroomorearlyvotingareauponthedayof
election.
History.—s.1,ch.5405,1905;RGS263;CGL319;s.5,ch.26870,1951;ss.
10,35,ch.69-106;s.13,ch.77-175;s.30,ch.2005-277.
Note.—Formers.99.17.
101.20Publicationofballotform;samplebal-
lots.—
(1)Twosampleballotsshallbefurnishedtoeach
pollingplacebytheofficerwhosedutyitistoprovide
officialballots.Thesampleballotsshallbeintheformof
theofficialballotasitwillappearatthatpollingplaceon
electionday.Sampleballotsshallbeopentoinspection
byallelectorsinanyelection,andasufficientnumberof
reduced-sizeballotsmaybefurnishedtoelection
officialssothatonemaybegiventoanyelectordesiring
same.
(2)Uponcompletionofthelistofqualifiedcandi-
dates,asampleballotshallbepublishedbythe
supervisorofelectionsinanewspaperofgeneral
circulationinthecounty,beforethedayofelection.A
supervisormaysendasampleballottoeachregistered
electorbye-mailatleast7daysbeforeanelectionifan
e-mailaddresshasbeenprovidedandtheelectorhas
optedtoreceiveasampleballotbyelectronicdelivery.If
ane-mailaddresshasnotbeenprovided,orifthe
electorhasnotoptedforelectronicdelivery,asample
ballotmaybemailedtoeachregisteredelectororto
eachhouseholdinwhichthereisaregisteredelectorat
least7daysbeforeanelection.
History.—s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.8,ch.57-166;s.9,ch.65-380;s.1,ch.
75-174;s.16,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.2013-192.
101.21Officialballots;number;printing;pay-
ment.—Whereapplicable,thesupervisorofelections
shalldeterminetheactualnumberofballotstobe
printed.Theprintinganddeliveryofballotsandcardsof
instructionshall,inamunicipalelection,bepaidforby
themunicipality,andinallotherelectionsbythecounty.
History.—ss.29,37,ch.4328,1895;s.11,ch.4537,1897;GS211,222;RGS
255,267;CGL311,323;s.7,ch.17898,1937;s.2,ch.24088,1947;s.7,ch.25384,
1949;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.10,ch.65-380;s.1,ch.69-281;s.20,ch.71-355;s.
16,ch.77-175;s.34,ch.79-400;s.1,ch.80-292;s.48,ch.81-259;s.8,ch.
2001-40.
Note.—Formerss.99.09,99.21.
101.23Electioninspectortokeeplistofthose
voting.—Whenanypersonhasbeenadmittedtovote,
theperson’snameshallbecheckedbytheclerkorone
oftheinspectorsattheplaceindicateduponthe
registrationbooksorvoterhistoryformprovidedby
thesupervisor.Oneoftheinspectorsshall,atthesame
time,keepapolllistcontainingnamesofelectorswho
havevotedoralistofregisteredelectors,onwhich
thoseelectorswhohavevotedareindicated.Suchlists
shallbeavailableforinspectionduringregularvoting
hoursbypollwatchersdesignatedandappointed
pursuanttos.101.131,exceptthattheelection
inspectormayregulateaccesstothelistssoasto
ensurethatsuchinspectiondoesnotunreasonably
interferewiththeorderlyoperationofthepollingplace.
History.—s.58,ch.4328,1895;GS236;RGS281;CGL337;s.5,ch.26870,
1951;s.24,ch.28156,1953;s.11,ch.65-380;s.16,ch.77-175;s.559,ch.95-147;
s.18,ch.2008-95.
Note.—Formers.99.37.
101.24Ballotboxesandballots.—Thesupervisor
ofelectionsshallprepareforeachpollingplaceone
ballotboxofsufficientsizetocontainalltheballotsofthe
particularprecinct,andtheballotboxshallbeplainly
markedwiththenameoftheprecinctforwhichitis
intended.Anadditionalballotbox,ifnecessary,maybe
suppliedtoanyprecinct.Beforeeachelection,the
supervisorshallplaceintheballotboxorballottransfer
containerasmanyballotsasarerequiredins.101.21.
Aftersecurelysealingtheballotboxorballottransfer
container,thesupervisorshallsendtheballotboxor
ballottransfercontainertotheclerkorinspectorof
electionoftheprecinctinwhichitistobeused.The
clerkorinspectorshallbeplacedunderoathor
affirmationtoperformhisorherdutiesfaithfullyand
withoutfavororprejudicetoanypoliticalparty.
History.—s.26,ch.3879,1889;RS180;s.7,ch.4328,1895;s.7,ch.4537,
1897;GS203;RGS247;CGL303;s.1,ch.17898,1937;s.1,ch.24088,1947;s.
11,ch.25035,1949;s.1,ch.25384,1949;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.12,ch.65-380;
s.16,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.86-200;s.560,ch.95-147;s.9,ch.2001-40.
Note.—Formers.99.02.
101.2512Candidates’namesongeneralelec-
tionballots.—
(1)Thesupervisorofelectionsshallprintonthe
generalelectionballotthenamesofcandidatesnomi-
natedbyprimaryelectionorspecialprimaryelectionor
thenamesofcandidatesselectedbytheappropriate
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
52
executivecommitteeofanypoliticalpartypursuantto
therequirementsofthiscode.
(2)Inadditiontothenamesprintedontheballotas
providedinsubsection(1),thesupervisorofelections
shallprintonthegeneralelectionballotthenamesof
eachnonpartisancandidate,minorpartycandidate,or
candidatewithnopartyaffiliationwhohasobtaineda
positiononthegeneralelectionballotincompliancewith
therequirementsofthiscode.
History.—s.8,ch.2002-17.
101.2515Translationofballotlanguage.—Upon
therequestofasupervisorofelectionsmadenolater
than60dayspriortothedateofageneralelection,the
DepartmentofStateshallprovideawrittentranslationof
astatewideballotissueinthelanguageofanylanguage
minoritygroupspecifiedintheprovisionsofs.203ofthe
VotingRightsActof1965,asamended,asapplicableto
thisstate.
History.—s.1,ch.94-300.
101.252Candidatesentitledtohavenames
printedoncertainballots;exception.—
(1)Anycandidatefornominationwhohasqualified
asprescribedbylawisentitledtohavehisorhername
printedontheofficialprimaryelectionballot.However,
whenthereisonlyonecandidateofanypoliticalparty
qualifiedforanoffice,thenameofthecandidateshall
notbeprintedontheprimaryelectionballot,andsuch
candidateshallbedeclarednominatedfortheoffice.
(2)Anycandidateforpartyexecutivecommittee
memberwhohasqualifiedasprescribedbylawis
entitledtohavehisorhernameprintedontheprimary
electionballot.However,whenthereisonlyone
candidateofanypoliticalpartyqualifiedforsuchan
office,thenameofthecandidateshallnotbeprintedon
theprimaryelectionballot,andsuchcandidateshallbe
declaredelectedtothestateorcountyexecutive
committee.
History.—s.27,ch.6469,1913;RGS331;CGL388;s.3,ch.26870,1951;s.1,
ch.63-99;s.5,ch.65-378;s.16,ch.77-175;s.21,ch.89-338;s.561,ch.95-147;s.
15,ch.2005-286.
Note.—Formerss.102.34,99.041.
101.254Whennominatednamestoappearin
groupsordistricts.—Whenanofficerequiresthe
nominationofmorethanonecandidate,asmany
groupsordistrictsshallbenumericallydesignatedas
therearevacanciestobefilledbynomination.Each
candidateshallindicateonhisorherqualifyingpapers
thegroupordistrictinwhichthecandidatedesireshisor
hernametoappearontheballot.Inaddition,any
candidatequalifyingbythepetitionmethodmust
indicateonhisorherpetitionpriortocirculatingsuch
petition,whichgroupordistrictforwhichthecandidate
isattemptingtoqualify.
History.—s.52,ch.6469,1913;s.8,ch.6874,1915;RGS356;CGL413;s.3,
ch.26870,1951;s.6,ch.65-378;s.16,ch.77-175;s.23,ch.89-338;s.563,ch.
95-147.
Note.—Formerss.102.49,99.051.
101.292Definitions;ss.101.292-101.295.—As
usedinss.101.292-101.295,thefollowingtermsshall
havethefollowingmeanings:
(1)“Governingbody”meanstheboardofcounty
commissionersofacountyoranyothergoverningbody
empoweredbygeneralorspecialactorlocalordinance
topurchaseorsellvotingequipment.
(2)“Votingequipment”meanselectronicorelectro-
mechanicalvotingsystems,votingdevices,andauto-
matictabulatingequipmentasdefinedins.101.5603,
aswellasmaterials,parts,orotherequipmentneces-
saryfortheoperationandmaintenanceofsuchsystems
anddevices,theindividualorcombinedretailvalueof
whichisinexcessofthethresholdamountforCATE-
GORYTWOpurchasesprovidedins.287.017.
(3)“Purchase”meansacontractforthepurchase,
lease,rental,orotheracquisitionofvotingequipment.
History.—s.2,ch.72-303;s.17,ch.73-156;s.16,ch.77-175;s.4,ch.84-302;
s.5,ch.89-348;s.32,ch.90-268;s.10,ch.2001-40.
101.293Competitivesealedbidsandproposals
required.—
(1)Anypurchaseofvotingequipment,theindividual
orcombinedretailvalueofwhichisinexcessofthe
thresholdamountforCATEGORYTWOpurchases
providedins.287.017,byagoverningbodyshallbe
bymeansofcompetitivesealedbidsorcompetitive
sealedproposalsfromatleasttwobidders,except
underthefollowingconditions:
(a)Ifamajorityofthegoverningbodyagreesby
votethatanemergencysituationexistsinregardtothe
purchaseofsuchequipmenttotheextentthatthe
potentialbenefitsderivedfromcompetitivesealedbids
orcompetitivesealedproposalsareoutweighedbythe
detrimentaleffectsofadelayintheacquisitionofsuch
equipment;or
(b)Ifamajorityofthegoverningbodyfindsthat
thereisbutasinglesourcefromwhichsuitable
equipmentmaybeobtained.
Ifsuchconditionsarefoundtoexist,thechairofthe
governingbodyshallcertifytotheDivisionofElections
thesituationandconditionsrequiringanexceptionto
thecompetitivesealedbiddingandcompetitivesealed
proposalrequirementsofthissection.Suchcertification
shallbemaintainedonfilebythedivision.
(2)TheDivisionofElectionsoftheDepartmentof
Stateshallestablishbiddingproceduresforcarryingout
theprovisionsandtheintentofss.101.292-101.295,
andeachgoverningbodyshallfollowtheproceduresso
established.
History.—s.2,ch.72-303;s.18,ch.73-156;s.38,ch.73-333;s.16,ch.77-175;
s.5,ch.84-302;s.6,ch.89-348;s.1,ch.90-268;s.566,ch.95-147.
101.294Purchaseandsaleofvotingequipment.
(1)TheDivisionofElectionsoftheDepartmentof
Stateshalladoptuniformrulesforthepurchase,use,
andsaleofvotingequipmentinthestate.Nogoverning
bodyshallpurchaseorcausetobepurchasedany
votingequipmentunlesssuchequipmenthasbeen
certifiedforuseinthisstatebytheDepartmentofState.
(2)Anygoverningbodycontemplatingthepurchase
orsaleofvotingequipmentshallnotifytheDivisionof
Electionsofsuchconsiderations.Thedivisionshall
attempttocoordinatethesaleofexcessoroutmoded
equipmentbyonecountywithpurchasesofnecessary
equipmentbyothercounties.
(3)Thedivisionshallinformthegoverningbodiesof
thevariouscountiesofthestateoftheavailabilityofnew
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
53
orusedvotingequipmentandofsourcesavailablefor
obtainingsuchequipment.
(4)Avendorofvotingequipmentmaynotprovide
anuncertifiedvotingsystem,votingsystemcomponent,
orvotingsystemupgradetoalocalgoverningbodyor
supervisorofelectionsinthisstate.
(5)Beforeorinconjunctionwithprovidingavoting
system,votingsystemcomponent,orvotingsystem
upgrade,thevendorshallprovidethelocalgoverning
bodyorsupervisorofelectionswithasworncertification
thatthevotingsystem,votingsystemcomponent,or
votingsystemupgradebeingprovidedhasbeen
certifiedbytheDivisionofElections.
History.—s.2,ch.72-303;s.19,ch.73-156;s.17,ch.77-175;s.6,ch.84-302;
s.31,ch.2005-277.
101.295Penaltiesforviolation.—
(1)Anymemberofagoverningbodywhichpur-
chasesorsellsvotingequipmentinviolationofthe
provisionsofss.101.292-101.295,whichmember
knowinglyvotestopurchaseorsellvotingequipment
inviolationoftheprovisionsofss.101.292-101.295,is
guiltyofamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishable
asprovidedbys.775.082ors.775.083,andshallbe
subjecttosuspensionfromofficeonthegroundsof
malfeasance.
(2)Anyvendor,chiefexecutiveofficer,orvendor
representativeofvotingequipmentwhoprovidesa
votingsystem,votingsystemcomponent,orvoting
systemupgradeinviolationofthischaptercommitsa
felonyofthethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.
775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.2,ch.72-303;s.18,ch.77-175;s.32,ch.2005-277.
101.34Custodyofvotingsystem.—Thesuper-
visorofelectionsshallbethecustodianofthevoting
systeminthecounty,andheorsheshallappoint
deputiesnecessarytoprepareandsupervisethevoting
systempriortoandduringelections.Thecompensation
forsuchdeputiesshallbepaidbythesupervisorof
elections.
History.—s.3-A,ch.22018,1943;s.4,ch.24089,1947;s.5,ch.26870,1951;
s.16,ch.65-380;s.18,ch.77-175;s.3,ch.80-20;s.567,ch.95-147;s.11,ch.
2001-40.
Note.—Formers.100.42.
101.341Prohibitedactivitiesbyvotingsystem
custodiansanddeputycustodians.—
(1)Novotingsystemcustodianordeputycustodian
orotheremployeeofthesupervisorofelections,which
employee’sdutiesareprimarilyinvolvedwiththe
preparation,maintenance,orrepairofvotingequip-
ment,mayacceptemploymentoranyformofcon-
siderationfromanypersonorbusinessentityinvolvedin
thepurchase,repair,orsaleofvotingequipmentunless
suchemploymenthasthepriorwrittenapprovalofthe
supervisorofelectionsofthecountybywhichsuch
personisemployed.
(2)Anypersonviolatingtheprovisionsofthis
sectionisguiltyofamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,
punishableasprovidedbys.775.082ors.775.083.
Suchpersonshallalsobesubjecttoimmediate
dischargefromhisorherposition.
History.—s.3,ch.72-303;s.4,ch.80-20;s.568,ch.95-147;s.12,ch.2001-40.
101.43Substituteballot.—Whentherequiredof-
ficialballotsforaprecinctarenotdeliveredintimetobe
usedonelectionday,orafterdelivery,arelost,
destroyedorstolen,theclerkorotherofficialswhose
dutyitistoprovideballotsforuseatsuchelection,inlieu
oftheofficialballots,shallhavesubstituteballots
prepared,conformingasnearlyaspossibletothe
officialballots,andtheboardofelectionshallsubstitute
theseballotstobeusedinthesamemannerasthe
officialballotswouldhavebeenusedattheelection.
History.—s.15,ch.13893,1929;CGL1936Supp.337(15);s.5,ch.26870,
1951;s.13,ch.2001-40.
Note.—Formers.100.15.
101.49Procedureofelectionofficerswhere
signaturesdiffer.—
(1)Wheneveranyclerkorinspector,uponajust
comparisonofthesignatures,doubtsthatthesignature
ontheidentificationpresentedbytheelectoristhesame
asthesignaturetheelectoraffixedontheprecinct
registerorearlyvotingcertificate,theclerkorinspector
shalldelivertothepersonanaffidavitwhichshallbein
substantiallythefollowingform:
STATEOFFLORIDA,
COUNTYOF __
Idosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatmynameis __;
thatIam __yearsold;thatIwasbornintheStateof
__;thatIamregisteredtovote;thatIamaqualified
voterofthecountyandstateaforesaidandhavenot
votedinthiselection.
(Signatureofvoter)
Sworntoandsubscribedbeforemethis __dayof
__,A.D.(year).
(Clerkorinspectorofelection)
PrecinctNo.__
Countyof __
(2)Thepersonshallfillout,inhisorherown
handwritingorwithassistancefromamemberofthe
electionboard,theformandmakeanaffidavittothe
factsstatedinthefilled-inform;suchaffidavitshallthen
besworntoandsubscribedbeforeoneoftheinspectors
orclerksoftheelectionwhoisauthorizedtoadminister
theoath.Whenevertheaffidavitismadeandfiledwith
theclerkorinspector,thepersonshallthenbeadmitted
tocasthisorhervote,butifthepersonfailsorrefusesto
makeoutorfilesuchaffidavitandassertshisorher
eligibility,thenheorsheshallbeentitledtovotea
provisionalballot.
History.—s.2,ch.18407,1937;CGL1940Supp.337(28-d);s.2,ch.22018,
1943;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.18,ch.77-175;s.573,ch.95-147;s.11,ch.99-6;s.
14,ch.2001-40;s.33,ch.2005-277.
Note.—Formers.100.35.
101.51Electorstooccupyboothalone.—
(1)Whentheelectorpresentshimselforherselfto
vote,anelectionofficialshallpermittheelectortoenter
theboothorcompartmenttocasthisorhervote,
allowingonlyoneelectoratatimetopassthroughto
vote.Anelector,whilecastinghisorherballot,maynot
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
54
occupyaboothorcompartmentalreadyoccupiedor
speakwithanyone,exceptasprovidedbys.101.051.
(2)Aftercastinghisorhervote,theelectorshallat
onceleavethepollingroombytheexitopeningand
shallnotbepermittedtoreenteronanypretext
whatever.
History.—ss.44,45,ch.4328,1895;GS228,229;RGS273,274;CGL329,
330;s.20,ch.13893,1929;1936Supp.337(20);s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.25,ch.
65-380;s.18,ch.77-175;s.574,ch.95-147;s.11,ch.2002-281;s.34,ch.
2005-277;s.19,ch.2008-95.
Note.—Formerss.99.27,99.28,100.20.
101.545Retentionanddestructionofcertain
electionmaterials.—Allballots,forms,andother
electionmaterialsshallberetainedinthecustodyof
thesupervisorofelectionsinaccordancewiththe
scheduleapprovedbytheDivisionofLibraryand
InformationServicesoftheDepartmentofState.All
unusedballots,forms,andotherelectionmaterialsmay,
withtheapprovaloftheDepartmentofState,be
destroyedbythesupervisoraftertheelectionfor
whichsuchballots,forms,orotherelectionmaterials
weretobeused.
History.—s.20,ch.77-175;s.15,ch.2001-60.
101.5601Shorttitle.—Sections101.5601-
101.5614maybecitedasthe“ElectronicVoting
SystemsAct.”
History.—s.1,ch.73-156;s.9,ch.2002-17.
101.5602Purpose.—Thepurposeofthisactisto
authorizetheuseofelectronicandelectromechanical
votingsystemsinwhichvotesareregisteredelectro-
nicallyoraretabulatedonautomatictabulatingequip-
mentordataprocessingequipment.
History.—s.2,ch.73-156;s.21,ch.77-175;s.7,ch.84-302.
101.5603DefinitionsrelatingtoElectronicVot-
ingSystemsAct.—Asusedinthisact,theterm:
(1)“Automatictabulatingequipment”includesap-
paratusnecessarytoautomaticallyexamine,count,and
recordvotes.
(2)“Ballot”meansthecard,tape,orothervehicle
uponwhichtheelector’schoicesarerecorded.
(3)“Ballotinformation”meansthematerialcontain-
ingthenamesofofficesandcandidatesandthe
questionstobevotedon.
(4)“Electronicorelectromechanicalvotingsystem”
meansasystemofcastingvotesbyuseofvoting
devicesormarkingdevicesandcountingballotsby
employingautomatictabulatingequipmentordata
processingequipment,andthetermincludestouchsc-
reensystems.
(5)“Markingdevice”meansanyapproveddevice
formarkingaballotwithinkorothersubstancewhich
willenabletheballottobetabulatedbymeansof
automatictabulatingequipment.
(6)“Secrecyenvelope”meansanopaquedevice,
usedforenclosingamarkedballot,whichconcealsthe
voter’schoices.
(7)“Software”meanstheprogramsandroutines
usedtoemployandcontrolthecapabilitiesofdata
processinghardware,including,withoutlimitation,op-
eratingsystems,compilers,assemblers,utilities,library
routines,maintenanceroutines,applications,andcom-
puternetworkingprograms.
(8)“Votingdevice”meansanapparatusbywhich
votesareregisteredelectronically.
History.—s.3,ch.73-156;s.21,ch.77-175;s.8,ch.84-302;s.8,ch.89-348;s.
15,ch.2001-40.
101.5604Adoptionofsystem;procurementof
equipment;commercialtabulations.—Theboardof
countycommissionersofanycounty,atanyregular
meetingoraspecialmeetingcalledforthepurpose,
may,uponconsultationwiththesupervisorofelections,
adopt,purchaseorotherwiseprocure,andprovidefor
theuseofanyelectronicorelectromechanicalvoting
systemapprovedbytheDepartmentofStateinallora
portionoftheelectionprecinctsofthatcounty.There-
aftertheelectronicorelectromechanicalvotingsystem
maybeusedforvotingatallelectionsforpublicand
partyofficesandonallmeasuresandforreceiving,
registering,andcountingthevotesthereofinsuch
electionprecinctsasthegoverningbodydirects.A
countymustuseanelectronicorelectromechanical
precinct-counttabulationvotingsystem.
History.—s.4,ch.73-156;s.21,ch.77-175;s.16,ch.2001-40.
101.56042Punchcardtypesystemsprohibited.
EffectiveSeptember2,2002,avotingsystemthatuses
anapparatusordeviceforthepiercingofballotsbythe
votermaynotbeusedinthisstate.
History.—s.17,ch.2001-40.
101.5605Examinationandapprovalofequip-
ment.—
(1)TheDepartmentofStateshallpubliclyexamine
allmakesofelectronicorelectromechanicalvoting
systemssubmittedtoitanddeterminewhetherthe
systemscomplywiththerequirementsofs.101.5606.
(2)(a)Anypersonowningorinterestedinanelectro-
nicorelectromechanicalvotingsystemmaysubmititto
theDepartmentofStateforexamination.Thevote
countingsegmentshallbecertifiedafterasatisfactory
evaluationtestinghasbeenperformedaccordingtothe
standardsadoptedunders.101.015(1).Thistesting
shallinclude,butisnotlimitedto,testingofallsoftware
requiredforthevotingsystem’soperation;theballot
reader;theroteprocessor,especiallyinitslogicand
memorycomponents;thedigitalprinter;thefail-safe
operations;thecountingcenterenvironmentalrequire-
ments;andtheequipmentreliabilityestimate.Forthe
purposeofassistinginexaminingthesystem,the
departmentshallemployorcontractforservicesofat
leastoneindividualwhoisexpertinoneormorefieldsof
dataprocessing,mechanicalengineering,andpublic
administrationandshallrequirefromtheindividuala
writtenreportofhisorherexamination.
(b)Thepersonsubmittingasystemforapprovalor
theboardofcountycommissionersofanycounty
seekingapprovalofagivensystemshallreimburse
theDepartmentofStateinanamountequaltothe
actualcostsincurredbythedepartmentinexamining
thesystem.Suchreimbursementshallbemade
whetherornotthesystemisapprovedbythedepart-
ment.
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
55
(c)NeithertheSecretaryofStatenoranyexaminer
shallhaveanypecuniaryinterestinanyvotingequip-
ment.
(d)TheDepartmentofStateshallapproveor
disapproveanyvotingsystemsubmittedtoitwithin90
daysafterthedateofitsinitialsubmission.
(3)(a)BeforetheDepartmentofStateapprovesthe
electronicorelectromechanicalvotingsystem,the
personwhosubmitteditforexaminationshallprovide
thedepartmentwiththename,mailingaddress,and
telephonenumberofaregisteredagent,whichagent
musthaveandcontinuouslymaintainanofficeinthis
state.Anychangeinthename,address,ortelephone
numberoftheregisteredagentshallpromptlybemade
knowntothedepartment.
(b)Beforeenteringintoacontractforthesaleor
leaseofavotingsystemapprovedunderthissectionto
anycounty,thepersonenteringintosuchcontractshall
providethedepartmentwiththename,mailingaddress,
andtelephonenumberofaregisteredagent,which
agentmusthaveandcontinuouslymaintainanofficein
thisstate.Anychangeinthename,address,or
telephonenumberoftheregisteredagentshallpromptly
bemadeknowntothedepartment.
(c)Thedepartment’sproofofdeliveryorattempted
deliverytothelastmailingaddressoftheregistered
agentonfilewiththedepartmentatthetimeofdelivery
orattempteddeliveryisvalidforallnoticepurposes.
(d)Within30daysaftercompletingtheexamination
anduponapprovalofanyelectronicorelectromecha-
nicalvotingsystem,theDepartmentofStateshallmake
andmaintainareportonthesystem,togetherwitha
writtenorprinteddescriptionanddrawingsandphoto-
graphsclearlyidentifyingthesystemandtheoperation
thereof.Assoonaspracticableaftersuchfiling,the
departmentshallsendanoticeofcertificationand,upon
request,acopyofthereporttothegoverningbodiesof
therespectivecountiesofthestate.Anyvotingsystem
thatdoesnotreceivetheapprovalofthedepartment
maynotbeadoptedfororusedatanyelection.
(e)Afteravotingsystemhasbeenapprovedbythe
DepartmentofState,anychangeorimprovementinthe
systemisrequiredtobeapprovedbythedepartment
priortotheadoptionofsuchchangeorimprovementby
anycounty.Ifanysuchchangeorimprovementdoes
notcomplywiththerequirementsofthisact,the
departmentshallsuspendallsalesoftheequipment
orsysteminthestateuntiltheequipmentorsystem
complieswiththerequirementsofthisact.
(4)TheDepartmentofStatemayatanytime
reexamineanysystem,oranypartthereof,whichhas
previouslybeenapprovedforthepurposeofupdating
thecertificationofthesystem.
History.—s.5,ch.73-156;s.21,ch.77-175;s.9,ch.84-302;s.12,ch.85-80;s.
9,ch.89-348;s.577,ch.95-147;s.31,ch.2011-40;s.7,ch.2013-57.
101.5606Requirementsforapprovalofsys-
tems.—Noelectronicorelectromechanicalvotingsys-
temshallbeapprovedbytheDepartmentofState
unlessitissoconstructedthat:
(1)Itpermitsandrequiresvotinginsecrecy.
(2)Itpermitseachelectortovoteatanyelectionfor
allpersonsandofficesforwhomandforwhichthe
electorislawfullyentitledtovote,andnoothers;tovote
forasmanypersonsforanofficeastheelectoris
entitledtovotefor;andtovotefororagainstany
questionuponwhichtheelectorisentitledtovote.
(3)Itimmediatelyrejectsaballotwherethenumber
ofvotesforanofficeormeasureexceedsthenumber
whichthevoterisentitledtocastorwherethetabulating
equipmentreadstheballotasaballotwithnovotes
cast.
(4)Forsystemsusingmarksenseballots,itaccepts
arejectedballotpursuanttosubsection(3)ifavoter
choosestocasttheballot,butrecordsnovoteforany
officethathasbeenovervotedorundervoted.
(5)Itiscapableofcorrectlycountingvotes.
(6)Itpermitseachvoterataprimaryelectiontovote
onlyforthecandidatesseekingnominationbythe
politicalpartyinwhichsuchvoterisregistered,for
anycandidatefornonpartisanoffice,andforany
questionuponwhichthevoterisentitledtovote.
(7)Atpresidentialelectionsitpermitseachelector,
byoneoperation,tovoteforallpresidentialelectorsofa
partyorforallpresidentialelectorsofcandidatesfor
PresidentandVicePresidentwithnopartyaffiliation.
(8)Itprovidesamethodforwrite-invoting.
(9)Itiscapableofaccumulatingacountofthe
specificnumberofballotstalliedforaprecinct,accu-
mulatingtotalvotesbycandidateforeachoffice,and
accumulatingtotalvotesforandagainsteachquestion
andissueoftheballotstalliedforaprecinct.
(10)Itiscapableoftallyingvotesfromballotsof
differentpoliticalpartiesfromthesameprecinct,inthe
caseofaprimaryelection.
(11)Itiscapableofautomaticallyproducingprecinct
totalsinprintedform.
(12)Ifitisofatypewhichregistersvoteselectro-
nically,itwillpermiteachvotertochangehisorhervote
foranycandidateoruponanyquestionappearingon
theofficialballotuptothetimethatthevotertakesthe
finalsteptoregisterhisorhervoteandtohavethevote
computed.
(13)Itiscapableofprovidingrecordsfromwhichthe
operationofthevotingsystemmaybeaudited.
(14)Itusesaprecinct-counttabulationsystem.
(15)Itdoesnotuseanapparatusordeviceforthe
piercingofballotsbythevoter.
History.—s.6,ch.73-156;s.21,ch.77-175;s.10,ch.84-302;s.10,ch.89-348;
s.578,ch.95-147;s.17,ch.99-318;s.18,ch.2001-40;s.10,ch.2002-17;s.35,ch.
2005-277;s.32,ch.2011-40.
101.56062Standardsforaccessiblevotingsys-
tems.—
(1)Notwithstandinganythinginthischaptertothe
contrary,eachvotingsystemcertifiedbytheDepart-
mentofStateforuseinlocal,state,andfederal
electionsmustincludethecapabilitytoinstallaccessible
voterinterfacedevicesinthesystemconfiguration
whichwillallowthesystemtomeetthefollowing
minimumstandards:
(a)Thevotingsystemmustprovideatactileinputor
audioinputdevice,orboth.
(b)Thevotingsystemmustprovideamethodby
whichvoterscanconfirmanytactileoraudioinputby
havingthecapabilityofaudiooutputusingsyntheticor
recordedhumanspeechthatisreasonablyphonetically
accurate.
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
56
(c)Anyoperablecontrolsontheinputdevicewhich
areneededforvoterswhoarevisuallyimpairedmustbe
discernibletactilelywithoutactuatingthekeys.
(d)Audioandvisualaccessapproachesmustbe
abletoworkbothseparatelyandsimultaneously.
(e)Ifanonaudioaccessapproachisprovided,the
systemmaynotrequirecolorperception.Thesystem
mustuseblacktextorgraphics,orboth,onwhite
backgroundorwhitetextorgraphics,orboth,onblack
background,unlesstheofficeoftheSecretaryofState
approvesotherhigh-contrastcolorcombinationsthatdo
notrequirecolorperception.
(f)Anyvotingsystemthatrequiresanyvisual
perceptionmustoffertheelectionofficialwhoprograms
thesystem,priortoitsbeingsenttothepollingplace,
thecapabilitytosetthefontsize,asitappearstothe
voter,fromaminimumof14pointstoamaximumof24
points.
(g)Thevotingsystemmustprovideaudioinforma-
tion,includinganyaudiooutputusingsyntheticor
recordedhumanspeechoranyauditoryfeedback
tonesthatareimportantfortheuseoftheaudio
approach,throughatleastonemode,byhandsetor
headset,inenhancedauditoryfashion(increased
amplification),andmustprovideincrementalvolume
controlwithoutputamplificationuptoalevelofatleast
97dBSPL.
(h)Fortransmittedvoicesignalstothevoter,the
votingsystemmustprovideagainadjustableuptoa
minimumof20dBwithatleastoneintermediatestepof
12dBofgain.
(i)Forthesafetyofothers,ifthevotingsystemhas
thepossibilityofexceeding120dBSPL,thena
mechanismmustbeincludedtoresetthevolume
automaticallytothevotingsystem’sdefaultvolume
levelaftereveryuse,forexamplewhenthehandsetis
replaced,butnotbefore.Also,universalprecautionsin
theuseandsharingofheadsetsshouldbefollowed.
(j)Ifsoundcuesandaudibleinformationsuchas
“beeps”areused,theremustbesimultaneouscorre-
spondingvisualcuesandinformation.
(k)Controlsandoperablemechanismsmustbe
operablewithonehand,includingoperabilitywitha
closedfist,andoperablewithouttightgrasping,pinch-
ing,ortwistingofthewrist.
(l)Theforcerequiredtooperateoractivatethe
controlsmustbenogreaterthan5poundsofforce.
(m)Votingboothsmusthavevotingcontrolsata
minimumheightof36inchesabovethefinishedfloor
withaminimumkneeclearanceof27incheshigh,30
incheswide,and19inchesdeep,ortheaccessible
voterinterfacedevicesmustbedesignedsoastoallow
theiruseontopofatabletomeettheserequirements.
Tabletopinstallationsmustincludeadequateprivacy.
(n)Anyaudioballotmustprovidethevoterwiththe
followingfunctionalities:
1.Aftertheinitialinstructionsthatthesystem
requireselectionofficialstoprovidetoeachvoter,the
votershouldbeabletoindependentlyoperatethevoter
interfacethroughthefinalstepofcastingaballotwithout
assistance.
2.Thevotermustbeabletodeterminetheraces
thatheorsheisallowedtovoteinandtodetermine
whichcandidatesareavailableineachrace.
3.Thevotermustbeabletodeterminehowmany
candidatesmaybeselectedineachrace.
4.Thevotermustbeabletohaveconfidencethat
thephysicalorvocalinputsgiventothesystemhave
selectedthecandidatesthatheorsheintendedto
select.
5.Thevotermustbeabletoreviewthecandidate
selectionsthatheorshehasmade.
6.Priortotheactofcastingtheballot,thevoter
mustbeabletochangeanyselectionspreviouslymade
andconfirmanewselection.
7.Thesystemmustcommunicatetothevoterthe
factthatthevoterhasfailedtovoteinaraceorhas
failedtovotethenumberofallowablecandidatesinany
raceandrequirethevotertoconfirmhisorherintentto
undervotebeforecastingtheballot.
8.Thesystemmustpreventthevoterfromover-
votinganyrace.
9.Thevotermustbeabletoinputacandidate’s
nameineachracethatallowsawrite-incandidate.
10.Thevotermustbeabletoreviewhisorherwrite-
ininputtotheinterface,editthatinput,andconfirmthat
theeditsmeetthevoter’sintent.
11.Theremustbeaclear,identifiableactionthatthe
votertakesto“cast”theballot.Thesystemmustmake
cleartothevoterhowtotakethisactionsothatthevoter
hasminimalriskoftakingtheactionaccidentallybut,
whenthevoterintendstocasttheballot,theactioncan
beeasilyperformed.
12.Oncetheballotiscast,thesystemmustconfirm
tothevoterthattheactionhasoccurredandthatthe
voter’sprocessofvotingiscomplete.
13.Oncetheballotiscast,thesystemmust
precludethevoterfrommodifyingtheballotcastor
votingorcastinganotherballot.
Thefunctionalitiesrequiredinthisparagraphforcerti-
ficationmaybesatisfiedbyeitherthevotingdeviceorby
theentirevotingsystem.
(2)Suchvotingsystemmustincludeatleastone
accessiblevoterinterfacedeviceinstalledineach
pollingplacewhichmeetstherequirementsofthis
section,exceptforparagraph(1)(d).
History.—s.12,ch.2002-281;s.34,ch.2005-278;s.1,ch.2006-111;s.27,ch.
2012-116.
101.56063Accessibilityofvotingsystemsand
pollingplaces;intent;eligibilityforfederalfunding.
ItistheintentoftheLegislaturethatthisstatebeeligible
foranyfundsthatareavailablefromtheFederal
Governmenttoassiststatesinprovidingorimproving
accessibilityofvotingsystemsandpollingplacesfor
personshavingadisability.Accordingly,allstatelaws,
rules,standards,andcodesgoverningvotingsystems
andpollingplaceaccessibilitymustbemaintainedto
ensurethestate’seligibilitytoreceivefederalfunds.Itis
theintentoftheLegislaturethatallstaterequirements
meetorexceedtheminimumfederalrequirementsfor
votingsystemsandpollingplaceaccessibility.This
sectionshalltakeeffectuponthisactbecomingalaw.
History.—s.13,ch.2002-281.
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
57
101.56064Applicationforfederalfundsunder
ch.2002-281.—Thestatemayapplyforallavailable
federalfundstobeusedtopayforthecostsassociated
withthisact.
History.—s.21,ch.2002-281.
101.56065Votingsystemdefects;disclosure;
investigations;penalties.—
(1)Forpurposesofthissection,theterm:
(a)“Defect”means:
1.Anyfailure,fault,orflawinanelectronicor
electromechanicalvotingsystemapprovedpursuantto
s.101.5605whichresultsinnonconformancewiththe
standardsinamannerthataffectsthetimelinessor
accuracyofthecastingorcountingofballots;or
2.Anyfailureorinabilityofthevotingsystem
manufacturerorvendortomakeavailableorprovide
approvedreplacementsofhardwareorsoftwaretothe
countiesthathavepurchasedtheapprovedvoting
system,theunavailabilityofwhichresultsinthe
system’snonconformancewiththestandardsina
mannerthataffectsthetimelinessoraccuracyofthe
castingorcountingofballots.
(b)“Standards”referstotherequirementsinss.
101.5606and101.56062underwhichavotingsystem
wasapprovedforuseinthestate.
(c)“Vendor”meansapersonwhosubmitsor
previouslysubmittedavotingsystemthatwasapproved
bytheDepartmentofStateinaccordancewiths.
101.5605,orapersonwhoentersintoacontractfor
thesaleorleaseofavotingsystemtoanycounty,or
thatpreviouslyenteredintosuchacontractthathasnot
expired.
(2)(a)NolaterthanDecember31,2013,and,there-
after,onJanuary1ofeveryodd-numberedyear,each
vendorshallfileawrittendisclosurewiththedepartment
identifyinganyknowndefectinthevotingsystemorthe
factthatthereisnoknowndefect,theeffectofany
defectontheoperationanduseoftheapprovedvoting
system,andanyknowncorrectivemeasurestocurea
defect,including,butnotlimitedto,advisoriesand
bulletinsissuedtosystemusers.
(b)Implementationofcorrectivemeasuresap-
provedbythedepartmentwhichenableasystemto
conformtothestandardsandensurethetimelinessand
accuracyofthecastingandcountingofballotscon-
stitutesacureofadefect.
(c)Ifavendorbecomesawareoftheexistenceofa
defect,heorshemustfileanewdisclosurewiththe
departmentasprovidedinparagraph(a)within30days
afterthedatethevendordeterminedorreasonably
shouldhavedeterminedthatthedefectexisted.
(d)Ifavendordisclosestothedepartmentthata
defectexists,thedepartmentmaysuspendallsalesor
leasesofthevotingsysteminthestateandmay
suspendtheuseofthesysteminanyelectioninthe
state.Thedepartmentshallprovidewrittennoticeofany
suchsuspensiontoeachaffectedvendorandsuper-
visorofelections.Ifthedepartmentdeterminesthatthe
defectnolongerexists,thedepartmentshallliftthe
suspensionandprovidewrittennoticetoeachaffected
vendorandsupervisorofelections.
(e)Ifavendorfailstofilearequireddisclosurefora
votingsystempreviouslyapprovedbythedepartment,
thatsystemmaynotbesold,leased,orusedfor
electionsinthestateuntilithasbeensubmittedfor
examinationandapprovalandadoptedforusepursuant
tos.101.5605.Thedepartmentshallprovidewritten
noticetoallsupervisorsofelectionsthatthesystemis
nolongerapproved.
(3)(a)Ifthedepartmenthasreasonablecauseto
believeavotingsystemapprovedpursuanttos.
101.5605containsadefecteitherbefore,during,or
afteranelectionwhichhasnotbeendisclosedpursuant
tosubsection(2),thedepartmentmayinvestigate
whetherthevotingsystemhasadefect.
(b)Thedepartmentmayinitiateaninvestigation
pursuanttoparagraph(a)onitsowninitiativeorupon
thewrittenrequestofthesupervisorofelectionsofa
countythatpurchasedorleasedavotingsystemthat
containstheallegeddefect.
(c)Uponinitiatinganinvestigation,thedepartment
shallprovidewrittennoticetothevendorandallofthe
supervisorsofelections.
(4)(a)Ifthedepartmentdeterminesbyapreponder-
anceoftheevidencethatadefectexistsinthevoting
system,orthatavendorfailedtotimelydisclosea
defectpursuanttosubsection(2),thedepartmentshall
providewrittennoticetotheaffectedvendorand
supervisorsofelections.
(b)Avendorentitledtoreceivenoticepursuantto
paragraph(a)shall,within10days,fileawritten
responsetothedepartmentwhich:
1.Deniesthattheallegeddefectexistsorexisted
asallegedbythedepartmentorthatthevendorfailedto
timelydiscloseadefect,andsetsforththereasonsfor
suchdenial;or
2.Admitsthatthedefectexistsorexistedas
allegedbythedepartmentorthatthevendorfailedto
timelydiscloseadefect.
(c)Ifthedefecthasbeencured,thevendorshall
provideanexplanationofhowthedefectwascured.
(d)Ifthedefecthasnotbeencured,thevendorshall
informthedepartmentwhetherthedefectcanbecured
andshallprovidethedepartmentwithaplanforcuring
thedefect.Ifthedefectcanbecured,thedepartment
shallestablishatimeframewithinwhichtocurethe
defect.
(5)Ifafterreceivingaresponsefromthevendor,the
departmentdeterminesthatadefectdoesnotexistor
hasbeencuredwithinthetimeframeestablishedbythe
department,thedepartmentshalltakenofurtheraction.
(6)Ifthedepartmentdeterminesthat:avendor
failedtotimelydiscloseadefect;orthatadefectexists
andavendorhasnotfiledawrittenresponseorhas
failedtocurewithinthetimeframeestablishedbythe
department,orifthedefectcannotbecured,the
departmentshallimposeacivilpenaltyof$25,000for
thedefectplusanamountequaltotheactualcosts
incurredbythedepartmentinconductingtheinvestiga-
tion.
(7)Ifthedepartmentfindsthatadefectexisted:
(a)Thedepartmentmaysuspendallsalesand
leasesofthevotingsystemandmaysuspenditsuse
inanycountyinthestate.Thedepartmentshallprovide
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
58
writtennoticeofthesuspensiontoeachaffectedvendor
andsupervisorofelections.
(b)Ifthedepartmentdeterminesthatadefectno
longerexistsinavotingsystemthathasbeensus-
pendedfromusepursuanttoparagraph(a),the
departmentshallliftthesuspensionandauthorizethe
sale,lease,anduseofthevotingsysteminanyelection
inthestate.Thedepartmentshallprovidewrittennotice
thatthesuspensionhasbeenliftedtoeachaffected
vendorandsupervisorofelections.
(c)Ifthedefectcannotbecured,thedepartment
maydisapprovethevotingsystemforuseinelectionsin
thestate.Thedepartmentshallprovidewrittennoticeto
allsupervisorsofelectionsthatthesystemisnolonger
approved.Afterapprovalofasystemhasbeenwith-
drawnpursuanttothisparagraph,thesystemmaynot
besold,leased,orusedinelectionsinthestateuntilit
hasbeensubmittedforexaminationandapprovaland
adoptedforusepursuanttos.101.5605.
(d)Anyvendoragainstwhomacivilpenaltywas
imposedunderthissectionmaynotsubmitavoting
systemforapprovalbytheDepartmentofStatein
accordancewiths.101.5605orenterintoacontractfor
saleorleaseofavotingsysteminthestateuntilthecivil
penaltieshavebeenpaidandthedepartmentprovides
writtenconfirmationtothesupervisorsofelectionsof
thepayment.
(8)Thedepartmentshallprepareawrittenreportof
anyinvestigationconductedpursuanttothissection.
(9)Theauthorityofthedepartmentunderthis
sectionisinadditionto,andnotexclusiveof,any
otherauthorityprovidedbylaw.
(10)Allproceedingsunderthissectionareexempt
fromchapter120.
History.—s.8,ch.2013-57.
101.5607DepartmentofStatetomaintainvoting
systeminformation;preparesoftware.—
(1)(a)Copiesoftheprogramcodesandtheuserand
operatormanualsandcopiesofallsoftwareandany
otherinformation,specifications,ordocumentation
requiredbytheDepartmentofStaterelatingtoan
approvedelectronicorelectromechanicalvotingsystem
anditsequipmentmustbefiledwiththeDepartmentof
Statebythesupervisorofelectionsatthetimeof
purchaseorimplementation.Anysuchinformationor
materialsthatarenotonfilewithandapprovedbythe
DepartmentofState,includinganyupdatedormodified
materials,maynotbeusedinanelection.
(b)Within24hoursafterthecompletionofanylogic
andaccuracytestconductedpursuanttos.101.5612,
thesupervisorofelectionsshallsendbycertifiedmailto
theDepartmentofStateacopyofthetabulation
programwhichwasusedinthelogicandaccuracy
testing.
(c)TheDepartmentofStatemay,atanytime,
reviewthevotingsystemofanycountytoensure
compliancewiththeElectronicVotingSystemsAct.
(d)Section119.071(1)(f)appliestoallsoftwareon
filewiththeDepartmentofState.
(2)(a)TheDepartmentofStatemaydevelopsoft-
wareforusewithanelectronicorelectromechanical
votingsystem.Thestandardsandexamination
proceduresdevelopedforsoftwareapplytoallsoftware
developedbytheDepartmentofState.
(b)SoftwarepreparedbytheDepartmentofStateis
apublicrecordpursuanttochapter119andshallbe
providedattheactualcostofduplication.
History.—s.7,ch.73-156;s.21,ch.77-175;s.4,ch.82-143;s.11,ch.84-302;
s.11,ch.89-348;s.25,ch.90-344;s.21,ch.95-398;s.19,ch.2001-40;s.32,ch.
2004-335;s.41,ch.2005-251.
101.56075Votingmethods.—
(1)Exceptasprovidedinsubsection(2),allvoting
shallbebymarksenseballotutilizingamarkingdevice
forthepurposeofdesignatingballotselections.
(2)Personswithdisabilitiesmayvoteonavoter
interfacedevicethatmeetsthevotingsystemaccessi-
bilityrequirementsforindividualswithdisabilitiespur-
suanttos.301ofthefederalHelpAmericaVoteActof
2002ands.101.56062.
(3)By2020,personswithdisabilitiesshallvoteona
voterinterfacedevicethatmeetsthevoteraccessibility
requirementsforindividualswithdisabilitiesunders.
301ofthefederalHelpAmericaVoteActof2002ands.
101.56062whichareconsistentwithsubsection(1)of
thissection.
History.—s.6,ch.2007-30;s.5,ch.2010-167;s.33,ch.2011-40;s.9,ch.
2013-57.
101.5608Votingbyelectronicorelectromecha-
nicalmethod;procedures.—
(1)Eachelectordesiringtovoteshallbeidentifiedto
theclerkorinspectoroftheelectionasadulyqualified
electorofsuchelectionandshallsignhisorhername
ontheprecinctregisterorotherformordeviceprovided
bythesupervisor.Theinspectorshallcomparethe
signaturewiththesignatureontheidentificationpro-
videdbytheelector.Iftheinspectorisreasonablysure
thatthepersonisentitledtovote,theinspectorshall
providethepersonwithaballot.
(2)Whenanelectronicorelectromechanicalvoting
systemutilizesaballotcardormarksenseballot,the
followingproceduresshallbefollowed:
(a)Afterreceivingaballotfromaninspector,the
electorshall,withoutleavingthepollingplace,retiretoa
boothorcompartmentandmarktheballot.After
markinghisorherballot,theelectorshallplacethe
ballotinasecrecyenvelopesothattheballotwillbe
depositedinthetabulatorwithoutexposingthevoter’s
choices.
(b)Anyvoterwhospoilshisorherballotormakes
anerrormayreturntheballottotheelectionofficialand
secureanotherballot,exceptthatinnocaseshalla
voterbefurnishedmorethanthreeballots.Ifthevote
tabulationdevicehasrejectedaballot,theballotshall
beconsideredspoiledandanewballotshallbe
providedtothevoterunlessthevoterchoosestocast
therejectedballot.Theelectionofficial,withoutexam-
iningtheoriginalballot,shallstatethepossiblereasons
fortherejectionandshallprovideinstructiontothevoter
pursuanttos.101.5611.Aspoiledballotshallbe
preserved,withoutexamination,inanenvelopepro-
videdforthatpurpose.Thestubshallberemovedfrom
theballotandplacedinanenvelope.
(c)Thesupervisorofelectionsshallpreparefor
eachpollingplaceatleastoneballotboxtocontainthe
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
59
ballotsofaparticularprecinct,andeachballotboxshall
beplainlymarkedwiththenameoftheprecinctfor
whichitisintended.
(3)TheDepartmentofStateshallpromulgaterules
regardingvotingprocedurestobeusedwhenan
electronicorelectromechanicalvotingsystemisofa
typewhichdoesnotutilizeaballotcardormarksense
ballot.
(4)Inanyelectioninwhichawrite-incandidatehas
qualifiedforoffice,thesupervisorofelectionsshall
provideforwrite-invotingpursuanttorulesadoptedby
theDivisionofElections.
History.—s.8,ch.73-156;s.21,ch.77-175;s.13,ch.81-105;s.5,ch.82-143;
s.12,ch.84-302;s.579,ch.95-147;s.20,ch.2001-40;s.11,ch.2002-17;s.36,ch.
2005-277;s.35,ch.2005-278;s.20,ch.2008-95.
101.5610Inspectionofballotbyelectionboard.
Theelectionboardofeachprecinctshallcausethe
votingdevicestobeputinorder,set,adjusted,and
madereadyforvotingwhendeliveredtothepolling
places.Beforetheopeningofthepolls,theelection
boardshallcomparetheballotsortheballotinformation
usedinthevotingdeviceswiththesampleballots
furnishedandseethatthenames,numbers,andletters
thereonagreeandshallcertifytheretoonforms
providedbythesupervisorofelections.
History.—s.10,ch.73-156;s.14,ch.84-302;s.4,ch.86-200.
101.5611Instructionstoelectors.—
(1)Thesupervisorofelectionsshallprovideinstruc-
tionateachpollingplaceregardingthemannerofvoting
withthesystem.Ininstructingvoters,noprecinctofficial
mayfavoranypoliticalparty,candidate,orissue.Such
instructionshallshowthearrangementofcandidates
andquestionstobevotedon.Additionally,thesuper-
visorofelectionsshallprovideinstructionontheproper
methodofcastingaballotforthespecificvotingsystem
utilizedinthatjurisdiction.Suchinstructionshallbe
providedataplacewhichvotersmustpasstoreachthe
officialvotingbooth.
(2)Thesupervisorofelectionsshallhavepostedat
eachpollingplaceanoticethatreads:“Apersonwho
commitsorattemptstocommitanyfraudinconnection
withvoting,votesafraudulentballot,orvotesmorethan
onceinanelectioncanbeconvictedofafelonyofthe
thirddegreeandfinedupto$5,000and/orimprisoned
forupto5years.”
History.—s.11,ch.73-156;s.21,ch.77-175;s.581,ch.95-147;s.12,ch.
98-129;s.12,ch.2002-17.
101.5612Testingoftabulatingequipment.—
(1)Allelectronicorelectromechanicalvotingsys-
temsshallbethoroughlytestedattheconclusionof
maintenanceandprogramming.Testsshallbesufficient
todeterminethatthevotingsystemisproperlypro-
grammed,theelectioniscorrectlydefinedonthevoting
system,andallofthevotingsysteminput,output,and
communicationdevicesareworkingproperly.
(2)Onanydaynotmorethan10dayspriortothe
commencementofearlyvotingasprovidedins.
101.657,thesupervisorofelectionsshallhavethe
automatictabulatingequipmentpubliclytestedtoas-
certainthattheequipmentwillcorrectlycountthevotes
castforallofficesandonallmeasures.Iftheballotsto
beusedatthepollingplaceonelectiondayarenot
availableatthetimeofthetesting,thesupervisormay
conductanadditionaltestnotmorethan10daysbefore
electionday.Publicnoticeofthetimeandplaceofthe
testshallbegivenatleast48hourspriortheretoby
publicationonthesupervisorofelections’websiteand
onceinoneormorenewspapersofgeneralcirculation
inthecountyor,ifthereisnonewspaperofgeneral
circulationinthecounty,bypostingthenoticeinatleast
fourconspicuousplacesinthecounty.Thesupervisor
orthemunicipalelectionsofficialmay,atthetimeof
qualifying,givewrittennoticeofthetimeandlocationof
thepublicpreelectiontesttoeachcandidatequalifying
withthatofficeandobtainasignedreceiptthatthe
noticehasbeengiven.TheDepartmentofStateshall
givewrittennoticetoeachstatewidecandidateatthe
timeofqualifying,orimmediatelyattheendofqualify-
ing,thatthevotingequipmentwillbetestedandadvise
eachcandidatetocontactthecountysupervisorof
electionsastothetimeandlocationofthepublic
preelectiontest.Thesupervisororthemunicipalelec-
tionsofficialshall,atleast15dayspriortothe
commencementofearlyvotingasprovidedins.
101.657,sendwrittennoticebycertifiedmailtothe
countypartychairofeachpoliticalpartyandtoall
candidatesforotherthanstatewideofficewhosenames
appearontheballotinthecountyandwhodidnot
receivewrittennotificationfromthesupervisoror
municipalelectionsofficialatthetimeofqualifying,
statingthetimeandlocationofthepublicpreelection
testoftheautomatictabulatingequipment.Thecanvas-
singboardshallconvene,andeachmemberofthe
canvassingboardshallcertifytotheaccuracyofthe
test.Forthetest,thecanvassingboardmaydesignate
onemembertorepresentit.Thetestshallbeopento
representativesofthepoliticalparties,thepress,and
thepublic.Eachpoliticalpartymaydesignateone
personwithexpertiseinthecomputerfieldwhoshall
beallowedinthecentralcountingroomwhenalltests
arebeingconductedandwhentheofficialvotesare
beingcounted.Thedesigneeshallnotinterferewiththe
normaloperationofthecanvassingboard.
(3)Forelectronicorelectromechanicalvotingsys-
temsconfiguredtotabulateabsenteeballotsatacentral
orregionalsite,thepublictestingshallbeconductedby
processingapreauditedgroupofballotssoproducedas
torecordapredeterminednumberofvalidvotesfor
eachcandidateandoneachmeasureandtoinclude
oneormoreballotsforeachofficewhichhaveactivated
votingpositionsinexcessofthenumberallowedbylaw
inordertotesttheabilityoftheautomatictabulating
equipmenttorejectsuchvotes.Ifanyerrorisdetected,
thecausethereforshallbecorrectedandanerrorless
countshallbemadebeforetheautomatictabulating
equipmentisapproved.Thetestshallberepeatedand
errorlessresultsachievedimmediatelybeforethestart
oftheofficialcountoftheballotsandagainafterthe
completionoftheofficialcount.Theprogramsand
ballotsusedfortestingshallbesealedandretained
underthecustodyofthecountycanvassingboard.
(4)(a)1.Forelectronicorelectromechanicalvoting
systemsconfiguredtoincludeelectronicorelectrome-
chanicaltabulationdeviceswhicharedistributedtothe
precincts,allorasampleofthedevicestobeusedinthe
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
60
electionshallbepubliclytested.Ifasampleistobe
tested,thesampleshallconsistofarandomselectionof
atleast5percentor10ofthedevicesforanopticalscan
system,whicheverisgreater.Fortouchscreensystems
usedforvotershavingadisability,asampleofatleast2
percentofthedevicesmustbetested.Thetestshallbe
conductedbyprocessingagroupofballots,causingthe
devicetooutputresultsfortheballotsprocessed,and
comparingtheoutputofresultstotheresultsexpected
fortheballotsprocessed.Thegroupofballotsshallbe
producedsoastorecordapredeterminednumberof
validvotesforeachcandidateandoneachmeasure
andtoincludeforeachofficeoneormoreballotswhich
haveactivatedvotingpositionsinexcessofthenumber
allowedbylawinordertotesttheabilityofthetabulating
devicetorejectsuchvotes.
2.Ifanytestedtabulatingdeviceisfoundtohave
anerrorintabulation,itshallbedeemedunsatisfactory.
Foreachdevicedeemedunsatisfactory,thecanvassing
boardshalltakestepstodeterminethecauseofthe
error,shallattempttoidentifyandtestotherdevicesthat
couldreasonablybeexpectedtohavethesameerror,
andshalltestanumberofadditionaldevicessufficient
todeterminethatalldevicesaresatisfactory.Upon
deeminganydeviceunsatisfactory,thecanvassing
boardmayrequirealldevicestobetestedormay
declarethatalldevicesareunsatisfactory.
3.Iftheoperationoroutputofanytestedtabulation
device,suchasspellingortheorderofcandidatesona
report,isinerror,suchproblemshallbereportedtothe
canvassingboard.Thecanvassingboardshallthen
determineifthereportedproblemwarrantsitsdeeming
thedeviceunsatisfactory.
(b)Atthecompletionoftestingunderthissubsec-
tion,thecanvassingboardoritsrepresentative,the
representativesofthepoliticalparties,andthecandi-
datesortheirrepresentativeswhoattendedthetest
shallwitnesstheresettingofeachdevicethatpassedto
apreelectionstateofreadinessandthesealingofeach
devicethatpassedinsuchamannerastosecureits
stateofreadinessuntiltheopeningofthepolls.
(c)Thecanvassingboardoritsrepresentativeshall
executeawrittenstatementsettingforththetabulation
devicestested,theresultsofthetesting,theprotective
counternumbers,ifapplicable,ofeachtabulation
device,thenumberofthesealsecuringeachtabulation
deviceattheconclusionoftesting,anyproblems
reportedtotheboardasaresultofthetesting,and
whethereachdevicetestedissatisfactoryorunsatis-
factory.
(d)Anytabulatingdevicedeemedunsatisfactory
shallberecoded,repaired,orreplacedandshallbe
madeavailableforretesting.Suchdevicemustbe
determinedbythecanvassingboardoritsrepresenta-
tivetobesatisfactorybeforeitmaybeusedinany
election.Thecanvassingboardoritsrepresentative
shallannounceatthecloseofthefirsttestingthedate,
place,andtimethatanyunsatisfactorydevicewillbe
retestedormay,attheoptionoftheboard,notifyby
telephoneeachpersonwhowaspresentatthefirst
testingastothedate,place,andtimethattheretesting
willoccur.
(e)Recordsmustbekeptofallpreelectiontestingof
electronicorelectromechanicaltabulationdevicesused
inanyelection.Suchrecordsaretobepresentand
availableforinspectionandreferenceduringpublic
preelectiontestingbyanypersoninattendanceduring
suchtesting.Theneedofthecanvassingboardfor
accesstosuchrecordsduringthetestingshalltake
precedenceovertheneedofotherattendeestoaccess
suchrecordssothattheworkofthecanvassingboard
willnotbedelayedorhindered.Recordsoftestingmust
include,foreachdevice,thenameofeachpersonwho
testedthedeviceandthedate,place,time,andresults
ofeachtest.Recordsoftestingshallberetainedaspart
oftheofficialrecordsoftheelectioninwhichanydevice
wasused.
(5)Anytestsinvolvingmarksenseballotspursuant
tothissectionshallemploytestballotscreatedbythe
supervisorofelectionsusingactualballotsthathave
beenprintedfortheelection.Ifballot-on-demandballots
willbeusedintheelection,thesupervisorshallalso
createtestballotsusingtheballot-on-demandtechnol-
ogythatwillbeusedtoproduceballotsintheelection,
usingthesamepaperstockaswillbeusedforballotsin
theelection.
History.—s.12,ch.73-156;s.21,ch.77-175;s.39,ch.79-400;s.2,ch.81-29;
s.24,ch.83-217;s.15,ch.84-302;s.582,ch.95-147;s.21,ch.2001-40;s.13,ch.
2002-17;s.11,ch.2004-252;s.37,ch.2005-277;s.7,ch.2007-30;s.6,ch.
2010-167;s.34,ch.2011-40.
101.5613Examinationofequipmentduringvot-
ing.—Amemberoftheelectionboardor,forpurposes
ofearlyvotingpursuanttos.101.657,arepresentative
ofthesupervisorofelectionsshalloccasionallyexamine
thefaceofthevotingdeviceandtheballotinformationto
determinethatthedeviceandtheballotinformation
havenotbeendamagedortamperedwith.
History.—s.13,ch.73-156;s.21,ch.77-175;s.16,ch.84-302;s.12,ch.
2004-252.
101.5614Canvassofreturns.—
(1)Assoonasthepollsareclosed,theelection
boardshallsecurethevotingdevicesagainstfurther
voting.Theelectionboardshallthereafter,inthe
presenceofmembersofthepublicdesiringtowitness
theproceedings,verifythenumberofvotedballots,
unusedballots,provisionalballots,andspoiledballotsto
ascertainwhethersuchnumbercorrespondswiththe
numberofballotsissuedbythesupervisor.Ifthereisa
difference,thisfactshallbereportedinwritingtothe
countycanvassingboardwiththereasonsthereforif
known.Thetotalnumberofvotedballotsshallbe
enteredontheformsprovided.Theproceedingsof
theelectionboardattheprecinctafterthepollshave
closedshallbeopentothepublic;however,noperson
exceptamemberoftheelectionboardshalltouchany
ballotorballotcontainerorinterferewithorobstructthe
orderlycountoftheballots.
(2)TheDepartmentofStateshall,inaccordance
withs.101.015,adoptrulesthatprovidesafeguardsfor
thecountingofvotesataprecinctandatacentralor
regionallocation.
(3)Theresultsofballotstabulatedatprecinct
locationsmaybetransmittedtothemaincomputer
systemforthepurposeofcompilationofcomplete
returns.Thesecurityguidelinesfortransmissionof
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
61
returnsshallconformtorulesadoptedbytheDepart-
mentofStatepursuanttos.101.015.
(4)Foreachballotorballotimageonwhichwrite-in
voteshavebeencast,thecanvassingboardshall
comparethewrite-invoteswiththevotescastonthe
ballot;ifthetotalnumberofvotesforanyofficeexceeds
thenumberallowedbylaw,suchvotesshallnotbe
counted.Allvalidvotesshallbetalliedbythecanvas-
singboard.
(5)(a)Ifanyabsenteeballotisphysicallydamagedso
thatitcannotproperlybecountedbytheautomatic
tabulatingequipment,atrueduplicatecopyshallbe
madeofthedamagedballotinthepresenceof
witnessesandsubstitutedforthedamagedballot.
Likewise,aduplicateballotshallbemadeofan
absenteeballotcontaininganovervotedraceora
markedabsenteeballotinwhicheveryraceisunder-
votedwhichshallincludeallvalidvotesasdetermined
bythecanvassingboardbasedonrulesadoptedbythe
divisionpursuanttos.102.166(4).Allduplicateballots
shallbeclearlylabeled“duplicate,”bearaserialnumber
whichshallberecordedonthedefectiveballot,andbe
countedinlieuofthedefectiveballot.Afteraballothas
beenduplicated,thedefectiveballotshallbeplacedin
anenvelopeprovidedforthatpurpose,andthedupli-
cateballotshallbetalliedwiththeotherballotsforthat
precinct.
(b)Atrueduplicatecopyshallbemadeofeach
federalwrite-inabsenteeballotinthepresenceof
witnessesandsubstitutedforthefederalwrite-in
absenteeballot.Theduplicateballotmustincludeall
validvotesasdeterminedbythecanvassingboard
basedonrulesadoptedbythedivisionpursuanttos.
102.166(4).Allduplicateballotsshallbeclearlylabeled
“duplicate,”bearaserialnumberthatshallberecorded
onthefederalwrite-inabsenteeballot,andbecounted
inlieuofthefederalwrite-inabsenteeballot.Aftera
ballothasbeenduplicated,thefederalwrite-inabsentee
ballotshallbeplacedinanenvelopeprovidedforthat
purpose,andtheduplicateballotshallbetalliedwith
otherballotsforthatprecinct.
(6)Ifthereisnoclearindicationontheballotthatthe
voterhasmadeadefinitechoiceforanofficeorballot
measure,theelector’sballotshallnotbecountedfor
thatofficeormeasure,buttheballotshallnotbe
invalidatedastothosenamesormeasureswhichare
properlymarked.
(7)Absenteeballotsmaybecountedbyautomatic
tabulatingequipmentiftheyhavebeenmarkedina
mannerwhichwillenablethemtobeproperlycounted
bysuchequipment.
(8)Thereturnprintedbytheautomatictabulating
equipment,towhichhasbeenaddedthereturnofwrite-
in,absentee,andmanuallycountedvotesandvotes
fromprovisionalballots,shallconstitutetheofficial
returnoftheelectionuponcertificationbythecanvas-
singboard.Uponcompletionofthecount,thereturns
shallbeopentothepublic.Acopyofthereturnsmaybe
postedatthecentralcountingplaceorattheofficeofthe
supervisorofelectionsinlieuofthepostingofreturnsat
individualprecincts.
(9)Anysupervisorofelections,deputysupervisorof
elections,canvassingboardmember,electionboard
member,orelectionemployeewhoreleasestheresults
ofanyelectionpriortotheclosingofthepollsinthat
countyonelectiondaycommitsafelonyofthethird
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.
775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.14,ch.73-156;s.1,ch.77-174;s.21,ch.77-175;s.14,ch.81-105;
s.17,ch.84-302;s.1,ch.85-17;s.5,ch.86-200;s.17,ch.90-315;s.1,ch.94-208;
ss.22,37,ch.2001-40;ss.14,15,ch.2002-17;s.38,ch.2005-277;s.35,ch.
2011-40;s.2,ch.2011-162.
101.572Publicinspectionofballots.—Theoffi-
cialballotsandballotcardsreceivedfromelection
boardsandremovedfromabsenteeballotmailing
envelopesshallbeopenforpublicinspectionor
examinationwhileinthecustodyofthesupervisorof
electionsorthecountycanvassingboardatany
reasonabletime,underreasonableconditions;how-
ever,nopersonsotherthanthesupervisorofelections
orhisorheremployeesorthecountycanvassingboard
shallhandleanyofficialballotorballotcard.Iftheballots
arebeingexaminedpriortotheendofthecontestperiod
ins.102.168,thesupervisorofelectionsshallmakea
reasonableefforttonotifyallcandidateswhosenames
appearonsuchballotsorballotcardsbytelephoneor
otherwiseofthetimeandplaceoftheinspectionor
examination.Allsuchcandidates,ortheirrepresenta-
tives,shallbeallowedtobepresentduringthe
inspectionorexamination.
History.—s.2,ch.86-199;s.583,ch.95-147;s.39,ch.2005-277.
101.58Supervisingandobservingregistration
andelectionprocesses.—
(1)TheDepartmentofStatemay,atanytimeit
deemsfit;uponthepetitionof5percentoftheregistered
electors;oruponthepetitionofanycandidate,county
executivecommitteechair,statecommitteemanor
committeewoman,orstateexecutivecommitteechair,
appointoneormoredeputieswhosedutiesshallbeto
observeandexaminetheregistrationandelection
processesandthecondition,custody,andoperation
ofvotingsystemsandequipmentinanycountyor
municipality.Thedeputyshallhaveaccesstoall
registrationbooksandrecordsaswellasanyother
recordsorproceduresrelatingtothevotingprocess.
Thedeputymaysupervisepreparationofthevoting
equipmentandproceduresforelection,anditshallbe
unlawfulforanypersontoobstructthedeputyinthe
performanceofhisorherduty.Thedeputyshallfilewith
theDepartmentofStateareportofhisorherfindings
andobservationsoftheregistrationandelection
processesinthecountyormunicipality,andacopyof
thereportshallalsobefiledwiththeclerkofthecircuit
courtofsaidcounty.Thecompensationofsuch
deputiesshallbefixedbytheDepartmentofState;
andcostsincurredunderthissectionshallbepaidfrom
theannualoperatingappropriationmadetotheDepart-
mentofState.
(2)UponthewrittendirectionoftheSecretaryof
State,anyemployeeoftheDepartmentofStatehaving
expertiseinthematterofconcerntotheSecretaryof
Stateshallhavefullaccesstoallpremises,records,
equipment,andstaffofthesupervisorofelections.
History.—s.13,ch.18405,1937;CGL1940Supp.337(28-b);s.5,ch.26870,
1951;s.1,ch.63-256;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.1,ch.73-305;s.21,ch.77-175;s.
26,ch.89-338;s.584,ch.95-147;s.23,ch.2001-40;s.40,ch.2005-277.
Note.—Formers.100.31.
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
62
101.591Votingsystemaudit.—
(1)Immediatelyfollowingthecertificationofeach
election,thecountycanvassingboardorthelocalboard
responsibleforcertifyingtheelectionshallconducta
manualauditoranautomated,independentauditofthe
votingsystemsusedinrandomlyselectedprecincts.
(2)(a)Amanualauditshallconsistofapublicmanual
tallyofthevotescastinonerandomlyselectedracethat
appearsontheballot.Thetallysheetshallinclude
election-day,absentee,earlyvoting,provisional,and
overseasballots,inatleast1percentbutnomorethan2
percentoftheprecinctschosenatrandombythecounty
canvassingboardorthelocalboardresponsiblefor
certifyingtheelection.If1percentoftheprecinctsisless
thanoneentireprecinct,theauditshallbeconducted
usingatleastoneprecinctchosenatrandombythe
countycanvassingboardorthelocalboardresponsible
forcertifyingtheelection.Suchprecinctsshallbe
selectedatapubliclynoticedcanvassingboardmeet-
ing.
(b)Anautomatedauditshallconsistofapublic
automatedtallyofthevotescastacrosseveryracethat
appearsontheballot.Thetallysheetshallinclude
electionday,absentee,earlyvoting,provisional,and
overseasballotsinatleast20percentoftheprecincts
chosenatrandombythecountycanvassingboardor
thelocalboardresponsibleforcertifyingtheelection.
Suchprecinctsshallbeselectedatapubliclynoticed
canvassingboardmeeting.
(c)Thedivisionshalladoptrulesforapprovalofan
independentauditsystemwhichprovidethatthe
system,ataminimum,mustbe:
1.Completelyindependentoftheprimaryvoting
system.
2.Fastenoughtoproducefinalauditresultswithin
thetimeframeprescribedinsubsection(4).
3.Capableofdemonstratingthattheballotsof
recordhavebeenaccuratelyadjudicatedbytheaudit
system.
(3)Thecanvassingboardshallpostanoticeofthe
audit,includingthedate,time,andplace,infour
conspicuousplacesinthecountyandonthehome
pageofthecountysupervisorofelectionswebsite.
(4)Theauditmustbecompletedandtheresults
madepublicnolaterthan11:59p.m.onthe7thday
followingcertificationoftheelectionbythecounty
canvassingboardorthelocalboardresponsiblefor
certifyingtheelection.
(5)Within15daysaftercompletionoftheaudit,the
countycanvassingboardortheboardresponsiblefor
certifyingtheelectionshallprovideareportwiththe
resultsoftheaudittotheDepartmentofStateina
standardformatasprescribedbythedepartment.The
reportshallcontain,butisnotlimitedto,thefollowing
items:
(a)Theoverallaccuracyofaudit.
(b)Adescriptionofanyproblemsordiscrepancies
encountered.
(c)Thelikelycauseofsuchproblemsordiscrepan-
cies.
(d)Recommendedcorrectiveactionwithrespectto
avoidingormitigatingsuchcircumstancesinfuture
elections.
(6)Ifamanualrecountisundertakenpursuanttos.
102.166,thecanvassingboardisnotrequiredto
performtheauditprovidedforinthissection.
History.—s.14,ch.89-348;s.41,ch.97-13;s.8,ch.2007-30;s.36,ch.
2011-40;s.10,ch.2013-57.
101.5911Rulemakingauthorityforvotingsys-
temauditprocedures.—Effectiveuponthisactbe-
comingalaw,theDepartmentofStateshalladoptrules
toimplementtheprovisionsofs.101.591,asamended
bys.8,chapter2007-30,LawsofFlorida,which
prescribedetailedauditproceduresforeachvoting
system,whichshallbeuniformtotheextentpracticable,
alongwiththestandardformforauditreports.
History.—s.9,ch.2007-30.
101.595Analysisandreportsofvotingpro-
blems.—
(1)NolaterthanDecember15ofeachgeneral
electionyear,thesupervisorofelectionsineachcounty
shallreporttotheDepartmentofStatethetotalnumber
ofovervotesandundervotesinthe“PresidentandVice
President”or“GovernorandLieutenantGovernor”race
thatappearsfirstontheballotor,ifneitherappears,the
firstraceappearingontheballotpursuanttos.
101.151(2),alongwiththelikelyreasonsforsuch
overvotesandundervotesandotherinformationas
maybeusefulinevaluatingtheperformanceofthe
votingsystemandidentifyingproblemswithballot
designandinstructionswhichmayhavecontributed
tovoterconfusion.
(2)TheDepartmentofState,uponreceiptofsuch
information,shallprepareapublicreportonthe
performanceofeachtypeofvotingsystem.Thereport
mustcontain,butisnotlimitedto,thefollowing
information:
(a)Anidentificationofproblemswiththeballot
designorinstructionswhichmayhavecontributedto
voterconfusion;
(b)Anidentificationofvotingsystemdesignpro-
blems;and
(c)Recommendationsforcorrectinganyproblems
identified.
(3)TheDepartmentofStateshallsubmitthereport
totheGovernor,thePresidentoftheSenate,andthe
SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativesbyJanuary31
ofeachyearfollowingageneralelection.
History.—s.24,ch.2001-40;s.16,ch.2002-17;s.41,ch.2005-277.
101.6101Shorttitle.—Sections101.6101-
101.6107maybecitedasthe“MailBallotElectionAct.”
History.—s.1,ch.87-364.
101.6102Mailballotelections;limitations.—
(1)(a)Anelectionmaybeconductedbymailballotif:
1.Theelectionisareferendumelectionatwhichall
oraportionofthequalifiedelectorsofoneofthe
followingsubdivisionsofgovernmentaretheonly
electorseligibletovote:
a.Counties;
b.Cities;
c.Schooldistrictscoveringnomorethanone
county;or
d.Specialdistricts;
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
63
2.Thegoverningbodyresponsibleforcallingthe
electionandthesupervisorofelectionsresponsiblefor
theconductoftheelectionauthorizetheuseofmail
ballotsfortheelection;and
3.TheSecretaryofStateapprovesawrittenplan
fortheconductoftheelection,whichshallincludea
writtentimetablefortheconductoftheelection,sub-
mittedbythesupervisorofelections.
(b)Inaddition,anannexationreferendumwhich
includesonlyqualifiedelectorsofonecountymayalso
bevotedonbymailballotelection.
(2)Thefollowingelectionsmaynotbeconductedby
mailballot:
(a)Anelectionatwhichanycandidateisnominated,
elected,retained,orrecalled;or
(b)Anelectionheldonthesamedateasanother
election,otherthanamailballotelection,inwhichthe
qualifiedelectorsofthatpoliticalsubdivisionareeligible
tocastballots.
(3)Thesupervisorofelectionsshallberesponsible
fortheconductofanyelectionheldunderss.101.6101-
101.6107.
(4)Thecostsofamailballotelectionshallbeborne
bythejurisdictioninitiatingthecallingoftheelection,
unlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw.
(5)Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedto
prohibittheuseofamailballotelectioninamunicipal
annexationreferendumrequiringseparatevoteofthe
registeredelectorsoftheannexingmunicipalityandof
theareaproposedtobeannexed.Ifamailballot
electionisauthorizedforamunicipalannexation
referendum,theprovisionsofss.101.6101-101.6107
shallcontroloveranyconflictingprovisionsofs.
171.0413.
History.—s.1,ch.87-364;s.1,ch.89-52;s.27,ch.89-338;s.18,ch.90-315.
101.6103Mailballotelectionprocedure.—
(1)Exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubsection(7),
thesupervisorofelectionsshallmailallofficialballots
withasecrecyenvelope,areturnmailingenvelope,and
instructionssufficienttodescribethevotingprocessto
eachelectorentitledtovoteintheelectionnotsooner
thanthe20thdaybeforetheelectionandnotlaterthan
the10thdaybeforethedateoftheelection.Allsuch
ballotsshallbemailedbyfirst-classmail.Ballotsshall
beaddressedtoeachelectorattheaddressappearing
intheregistrationrecordsandplacedinanenvelope
whichisprominentlymarked“DoNotForward.”
(2)Uponreceiptoftheballottheelectorshallmark
theballot,placeitinthesecrecyenvelope,signthe
returnmailingenvelopesuppliedwiththeballot,and
complywiththeinstructionsprovidedwiththeballot.
Theelectorshallmail,deliver,orhavedeliveredthe
markedballotsothatitreachesthesupervisorof
electionsnolaterthan7p.m.onthedayoftheelection.
Theballotmustbereturnedinthereturnmailing
envelope.
(3)Thereturnmailingenvelopeshallcontaina
statementinsubstantiallythefollowingform:
VOTER’SCERTIFICATE
I,(PrintName),dosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatIam
aqualifiedvoterinthiselectionandthatIhavenotand
willnotvotemorethanoneballotinthiselection.
Iunderstandthatfailuretosignthiscertificateand
givemyresidenceaddresswillinvalidatemyballot.
(Signature)
(ResidenceAddress)
(4)Iftheballotisdestroyed,spoiled,lost,ornot
receivedbytheelector,theelectormayobtaina
replacementballotfromthesupervisorofelectionsas
providedinthissubsection.Anelectorseekinga
replacementballotshallsignaswornstatementthat
theballotwasdestroyed,spoiled,lost,ornotreceived
andpresentsuchstatementtothesupervisorof
electionspriorto7p.m.onthedayoftheelection.
Thesupervisorofelectionsshallkeeparecordofeach
replacementballotprovidedunderthissubsection.
(5)Aballotshallbecountedonlyif:
(a)Itisreturnedinthereturnmailingenvelope;
(b)Theelector’ssignaturehasbeenverifiedas
providedinthissubsection;and
(c)Itisreceivedbythesupervisorofelectionsnot
laterthan7p.m.onthedayoftheelection.
Thesupervisorofelectionsshallverifythesignatureof
eachelectoronthereturnmailingenvelopewiththe
signatureontheelector’sregistrationrecords.Such
verificationmaycommenceatanytimepriortothe
canvassofvotes.Thesupervisorofelectionsshall
safelykeeptheballotunopenedinhisorherofficeuntil
thecountycanvassingboardcanvassesthevote.Ifthe
supervisorofelectionsdeterminesthatanelectorto
whomareplacementballothasbeenissuedunder
subsection(4)hasvotedmorethanonce,thecanvas-
singboardshalldeterminewhichballot,ifany,istobe
counted.
(6)Thecanvassingboardmaybeginthecanvas-
singofmailballotsat7a.m.onthesixthdaybeforethe
election,includingprocessingtheballotsthroughthe
tabulatingequipment.However,resultsmaynotbe
releaseduntilafter7p.m.onelectionday.Any
canvassingboardmemberorelectionemployeewho
releasesanyresultbefore7p.m.onelectionday
commitsafelonyofthethirddegree,punishableas
providedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
(7)Withrespecttoabsentelectorsoverseasen-
titledtovoteintheelection,thesupervisorofelections
shallmailanofficialballotwithasecrecyenvelope,a
returnmailingenvelope,andinstructionssufficientto
describethevotingprocesstoeachsuchelectorona
datesufficienttoallowsuchelectortimetovoteinthe
electionandtohavehisorhermarkedballotreachthe
supervisorby7p.m.onthedayoftheelection.
(8)Aballotthatotherwisesatisfiestherequirements
ofsubsection(5)shallbecountedeveniftheelector
diesaftermailingtheballotbutbeforeelectionday,as
longas,priortothedeathofthevoter,theballotwas:
(a)PostmarkedbytheUnitedStatesPostalSer-
vice;
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
64
(b)Date-stampedwithaverifiabletrackingnumber
bycommoncarrier;or
(c)Alreadyinthepossessionofthesupervisorof
elections.
History.—s.1,ch.87-364;s.585,ch.95-147;s.42,ch.2005-277;s.29,ch.
2007-30.
101.6104Challengeofvotes.—Ifanyelectorpre-
sentforthecanvassofvotesbelievesthatanyballotis
illegalduetoanydefectapparentonthevoter’s
certificate,theelectormay,atanytimebeforetheballot
isremovedfromtheenvelope,filewiththecanvassing
boardaprotestagainstthecanvassofsuchballot,
specifyingthereasonheorshebelievestheballottobe
illegal.Nochallengebaseduponanydefectonthe
voter’scertificateshallbeacceptedaftertheballothas
beenremovedfromthereturnmailingenvelope.
History.—s.1,ch.87-364;s.586,ch.95-147.
101.6105Absenteevoting.—Theprovisionsofthe
electioncoderelatingtoabsenteevotingandabsentee
ballotsshallapplytoelectionsunderss.101.6101-
101.6107onlyinsofarastheydonotconflictwiththe
provisionsofss.101.6101-101.6107.
History.—s.1,ch.87-364.
101.6106Applicationofotherelectionlaws.—All
lawsthatareapplicabletogeneralelectionsare
applicabletomailballotelectionstotheextentapplic-
able.
History.—s.1.ch.87-364.
101.6107DepartmentofStatetoadoptrules.—
TheDepartmentofStateshalladoptrulesgoverningthe
proceduresandformsnecessarytoimplementss.
101.6101-101.6107.
History.—s.1,ch.87-364.
101.62Requestforabsenteeballots.—
(1)(a)Thesupervisorshallacceptarequestforan
absenteeballotfromanelectorinpersonorinwriting.
Onerequestshallbedeemedsufficienttoreceivean
absenteeballotforallelectionsthroughtheendofthe
calendaryearofthesecondensuingregularlysched-
uledgeneralelection,unlesstheelectorortheelector’s
designeeindicatesatthetimetherequestismadethe
electionsforwhichtheelectordesirestoreceivean
absenteeballot.Suchrequestmaybeconsidered
canceledwhenanyfirst-classmailsentbythesuper-
visortotheelectorisreturnedasundeliverable.
(b)Thesupervisormayacceptawrittenortele-
phonicrequestforanabsenteeballottobemailedtoan
elector’saddressonfileintheFloridaVoterRegistration
Systemfromtheelector,or,ifdirectlyinstructedbythe
elector,amemberoftheelector’simmediatefamily,or
theelector’slegalguardian;iftheballotisrequestedto
bemailedtoanaddressotherthantheelector’saddress
onfileintheFloridaVoterRegistrationSystem,the
requestmustbemadeinwritingandsignedbythe
elector.However,anabsentuniformedservicevoteror
anoverseasvoterseekinganabsenteeballotisnot
requiredtosubmitasigned,writtenrequestforan
absenteeballotthatisbeingmailedtoanaddressother
thantheelector’saddressonfileintheFloridaVoter
RegistrationSystem.Forpurposesofthissection,the
term“immediatefamily”hasthesamemeaningas
specifiedinparagraph(4)(c).Thepersonmakingthe
requestmustdisclose:
1.Thenameoftheelectorforwhomtheballotis
requested.
2.Theelector’saddress.
3.Theelector’sdateofbirth.
4.Therequester’sname.
5.Therequester’saddress.
6.Therequester’sdriverlicensenumber,ifavail-
able.
7.Therequester’srelationshiptotheelector.
8.Therequester’ssignature(writtenrequests
only).
(c)Uponreceivingarequestforanabsenteeballot
fromanabsentvoter,thesupervisorofelectionsshall
notifythevoterofthefreeaccesssystemthathasbeen
designatedbythedepartmentfordeterminingthestatus
ofhisorherabsenteeballot.
(2)Arequestforanabsenteeballottobemailedtoa
votermustbereceivednolaterthan5p.m.onthesixth
daybeforetheelectionbythesupervisorofelections.
Thesupervisorofelectionsshallmailabsenteeballots
tovotersrequestingballotsbysuchdeadlinenolater
than4daysbeforetheelection.
(3)Foreachrequestforanabsenteeballotre-
ceived,thesupervisorshallrecordthedatetherequest
wasmade,thedatetheabsenteeballotwasdeliveredto
thevoterorthevoter’sdesigneeorthedatethe
absenteeballotwasdeliveredtothepostofficeor
othercarrier,thedatetheballotwasreceivedbythe
supervisor,theabsenceofthevoter’ssignatureonthe
voter’scertificate,ifapplicable,andsuchotherinforma-
tionheorshemaydeemnecessary.Thisinformation
shallbeprovidedinelectronicformatasprovidedbyrule
adoptedbythedivision.Theinformationshallbe
updatedandmadeavailablenolaterthan8a.m.of
eachday,includingweekends,beginning60days
beforetheprimaryuntil15daysafterthegeneral
electionandshallbecontemporaneouslyprovidedto
thedivision.Thisinformationshallbeconfidentialand
exemptfroms.119.07(1)andshallbemadeavailableto
orreproducedonlyforthevoterrequestingtheballot,a
canvassingboard,anelectionofficial,apoliticalpartyor
officialthereof,acandidatewhohasfiledqualification
papersandisopposedinanupcomingelection,and
registeredpoliticalcommitteesforpoliticalpurposes
only.
(4)(a)Nolaterthan45daysbeforeeachpresidential
preferenceprimaryelection,primaryelection,and
generalelection,thesupervisorofelectionsshall
sendanabsenteeballotasprovidedinsubparagraph
(c)2.toeachabsentuniformedservicesvoterandto
eachoverseasvoterwhohasrequestedanabsentee
ballot.
(b)Thesupervisorofelectionsshallmailanabsen-
teeballottoeachabsentqualifiedvoter,otherthan
thoselistedinparagraph(a),whohasrequestedsucha
ballot,betweenthe35thand28thdaysbeforethe
presidentialpreferenceprimaryelection,primaryelec-
tion,andgeneralelection.Exceptasotherwiseprovided
insubsection(2)andaftertheperioddescribedinthis
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
65
paragraph,thesupervisorshallmailabsenteeballots
within2businessdaysafterreceivingarequestforsuch
aballot.
(c)Thesupervisorshallprovideanabsenteeballot
toeachelectorbywhomarequestforthatballothas
beenmadebyoneofthefollowingmeans:
1.Bynonforwardable,return-if-undeliverablemail
totheelector’scurrentmailingaddressonfilewiththe
supervisororanyotheraddresstheelectorspecifiesin
therequest.
2.Byforwardablemail,e-mail,orfacsimilema-
chinetransmissiontoabsentuniformedservicesvoters
andoverseasvoters.Theabsentuniformedservices
voteroroverseasvotermaydesignateintheabsentee
ballotrequestthepreferredmethodoftransmission.If
thevoterdoesnotdesignatethemethodoftransmis-
sion,theabsenteeballotshallbemailed.
3.Bypersonaldeliverybefore7p.m.onelection
daytotheelector,uponpresentationoftheidentification
requiredins.101.043.
4.Bydeliverytoadesigneeonelectiondayorupto
5dayspriortothedayofanelection.Anyelectormay
designateinwritingapersontopickuptheballotforthe
elector;however,thepersondesignatedmaynotpick
upmorethantwoabsenteeballotsperelection,other
thanthedesignee’sownballot,exceptthatadditional
ballotsmaybepickedupformembersofthedesignee’s
immediatefamily.Forpurposesofthissection,“im-
mediatefamily”meansthedesignee’sspouseorthe
parent,child,grandparent,orsiblingofthedesigneeor
ofthedesignee’sspouse.Thedesigneeshallprovideto
thesupervisorthewrittenauthorizationbytheelector
andapictureidentificationofthedesigneeandmust
completeanaffidavit.Thedesigneeshallstateinthe
affidavitthatthedesigneeisauthorizedbytheelectorto
pickupthatballotandshallindicateiftheelectorisa
memberofthedesignee’simmediatefamilyand,ifso,
therelationship.Thedepartmentshallprescribethe
formoftheaffidavit.Ifthesupervisorissatisfiedthatthe
designeeisauthorizedtopickuptheballotandthatthe
signatureoftheelectoronthewrittenauthorization
matchesthesignatureoftheelectoronfile,thesuper-
visorshallgivetheballottothatdesigneefordeliveryto
theelector.
5.Exceptasprovidedins.101.655,thesupervisor
maynotdeliveranabsenteeballottoanelectororan
elector’simmediatefamilymemberonthedayofthe
electionunlessthereisanemergency,totheextentthat
theelectorwillbeunabletogotohisorherassigned
pollingplace.Ifanabsenteeballotisdelivered,the
electororhisorherdesigneeshallexecuteanaffidavit
affirmingtothefactswhichallowfordeliveryofthe
absenteeballot.Thedepartmentshalladoptarule
providingfortheformoftheaffidavit.
(5)Ifthedepartmentisunabletocertifycandidates
foranelectionintimetocomplywithparagraph(4)(a),
theDepartmentofStateisauthorizedtoprescriberules
foraballottobesenttoabsentuniformedservices
votersandoverseasvoters.
(6)Nothingotherthanthematerialsnecessaryto
voteabsenteeshallbemailedordeliveredwithany
absenteeballot.
History.—s.2,ch.7380,1917;RGS369;CGL430;s.1,ch.25385,1949;s.5,
ch.26870,1951;s.32,ch.28156,1953;s.21,ch.29934,1955;s.2,ch.59-213;s.
32,ch.65-380;s.1,ch.67-33;s.2,ch.69-136;s.4,ch.69-280;s.2,ch.70-93;ss.
1,2,ch.71-149;s.5,ch.73-157;s.39,ch.73-333;s.2,ch.75-174;s.21,ch.
77-175;s.40,ch.79-400;s.2,ch.83-16;s.6,ch.83-251;s.1,ch.85-226;s.4,ch.
86-199;s.4,ch.87-363;s.2,ch.87-538;s.28,ch.89-338;s.20,ch.90-360;s.587,
ch.95-147;s.3,ch.96-57;s.25,ch.96-406;s.13,ch.98-129;s.32,ch.99-2;s.6,
ch.99-140;s.52,ch.2001-40;s.5,ch.2001-75;s.18,ch.2003-415;s.6,ch.
2004-33;s.43,ch.2005-277;s.37,ch.2005-278;s.16,ch.2005-286;s.30,ch.
2007-30;s.7,ch.2010-167;s.37,ch.2011-40;s.17,ch.2013-37;s.11,ch.
2013-57.
Note.—Formers.101.02.
101.64Deliveryofabsenteeballots;envelopes;
form.—
(1)Thesupervisorshallenclosewitheachabsentee
ballottwoenvelopes:asecrecyenvelope,intowhichthe
absentelectorshallenclosehisorhermarkedballot;
andamailingenvelope,intowhichtheabsentelector
shallthenplacethesecrecyenvelope,whichshallbe
addressedtothesupervisorandalsobearontheback
sideacertificateinsubstantiallythefollowingform:
Note:PleaseReadInstructionsCarefullyBefore
MarkingBallotandCompletingVoter’sCertificate.
VOTER’SCERTIFICATE
I,__,dosolemnlyswearoraffirmthatIama
qualifiedandregisteredvoterof __County,Florida,
andthatIhavenotandwillnotvotemorethanoneballot
inthiselection.IunderstandthatifIcommitorattemptto
commitanyfraudinconnectionwithvoting,votea
fraudulentballot,orvotemorethanonceinanelection,I
canbeconvictedofafelonyofthethirddegreeandfined
upto$5,000and/orimprisonedforupto5years.Ialso
understandthatfailuretosignthiscertificatewill
invalidatemyballot.
(Date)(Voter’sSignature)
(2)Thecertificateshallbearrangedonthebackof
themailingenvelopesothatthelineforthesignatureof
theabsentelectorisacrossthesealoftheenvelope;
however,nostatementshallappearontheenvelope
whichindicatesthatasignatureofthevotermustcross
thesealoftheenvelope.Theabsentelectorshall
executethecertificateontheenvelope.
(3)Inlieuofthevoter’scertificateprovidedinthis
section,thesupervisorofelectionsshallprovideeach
personvotingabsenteeundertheUniformedand
OverseasCitizensAbsenteeVotingActwiththestan-
dardoathprescribedbythepresidentialdesignee.
(4)Thesupervisorshallmark,code,indicateon,or
otherwisetracktheprecinctoftheabsentelectorfor
eachabsenteeballot.
History.—s.4,ch.7380,1917;RGS371;CGL432;s.1,ch.25385,1949;s.5,
ch.26870,1951;s.34,ch.28156,1953;s.22,ch.29934,1955;s.1,ch.61-369;s.
33,ch.65-380;s.3,ch.69-136;s.5,ch.69-280;s.21,ch.71-355;s.1,ch.73-105;
s.6,ch.73-157;s.39,ch.73-333;s.3,ch.75-174;s.23,ch.77-175;s.4,ch.
79-365;s.1,ch.81-106;s.9,ch.81-304;s.10,ch.82-143;s.2,ch.85-226;s.1,ch.
86-33;s.19,ch.90-315;s.588,ch.95-147;s.4,ch.96-57;s.14,ch.98-129;s.53,
ch.2001-40;s.19,ch.2003-415;s.1,ch.2004-232;s.44,ch.2005-277;s.38,ch.
2005-278.
Note.—Formers.101.04.
101.65Instructionstoabsentelectors.—The
supervisorshallenclosewitheachabsenteeballot
separateprintedinstructionsinsubstantiallythefollow-
ingform:
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
66
READTHESEINSTRUCTIONSCAREFULLY
BEFOREMARKINGBALLOT.
1.VERYIMPORTANT.Inordertoensurethatyour
absenteeballotwillbecounted,itshouldbecompleted
andreturnedassoonaspossiblesothatitcanreachthe
supervisorofelectionsofthecountyinwhichyour
precinctislocatednolaterthan7p.m.onthedayofthe
election.However,ifyouareanoverseasvotercasting
aballotinapresidentialpreferenceprimaryorgeneral
election,yourabsenteeballotmustbepostmarkedor
datednolaterthanthedateoftheelectionandreceived
bythesupervisorofelectionsofthecountyinwhichyou
areregisteredtovotenolaterthan10daysafterthe
dateoftheelection.
2.Markyourballotinsecretasinstructedonthe
ballot.Youmustmarkyourownballotunlessyouare
unabletodosobecauseofblindness,disability,or
inabilitytoreadorwrite.
3.Markonlythenumberofcandidatesorissue
choicesforaraceasindicatedontheballot.Ifyouare
allowedto“VoteforOne”candidateandyouvotefor
morethanonecandidate,yourvoteinthatracewillnot
becounted.
4.Placeyourmarkedballotintheenclosedsecrecy
envelope.
5.Insertthesecrecyenvelopeintotheenclosed
mailingenvelopewhichisaddressedtothesupervisor.
6.Sealthemailingenvelopeandcompletelyfillout
theVoter’sCertificateonthebackofthemailing
envelope.
7.VERYIMPORTANT.Inorderforyourabsentee
ballottobecounted,youmustsignyournameonthe
lineabove(Voter’sSignature).Anabsenteeballotwill
beconsideredillegalandnotbecountedifthesignature
onthevoter’scertificatedoesnotmatchthesignature
onrecord.Thesignatureonfileatthestartofthe
canvassoftheabsenteeballotsisthesignaturethatwill
beusedtoverifyyoursignatureonthevoter’scertifi-
cate.Ifyouneedtoupdateyoursignatureforthis
election,sendyoursignatureupdateonavoter
registrationapplicationtoyoursupervisorofelections
sothatitisreceivednolaterthanthestartofthe
canvassingofabsenteeballots,whichoccursnoearlier
thanthe15thdaybeforeelectionday.
8.VERYIMPORTANT.Ifyouareanoverseas
voter,youmustincludethedateyousignedtheVoter’s
Certificateonthelineabove(Date)oryourballotmay
notbecounted.
9.Mail,deliver,orhavedeliveredthecompleted
mailingenvelope.Besurethereissufficientpostageif
mailed.
10.FELONYNOTICE.ItisafelonyunderFlorida
lawtoacceptanygift,payment,orgratuityinexchange
foryourvoteforacandidate.Itisalsoafelonyunder
Floridalawtovoteinanelectionusingafalseidentityor
falseaddress,orunderanyothercircumstancesmaking
yourballotfalseorfraudulent.
History.—s.5,ch.7380,1917;RGS372;CGL433;s.1,ch.25385,1949;s.5,
ch.26870,1951;s.35,ch.28156,1953;s.23,ch.29934,1955;s.34,ch.65-380;s.
4,ch.71-149;s.9,ch.72-63;s.2,ch.73-105;s.7,ch.73-157;ss.3,4,ch.75-174;
s.23,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.81-106;s.10,ch.81-304;s.11,ch.82-143;s.7,ch.
83-251;s.3,ch.85-226;s.2,ch.86-33;s.589,ch.95-147;s.5,ch.96-57;s.16,ch.
98-129;s.33,ch.99-2;s.54,ch.2001-40;s.20,ch.2003-415;s.2,ch.2004-232;s.
38,ch.2011-40;s.12,ch.2013-57.
Note.—Formers.101.05.
101.655Supervisedvotingbyabsentelectorsin
certainfacilities.—
(1)Thesupervisorofelectionsofacountyshall
providesupervisedvotingforabsentelectorsresidingin
anyassistedlivingfacility,asdefinedins.429.02,or
nursinghomefacility,asdefinedins.400.021,within
thatcountyattherequestofanyadministratorofsucha
facility.Suchrequestforsupervisedvotinginthefacility
shallbemadebysubmittingawrittenrequesttothe
supervisorofelectionsnolaterthan21dayspriortothe
electionforwhichthatrequestissubmitted.Therequest
shallspecifythenameandaddressofthefacilityand
thenameoftheelectorswhowishtovoteabsenteein
thatelection.Iftherequestcontainsthenamesoffewer
thanfivevoters,thesupervisorofelectionsisnot
requiredtoprovidesupervisedvoting.
(2)Thesupervisorofelectionsmay,intheabsence
ofarequestfromtheadministratorofafacility,provide
forsupervisedvotinginthefacilityforthosepersons
whohaverequestedabsenteeballots.Thesupervisorof
electionsshallnotifytheadministratorofthefacilitythat
supervisedvotingwilloccur.
(3)Thesupervisorofelectionsshall,incooperation
withtheadministratorofthefacility,selectadateand
timewhenthesupervisedvotingwilloccur.
(4)Thesupervisorofelectionsshalldesignate
supervisedvotingteamstoprovidetheservicespre-
scribedbythissection.Eachsupervisedvotingteam
shallincludeatleasttwopersons.Eachsupervised
votingteammustincluderepresentativesofmorethan
onepoliticalparty;however,inanyprimaryelectionto
nominatepartynomineesinwhichonlyonepartyhas
candidatesappearingontheballot,allsupervisedvoting
teammembersmaybeofthatparty.Nocandidatemay
providesupervisedvotingservices.
(5)Thesupervisedvotingteamshalldeliverthe
ballotstotherespectiveabsentelectors,andeach
memberoftheteamshalljointlysupervisethevotingof
theballots.Ifanyelectorrequestsassistanceinvoting,
theoathprescribedins.101.051shallbecompleted
andtheelectormayreceivetheassistanceoftwo
membersofthesupervisedvotingteamorsomeother
personoftheelector’schoicetoassisttheelectorin
castingtheelector’sballot.
(6)Beforeprovidingassistance,thesupervised
votingteamshalldisclosetotheelectorthattheballot
mayberetainedtovoteatalatertimeandthatthe
electorhastherighttoseekassistanceinvotingfrom
someotherpersonoftheelector’schoicewithoutthe
presenceofthesupervisedvotingteam.
(7)Ifanyelectordeclinestovoteaballotoris
unabletovoteaballot,thesupervisedvotingteamshall
marktheballot“refusedtovote”or“unabletovote.”
(8)Aftertheballotshavebeenvotedormarkedin
accordancewiththeprovisionsofthissection,the
supervisedvotingteamshalldelivertheballotstothe
supervisorofelections,whoshallretainthempursuant
tos.101.67.
History.—s.6,ch.96-57;s.5,ch.2006-197.
101.657Earlyvoting.—
(1)(a)Asaconveniencetothevoter,thesupervisor
ofelectionsshallallowanelectortovoteearlyinthe
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
67
mainorbranchofficeofthesupervisor.Thesupervisor
shallmark,code,indicateon,orotherwisetrackthe
voter’sprecinctforeachearlyvotedballot.Inorderfora
branchofficetobeusedforearlyvoting,itshallbea
permanentfacilityofthesupervisorandshallhavebeen
designatedandusedassuchforatleast1yearpriorto
theelection.Thesupervisormayalsodesignateanycity
hall,permanentpubliclibraryfacility,fairground,civic
center,courthouse,countycommissionbuilding,sta-
dium,conventioncenter,government-ownedsenior
center,orgovernment-ownedcommunitycenteras
earlyvotingsites;however,ifsodesignated,thesites
mustbegeographicallylocatedsoastoprovideall
votersinthecountyanequalopportunitytocastaballot,
insofarasispracticable.Inaddition,asupervisormay
designateoneearlyvotingsiteperelectioninanareaof
thecountythatdoesnothaveanyoftheeligibleearly
votinglocations.Suchadditionalearlyvotingsitemust
begeographicallylocatedsoastoprovideallvotersin
thatareawithanequalopportunitytocastaballot,
insofarasispracticable.Eachcountyshall,ata
minimum,operatethesametotalnumberofearlyvoting
sitesforageneralelectionwhichthecountyoperated
forthe2012generalelection.Theresultsortabulation
ofvotescastduringearlyvotingmaynotbemade
beforethecloseofthepollsonelectionday.Results
shallbereportedbyprecinct.
(b)Thesupervisorshalldesignateeachearlyvoting
sitebynolaterthanthe30thdaypriortoanelectionand
shalldesignateanearlyvotingarea,asdefinedins.
97.021,ateachearlyvotingsite.Thesupervisorshall
providetothedivisionnolaterthanthe30thdaybefore
anelectiontheaddressofeachearlyvotingsiteandthe
hoursthatearlyvotingwilloccurateachsite.
(c)Allearlyvotingsitesinacountyshallallowany
personinlineattheclosingofanearlyvotingsiteto
vote.
(d)Earlyvotingshallbeginonthe10thdaybefore
anelectionthatcontainsstateorfederalracesandend
onthe3rddaybeforetheelection,andshallbeprovided
fornolessthan8hoursandnomorethan12hoursper
dayateachsiteduringtheapplicableperiod.Inaddition,
earlyvotingmaybeofferedatthediscretionofthe
supervisorofelectionsonthe15th,14th,13th,12th,
11th,or2nddaybeforeanelectionthatcontainsstateor
federalracesforatleast8hoursperday,butnotmore
than12hoursperday.Thesupervisorofelectionsmay
provideearlyvotingforelectionsthatarenotheldin
conjunctionwithastateorfederalelection.However,
thesupervisorhasthediscretiontodeterminethehours
ofoperationofearlyvotingsitesinthoseelections.
(e)Notwithstandingtherequirementsofs.
100.3605,municipalitiesmayprovideearlyvotingin
municipalelectionsthatarenotheldinconjunctionwith
countyorstateelections.Ifamunicipalityprovidesearly
voting,itmaydesignateasmanysitesasnecessaryand
shallconductitsactivitiesinaccordancewiththe
provisionsofparagraphs(a)-(c).Thesupervisorisnot
requiredtoconductearlyvotingifitisprovidedpursuant
tothissubsection.
(f)Notwithstandingtherequirementsofs.189.04,
specialdistrictsmayprovideearlyvotinginanydistrict
electionnotheldinconjunctionwithcountyorstate
elections.Ifaspecialdistrictprovidesearlyvoting,it
maydesignateasmanysitesasnecessaryandshall
conductitsactivitiesinaccordancewiththeprovisions
ofparagraphs(a)-(c).Thesupervisorisnotrequiredto
conductearlyvotingifitisprovidedpursuanttothis
subsection.
(2)Duringanyearlyvotingperiod,eachsupervisor
ofelectionsshallmakeavailablethetotalnumberof
voterscastingaballotateachearlyvotinglocation
duringthepreviousday.Eachsupervisorshallprepare
anelectronicdatafilelistingtheindividualvoterswho
castaballotduringtheearlyvotingperiod.This
informationshallbeprovidedinelectronicformatas
providedbyruleadoptedbythedivision.Theinforma-
tionshallbeupdatedandmadeavailablenolaterthan
noonofeachdayandshallbecontemporaneously
providedtothedivision.
(3)Theballotofeachelectorvotingearlyshallbe
countedeveniftheelectordiesonorbeforeelection
day.
(4)(a)Theelectormustprovideidentificationand
mustcompleteanEarlyVotingVoterCertificatein
substantiallythefollowingform:
EARLYVOTINGVOTERCERTIFICATE
I,__,amaqualifiedelectorinthiselectionand
registeredvoterof __County,Florida.Idosolemnly
swearoraffirmthatIamthepersonsolistedonthe
voterregistrationrollsof __CountyandthatIresideat
thelistedaddress.IunderstandthatifIcommitor
attempttocommitfraudinconnectionwithvoting,votea
fraudulentballot,orvotemorethanonceinanelectionI
couldbeconvictedofafelonyofthethirddegreeand
bothfinedupto$5,000andimprisonedforupto5years.
Iunderstandthatmyfailuretosignthiscertificate
invalidatesmyballot.
(Voter’sSignature)
(Address)
(City/State)
(b)Anyelectormaychallengeanelectorseekingto
voteearlyundertheprovisionsofs.101.111.Any
challengedvotermustvoteaprovisionalballot.The
canvassingboardshallreviewtheballotanddecidethe
validityoftheballotbymajorityvote.
(c)Thecanvassofreturnsforballotscastunderthis
subsectionshallbesubstantiallythesameasvotescast
byelectorsinprecincts,asprovidedins.101.5614.
History.—s.17,ch.98-129;s.2,ch.2000-249;s.55,ch.2001-40;s.21,ch.
2003-415;s.7,ch.2004-232;s.13,ch.2004-252;s.45,ch.2005-277;s.39,ch.
2005-278;s.39,ch.2011-40;s.13,ch.2013-57;s.57,ch.2014-22.
101.661Votingabsenteeballots.—Allelectors
mustpersonallymarkordesignatetheirchoiceson
theabsenteeballot,except:
(1)Electorswhorequireassistancetovotebecause
ofblindness,disability,orinabilitytoreadorwrite,who
mayhavesomepersonoftheelector’schoice,other
thantheelector’semployer,anagentoftheemployer,
oranofficeroragentoftheelector’sunion,markthe
elector’schoicesorassisttheelectorinmarkinghisor
herchoicesontheballot.
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
68
(2)Asotherwiseprovidedins.101.051ors.
101.655.
History.—s.18,ch.98-129.
101.662Accessibilityofabsenteeballots.—Itis
theintentoftheLegislaturethatvotingbyabsentee
ballotbebymethodsthatarefullyaccessibletoall
voters,includingvotershavingadisability.TheDepart-
mentofStateshallworkwiththesupervisorsof
electionsandthedisabilitycommunitytodevelopand
implementproceduresandtechnologies,aspossible,
whichwillincludeproceduresforprovidingabsentee
ballots,uponrequest,inalternativeformatsthatwill
allowallvoterstocastasecret,independent,and
verifiableabsenteeballotwithouttheassistanceof
anotherperson.
History.—s.14,ch.2002-281.
101.663Electors;changeofresidencetoan-
otherstate.—Anelectorregisteredinthisstatewho
moveshisorherpermanentresidencetoanotherstate
aftertheregistrationbooksinthatstatehaveclosed
shallbepermittedtovoteabsenteeinthecountyofhis
orherformerresidencefortheofficesofPresidentand
VicePresidentoftheUnitedStates.
History.—s.1,ch.69-136;s.11,ch.69-280;s.4,ch.73-157;s.31,ch.73-333;
s.3,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.79-365;s.22,ch.94-224;s.1392,ch.95-147;s.46,ch.
2005-277;s.40,ch.2005-278.
Note.—Formers.97.102.
101.665Administrationofoaths;militaryper-
sonnel,federalemployees,andotherabsentee
registrants.—Forthepurposesofthiscode,oaths
maybeadministeredandattestedbyanycommis-
sionedofficerintheactiveserviceoftheArmedForces,
anymemberoftheMerchantMarineoftheUnited
StatesdesignatedforthispurposebytheSecretaryof
Commerce,anycivilianofficialempoweredbystateor
federallawtoadministeroaths,anysupervisorof
elections,deputysupervisorofelections,oremployee
ofthesupervisorofelectionswhendesignatedbythe
supervisorofelections,oranycivilianemployeedesig-
natedbytheheadofanydepartmentoragencyofthe
UnitedStates,exceptwhenthiscoderequiresanoath
tobeadministeredandattestedbyanotherofficial
specificallynamed.
History.—s.6,ch.29904,1955;s.42,ch.65-380;s.4,ch.72-63;s.3,ch.
77-175;s.17,ch.94-224;s.19,ch.98-129.
Note.—Formers.101.695;s.97.065.
101.67Safekeepingofmailedballots;deadline
forreceivingabsenteeballots.—
(1)Thesupervisorofelectionsshallsafelykeepin
hisorherofficeanyenvelopesreceivedcontaining
markedballotsofabsentelectors,andheorsheshall,
beforethecanvassingoftheelectionreturns,deliverthe
envelopestothecountycanvassingboardalongwith
hisorherfileorlistkeptregardingsaidballots.
(2)Exceptasprovidedins.101.6952(5),allmarked
absentelectors’ballotstobecountedmustbereceived
bythesupervisorby7p.m.thedayoftheelection.All
ballotsreceivedthereaftershallbemarkedwiththetime
anddateofreceiptandfiledinthesupervisor’soffice.
History.—s.2,ch.11824,1927;CGL436;s.1,ch.25385,1949;s.5,ch.26870,
1951;s.24,ch.29934,1955;s.24,ch.57-1;s.35,ch.65-380;s.5,ch.71-149;s.
23,ch.77-175;s.590,ch.95-147;s.14,ch.2013-57.
Note.—Formers.101.07.
101.68Canvassingofabsenteeballot.—
(1)Thesupervisorofthecountywheretheabsent
electorresidesshallreceivethevotedballot,atwhich
timethesupervisorshallcomparethesignatureofthe
electoronthevoter’scertificatewiththesignatureofthe
electorintheregistrationbooksortheprecinctregister
todeterminewhethertheelectorisdulyregisteredinthe
countyandmayrecordontheelector’sregistration
certificatethattheelectorhasvoted.However,effective
July1,2005,anelectorwhodiesaftercastingan
absenteeballotbutonorbeforeelectiondayshall
remainlistedintheregistrationbooksuntiltheresults
havebeencertifiedfortheelectioninwhichtheballot
wascast.Thesupervisorshallsafelykeeptheballot
unopenedinhisorherofficeuntilthecountycanvassing
boardcanvassesthevote.Exceptasprovidedin
subsection(4),afteranabsenteeballotisreceivedby
thesupervisor,theballotisdeemedtohavebeencast,
andchangesoradditionsmaynotbemadetothe
voter’scertificate.
(2)(a)Thecountycanvassingboardmaybeginthe
canvassingofabsenteeballotsat7a.m.onthe15thday
beforetheelection,butnotlaterthannoonontheday
followingtheelection.Inaddition,foranycountyusing
electronictabulatingequipment,theprocessingof
absenteeballotsthroughsuchtabulatingequipment
maybeginat7a.m.onthe15thdaybeforetheelection.
However,notwithstandinganysuchauthorizationto
begincanvassingorotherwiseprocessingabsentee
ballotsearly,noresultshallbereleaseduntilafterthe
closingofthepollsinthatcountyonelectionday.Any
supervisorofelections,deputysupervisorofelections,
canvassingboardmember,electionboardmember,or
electionemployeewhoreleasestheresultsofa
canvassingorprocessingofabsenteeballotspriorto
theclosingofthepollsinthatcountyonelectionday
commitsafelonyofthethirddegree,punishableas
providedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
(b)Toensurethatallabsenteeballotstobecounted
bythecanvassingboardareaccountedfor,the
canvassingboardshallcomparethenumberofballots
initspossessionwiththenumberofrequestsforballots
receivedtobecountedaccordingtothesupervisor’sfile
orlist.
(c)1.Thecanvassingboardshall,ifthesupervisor
hasnotalreadydoneso,comparethesignatureofthe
electoronthevoter’scertificateorontheabsentee
ballotaffidavitasprovidedinsubsection(4)withthe
signatureoftheelectorintheregistrationbooksorthe
precinctregistertoseethattheelectorisdulyregistered
inthecountyandtodeterminethelegalityofthat
absenteeballot.Theballotofanelectorwhocastsan
absenteeballotshallbecountedeveniftheelectordies
onorbeforeelectionday,aslongas,priortothedeath
ofthevoter,theballotwaspostmarkedbytheUnited
StatesPostalService,date-stampedwithaverifiable
trackingnumberbycommoncarrier,oralreadyinthe
possessionofthesupervisorofelections.Anabsentee
ballotshallbeconsideredillegalifthevoter’scertificate
orabsenteeballotaffidavitdoesnotincludethe
signatureoftheelector,asshownbytheregistration
recordsortheprecinctregister.However,anabsentee
ballotisnotconsideredillegalifthesignatureofthe
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
69
electordoesnotcrossthesealofthemailingenvelope.
Ifthecanvassingboarddeterminesthatanyballotis
illegal,amemberoftheboardshall,withoutopeningthe
envelope,markacrossthefaceoftheenvelope:
“rejectedasillegal.”Theabsenteeballotaffidavit,if
applicable,theenvelope,andtheballotcontained
thereinshallbepreservedinthemannerthatofficial
ballotsvotedarepreserved.
2.Ifanyelectororcandidatepresentbelievesthat
anabsenteeballotisillegalduetoadefectapparenton
thevoter’scertificateortheabsenteeballotaffidavit,he
orshemay,atanytimebeforetheballotisremoved
fromtheenvelope,filewiththecanvassingboarda
protestagainstthecanvassofthatballot,specifyingthe
precinct,theballot,andthereasonheorshebelieves
theballottobeillegal.Achallengebaseduponadefect
inthevoter’scertificateorabsenteeballotaffidavitmay
notbeacceptedaftertheballothasbeenremovedfrom
themailingenvelope.
(d)Thecanvassingboardshallrecordtheballot
upontheproperrecord,unlesstheballothasbeen
previouslyrecordedbythesupervisor.Themailing
envelopesshallbeopenedandthesecrecyenvelopes
shallbemixedsoastomakeitimpossibletodetermine
whichsecrecyenvelopecameoutofwhichsigned
mailingenvelope;however,inanycountyinwhichan
electronicorelectromechanicalvotingsystemisused,
theballotsmaybesortedbyballotstylesandthemailing
envelopesmaybeopenedandthesecrecyenvelopes
mixedseparatelyforeachballotstyle.Thevoteson
absenteeballotsshallbeincludedinthetotalvoteofthe
county.
(3)Thesupervisororthechairofthecounty
canvassingboardshall,aftertheboardconvenes,
havecustodyoftheabsenteeballotsuntilafinal
proclamationismadeastothetotalvotereceivedby
eachcandidate.
(4)(a)Thesupervisorofelectionsshall,onbehalfof
thecountycanvassingboard,notifyeachelectorwhose
ballotwasrejectedasillegalandprovidethespecific
reasontheballotwasrejected.Thesupervisorshallmail
avoterregistrationapplicationtotheelectortobe
completedindicatingtheelector’scurrentsignatureif
theelector’sballotwasrejectedduetoadifference
betweentheelector’ssignatureonthevoter’scertificate
orabsenteeballotaffidavitandtheelector’ssignaturein
theregistrationbooksorprecinctregister.Thissection
doesnotprohibitthesupervisorfromprovidingaddi-
tionalmethodsforupdatinganelector’ssignature.
(b)Until5p.m.onthedaybeforeanelection,the
supervisorshallallowanelectorwhohasreturnedan
absenteeballotthatdoesnotincludetheelector’s
signaturetocompleteandsubmitanaffidavitinorder
tocuretheunsignedabsenteeballot.
(c)Theelectorshallprovideidentificationtothe
supervisorandmustcompleteanabsenteeballot
affidavitinsubstantiallythefollowingform:
ABSENTEEBALLOTAFFIDAVIT
I,__,amaqualifiedvoterinthiselectionand
registeredvoterof __County,Florida.Idosolemnly
swearoraffirmthatIrequestedandreturnedthe
absenteeballotandthatIhavenotandwillnotvote
morethanoneballotinthiselection.IunderstandthatifI
commitorattemptanyfraudinconnectionwithvoting,
voteafraudulentballot,orvotemorethanonceinan
election,Imaybeconvictedofafelonyofthethird
degreeandfinedupto$5,000andimprisonedforupto
5years.Iunderstandthatmyfailuretosignthisaffidavit
meansthatmyabsenteeballotwillbeinvalidated.
(Voter’sSignature)
(Address)
(d)Instructionsmustaccompanytheabsentee
ballotaffidavitinsubstantiallythefollowingform:
READTHESEINSTRUCTIONSCAREFULLYBE-
FORECOMPLETINGTHEAFFIDAVIT.FAILURETO
FOLLOWTHESEINSTRUCTIONSMAYCAUSE
YOURBALLOTNOTTOCOUNT.
1.Inordertoensurethatyourabsenteeballotwillbe
counted,youraffidavitshouldbecompletedandre-
turnedassoonaspossiblesothatitcanreachthe
supervisorofelectionsofthecountyinwhichyour
precinctislocatednolaterthan5p.m.onthe2ndday
beforetheelection.
2.Youmustsignyournameonthelineabove
(Voter’sSignature).
3.Youmustmakeacopyofoneofthefollowing
formsofidentification:
a.Identificationthatincludesyournameandphoto-
graph:UnitedStatespassport;debitorcreditcard;
militaryidentification;studentidentification;retirement
centeridentification;neighborhoodassociationidentifi-
cation;orpublicassistanceidentification;or
b.Identificationthatshowsyournameandcurrent
residenceaddress:currentutilitybill,bankstatement,
governmentcheck,paycheck,orgovernmentdocument
(excludingvoteridentificationcard).
4.Placetheenvelopebearingtheaffidavitintoa
mailingenvelopeaddressedtothesupervisor.Inserta
copyofyouridentificationinthemailingenvelope.Mail,
deliver,orhavedeliveredthecompletedaffidavitalong
withthecopyofyouridentificationtoyourcounty
supervisorofelections.Besurethereissufficient
postageifmailedandthatthesupervisor’saddressis
correct.
5.Alternatively,youmayfaxore-mailyourcom-
pletedaffidavitandacopyofyouridentificationtothe
supervisorofelections.Ife-mailing,pleaseprovide
thesedocumentsasattachments.
(e)Thedepartmentandeachsupervisorshall
includetheaffidavitandinstructionsontheirrespective
websites.Thesupervisormustincludehisorheroffice’s
mailingaddress,e-mailaddress,andfaxnumberonthe
pagecontainingtheaffidavitinstructions;thedepart-
ment’sinstructionpagemustincludetheofficemailing
addresses,e-mailaddresses,andfaxnumbersofall
supervisorsofelectionsorprovideaconspicuouslinkto
suchaddresses.
(f)Thesupervisorshallattacheachaffidavitre-
ceivedtotheappropriateabsenteeballotmailing
envelope.
History.—s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.37,ch.28156,1953;s.36,ch.65-380;s.6,
ch.69-280;s.3,ch.75-174;s.23,ch.77-175;s.41,ch.79-400;s.3,ch.86-33;s.
591,ch.95-147;s.7,ch.96-57;s.20,ch.98-129;s.56,ch.2001-40;s.17,ch.
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
70
2002-17;s.3,ch.2004-232;s.47,ch.2005-277;s.31,ch.2007-30;s.40,ch.
2011-40;s.15,ch.2013-57.
101.69Votinginperson;returnofabsentee
ballot.—Theprovisionsofthiscodeshallnotbe
construedtoprohibitanyelectorfromvotinginperson
attheelector’sprecinctonthedayofanelectionoratan
earlyvotingsite,notwithstandingthattheelectorhas
requestedanabsenteeballotforthatelection.An
electorwhohasreturnedavotedabsenteeballotto
thesupervisor,however,isdeemedtohavecasthisor
herballotandisnotentitledtovoteanotherballotorto
haveaprovisionalballotcountedbythecountycanvas-
singboard.Anelectorwhohasreceivedanabsentee
ballotandhasnotreturnedthevotedballottothe
supervisor,butdesirestovoteinperson,shallreturnthe
ballot,whethervotedornot,totheelectionboardinthe
elector’sprecinctortoanearlyvotingsite.Thereturned
ballotshallbemarked“canceled”bytheboardand
placedwithothercanceledballots.However,ifthe
electordoesnotreturntheballotandtheelection
official:
(1)Confirmsthatthesupervisorhasreceivedthe
elector’sabsenteeballot,theelectorshallnotbe
allowedtovoteinperson.Iftheelectormaintainsthat
heorshehasnotreturnedtheabsenteeballotor
remainseligibletovote,theelectorshallbeprovideda
provisionalballotasprovidedins.101.048.
(2)Confirmsthatthesupervisorhasnotreceived
theelector’sabsenteeballot,theelectorshallbe
allowedtovoteinpersonasprovidedinthiscode.
Theelector’sabsenteeballot,ifsubsequentlyreceived,
shallnotbecountedandshallremaininthemailing
envelope,andtheenvelopeshallbemarked“Rejected
asIllegal.”
(3)Cannotdeterminewhetherthesupervisorhas
receivedtheelector’sabsenteeballot,theelectormay
voteaprovisionalballotasprovidedins.101.048.
History.—s.1,ch.22014,1943;s.1,ch.25385,1949;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.
37,ch.65-380;s.23,ch.77-175;s.592,ch.95-147;s.8,ch.96-57;s.38,ch.
2001-40;s.18,ch.2002-17;s.48,ch.2005-277.
Note.—Formers.101.11.
101.6921Deliveryofspecialabsenteeballotto
certainfirst-timevoters.—
(1)Theprovisionsofthissectionapplytovoters
whoaresubjecttotheprovisionsofs.97.0535andwho
havenotprovidedtheidentificationorcertification
requiredbys.97.0535bythetimetheabsenteeballot
ismailed.
(2)Thesupervisorshallenclosewitheachabsentee
ballotthreeenvelopes:asecrecyenvelope,intowhich
theabsentelectorwillenclosehisorhermarkedballot;
anenvelopecontainingtheVoter’sCertificate,into
whichtheabsentelectorshallplacethesecrecy
envelope;andamailingenvelope,whichshallbe
addressedtothesupervisorandintowhichtheabsent
electorwillplacetheenvelopecontainingtheVoter’s
Certificateandacopyoftherequiredidentification.
(3)TheVoter’sCertificateshallbeinsubstantially
thefollowingform:
Note:PleaseReadInstructionsCarefullyBeforeMark-
ingBallotandCompletingVoter’sCertificate.
VOTER’SCERTIFICATE
I,__,dosolemnlyswearoraffirmthatIama
qualifiedandregisteredvoterof __County,Florida,
andthatIhavenotandwillnotvotemorethanoneballot
inthiselection.IunderstandthatifIcommitorattemptto
commitanyfraudinconnectionwithvoting,votea
fraudulentballot,orvotemorethanonceinanelection,I
canbeconvictedofafelonyofthethirddegreeandfined
upto$5,000and/orimprisonedforupto5years.Ialso
understandthatfailuretosignthiscertificatewill
invalidatemyballot.IunderstandthatunlessImeet
oneoftheexemptionsbelow,Imustprovideacopyofa
currentandvalididentificationasprovidedinthe
instructionsheettothesupervisorofelectionsin
orderformyballottocount.
IfurthercertifythatIamexemptfromtherequire-
mentstofurnishacopyofacurrentandvalid
identificationwithmyballotbecauseofoneormoreof
thefollowing(checkallthatapply):
☐Iam65yearsofageorolder.
☐Ihaveapermanentortemporaryphysicaldisability.
☐Iamamemberofauniformedserviceonactive
dutywho,byreasonofsuchactiveduty,willbeabsent
fromthecountyonelectionday.
☐IamamemberoftheMerchantMarinewho,by
reasonofserviceintheMerchantMarine,willbeabsent
fromthecountyonelectionday.
☐Iamthespouseordependentofamemberofthe
uniformedserviceorMerchantMarinewho,byreason
oftheactivedutyorserviceofthemember,willbe
absentfromthecountyonelectionday.
☐IamcurrentlyresidingoutsidetheUnitedStates.
(Date)Voter’sSignature
(4)Thecertificateshallbearrangedonthebackof
theenvelopesothatthelineforthesignatureofthe
absentelectorisacrossthesealoftheenvelope.
History.—s.22,ch.2003-415;s.4,ch.2004-232;s.41,ch.2005-278.
101.6923Specialabsenteeballotinstructions
forcertainfirst-timevoters.—
(1)Theprovisionsofthissectionapplytovoters
whoaresubjecttotheprovisionsofs.97.0535andwho
havenotprovidedtheidentificationorinformation
requiredbys.97.0535bythetimetheabsenteeballot
ismailed.
(2)Avotercoveredbythissectionshallbeprovided
withprintedinstructionswithhisorherabsenteeballot
insubstantiallythefollowingform:
READTHESEINSTRUCTIONSCAREFULLYBE-
FOREMARKINGYOURBALLOT.FAILURETO
FOLLOWTHESEINSTRUCTIONSMAYCAUSE
YOURBALLOTNOTTOCOUNT.
1.Inordertoensurethatyourabsenteeballotwillbe
counted,itshouldbecompletedandreturnedassoon
aspossiblesothatitcanreachthesupervisorof
electionsofthecountyinwhichyourprecinctislocated
nolaterthan7p.m.onthedateoftheelection.However,
ifyouareanoverseasvotercastingaballotina
presidentialpreferenceprimaryorgeneralelection,your
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
71
absenteeballotmustbepostmarkedordatednolater
thanthedateoftheelectionandreceivedbythe
supervisorofelectionsofthecountyinwhichyouare
registeredtovotenolaterthan10daysafterthedateof
theelection.
2.Markyourballotinsecretasinstructedonthe
ballot.Youmustmarkyourownballotunlessyouare
unabletodosobecauseofblindness,disability,or
inabilitytoreadorwrite.
3.Markonlythenumberofcandidatesorissue
choicesforaraceasindicatedontheballot.Ifyouare
allowedto“VoteforOne”candidateandyouvotefor
morethanone,yourvoteinthatracewillnotbecounted.
4.Placeyourmarkedballotintheenclosedsecrecy
envelopeandsealtheenvelope.
5.Insertthesecrecyenvelopeintotheenclosed
envelopebearingtheVoter’sCertificate.Sealthe
envelopeandcompletelyfillouttheVoter’sCertificate
onthebackoftheenvelope.
a.Youmustsignyournameonthelineabove
(Voter’sSignature).
b.Ifyouareanoverseasvoter,youmustincludethe
dateyousignedtheVoter’sCertificateonthelineabove
(Date)oryourballotmaynotbecounted.
c.Anabsenteeballotwillbeconsideredillegaland
willnotbecountedifthesignatureontheVoter’s
Certificatedoesnotmatchthesignatureonrecord.The
signatureonfileatthestartofthecanvassofthe
absenteeballotsisthesignaturethatwillbeusedto
verifyyoursignatureontheVoter’sCertificate.Ifyou
needtoupdateyoursignatureforthiselection,send
yoursignatureupdateonavoterregistrationapplication
toyoursupervisorofelectionssothatitisreceivedno
laterthanthestartofcanvassingofabsenteeballots,
whichoccursnoearlierthanthe15thdaybefore
electionday.
6.UnlessyoumeetoneoftheexemptionsinItem
7.,youmustmakeacopyofoneofthefollowingforms
ofidentification:
a.Identificationwhichmustincludeyournameand
photograph:UnitedStatespassport;debitorcreditcard;
militaryidentification;studentidentification;retirement
centeridentification;neighborhoodassociationidentifi-
cation;orpublicassistanceidentification;or
b.Identificationwhichshowsyournameandcurrent
residenceaddress:currentutilitybill,bankstatement,
governmentcheck,paycheck,orgovernmentdocument
(excludingvoteridentificationcard).
7.TheidentificationrequirementsofItem6.donot
applyifyoumeetoneofthefollowingrequirements:
a.Youare65yearsofageorolder.
b.Youhaveatemporaryorpermanentphysical
disability.
c.Youareamemberofauniformedserviceon
activedutywho,byreasonofsuchactiveduty,willbe
absentfromthecountyonelectionday.
d.YouareamemberoftheMerchantMarinewho,
byreasonofserviceintheMerchantMarine,willbe
absentfromthecountyonelectionday.
e.Youarethespouseordependentofamember
referredtoinparagraphc.orparagraphd.who,by
reasonoftheactivedutyorserviceofthemember,will
beabsentfromthecountyonelectionday.
f.YouarecurrentlyresidingoutsidetheUnited
States.
8.PlacetheenvelopebearingtheVoter’sCertificate
intothemailingenvelopeaddressedtothesupervisor.
Insertacopyofyouridentificationinthemailing
envelope.DONOTPUTYOURIDENTIFICATION
INSIDETHESECRECYENVELOPEWITHTHEBAL-
LOTORINSIDETHEENVELOPEWHICHBEARS
THEVOTER’SCERTIFICATEORYOURBALLOT
WILLNOTCOUNT.
9.Mail,deliver,orhavedeliveredthecompleted
mailingenvelope.Besurethereissufficientpostageif
mailed.
10.FELONYNOTICE.ItisafelonyunderFlorida
lawtoacceptanygift,payment,orgratuityinexchange
foryourvoteforacandidate.Itisalsoafelonyunder
Floridalawtovoteinanelectionusingafalseidentityor
falseaddress,orunderanyothercircumstancesmaking
yourballotfalseorfraudulent.
History.—s.23,ch.2003-415;s.5,ch.2004-232;s.49,ch.2005-277;s.42,ch.
2005-278;s.22,ch.2008-95;s.41,ch.2011-40;s.16,ch.2013-57.
101.6925Canvassingspecialabsenteeballots.
(1)Thesupervisorofthecountywheretheabsent
electorresidesshallreceivethevotedspecialabsentee
ballot,atwhichtimethemailingenvelopeshallbe
openedtodetermineifthevoterhasenclosedthe
identificationrequiredorhasindicatedontheVoter’s
Certificatethatheorsheisexemptfromtheidentifica-
tionrequirements.
(2)Iftheidentificationisenclosedorthevoterhas
indicatedthatheorsheisexemptfromtheidentification
requirements,thesupervisorshallmakethenoteonthe
registrationrecordsofthevoterandproceedtocanvass
theabsenteeballotasprovidedins.101.68.
(3)Iftheidentificationisnotenclosedinthemailing
envelopeandthevoterhasnotindicatedthatheorshe
isexemptfromtheidentificationrequirements,the
supervisorshallcheckthevoterregistrationrecordsto
determineifthevoter’sidentificationwaspreviously
receivedorthevoterhadpreviouslynotifiedthesuper-
visorthatheorshewasexempt.Theenvelopewiththe
Voter’sCertificateshallnotbeopenedunlessthe
identificationhasbeenreceivedorthevoterhas
indicatedthatheorsheisexempt.Theballotshallbe
treatedasaprovisionalballotuntil7p.m.onelection
dayandshallnotbecanvassedunlessthesupervisor
hasreceivedtherequiredidentificationorwritten
indicationofexemptionby7p.m.onelectionday.
History.—s.24,ch.2003-415.
101.694Mailingofballotsuponreceiptoffed-
eralpostcardapplication.—
(1)Uponreceiptofafederalpostcardapplicationfor
anabsenteeballotexecutedbyapersonwhose
registrationisinorderorwhoseapplicationissufficient
toregisterorupdatetheregistrationofthatperson,the
supervisorshallsendtheballotinaccordancewiths.
101.62(4).
(2)Uponreceiptofafederalpostcardapplicationfor
anabsenteeballotexecutedbyapersonwhose
registrationisnotinorderandwhoseapplicationis
insufficienttoregisterorupdatetheregistrationofthat
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
72
person,thesupervisorshallfollowtheprocedureset
forthins.97.073.
(3)Absenteeenvelopesprintedforvotersentitledto
voteabsenteeundertheUniformedandOverseas
CitizensAbsenteeVotingActshallmeetthespecifica-
tionsasdeterminedbytheFederalVotingAssistance
ProgramoftheUnitedStatesDepartmentofDefense
andtheUnitedStatesPostalService.
(4)Cognizanceshallbetakenofthefactthat
absenteeballotsandothermaterialssuchasinstruc-
tionsandenvelopesaretobecarriedviaairmail,and,to
themaximumextentpossible,suchballotsandmateri-
alsshallbereducedinsizeandweightofpaper.The
sameballotshallbeused,however,asisusedbyother
absenteevoters.
History.—s.5,ch.29904,1955;ss.4,5,ch.59-217;s.41,ch.65-380;s.12,ch.
69-280;s.23,ch.77-175;s.20,ch.81-304;s.37,ch.94-224;s.9,ch.96-57;s.25,
ch.2003-415;s.50,ch.2005-277;s.8,ch.2010-167.
101.6951Statewrite-inballot.—
(1)Anoverseasvotermayrequest,notearlierthan
180daysbeforeageneralelection,astatewrite-in
absenteeballotfromthesupervisorofelectionsinthe
countyofregistration.Inordertoreceiveastatewrite-in
ballot,thevotershallstatethatduetomilitaryorother
contingenciesthatprecludenormalmaildelivery,the
votercannotvoteanabsenteeballotduringthenormal
absenteevotingperiod.Statewrite-inabsenteeballots
shallbemadeavailabletovoters90to180dayspriorto
ageneralelection.TheDepartmentofStateshall
prescribebyruletheformofthestatewrite-inballot.
(2)Incompletingtheballot,theoverseasvotermay
designatehisorherchoicebywritinginthenameofthe
candidateorbywritinginthenameofapoliticalparty,in
whichcasetheballotmustbecountedforthecandidate
ofthatpoliticalparty,ifthereissuchapartycandidate
ontheballot.
(3)Anyabbreviation,misspelling,orotherminor
variationintheformofthenameofacandidateora
politicalpartymustbedisregardedindeterminingthe
validityoftheballotifthereisaclearindicationonthe
ballotthatthevoterhasmadeadefinitechoice.
(4)Thestatewrite-inballotshallcontainalloffices,
federal,state,andlocal,forwhichthevoterwould
otherwisebeentitledtovote.
History.—s.48,ch.2001-40.
101.6952Absenteeballotsforabsentuniformed
servicesandoverseasvoters.—
(1)Ifanabsentuniformedservicesvoter’soran
overseasvoter’srequestforanofficialabsenteeballot
pursuanttos.101.62includesane-mailaddress,the
supervisorofelectionsshall:
(a)Recordthevoter’se-mailaddressintheabsen-
teeballotrecord;
(b)Confirmbye-mailthattheabsenteeballot
requestwasreceivedandincludeinthate-mailthe
estimateddatetheabsenteeballotwillbesenttothe
voter;and
(c)Notifythevoterbye-mailwhenthevoted
absenteeballotisreceivedbythesupervisorofelec-
tions.
(2)(a)Anabsentuniformedservicesvoteroran
overseasvoterwhomakestimelyapplicationforbut
doesnotreceiveanofficialabsenteeballotmayusethe
federalwrite-inabsenteeballottovoteinanyfederal
electionandanystateorlocalelectioninvolvingtwoor
morecandidates.
(b)1.Inanelectionforfederaloffice,anelectormay
designateacandidatebywritingthenameofa
candidateontheballot.Exceptforaprimaryorspecial
primaryelection,theelectormayalternativelydesignate
acandidatebywritingthenameofapoliticalpartyon
theballot.Awrittendesignationofthepoliticalparty
shallbecountedasavoteforthecandidateofthatparty
ifthereissuchapartycandidateintherace.
2.Inanelectionforastateorlocaloffice,anelector
mayvoteinthesectionofthefederalwrite-inabsentee
ballotdesignatedfornonfederalracesbywritingonthe
ballotthetitleofeachofficeandbywritingontheballot
thenameofthecandidateforwhomtheelectoris
voting.Exceptforaprimary,specialprimary,ornon-
partisanelection,theelectormayalternativelydesig-
nateacandidatebywritingthenameofapoliticalparty
ontheballot.Awrittendesignationofthepoliticalparty
shallbecountedasavoteforthecandidateofthatparty
ifthereissuchapartycandidateintherace.
(c)Inthecaseofajointcandidacy,suchasforthe
officesofPresident/VicePresidentorGovernor/Lieute-
nantGovernor,avalidvoteforoneorbothqualified
candidatesonthesameticketshallconstituteavotefor
thejointcandidacy.
(d)Forpurposesofthissubsectionandexcept
wherethecontextclearlyindicatesotherwise,suchas
whereacandidateintheelectionisaffiliatedwitha
politicalpartywhosenameincludestheword“Indepen-
dent,”“Independence,”orsimilarterm,avoterdesigna-
tionof“NoPartyAffiliation”or“Independent,”orany
minorvariation,misspelling,orabbreviationthereof,
shallbeconsideredadesignationforthecandidate,
otherthanawrite-incandidate,whoqualifiedtorunin
theracewithnopartyaffiliation.Ifmorethanone
candidatequalifiestorunasacandidatewithnoparty
affiliation,thedesignationshallnotcountforany
candidateunlessthereisavalid,additionaldesignation
ofthecandidate’sname.
(e)Anyabbreviation,misspelling,orotherminor
variationintheformofthenameofanoffice,thename
ofacandidate,orthenameofapoliticalpartymustbe
disregardedindeterminingthevalidityoftheballot.
(3)(a)Anabsentuniformedservicesvoteroran
overseasvoterwhosubmitsafederalwrite-inabsentee
ballotandlaterreceivesanofficialabsenteeballotmay
submittheofficialabsenteeballot.Anelectorwho
submitsafederalwrite-inabsenteeballotandlater
receivesandsubmitsanofficialabsenteeballotshould
makeeveryreasonableefforttoinformtheappropriate
supervisorofelectionsthattheelectorhassubmitted
morethanoneballot.
(b)Afederalwrite-inabsenteeballotmaynotbe
canvasseduntil7p.m.onthedayoftheelection.Each
federalwrite-inabsenteeballotreceivedby7p.m.on
thedayoftheelectionshallbecanvassedpursuantto
ss.101.5614(5)and101.68,unlesstheelector’sofficial
absenteeballotisreceivedby7p.m.onelectionday.If
theelector’sofficialabsenteeballotisreceivedby7p.m.
onelectionday,thefederalwrite-inabsenteeballotis
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
73
invalidandtheofficialabsenteeballotshallbecan-
vassed.Thetimeshallberegulatedbythecustomary
timeinstandarduseinthecountyseatofthelocality.
(4)Forabsenteeballotsreceivedfromabsent
uniformedservicesvotersoroverseasvoters,thereis
apresumptionthattheenvelopewasmailedonthedate
statedontheoutsideofthereturnenvelope,regardless
oftheabsenceofapostmarkonthemailedenvelopeor
theexistenceofapostmarkdatethatislaterthanthe
dateoftheelection.
(5)Anabsenteeballotfromanoverseasvoterin
anypresidentialpreferenceprimaryorgeneralelection
whichispostmarkedordatednolaterthanthedateof
theelectionandisreceivedbythesupervisorof
electionsofthecountyinwhichtheoverseasvoteris
registerednolaterthan10daysafterthedateofthe
electionshallbecountedaslongastheabsenteeballot
isotherwiseproper.
History.—s.49,ch.2001-40;s.6,ch.2004-232;s.9,ch.2010-167;s.1,ch.
2011-162;s.17,ch.2013-57.
101.697Electronictransmissionofelectionma-
terials.—TheDepartmentofStateshalldetermine
whethersecureelectronicmeanscanbeestablished
forreceivingballotsfromoverseasvoters.Ifsuch
securitycanbeestablished,thedepartmentshall
adoptrulestoauthorizeasupervisorofelectionsto
acceptfromanoverseasvoterarequestforan
absenteeballotoravotedabsenteeballotbysecure
facsimilemachinetransmissionorothersecureelectro-
nicmeans.Therulesmustprovidethatinorderto
acceptavotedballot,theverificationofthevotermust
beestablished,thesecurityofthetransmissionmustbe
established,andeachballotreceivedmustberecorded.
History.—s.50,ch.2001-40;s.51,ch.2005-277.
101.698Absenteevotinginemergencysitua-
tions.—Ifanationalorlocalemergencyorother
situationariseswhichmakessubstantialcompliance
withtheprovisionsofstateorfederallawrelatingtothe
methodsofvotingforoverseasvotersimpossibleor
unreasonable,suchasanarmedconflictinvolving
UnitedStatesArmedForcesormobilizationofthose
forces,includingstateNationalGuardandreserve
components,theElectionsCanvassingCommission
mayadoptbyemergencyrulessuchspecialprocedures
orrequirementsnecessarytofacilitateabsenteevoting
bythosepersonsdirectlyaffectedwhoareotherwise
eligibletovoteintheelection.
History.—s.51,ch.2001-40.
101.71Pollingplace.—
(1)Thereshallbeineachprecinctineachcounty
onepollingplacewhichshallbeaccessibletothepublic
onelectiondayandismanagedbyaboardofinspectors
andclerkofelection.Onlyoneelectorshallbeallowed
toenteranyvotingboothatatime;nooneexcept
inspectorsshallbeallowedtospeaktotheelectorwhile
castinghisorhervote;andnoinspectorshallspeakto
orinterferewiththeelectorconcerninghisorhervoting,
excepttoperformthedutiesassuchinspector.Notwith-
standinganyotherprovisionofthischapter,thissection
shallbeapplicablewherethecomputermethodof
votingisinuse,andadequateprovisionshallbe
madefortheprivacyoftheelectorwhilecastinghis
orhervote.
(2)Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsubsection
(1),wheneverthesupervisorofelectionsofanycounty
determinesthattheaccommodationsforholdingany
electionatapollingplacedesignatedforanyprecinctin
thecountyareunavailable,areinadequateforthe
expeditiousandefficienthousingandhandlingofvoting
andvotingparaphernalia,ordonotcomplywiththe
requirementsofs.101.715,thesupervisorshall,not
lessthan30dayspriortotheholdingofanelection,
provideforthevotingplaceforsuchprecincttobe
movedtoanothersitethatisaccessibletothepublicon
electiondayinsaidprecinctor,ifsuchisnotavailable,to
anothersitethatisaccessibletothepubliconelection
dayinacontiguousprecinct.Ifsuchactionofthe
supervisorresultsinthevotingplacefortwoormore
precinctsbeinglocatedforthepurposesofanelectionin
onebuilding,thesupervisorofelectionsshallprovide
adequatesupplies,equipment,andpersonnelare
availabletoaccommodatethevotersfortheprecincts
thatarecollocated.Whenanysupervisormovesany
pollingplacepursuanttothissubsection,thesupervisor
shall,notmorethan30daysorfewerthan7daysprior
totheholdingofanelection,givenoticeofthechangeof
thepollingplacefortheprecinctinvolved,withclear
descriptionofthevotingplacetowhichchanged,at
leastonceinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationinthe
countyandonthesupervisorofelections’website.A
noticeofthechangeofthepollingplaceinvolvedshall
bemailed,atleast14dayspriortoanelection,toeach
registeredelectorortoeachhouseholdinwhichthereis
aregisteredelector.
(3)Incasesofemergencyandwhentimedoesnot
permitcompliancewithsubsection(2),thesupervisorof
electionsshalldesignateanewpollingplacewhichshall
beaccessibletothepubliconelectiondayandshall
causeanoticetobepostedattheoldpollingplace
advisingtheelectorsofthelocationofthenewpolling
place.
(4)Eachpollingplaceshallbeconspicuouslyiden-
tifiedbyasign,onornearthepremisesofthepolling
place,designatingthepollingplacebyprecinctnumber.
Suchsignshallbelargeenoughtobeclearlyvisibleto
occupantsofpassingvehiculartrafficonroadways
contiguoustothepollingplace,withlettersnosmaller
than3incheshigh,andshallbedisplayedatalltimes
whilethepollsareopenonanyelectionday.
(5)Public,tax-supportedbuildingsshallbemade
availableforuseaspollingplacesupontherequestof
thesupervisorofelections.
History.—s.22,ch.3879,1889;RS176;s.26,ch.4328,1895;s.1,ch.4699,
1899;GS208;RGS252;CGL308;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.57-385;s.3,ch.
67-530;s.4,ch.69-281;s.23,ch.77-175;s.4,ch.78-188;s.2,ch.80-189;s.12,
ch.80-292;s.1,ch.85-38;s.593,ch.95-147;s.25,ch.2001-40;s.15,ch.
2002-281;s.10,ch.2010-167.
Note.—Formers.99.06.
101.715Accessibilityofpollingplacesforpeo-
plehavingadisability.—
(1)Allpollingplacesmustbeaccessibleandusable
bypeoplewithdisabilities,asprovidedinthissection.
(2)Onlythosepollingplacescomplyingwiththe
FloridaAmericansWithDisabilitiesAccessibilityImple-
mentationAct,ss.553.501-553.513,forallportionsof
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
74
thepollingplaceorthestructureinwhichitislocated
thatvoterstraversegoingtoandfromthepollingplace
andduringthevotingprocess,regardlessoftheageor
functionofthebuilding,shallbeusedforfederal,state,
andlocalelections.
(3)Theselectionofapollingsitemustensure
accessibilitywithrespecttothefollowingaccessible
elements,spaces,scope,andtechnicalrequirements:
accessibleroute,spaceallowanceandreachranges,
protrudingobjects,groundandfloorsurfaces,parking
andpassengerloadingzones,curbramps,ramps,
stairs,elevators,platformlifts,doors,entrances,path
ofegress,controlsandoperatingmechanisms,signage,
andallotherminimumrequirements.
(4)Standardsrequiredateachpollingplace,re-
gardlessoftheageofthebuildingorfunctionofthe
building,include:
(a)Forpollingplacesthatprovideparkingspaces
forvoters,oneormoresignedaccessibleparking
spacesfordisabledpersons.
(b)Signageidentifyinganaccessiblepathoftravel
tothepollingplaceifitdiffersfromtheprimaryrouteor
entrance.
(c)Anunobstructedpathoftraveltothepolling
place.
(d)Level,firm,stable,andslip-resistantsurfaces.
(e)Anunobstructedareaforvoting.
(f)Sufficientlightingalongtheaccessiblepathof
travelandwithinthepollingplace.
(5)TheDepartmentofStatemayadoptrulesin
accordancewiths.120.54whicharenecessaryto
administerthissection.
History.—s.1,ch.76-50;s.16,ch.2002-281.
101.731Shorttitle.—Sections101.731-101.74
maybecitedasthe“ElectionsEmergencyAct.”
History.—s.1,ch.92-16.
101.732DefinitionsrelatingtoElectionsEmer-
gencyAct.—Asusedinss.101.731-101.74:
(1)“Department”meanstheDepartmentofState.
(2)“Division”meanstheDivisionofElectionsofthe
DepartmentofState.
(3)“Emergency”meansanyoccurrence,orthreat
thereof,whetheraccidental,natural,orcausedby
humanbeings,inwarorinpeace,thatresultsormay
resultinsubstantialinjuryorharmtothepopulationor
substantialdamagetoorlossofpropertytotheextentit
willprohibitanelectionofficer’sabilitytoconductasafe
andorderlyelection.
History.—s.2,ch.92-16;s.595,ch.95-147.
101.733Electionemergency;purpose;elec-
tionsemergencycontingencyplan.—Becauseof
theexistingandcontinuingpossibilityofanemergency
orcommondisasteroccurringbeforeorduringa
regularlyscheduledorspecialelection,andinorder
toensuremaximumcitizenparticipationintheelectoral
processandprovideasafeandorderlyprocedurefor
personsseekingtoexercisetheirrighttovote,generally
tominimizetowhateverdegreepossibleaperson’s
exposuretodangerduringdeclaredstatesofemer-
gency,andtoprotecttheintegrityoftheelectoral
process,itisherebyfoundanddeclaredtobe
necessarytodesignateaprocedurefortheemergency
suspensionordelayandreschedulingofelections.
(1)TheGovernormay,uponissuanceofanexecu-
tiveorderdeclaringastateofemergencyorimpending
emergency,suspendordelayanyelection.TheGov-
ernormaytakesuchactionindependentlyoratthe
requestoftheSecretaryofState,asupervisorof
electionsfromacountyaffectedbytheemergency
circumstances,oramunicipalclerkfromamunicipality
affectedbytheemergencycircumstances.
(2)TheGovernor,uponconsultationwiththeSe-
cretaryofState,shallrescheduleanyelectionsus-
pendedordelayedduetoanemergency.Theelection
shallbeheldwithin10daysafterthedateofthe
suspendedordelayedelectionorassoonthereafteras
ispracticable.Noticeoftheelectionshallbepublished
atleastonceinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationinthe
affectedareaand,wherepracticable,broadcastasa
publicserviceannouncementonradioandtelevision
stationsatleast1weekpriortothedatetheelectionisto
beheld.
(3)TheDivisionofElectionsoftheDepartmentof
Stateshalladopt,byrule,anelectionsemergency
contingencyplan,whichshallcontaingoalsandpolicies
thatgivespecificdirectiontostateandlocalelections
officialswhenanelectionhasbeensuspendedor
delayedduetoanemergency.Thecontingencyplan
shallbestatewideinscopeandshalladdress,butnotbe
limitedto,thefollowingconcerns:
(a)Providingaprocedureforstateandlocalelec-
tionsofficialstofollowwhenanelectionhasbeen
suspendedordelayedtoensurenoticeofthesuspen-
sionordelaytotheproperauthorities,theelectorate,
thecommunicationsmedia,pollworkers,andthe
custodiansofpollingplaces.
(b)Providingaprocedurefortheorderlyconductof
arescheduledelection,whethermunicipal,county,
district,orstatewideinscope;coordinatingthoseefforts
withtheappropriateelectionsofficial,andthemembers
ofthegoverningbodyholdingsuchelection,ifappro-
priate;andworkingwiththeappropriateemergency
managementofficialsindeterminingthesafetyof
existingpollingplacesordesignatingadditionalpolling
places.
(c)Providingaprocedureforthereleaseand
certificationofelectionreturnstothedepartmentfor
electionssuspendedordelayedandsubsequently
rescheduledundertheprovisionsofss.101.731-
101.74.
History.—s.3,ch.92-16.
101.74Temporarychangeofpollingplacein
caseofemergency.—Incaseofanemergencyexist-
inginanyprecinctatthetimeoftheholdingofany
election,thesupervisorofelectionsmayestablish,at
anysafeandconvenientpointoutsidesuchprecinct,an
additionalpollingplacefortheelectorsofthatprecinct,
inwhichplacethequalifiedelectorsmayvote.The
registrationbooksoftheaffectedprecinctshallbe
F.S.2014 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE Ch.101
75
applicableto,andshallbeusedat,thepollingplaceso
established.
History.—s.39,ch.3879,1889;RS193;s.70,ch.4328,1895;GS254;RGS
298;CGL354;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.44,ch.65-380;s.23,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.
83-334;s.4,ch.92-16.
Note.—Formers.99.55.
101.75Municipalelections;changeofdatesfor
cause.—
(1)Inanymunicipality,whenthedateofthe
municipalelectionfallsonthesamedateasany
statewideorcountyelectionandthevotingdevicesof
thevotingsystemusedinthecountyarenotavailable
forbothelections,themunicipalitymayprovidethatthe
municipalelectionmaybeheldwithin30dayspriortoor
subsequenttothestatewideorcountyelection.
(2)Thedateofthemunicipalelectionshallbesetby
themunicipalitybyordinance.
(3)Notwithstandinganyprovisionoflocallawor
municipalcharter,thegoverningbodyofamunicipality
may,byordinance,movethedateofanymunicipal
electiontoadateconcurrentwithanystatewideor
countywideelection.Thedatesforqualifyingforthe
electionmovedbythepassageofsuchordinanceshall
bespecificallyprovidedforintheordinance.Thetermof
officeforanyelectedmunicipalofficialshallcommence
asprovidedbytherelevantmunicipalcharteror
ordinance.
History.—ss.1,2,ch.59-493;s.1,ch.76-68;s.24,ch.77-175;s.5,ch.92-16;
s.26,ch.2001-40;s.4,ch.2007-30;s.23,ch.2008-95;s.42,ch.2011-40.
Note.—Formers.104.451.
Ch.101 VOTINGMETHODSANDPROCEDURE F.S.2014
76
CHAPTER102
CONDUCTINGELECTIONSANDASCERTAININGTHERESULTS
102.012Inspectorsandclerkstoconductelections.
102.014Pollworkerrecruitmentandtraining.
102.021Compensationofinspectors,clerks,and
deputysheriffs.
102.031Maintenanceofgoodorderatpolls;autho-
rities;personsallowedinpollingrooms
andearlyvotingareas;unlawfulsolicita-
tionofvoters.
102.071Tabulationofvotesandproclamationof
results.
102.091 Dutyofsherifftowatchforviolations;
appointmentofspecialofficers.
102.101Sheriffandotherofficersnotallowedin
pollingplace.
102.111ElectionsCanvassingCommission.
102.112Deadlineforsubmissionofcountyreturns
totheDepartmentofState.
102.121ElectionsCanvassingCommissiontoissue
certificates.
102.131Returnsbeforecanvassingcommission.
102.141Countycanvassingboard;duties.
102.151Countycanvassingboardtoissuecertifi-
cates;supervisortogivenoticetoDe-
partmentofState.
102.155Certificateofelection.
102.166Manualrecountsofovervotesandunder-
votes.
102.168Contestofelection.
102.1682Judgmentofouster;revocationofcommis-
sion;judgmentsettingasidereferendum.
102.1685Venue.
102.169Quowarrantonotabridged.
102.171ContestofelectiontoLegislature.
102.012Inspectorsandclerkstoconductelec-
tions.—
(1)(a)Thesupervisorofelectionsofeachcounty,at
least20dayspriortotheholdingofanyelection,shall
appointanelectionboardcomprisedofpollworkerswho
serveasclerksorinspectorsforeachprecinctinthe
county.Theclerkshallbeinchargeof,andresponsible
for,seeingthattheelectionboardcarriesoutitsduties
andresponsibilities.Eachinspectorandeachclerkshall
takeandsubscribetoanoathoraffirmation,whichshall
bewrittenorprinted,totheeffectthatheorshewill
performthedutiesofinspectororclerkofelection,
respectively,accordingtolawandwillendeavorto
preventallfraud,deceit,orabuseinconductingthe
election.Theoathmaybetakenbeforeanofficer
authorizedtoadministeroathsorbeforeanyofthe
personswhoaretoactasinspectors,oneofthemto
sweartheothers,andoneoftheothersswornthus,in
turn,toadministertheoathtotheonewhohasnotbeen
sworn.Theoathsshallbereturnedwiththepolllistand
thereturnsoftheelectiontothesupervisor.Inall
questionsthatmayarisebeforethemembersofan
electionboard,thedecisionofamajorityofthemshall
decidethequestion.Thesupervisorofelectionsofeach
countyshallberesponsiblefortheattendanceand
diligentperformanceofhisorherdutiesbyeachclerk
andinspector.
(b)Iftwoormoreprecinctssharethesamebuilding
andvotingplace,thesupervisorofelectionsmay
appointoneelectionboardforthecollocatedprecincts.
Thesupervisorshallprovidethatasufficientnumberof
pollworkersareappointedtoadequatelyhandlethe
processingofthevotersinthecollocatedprecincts.
(2)Eachmemberoftheelectionboardshallbeable
toreadandwritetheEnglishlanguageandshallbea
registeredqualifiedelectorofthecountyinwhichthe
memberisappointedorapersonwhohaspreregistered
tovote,pursuanttos.97.041(1)(b),inthecountyin
whichthememberisappointed.Noelectionboardshall
becomposedsolelyofmembersofonepoliticalparty;
however,inanyprimaryinwhichonlyonepartyhas
candidatesappearingontheballot,allclerksand
inspectorsmaybeofthatparty.Anypersonwhose
nameappearsasanopposedcandidateforanyoffice
shallnotbeeligibletoserveonanelectionboard.
(3)Thesupervisorshallfurnishinspectorsofelec-
tionforeachprecinctwiththelistofregisteredvotersfor
thatprecinct.Thesupervisorshallalsofurnishtothe
inspectorsofelectionatthepollingplaceateach
precinctinthesupervisor’scountyasufficientnumber
offormsandblanksforuseonelectionday.
(4)Theelectionboardofeachprecinctshallattend
thepollingplaceby6a.m.ofthedayoftheelectionand
shallarrangethefurniture,stationery,andvoting
equipment.Theelectionboardshallconductthevoting,
beginningandclosingatthetimesetforthins.100.011.
History.—s.20,ch.3879,1889;RS174;s.24,ch.4328,1895;s.8,ch.4537,
1897;GS205;RGS249;s.1,ch.8587,1921;CGL305;s.2,ch.17898,1937;s.2,
ch.25384,1949;s.6,ch.26870,1951;s.38,ch.28156,1953;s.25,ch.29934,
1955;s.10,ch.57-166;s.1,ch.63-53;s.1,ch.65-416;s.1,ch.67-168;s.1,ch.
67-385;s.1,ch.73-151;s.25,ch.77-175;s.43,ch.79-400;s.1,ch.80-264;s.50,
ch.81-259;s.19,ch.84-302;s.1,ch.89-46;s.596,ch.95-147;s.22,ch.98-129;s.
3,ch.2000-249;ss.27,65,ch.2001-40;s.52,ch.2005-277;s.43,ch.2005-278;s.
11,ch.2010-167;s.4,ch.2011-4.
Note.—Formers.99.03.
102.014Pollworkerrecruitmentandtraining.
(1)Thesupervisorofelectionsshallconducttrain-
ingforinspectors,clerks,anddeputysheriffspriorto
eachprimary,general,andspecialelectionforthe
purposeofinstructingsuchpersonsintheirdutiesand
responsibilitiesaselectionofficials.TheDivisionof
Electionsshalldevelopastatewideuniformtraining
curriculumforpollworkers,andeachsupervisorshall
usesuchcurriculumintrainingpollworkers.Acertificate
maybeissuedbythesupervisorofelectionstoeach
personcompletingsuchtraining.Nopersonshallserve
asaninspector,clerk,ordeputysheriffforanelection
unlesssuchpersonhascompletedthetrainingas
required.Aclerkmaynotworkatthepollsunlesshe
orshedemonstratesaworkingknowledgeofthelaws
andproceduresrelatingtovoterregistration,voting
systemoperation,ballotingandpollingplaceproce-
dures,andproblem-solvingandconflict-resolution
skills.
(2)Apersonwhohasattendedprevioustraining
conductedwithin2yearsbeforetheelectionmaybe
F.S.2014 CONDUCTINGELECTIONSANDASCERTAININGTHERESULTS Ch.102
77
appointedbythesupervisortofillavacancyonan
electionboard.Ifnopersonwithpriortrainingis
availabletofillsuchvacancy,thesupervisorofelections
mayfillsuchvacancyinaccordancewiththeprovisions
ofsubsection(3)fromamongpersonswhohavenot
receivedthetrainingrequiredbythissection.
(3)Inthecaseofabsenceorrefusaltoactonthe
partofanyinspectororclerk,thesupervisorshall
appointareplacementwhomeetsthequalifications
prescribedins.102.012(2).Theinspectororclerkso
appointedshallbeamemberofthesamepoliticalparty
astheclerkorinspectorwhomheorshereplaces.
(4)Eachsupervisorofelectionsshallberesponsi-
blefortraininginspectorsandclerks,subjecttothe
followingminimumrequirements:
(a)Noclerkshallbeentitledtoworkatthepolls
unlessheorshehashadaminimumof3hoursof
trainingpriortoeachelection.
(b)Noinspectorshallworkatthepollsunlessheor
shehashadaminimumof2hoursoftrainingpriorto
eachelection.
(5)TheDepartmentofStateshallcreateauniform
pollingplaceproceduresmanualandadoptthemanual
byrule.Eachsupervisorofelectionsshallensurethat
themanualisavailableinhardcopyorelectronicformin
everypollingplace.Themanualshallguideinspectors,
clerks,anddeputysheriffsintheproperimplementation
ofelectionproceduresandlaws.Themanualshallbe
indexedbysubject,andwritteninplain,clear,unambig-
uouslanguage.Themanualshallprovidespecific
examplesofcommonproblemsencounteredatthe
pollsanddetailspecificproceduresforresolvingthose
problems.Themanualshallinclude,withoutlimitation:
(a)Regulationsgoverningsolicitationbyindividuals
andgroupsatthepollingplace;
(b)Procedurestobefollowedwithrespecttovoters
whosenamesarenotontheprecinctregister;
(c)Properoperationofthevotingsystem;
(d)Ballothandlingprocedures;
(e)Proceduresgoverningspoiledballots;
(f)Procedurestobefollowedafterthepollsclose;
(g)Rightsofvotersatthepolls;
(h)Proceduresforhandlingemergencysituations;
(i)Proceduresfordealingwithiratevoters;
(j)Thehandlingandprocessingofprovisional
ballots;and
(k)Securityprocedures.
TheDepartmentofStateshallrevisethemanualas
necessarytoaddressnewproceduresinlawor
problemsencounteredbyvotersandpollworkersat
theprecincts.
(6)Supervisorsofelectionsshallworkwiththe
businessandlocalcommunitytodeveloppublic-private
programstoensuretherecruitmentofskilledinspectors
andclerks.
(7)TheDepartmentofStateshalldevelopaman-
datory,statewide,anduniformprogramfortrainingpoll
workersonissuesofetiquetteandsensitivitywith
respecttovotershavingadisability.Theprogram
mustbeconductedlocallybyeachsupervisorof
elections,andeachpollworkermustcompletethe
programbeforeworkingduringthecurrentelection
cycle.Thesupervisorofelectionsshallcontractwitha
recognizeddisability-relatedorganization,suchasa
centerforindependentliving,familynetworkondis-
abilities,deafservicebureau,orothersuchorganiza-
tion,todevelopandassistwithtrainingthetrainersin
thedisabilitysensitivityprograms.Theprogrammust
includeactualdemonstrationsofobstaclesconfronted
bydisabledpersonsduringthevotingprocess,including
obtainingaccesstothepollingplace,travelingthrough
thepollingarea,andusingthevotingsystem.
History.—s.64,ch.2001-40;s.19,ch.2002-17;s.18,ch.2002-281;s.53,ch.
2005-277;s.17,ch.2005-286;s.24,ch.2008-95.
102.021Compensationofinspectors,clerks,
anddeputysheriffs.—
(1)Eachinspectorandeachclerkofanyelection
andeachdeputysheriffservingataprecinctshallbe
paidforhisorherservicesbythesupervisorof
elections,andeachinspectorwhodeliversthereturns
tothecountyseatshallreceivesuchsumsasthe
supervisorofelectionsshalldetermine.
(2)Inspectorsandclerksofelectionanddeputy
sheriffsservingattheprecinctsmayreceivecompensa-
tionandtravelexpenses,asprovidedins.112.061,for
attendingthepollworkertrainingrequiredbys.102.014.
History.—s.24,ch.4328,1895;s.8,ch.4537,1897;GS206;RGS250;CGL
306;ss.1,2,ch.20448,1941;s.3,ch.25384,1949;s.6,ch.26870,1951;s.5,ch.
63-400;s.1,ch.65-129;s.25,ch.77-175;s.5,ch.80-20;s.597,ch.95-147;s.4,
ch.2000-249;s.66,ch.2001-40.
Note.—Formers.99.04.
102.031Maintenanceofgoodorderatpolls;
authorities;personsallowedinpollingroomsand
earlyvotingareas;unlawfulsolicitationofvoters.
(1)Eachelectionboardshallpossessfullauthority
tomaintainorderatthepollsandenforceobedienceto
itslawfulcommandsduringanelectionandthecanvass
ofthevotes.
(2)Thesheriffshalldeputizeadeputysherifffor
eachpollingplaceandeachearlyvotingsitewhoshall
bepresentduringthetimethepollsorearlyvotingsites
areopenanduntiltheelectioniscompleted,whoshall
besubjecttoalllawfulcommandsoftheclerkor
inspectors,andwhoshallmaintaingoodorder.The
deputymaysummonassistancefromamongbystan-
derstoaidhimorherwhennecessarytomaintainpeace
andorderatthepollsorearlyvotingsites.
(3)(a)Nopersonmayenteranypollingroomor
pollingplacewherethepollingplaceisalsoapolling
room,oranyearlyvotingareaduringvotinghours
exceptthefollowing:
1.Officialpollwatchers;
2.Inspectors;
3.Electionclerks;
4.Thesupervisorofelectionsorhisorherdeputy;
5.Personstheretovote,personsinthecareofa
voter,orpersonscaringforsuchvoter;
6.Lawenforcementofficersoremergencyservice
personneltherewithpermissionoftheclerkora
majorityoftheinspectors;or
7.Aperson,whetherornotaregisteredvoter,who
isassistingwithorparticipatinginasimulatedelection
forminors,asapprovedbythesupervisorofelections.
(b)Therestrictioninthissubsectiondoesnotapply
wherethepollingroomisinanareacommonly
Ch.102 CONDUCTINGELECTIONSANDASCERTAININGTHERESULTSF.S.2014
78
traversedbythepublicinordertogainaccessto
businessesorhomesorinanareatraditionallyutilized
asapublicareafordiscussion.
(4)(a)Noperson,politicalcommittee,orothergroup
ororganizationmaysolicitvotersinsidethepollingplace
orwithin100feetoftheentrancetoanypollingplace,a
pollingroomwherethepollingplaceisalsoapolling
room,anearlyvotingsite,oranofficeofthesupervisor
ofelectionswhereabsenteeballotsarerequestedand
printedondemandfortheconvenienceofelectorswho
appearinpersontorequestthem.Beforetheopeningof
thepollingplaceorearlyvotingsite,theclerkor
supervisorshalldesignatetheno-solicitationzoneand
marktheboundaries.
(b)Forthepurposeofthissubsection,theterms
“solicit”or“solicitation”shallinclude,butnotbelimited
to,seekingorattemptingtoseekanyvote,fact,opinion,
orcontribution;distributingorattemptingtodistribute
anypoliticalorcampaignmaterial,leaflet,orhandout;
conductingapollexceptasspecifiedinthisparagraph;
seekingorattemptingtoseekasignatureonany
petition;andsellingorattemptingtosellanyitem.
Theterms“solicit”or“solicitation”maynotbeconstrued
toprohibitexitpolling.
(c)Eachsupervisorofelectionsshallinformthe
clerkoftheareawithinwhichsolicitingisunlawful,
basedontheparticularcharacteristicsofthatpolling
place.Thesupervisorortheclerkmaytakeany
reasonableactionnecessarytoensureorderatthe
pollingplaces,including,butnotlimitedto,having
disruptiveandunrulypersonsremovedbylawenforce-
mentofficersfromthepollingroomorplaceorfromthe
100-footzonesurroundingthepollingplace.
(d)Exceptasprovidedinparagraph(a),thesuper-
visormaynotdesignateano-solicitationzoneor
otherwiserestrictaccesstoanyperson,politicalcom-
mittee,committeeofcontinuousexistence,candidate,
orothergroupororganizationforthepurposesof
solicitingvoters.Thisparagraphappliestoanypublicor
privatepropertyusedasapollingplaceorearlyvoting
site.
(5)Nophotographyispermittedinthepollingroom
orearlyvotingarea.
History.—s.58,ch.4328,1895;GS237;RGS282;CGL338;s.6,ch.26870,
1951;s.1,ch.59-212;s.25,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.85-205;s.4,ch.87-184;s.15,ch.
87-363;s.29,ch.89-338;s.2,ch.92-134;s.598,ch.95-147;s.5,ch.2000-249;s.
54,ch.2005-277;s.25,ch.2008-95;s.18,ch.2013-37;s.18,ch.2013-57.
Note.—Formers.99.38.
102.071Tabulationofvotesandproclamationof
results.—Theelectionboardshallpostatthepolls,for
thebenefitofthepublic,theresultsofthevotingforeach
officeorotheritemontheballotasthecountis
completed.Uponcompletionofallcountsinallraces,
acertificateoftheresultsshallbedrawnupbythe
inspectorsandclerkateachprecinctuponaform
providedbythesupervisorofelectionswhichshall
containthenameofeachpersonvotedfor,foreach
office,andthenumberofvotescastforeachpersonfor
suchoffice;and,ifanyquestionissubmitted,the
certificateshallalsocontainthenumberofvotescast
forandagainstthequestion.Thecertificateshallbe
signedbytheinspectorsandclerkandshallbe
deliveredwithoutdelaybyoneoftheinspectors,
securelysealed,tothesupervisorforimmediate
publication.Alltheballotboxes,ballots,ballotstubs,
memoranda,andpapersofallkindsusedintheelection
shallalsobetransmitted,afterbeingsealedbythe
inspectors,tothesupervisor’soffice.Registrationbooks
andthepolllistsshallnotbeplacedintheballotboxes
butshallbereturnedtothesupervisor.
History.—s.30,ch.3879,1889;RS184;s.61,ch.4328,1895;s.2,ch.4699,
1899;GS242;RGS286;CGL342;s.9,ch.25384,1949;s.6,ch.26329,1949;s.6,
ch.26870,1951;s.39,ch.28156,1953;s.19,ch.73-334;s.25,ch.77-175;s.45,
ch.79-400;s.55,ch.2005-277.
Note.—Formers.99.43.
102.091Dutyofsherifftowatchforviolations;
appointmentofspecialofficers.—Thesheriffshall
exercisestrictvigilanceinthedetectionofanyviolations
oftheelectionlawsandinapprehendingtheviolators.
TheGovernormayappointspecialofficerstoinvesti-
gateallegedviolationsoftheelectionlaws,whenitis
deemednecessarytoseethatviolatorsoftheelection
lawsareapprehendedandpunished.
History.—s.6,ch.26870,1951;s.3,ch.65-129.
102.101Sheriffandotherofficersnotallowedin
pollingplace.—Nosheriff,deputysheriff,policeofficer,
orotherofficerofthelawshallbeallowedwithinthe
pollingplacewithoutpermissionfromtheclerkora
majorityoftheinspectors,excepttocasthisorher
ballot.Uponthefailureofanyofsaidofficerstocomply
withthisprovision,theclerkortheinspectorsoranyone
ofthemshallmakeanaffidavitagainstsuchofficerfor
hisorherarrest.
History.—s.58,ch.4328,1895;GS239;RGS284;CGL340;s.6,ch.26870,
1951;s.4,ch.65-129;s.25,ch.77-175;s.599,ch.95-147.
Note.—Formers.99.41.
102.111ElectionsCanvassingCommission.—
(1)TheElectionsCanvassingCommissionshall
consistoftheGovernorandtwomembersofthe
CabinetselectedbytheGovernor,allofwhomshall
serveexofficio.Ifamemberofthecommissionis
unabletoserveforanyreason,theGovernorshall
appointaremainingmemberoftheCabinet.Ifthereisa
furthervacancy,theremainingmembersofthecommis-
sionshallagreeonanotherelectedofficialtofillthe
vacancy.
(2)TheElectionsCanvassingCommissionshall
meetat9a.m.onthe9thdayafteraprimaryelection
andat9a.m.onthe14thdayafterageneralelectionto
certifythereturnsoftheelectionforeachfederal,state,
andmulticountyoffice.Ifamemberofacounty
canvassingboardthatwasconstitutedpursuanttos.
102.141determines,within5daysafterthecertification
bytheElectionsCanvassingCommission,thata
typographicalerroroccurredintheofficialreturnsof
thecounty,thecorrectionofwhichcouldresultina
changeintheoutcomeofanelection,thecounty
canvassingboardmustcertifycorrectedreturnstothe
DepartmentofStatewithin24hours,andtheElections
CanvassingCommissionmustcorrectandrecertifythe
electionreturnsassoonaspracticable.
(3)TheDivisionofElectionsshallprovidethestaff
servicesrequiredbytheElectionsCanvassingCom-
mission.
History.—s.35,ch.3879,1889;RS189;s.66,ch.4328,1895;GS248;RGS
292;CGL348;s.6,ch.26870,1951;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.30,ch.71-377;s.2,
F.S.2014 CONDUCTINGELECTIONSANDASCERTAININGTHERESULTS Ch.102
79
ch.77-122;s.25,ch.77-175;s.6,ch.82-143;s.39,ch.2001-40;s.56,ch.
2005-277;s.12,ch.2010-167.
Note.—Formers.99.49.
102.112Deadlineforsubmissionofcountyre-
turnstotheDepartmentofState.—
(1)Thecountycanvassingboardoramajority
thereofshallfilethecountyreturnsfortheelectionof
afederalorstateofficerwiththeDepartmentofState
immediatelyaftercertificationoftheelectionresults.
Thereturnsmustcontainacertificationbythecanvas-
singboardthattheboardhascomparedthenumberof
personswhovotedwiththenumberofballotscounted
andthatthecertificationincludesallvalidvotescastin
theelection.
(2)Returnsmustbefiledby5p.m.onthe7thday
followingaprimaryelectionandbynoononthe12thday
followingthegeneralelection.However,theDepart-
mentofStatemaycorrecttypographicalerrors,includ-
ingthetranspositionofnumbers,inanyreturnssub-
mittedtotheDepartmentofStatepursuanttos.
102.111(2).
(3)Ifthereturnsarenotreceivedbythedepartment
bythetimespecified,suchreturnsshallbeignoredand
theresultsonfileatthattimeshallbecertifiedbythe
department.
(4)Ifthereturnsarenotreceivedbythedepartment
duetoanemergency,asdefinedins.101.732,the
ElectionsCanvassingCommissionshalldeterminethe
deadlinebywhichthereturnsmustbereceived.
History.—s.30,ch.89-338;s.7,ch.99-140;s.40,ch.2001-40;s.57,ch.
2005-277;s.32,ch.2007-30;s.26,ch.2008-95;s.13,ch.2010-167.
102.121ElectionsCanvassingCommissionto
issuecertificates.—TheElectionsCanvassingCom-
missionshallmakeandsignseparatecertificatesofthe
resultoftheelectionforfederalandstateofficers,which
certificatesshallbewrittenandcontainthetotalnumber
ofvotescastforeachpersonforeachoffice.The
certificates,theoneincludingtheresultoftheelection
forpresidentialelectorsandrepresentativestoCon-
gress,andtheotherincludingtheresultoftheelection
forstateofficers,shallberecordedintheDepartmentof
Stateinabooktobekeptforthatpurpose.
History.—s.35,ch.3879,1889;RS189;s.66,ch.4328,1895;GS250;RGS
294;CGL350;s.6,ch.26870,1951;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.25,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.99.51.
102.131Returnsbeforecanvassingcommis-
sion.—Ifanyreturnsshallappeartobeirregularor
falsesothattheElectionsCanvassingCommissionis
unabletodeterminethetruevoteforanyoffice,
nomination,constitutionalamendment,orothermea-
surepresentedtotheelectors,thecommissionshallso
certifyandshallnotincludethereturnsinitsdetermina-
tion,canvass,anddeclaration.TheElectionsCanvas-
singCommissionindeterminingthetruevoteshallnot
haveauthoritytolookbeyondthecountyreturns.The
DepartmentofStateshallfileinitsofficeallthereturns,
togetherwithotherdocumentsandpapersreceivedbyit
orthecommission.Thecommissionshallcanvassthe
returnsforpresidentialelectorsandrepresentativesto
Congressseparatelyfromtheircanvassofreturnsfor
stateofficers.
History.—s.35,ch.3879,1889;RS189;s.66,ch.4328,1895;GS249;RGS
293;CGL349;s.6,ch.26870,1951;s.5,ch.65-129;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.25,
ch.77-175;s.46,ch.79-400.
Note.—Formers.99.50.
102.141Countycanvassingboard;duties.—
(1)Thecountycanvassingboardshallbecom-
posedofthesupervisorofelections;acountycourt
judge,whoshallactaschair;andthechairoftheboard
ofcountycommissioners.Alternatecanvassingboard
membersmustbeappointedpursuanttoparagraph(e).
Intheeventanymemberofthecountycanvassing
boardisunabletoserve,isacandidatewhohas
oppositionintheelectionbeingcanvassed,orisan
activeparticipantinthecampaignorcandidacyofany
candidatewhohasoppositionintheelectionbeing
canvassed,suchmembershallbereplacedasfollows:
(a)Ifnocountycourtjudgeisabletoserveorifall
aredisqualified,thechiefjudgeofthejudicialcircuitin
whichthecountyislocatedshallappointasasubstitute
memberaqualifiedelectorofthecountywhoisnota
candidatewithoppositionintheelectionbeingcan-
vassedandwhoisnotanactiveparticipantinthe
campaignorcandidacyofanycandidatewithopposition
intheelectionbeingcanvassed.Insuchevent,the
membersofthecountycanvassingboardshallmeet
andelectachair.
(b)Ifthesupervisorofelectionsisunabletoserveor
isdisqualified,thechairoftheboardofcounty
commissionersshallappointasasubstitutemember
amemberoftheboardofcountycommissionerswhois
notacandidatewithoppositionintheelectionbeing
canvassedandwhoisnotanactiveparticipantinthe
campaignorcandidacyofanycandidatewithopposition
intheelectionbeingcanvassed.Thesupervisor,how-
ever,shallactinanadvisorycapacitytothecanvassing
board.
(c)Ifthechairoftheboardofcountycommissioners
isunabletoserveorisdisqualified,theboardofcounty
commissionersshallappointasasubstitutemember
oneofitsmemberswhoisnotacandidatewith
oppositionintheelectionbeingcanvassedandwhois
notanactiveparticipantinthecampaignorcandidacyof
anycandidatewithoppositionintheelectionbeing
canvassed.
(d)Ifasubstitutememberoralternatemember
cannotbeappointedasprovidedelsewhereinthis
subsection,orintheeventofavacancyinsuchoffice,
thechiefjudgeofthejudicialcircuitinwhichthecounty
islocatedshallappointasasubstitutememberor
alternatememberaqualifiedelectorofthecountywho
isnotacandidatewithoppositionintheelectionbeing
canvassedandwhoisnotanactiveparticipantinthe
campaignorcandidacyofanycandidatewithopposition
intheelectionbeingcanvassed.
(e)1.Thechiefjudgeofthejudicialcircuitinwhich
thecountyislocatedshallappointacountycourtjudge
asanalternatememberofthecountycanvassingboard
or,ifeachcountycourtjudgeisunabletoserveoris
disqualified,shallappointanalternatememberwhois
qualifiedtoserveasasubstitutememberunder
paragraph(a).
Ch.102 CONDUCTINGELECTIONSANDASCERTAININGTHERESULTSF.S.2014
80
2.Thechairoftheboardofcountycommissioners
shallappointamemberoftheboardofcounty
commissionersasanalternatememberofthecounty
canvassingboardor,ifeachmemberoftheboardof
countycommissionersisunabletoserveorisdisqua-
lified,shallappointanalternatememberwhoisqualified
toserveasasubstitutememberunderparagraph(d).
3.Ifamemberofthecountycanvassingboardis
unabletoparticipateinameetingoftheboard,thechair
ofthecountycanvassingboardorhisorherdesignee
shalldesignatewhichalternatememberwillserveasa
memberoftheboardintheplaceofthememberwhois
unabletoparticipateatthatmeeting.
4.Ifnotservingasoneofthethreemembersofthe
countycanvassingboard,analternatemembermaybe
present,observe,andcommunicatewiththethree
membersconstitutingthecountycanvassingboard,
butmaynotvoteintheboard’sdecisionsordetermina-
tions.
(2)Thecountycanvassingboardshallmeetina
buildingaccessibletothepublicinthecountywherethe
electionoccurredatatimeandplacetobedesignated
bythesupervisorofelectionstopubliclycanvassthe
absenteeelectors’ballotsasprovidedforins.101.68
andprovisionalballotsasprovidedbyss.101.048,
101.049,and101.6925.Provisionalballotscastpur-
suanttos.101.049shallbecanvassedinamannerthat
votesforcandidatesandissuesonthoseballotscanbe
segregatedfromothervotes.Publicnoticeofthetime
andplaceatwhichthecountycanvassingboardshall
meettocanvasstheabsenteeelectors’ballotsand
provisionalballotsshallbegivenatleast48hoursprior
theretobypublicationonthesupervisorofelections’
websiteandonceinoneormorenewspapersofgeneral
circulationinthecountyor,ifthereisnonewspaperof
generalcirculationinthecounty,bypostingsuchnotice
inatleastfourconspicuousplacesinthecounty.As
soonastheabsenteeelectors’ballotsandtheprovi-
sionalballotsarecanvassed,theboardshallproceedto
publiclycanvassthevotegiveneachcandidate,nomi-
nee,constitutionalamendment,orothermeasuresub-
mittedtotheelectorateofthecounty,asshownbythe
returnsthenonfileintheofficeofthesupervisorof
elections.
(3)Thecanvass,exceptthecanvassofabsentee
electors’returnsandthecanvassofprovisionalballots,
shallbemadefromthereturnsandcertificatesofthe
inspectorsassignedandfiledbythemwiththesuper-
visor,andthecountycanvassingboardshallnotchange
thenumberofvotescastforacandidate,nominee,
constitutionalamendment,orothermeasuresubmitted
totheelectorateofthecounty,respectively,inany
pollingplace,asshownbythereturns.Allreturnsshall
bemadetotheboardonorbefore2a.m.oftheday
followinganyprimary,general,orotherelection.Ifthe
returnsfromanyprecinctaremissing,ifthereareany
omissionsonthereturnsfromanyprecinct,orifthereis
anobviouserroronanysuchreturns,thecanvassing
boardshallorderaretabulationofthereturnsfromsuch
precinct.Beforecanvassingsuchreturns,thecanvas-
singboardshallexaminethetabulationoftheballots
castinsuchprecinctanddeterminewhetherthereturns
correctlyreflectthevotescast.Ifthereisadiscrepancy
betweenthereturnsandthetabulationoftheballots
cast,thetabulationoftheballotscastshallbepresumed
correctandsuchvotesshallbecanvassedaccordingly.
(4)(a)Thesupervisorofelectionsshalluploadinto
thecounty’selectionmanagementsystemby7p.m.on
thedaybeforetheelectiontheresultsofallearlyvoting
andabsenteeballotsthathavebeencanvassedand
tabulatedbytheendoftheearlyvotingperiod.Pursuant
toss.101.5614(9),101.657,and101.68(2),thetabula-
tionofvotescastortheresultsofsuchuploadsmaynot
bemadepublicbeforethecloseofthepollsonelection
day.
(b)Thecanvassingboardshallreportallearly
votingandalltabulatedabsenteeresultstotheDepart-
mentofStatewithin30minutesafterthepollsclose.
Thereafter,thecanvassingboardshallreport,withthe
exceptionofprovisionalballotresults,updatedprecinct
electionresultstothedepartmentatleastevery45
minutesuntilallresultsarecompletelyreported.The
supervisorofelectionsshallnotifythedepartment
immediatelyofanycircumstancesthatdonotpermit
periodicupdatesasrequired.Resultsshallbesubmitted
inaformatprescribedbythedepartment.
(5)Thecanvassingboardshallsubmitonformsor
informatsprovidedbythedivisionunofficialreturnsto
theDepartmentofStateforeachfederal,statewide,
state,ormulticountyofficeorballotmeasurenolater
thannoononthethirddayafteranyprimaryelectionand
nolaterthannoononthefourthdayafteranygeneralor
otherelection.Suchreturnsshallincludethecanvassof
allballotsasrequiredbysubsection(2).
(6)Ifthecountycanvassingboarddeterminesthat
theunofficialreturnsmaycontainacountingerrorin
whichthevotetabulationsystemfailedtocountvotes
thatwereproperlymarkedinaccordancewiththe
instructionsontheballot,thecountycanvassing
boardshall:
(a)Correcttheerrorandretabulatetheaffected
ballotswiththevotetabulationsystem;or
(b)RequestthattheDepartmentofStateverifythe
tabulationsoftware.WhentheDepartmentofState
verifiessuchsoftware,thedepartmentshallcompare
thesoftwareusedtotabulatethevoteswiththesoftware
filedwiththedepartmentpursuanttos.101.5607and
checktheelectionparameters.
(7)Iftheunofficialreturnsreflectthatacandidatefor
anyofficewasdefeatedoreliminatedbyone-halfofa
percentorlessofthevotescastforsuchoffice,thata
candidateforretentiontoajudicialofficewasretainedor
notretainedbyone-halfofapercentorlessofthevotes
castonthequestionofretention,orthatameasure
appearingontheballotwasapprovedorrejectedby
one-halfofapercentorlessofthevotescastonsuch
measure,arecountshallbeorderedofthevotescast
withrespecttosuchofficeormeasure.TheSecretaryof
Stateisresponsiblefororderingrecountsinfederal,
state,andmulticountyraces.Thecountycanvassing
boardorthelocalboardresponsibleforcertifyingthe
electionisresponsiblefororderingrecountsinallother
races.Arecountneednotbeorderedwithrespecttothe
returnsforanyoffice,however,ifthecandidateor
candidatesdefeatedoreliminatedfromcontentionfor
suchofficebyone-halfofapercentorlessofthevotes
F.S.2014 CONDUCTINGELECTIONSANDASCERTAININGTHERESULTS Ch.102
81
castforsuchofficerequestinwritingthatarecountnot
bemade.
(a)Eachcanvassingboardresponsibleforconduct-
ingarecountshallputeachmarksenseballotthrough
automatictabulatingequipmentanddeterminewhether
thereturnscorrectlyreflectthevotescast.Ifany
marksenseballotisphysicallydamagedsothatitcannot
beproperlycountedbytheautomatictabulatingequip-
mentduringtherecount,atrueduplicateshallbemade
ofthedamagedballotpursuanttotheproceduresins.
101.5614(5).Immediatelybeforethestartofthere-
count,atestofthetabulatingequipmentshallbe
conductedasprovidedins.101.5612.Ifthetest
indicatesnoerror,therecounttabulationoftheballots
castshallbepresumedcorrectandsuchvotesshallbe
canvassedaccordingly.Ifanerrorisdetected,the
causethereforshallbeascertainedandcorrectedand
therecountrepeated,asnecessary.Thecanvassing
boardshallimmediatelyreporttheerror,alongwiththe
causeoftheerrorandthecorrectivemeasuresbeing
taken,totheDepartmentofState.Nolaterthan11days
aftertheelection,thecanvassingboardshallfilea
separateincidentreportwiththeDepartmentofState,
detailingtheresolutionofthematterandidentifyingany
measuresthatwillavoidafuturerecurrenceoftheerror.
(b)Eachcanvassingboardresponsibleforconduct-
ingarecountwheretouchscreenballotswereusedshall
examinethecountersontheprecincttabulatorsto
ensurethatthetotalofthereturnsontheprecinct
tabulatorsequalstheoverallelectionreturn.Ifthereisa
discrepancybetweentheoverallelectionreturnandthe
countersoftheprecincttabulators,thecountersofthe
precincttabulatorsshallbepresumedcorrectandsuch
votesshallbecanvassedaccordingly.
(c)Thecanvassingboardshallsubmitonformsor
informatsprovidedbythedivisionasecondsetof
unofficialreturnstotheDepartmentofStateforeach
federal,statewide,state,ormulticountyofficeorballot
measure.Thereturnsshallbefilednolaterthan3p.m.
onthe5thdayafteranyprimaryelectionandnolater
than3p.m.onthe9thdayafteranygeneralelectionin
whicharecountwasorderedbytheSecretaryofState.
Ifthecanvassingboardisunabletocompletethe
recountprescribedinthissubsectionbythedeadline,
thesecondsetofunofficialreturnssubmittedbythe
canvassingboardshallbeidenticaltotheinitial
unofficialreturnsandthesubmissionshallalsoinclude
adetailedexplanationofwhyitwasunabletotimely
completetherecount.However,thecanvassingboard
shallcompletetherecountprescribedinthissubsection,
alongwithanymanualrecountprescribedins.102.166,
andcertifyelectionreturnsinaccordancewiththe
requirementsofthischapter.
(d)TheDepartmentofStateshalladoptdetailed
rulesprescribingadditionalrecountproceduresforeach
certifiedvotingsystem,whichshallbeuniformtothe
extentpracticable.
(8)Thecanvassingboardmayemploysuchclerical
helptoassistwiththeworkoftheboardasitdeems
necessary,withatleastonememberoftheboard
presentatalltimes,untilthecanvassofthereturnsis
completed.Theclericalhelpshallbepaidfromthesame
fundasinspectorsandothernecessaryelectionoffi-
cials.
(9)(a)Atthesametimethattheofficialresultsofan
electionarecertifiedtotheDepartmentofState,the
countycanvassingboardshallfileareportwiththe
DivisionofElectionsontheconductoftheelection.The
reportmustdescribe:
1.Allequipmentorsoftwaremalfunctionsatthe
precinctlevel,atacountinglocation,orwithincomputer
andtelecommunicationsnetworkssupportingacounty
location,andthestepsthatweretakentoaddressthe
malfunctions;
2.Allelectiondefinitionerrorsthatwerediscovered
afterthelogicandaccuracytest,andthestepsthatwere
takentoaddresstheerrors;
3.Allballotprintingerrorsorballotsupplypro-
blems,andthestepsthatweretakentoaddressthe
errorsorproblems;
4.Allstaffingshortagesorproceduralviolationsby
employeesorprecinctworkerswhichwereaddressed
bythesupervisorofelectionsorthecountycanvassing
boardduringtheconductoftheelection,andthesteps
thatweretakentocorrectsuchissues;
5.Allinstanceswhereneedsforstaffingorequip-
mentwereinsufficienttomeettheneedsofthevoters;
and
6.Anyadditionalinformationregardingmaterial
issuesorproblemsassociatedwiththeconductofthe
election.
(b)Ifasupervisordiscoversneworadditional
informationonanyoftheitemsrequiredtobeincluded
inthereportpursuanttoparagraph(a)afterthereportis
filed,thesupervisorshallnotifythedivisionthatnew
informationhasbeendiscoverednolaterthanthenext
businessdayafterthediscovery,andthesupervisor
shallfileanamendedreportsignedbythesupervisorof
electionsontheconductoftheelectionwithin10days
afterthediscovery.
(c)Suchreportsshallbemaintainedonfileinthe
DivisionofElectionsandshallbeavailableforpublic
inspection.Thedivisionshallutilizethereportssub-
mittedbythecanvassingboardstodeterminewhat
problemsmaybelikelytooccurinotherelectionsand
disseminatesuchinformation,alongwithpossible
solutions,tothesupervisorsofelections.
(10)Thesupervisorshallfilewiththedepartmenta
copyoforanexportfilefromtheresultsdatabaseofthe
county’svotingsystemandotherstatisticalinformation
asmayberequiredbythedepartment,theLegislature,
ortheElectionAssistanceCommission.Thedepart-
mentshalladoptrulesestablishingtherequiredcontent
andacceptableformatsforthefilingsandtimeforfilings.
History.—s.46,ch.6469,1913;RGS350;CGL407;s.11,ch.13761,1929;s.
6,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.57-104;s.6,ch.65-129;s.19,ch.73-334;s.26,ch.
77-175;s.47,ch.79-400;s.18,ch.84-302;s.4,ch.86-33;s.600,ch.95-147;s.41,
ch.2001-40;s.20,ch.2002-17;s.26,ch.2003-415;s.58,ch.2005-277;s.33,ch.
2007-30;s.14,ch.2010-167;s.43,ch.2011-40;s.19,ch.2013-57.
Note.—Formers.102.45.
102.151Countycanvassingboardtoissuecer-
tificates;supervisortogivenoticetoDepartmentof
State.—Thecountycanvassingboardshallmakeand
signduplicatecertificatescontainingthetotalnumberof
votescastforeachpersonnominatedorelected,the
namesofpersonsforwhomsuchvoteswerecast,and
Ch.102 CONDUCTINGELECTIONSANDASCERTAININGTHERESULTSF.S.2014
82
thenumberofvotescastforeachcandidateornominee.
Oneofsuchcertificateswhichrelatestoofficesfor
whichthecandidatesornomineeshavebeenvotedfor
inmorethanonecountyshallbeimmediatelytrans-
mittedtotheDepartmentofState,andthesecondcopy
filedinthesupervisor’soffice.Thesupervisorshall
transmittotheDepartmentofState,immediatelyafter
thecountycanvassingboardhascanvassedthereturns
oftheelection,alistcontainingthenamesofallcounty
anddistrictofficersnominatedorelected,theofficefor
whicheachwasnominatedorelected,andthemailing
addressofeach.
History.—s.47,ch.6469,1913;RGS351;CGL408;s.12,ch.13761,1929;s.
5,ch.25388,1949;s.6,ch.26870,1951;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.27,ch.77-175;s.
31,ch.89-338.
Note.—Formers.102.46.
102.155Certificateofelection.—Thesupervisor
shallgivetoanypersontheelectionofwhomiscertified
bythecountycanvassingboardacertificateofthe
person’selection.TheDepartmentofStateshallgiveto
anypersontheelectionofwhomiscertifiedbythestate
canvassingboardacertificateoftheperson’selection.
Thecertificateofelectionwhichisissuedtoanyperson
shallbeprimafacieevidenceoftheelectionofsuch
person.
History.—s.32,ch.3879,1889;RS186;s.63,ch.4328,1895;GS245;RGS
289;CGL345;s.2,ch.26870,1951;s.5,ch.77-175;s.1393,ch.95-147.
Note.—Formers.99.46.
102.166Manualrecountsofovervotesandun-
dervotes.—
(1)Ifthesecondsetofunofficialreturnspursuantto
s.102.141indicatesthatacandidateforanyofficewas
defeatedoreliminatedbyone-quarterofapercentor
lessofthevotescastforsuchoffice,thatacandidatefor
retentiontoajudicialofficewasretainedornotretained
byone-quarterofapercentorlessofthevotescaston
thequestionofretention,orthatameasureappearing
ontheballotwasapprovedorrejectedbyone-quarterof
apercentorlessofthevotescastonsuchmeasure,a
manualrecountoftheovervotesandundervotescastin
theentiregeographicjurisdictionofsuchofficeorballot
measureshallbeorderedunless:
(a)Thecandidateorcandidatesdefeatedorelimi-
natedfromcontentionbyone-quarterof1percentor
fewerofthevotescastforsuchofficerequestinwriting
thatarecountnotbemade;or
(b)Thenumberofovervotesandundervotesis
fewerthanthenumberofvotesneededtochangethe
outcomeoftheelection.
TheSecretaryofStateisresponsiblefororderinga
manualrecountforfederal,state,andmulticounty
races.Thecountycanvassingboardorlocalboard
responsibleforcertifyingtheelectionisresponsiblefor
orderingamanualrecountforallotherraces.
(2)(a)Anyhardwareorsoftwareusedtoidentifyand
sortovervotesandundervotesforagivenraceorballot
measuremustbecertifiedbytheDepartmentofState
aspartofthevotingsystempursuanttos.101.015.Any
suchhardwareorsoftwaremustbecapableofsimulta-
neouslycountingvotes.
(b)Overvotesandundervotesshallbeidentified
andsortedwhilerecountingballotspursuanttos.
102.141,ifthehardwareorsoftwareforthispurpose
hasbeencertifiedorthedepartment’srulessoprovide.
(3)Anymanualrecountshallbeopentothepublic.
(4)(a)Avoteforacandidateorballotmeasureshall
becountedifthereisaclearindicationontheballotthat
thevoterhasmadeadefinitechoice.
(b)TheDepartmentofStateshalladoptspecific
rulesforthefederalwrite-inabsenteeballotandforeach
certifiedvotingsystemprescribingwhatconstitutesa
“clearindicationontheballotthatthevoterhasmadea
definitechoice.”Therulesshallbeconsistent,tothe
extentpracticable,andmaynot:
1.Exclusivelyprovidethatthevotermustproperly
markordesignatehisorherchoiceontheballot;or
2.Containacatch-allprovisionthatfailstoidentify
specificstandards,suchas“anyothermarkorindica-
tionclearlyindicatingthatthevoterhasmadeadefinite
choice.”
(c)Theruleforthefederalwrite-inabsenteeballot
mustaddress,ataminimum,thefollowingissues:
1.Theappropriatelinesorspacesfordesignating
acandidatechoiceand,forstateandlocalraces,the
officetobevoted,includingtheproximityofeachtothe
otherandtheeffectofinterveningblanklines.
2.Thesufficiencyofdesignatingacandidate’sfirst
orlastnamewhennoothercandidateintheracehas
thesameorasimilarname.
3.Thesufficiencyofdesignatingacandidate’sfirst
orlastnamewhenanopposingcandidatehasthesame
orasimilarname,notwithstandinggenerationalsuffixes
andtitlessuchas“Jr.,”“Sr.,”or“III.”Theruleshould
contemplatethesufficiencyofadditionalfirstnamesand
firstinitials,middlenamesandmiddleinitials,genera-
tionalsuffixesandtitles,nicknames,and,ingeneral
elections,thenameorabbreviationofapoliticalparty.
4.Candidatedesignationscontainingbothaqua-
lifiedcandidate’snameandapoliticalparty,including
wherethepartydesignatedisthecandidate’sparty,is
notthecandidate’sparty,hasanopposingcandidatein
therace,ordoesnothaveanopposingcandidateinthe
race.
5.Situationswheretheabbreviationornameofa
candidateisthesameastheabbreviationornameofa
politicalpartytowhichthecandidatedoesnotbelong,
includingwherethepartydesignatedhasanother
candidateintheraceordoesnothaveacandidatein
therace.
6.Theuseofmarks,symbols,orlanguage,such
asarrows,quotationmarks,ortheword“same”or
“ditto,”toindicatethatthesamepoliticalpartydesigna-
tionappliestoalllistedoffices.
7.Situationswhereanelectordesignatesthe
nameofaqualifiedcandidateforanincorrectoffice.
8.Situationswhereanelectordesignatesan
otherwisecorrectofficenamethatincludesanincorrect
districtnumber.
(5)Proceduresforamanualrecountareasfollows:
(a)Thecountycanvassingboardshallappointas
manycountingteamsofatleasttwoelectorsasis
necessarytomanuallyrecounttheballots.Acounting
teammusthave,whenpossible,membersofatleast
twopoliticalparties.Acandidateinvolvedintherace
shallnotbeamemberofthecountingteam.
F.S.2014 CONDUCTINGELECTIONSANDASCERTAININGTHERESULTS Ch.102
83
(b)Eachduplicateballotpreparedpursuanttos.
101.5614(5)ors.102.141(7)shallbecomparedwiththe
originalballottoensurethecorrectnessoftheduplicate.
(c)Ifacountingteamisunabletodetermine
whethertheballotcontainsaclearindicationthatthe
voterhasmadeadefinitechoice,theballotshallbe
presentedtothecountycanvassingboardfora
determination.
(d)TheDepartmentofStateshalladoptdetailed
rulesprescribingadditionalrecountproceduresforeach
certifiedvotingsystemwhichshallbeuniformtothe
extentpracticable.Therulesshalladdress,atamini-
mum,thefollowingareas:
1.Securityofballotsduringtherecountprocess;
2.Timeandplaceofrecounts;
3.Publicobservanceofrecounts;
4.Objectionstoballotdeterminations;
5.Recordofrecountproceedings;and
6.Proceduresrelatingtocandidateandpetitioner
representatives.
History.—s.9,ch.18405,1937;CGL1940;Supp.337(23-b);s.7,ch.22858,
1945;s.5,ch.26870,1951;s.30,ch.28156,1953;s.24,ch.57-1;s.29,ch.65-380;
s.27,ch.77-175;s.48,ch.79-400;s.15,ch.89-348;s.601,ch.95-147;s.1,ch.
99-339;s.42,ch.2001-40;s.21,ch.2002-17;s.59,ch.2005-277;s.34,ch.
2007-30;s.15,ch.2010-167;s.3,ch.2011-162.
Note.—Formers.100.25;s.101.57.
102.168Contestofelection.—
(1)Exceptasprovidedins.102.171,thecertifica-
tionofelectionornominationofanypersontooffice,or
oftheresultonanyquestionsubmittedbyreferendum,
maybecontestedinthecircuitcourtbyanyunsuccess-
fulcandidateforsuchofficeornominationtheretoorby
anyelectorqualifiedtovoteintheelectionrelatedto
suchcandidacy,orbyanytaxpayer,respectively.
(2)Suchcontestantshallfileacomplaint,together
withthefeesprescribedinchapter28,withtheclerkof
thecircuitcourtwithin10daysaftermidnightofthedate
thelastboardresponsibleforcertifyingtheresults
officiallycertifiestheresultsoftheelectionbeing
contested.
(3)Thecomplaintshallsetforththegroundson
whichthecontestantintendstoestablishhisorherright
tosuchofficeorsetasidetheresultoftheelectionona
submittedreferendum.Thegroundsforcontestingan
electionunderthissectionare:
(a)Misconduct,fraud,orcorruptiononthepartof
anyelectionofficialoranymemberofthecanvassing
boardsufficienttochangeorplaceindoubttheresultof
theelection.
(b)Ineligibilityofthesuccessfulcandidateforthe
nominationorofficeindispute.
(c)Receiptofanumberofillegalvotesorrejection
ofanumberoflegalvotessufficienttochangeorplace
indoubttheresultoftheelection.
(d)Proofthatanyelector,electionofficial,or
canvassingboardmemberwasgivenoroffereda
bribeorrewardinmoney,property,oranyotherthing
ofvalueforthepurposeofprocuringthesuccessful
candidate’snominationorelectionordeterminingthe
resultonanyquestionsubmittedbyreferendum.
(4)Thecanvassingboardresponsibleforcanvas-
singtheelectionisanindispensablepartydefendantin
countyandlocalelections.TheElectionsCanvassing
Commissionisanindispensablepartydefendantin
federal,state,andmulticountyelectionsandinelections
forjusticeoftheSupremeCourt,judgeofadistrictcourt
ofappeal,andjudgeofacircuitcourt.Thesuccessful
candidateisanindispensablepartytoanyaction
broughttocontesttheelectionornominationofa
candidate.
(5)Astatementofthegroundsofcontestmaynot
berejected,northeproceedingsdismissed,bythecourt
foranywantofformifthegroundsofcontestprovidedin
thestatementaresufficienttoclearlyinformthe
defendantoftheparticularproceedingorcausefor
whichthenominationorelectioniscontested.
(6)Acopyofthecomplaintshallbeserveduponthe
defendantandanyotherpersonnamedthereininthe
samemannerasinothercivilcasesunderthelawsof
thisstate.Within10daysafterthecomplainthasbeen
served,thedefendantmustfileanansweradmittingor
denyingtheallegationsonwhichthecontestantreliesor
statingthatthedefendanthasnoknowledgeorinforma-
tionconcerningtheallegations,whichshallbedeemed
adenialoftheallegations,andmuststateanyother
defenses,inlaworfact,onwhichthedefendantrelies.If
ananswerisnotfiledwithinthetimeprescribed,the
defendantmaynotbegrantedahearingincourtto
assertanyclaimorobjectionthatisrequiredbythis
subsectiontobestatedinananswer.
(7)Anycandidate,qualifiedelector,ortaxpayer
presentingsuchacontesttoacircuitjudgeisentitled
toanimmediatehearing.However,thecourtinits
discretionmaylimitthetimetobeconsumedintaking
testimony,withaviewthereintothecircumstancesof
thematterandtotheproximityofanysucceeding
election.
(8)Inanycontestthatrequiresareviewofthe
canvassingboard’sdecisiononthelegalityofan
absenteeballotpursuanttos.101.68basedupona
comparisonofthesignatureonthevoter’scertificate
andthesignatureoftheelectorintheregistration
records,thecircuitcourtmaynotrevieworconsider
anyevidenceotherthanthesignatureonthevoter’s
certificateandthesignatureoftheelectorinthe
registrationrecords.Thecourt’sreviewofsuchissue
shallbetodetermineonlyifthecanvassingboard
abuseditsdiscretioninmakingitsdecision.
History.—ss.7,8,Art.10,ch.38,1845;RS199;GS283;RGS379;CGL444;s.
3,ch.26870,1951;s.16,ch.65-378;s.28,ch.77-175;s.49,ch.79-400;s.602,ch.
95-147;s.3,ch.99-339;s.44,ch.2001-40;s.60,ch.2005-277;s.44,ch.2011-40.
Note.—Formers.104.06;s.99.192;s.102.161.
102.1682Judgmentofouster;revocationof
commission;judgmentsettingasidereferendum.
(1)Ifthecontestantisfoundtobeentitledtothe
office,ifonthefindingsajudgmenttothateffectis
entered,andiftheadversepartyhasbeencommis-
sionedorhasentereduponthedutiesthereoforis
holdingtheoffice,thenajudgmentofoustershallbe
enteredagainstsuchparty.Uponpresentationofa
certifiedcopyofthejudgmentofoustertotheGovernor,
theGovernorshallrevokesuchcommissionand
commissionthepersonfoundinthejudgmenttobe
entitledtotheoffice.
Ch.102 CONDUCTINGELECTIONSANDASCERTAININGTHERESULTSF.S.2014
84
(2)Ifajudgmentisenteredsettingasidearefer-
endum,theelectionshallbevoid.
History.—s.9,Art.10,ch.38,1845;RS201;GS285;RGS381;CGL446;s.3,
ch.26870,1951;s.18,ch.65-378;s.29,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.104.08;s.99.211;s.102.163.
102.1685Venue.—Thevenueforcontestinga
nominationorelectionortheresultsofareferendum
shallbeinthecountyinwhichthecontestantqualifiedor
inthecountyinwhichthequestionwassubmittedfor
referendumor,iftheelectionorreferendumcovered
morethanonecounty,theninLeonCounty.
History.—s.3,ch.26870,1951;s.17,ch.65-378;s.30,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.99.202;s.102.162.
102.169Quowarrantonotabridged.—Nothingin
thiscodeshallbeconstruedtoabrogateorabridgeany
remedythatmaynowexistbyquowarranto,butinsuch
casetheproceedingprescribedins.102.168shallbe
analternativeorcumulativeremedy.
History.—RS203;GS287;RGS383;CGL448;s.3,ch.26870,1951;s.19,ch.
65-378;s.31,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.104.10;s.99.221;s.102.164.
102.171ContestofelectiontoLegislature.—The
jurisdictiontohearanycontestoftheelectionofa
membertoeitherhouseoftheLegislatureisvestedin
theapplicablehouse,aseachhouse,pursuanttos.2,
Art.IIIoftheStateConstitution,isthesolejudgeofthe
qualifications,elections,andreturnsofitsmembers.
Therefore,thecertificationofelectionofanypersonto
theofficeofmemberofeitherhouseoftheLegislature
mayonlybecontestedintheapplicablehousebyan
unsuccessfulcandidateforsuchoffice,inaccordance
withtherulesofthathouse.Thissectiondoesnotapply
toanycontestofthenominationofanypersonforthe
officeofmemberofeitherhouseoftheLegislatureat
anyprimaryorspecialprimaryelectioninwhichonly
thosequalifiedelectorswhoareregisteredmembersof
thepoliticalpartyholdingsuchprimaryelectionmay
vote,asprovidedforins.5(b),Art.VIoftheState
Constitution.Thissectiondoesapplytoanycontestofa
primaryorspecialprimaryelectionfortheofficeof
memberofeitherhouseoftheLegislatureinwhichall
qualifiedelectorsmayvote,asprovidedforins.5(b),
Art.VIoftheStateConstitution,andtherecipientofthe
mostvotesisdeemedtobeelectedaccordingto
applicablelaw.
History.—s.4,ch.99-339.
F.S.2014 CONDUCTINGELECTIONSANDASCERTAININGTHERESULTS Ch.102
85
CHAPTER103
PRESIDENTIALELECTORS;POLITICALPARTIES;EXECUTIVECOMMITTEES
ANDMEMBERS
103.011ElectorsofPresidentandVicePresident.
103.021Nominationforpresidentialelectors.
103.022Write-incandidatesforPresidentandVice
President.
103.051Congresssetsmeetingdatesofelectors.
103.061Meetingofelectorsandfillingofvacancies.
103.062Pluralityofvotestofillvacancy;proceeding
incaseoftie.
103.071Compensationofelectors.
103.081Useofpartyname;politicaladvertising.
103.091Politicalparties.
103.092Affiliatedpartycommittees.
103.095Minorpoliticalparties.
103.101Presidentialpreferenceprimary.
103.121Powersanddutiesofexecutivecommittees.
103.131 Politicalpartyofficesdeemedvacantin
certaincases.
103.141 Removalofcountyexecutivecommittee
memberforviolationofoath.
103.011ElectorsofPresidentandVicePresi-
dent.—ElectorsofPresidentandVicePresident,known
aspresidentialelectors,shallbeelectedonthefirst
TuesdayafterthefirstMondayinNovemberofeach
yearthenumberofwhichisamultipleof4.Votescast
fortheactualcandidatesforPresidentandVice
Presidentshallbecountedasvotescastforthe
presidentialelectorssupportingsuchcandidates.The
DepartmentofStateshallcertifyaselectedthepre-
sidentialelectorsofthecandidatesforPresidentand
VicePresidentwhoreceivethehighestnumberof
votes.
History.—ss.2,3,ch.3879,1889;RS157;s.4,ch.4328,1895;s.3,ch.4537,
1897;GS174;RGS218;CGL253;s.2,ch.25383,1949;s.7,ch.26870,1951;ss.
10,35,ch.69-106;s.32,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.98.07.
103.021Nominationforpresidentialelectors.—
Candidatesforpresidentialelectorsshallbenominated
inthefollowingmanner:
(1)TheGovernorshallnominatethepresidential
electorsofeachpoliticalparty.Thestateexecutive
committeeofeachpoliticalpartyshallbyresolution
recommendcandidatesforpresidentialelectorsand
deliveracertifiedcopythereoftotheGovernorbefore
September1ofeachpresidentialelectionyear.The
Governorshallnominateonlytheelectorsrecom-
mendedbythestateexecutivecommitteeofthe
respectivepoliticalparty.Eachsuchelectorshallbea
qualifiedelectorofthepartyheorsherepresentswho
hastakenanoaththatheorshewillvoteforthe
candidatesofthepartythatheorsheisnominatedto
represent.TheGovernorshallcertifytotheDepartment
ofStateonorbeforeSeptember1,ineachpresidential
electionyear,thenamesofanumberofelectorsfor
eachpoliticalpartyequaltothenumberofsenatorsand
representativeswhichthisstatehasinCongress.
(2)Thenamesofthepresidentialelectorsshallnot
beprintedonthegeneralelectionballot,butthenames
oftheactualcandidatesforPresidentandVicePre-
sidentforwhomthepresidentialelectorswillvoteif
electedshallbeprintedontheballotintheorderin
whichthepartyofwhichthecandidateisanominee
polledthehighestnumberofvotesforGovernorinthe
lastgeneralelection.
(3)CandidatesforPresidentandVicePresident
withnopartyaffiliationmayhavetheirnamesprintedon
thegeneralelectionballotsifapetitionissignedby1
percentoftheregisteredelectorsofthisstate,asshown
bythecompilationbytheDepartmentofStateforthe
lastprecedinggeneralelection.Aseparatepetitionfrom
eachcountyforwhichsignaturesaresolicitedshallbe
submittedtothesupervisorofelectionsoftherespec-
tivecountynolaterthanJuly15ofeachpresidential
electionyear.Thesupervisorshallcheckthenames
and,onorbeforethedateoftheprimaryelection,shall
certifythenumbershownasregisteredelectorsofthe
county.Thesupervisorshallbepaidbytheperson
requestingthecertificationthecostofcheckingthe
petitionsasprescribedins.99.097.Thesupervisorshall
thenforwardthecertificatetotheDepartmentofState
whichshalldeterminewhetherornotthepercentage
factorrequiredinthissectionhasbeenmet.Whenthe
percentagefactorrequiredinthissectionhasbeenmet,
theDepartmentofStateshallorderthenamesofthe
candidatesforwhomthepetitionwascirculatedtobe
includedontheballotandshallpermittherequired
numberofpersonstobecertifiedaselectorsinthe
samemanneraspartycandidates.
(4)(a)Aminorpoliticalpartythatisaffiliatedwitha
nationalpartyholdinganationalconventiontonominate
candidatesforPresidentandVicePresidentofthe
UnitedStatesmayhavethenamesofitscandidatesfor
PresidentandVicePresidentoftheUnitedStates
printedonthegeneralelectionballotbyfilingwiththe
DepartmentofStateacertificatenamingthecandidates
forPresidentandVicePresidentandlistingtherequired
numberofpersonstoserveaselectors.Notificationto
theDepartmentofStateunderthissubsectionshallbe
madebySeptember1oftheyearinwhichtheelectionis
held.WhentheDepartmentofStatehasbeenso
notified,itshallorderthenamesofthecandidates
nominatedbytheminorpoliticalpartytobeincludedon
theballotandshallpermittherequirednumberof
personstobecertifiedaselectorsinthesamemanner
asotherpartycandidates.Asusedinthissection,the
term“nationalparty”meansapoliticalpartythatis
registeredwithandrecognizedasaqualifiednational
committeeofapoliticalpartybytheFederalElection
Commission.
(b)Aminorpoliticalpartythatisnotaffiliatedwitha
nationalpartyholdinganationalconventiontonominate
candidatesforPresidentandVicePresidentofthe
UnitedStatesmayhavethenamesofitscandidatesfor
PresidentandVicePresidentprintedonthegeneral
electionballotifapetitionissignedby1percentofthe
registeredelectorsofthisstate,asshownbythe
Ch.103 PRESIDENTIALELECTORS;POLITICALPARTIES;COMMITTEESF.S.2014
86
compilationbytheDepartmentofStateforthepreced-
inggeneralelection.Aseparatepetitionfromeach
countyforwhichsignaturesaresolicitedshallbe
submittedtothesupervisorsofelectionsoftherespec-
tivecountynolaterthanJuly15ofeachpresidential
electionyear.Thesupervisorshallcheckthenames
and,onorbeforethedateoftheprimaryelection,shall
certifythenumbershownasregisteredelectorsofthe
county.Thesupervisorshallbepaidbytheperson
requestingthecertificationthecostofcheckingthe
petitionsasprescribedins.99.097.Thesupervisorshall
thenforwardthecertificatetotheDepartmentofState,
whichshalldeterminewhetherornotthepercentage
factorrequiredinthissectionhasbeenmet.Whenthe
percentagefactorrequiredinthissectionhasbeenmet,
theDepartmentofStateshallorderthenamesofthe
candidatesforwhomthepetitionwascirculatedtobe
includedontheballotandshallpermittherequired
numberofpersonstobecertifiedaselectorsinthe
samemannerasotherpartycandidates.
(5)Whenforanyreasonapersonnominatedor
electedasapresidentialelectorisunabletoserve
becauseofdeath,incapacity,orotherwise,theGover-
normayappointapersontofillsuchvacancywho
possessesthequalificationsrequiredfortheelectorto
havebeennominatedinthefirstinstance.Suchperson
shallfilewiththeGovernoranoaththatheorshewill
supportthesamecandidatesforPresidentandVice
Presidentthatthepersonwhoisunabletoservewas
committedtosupport.
History.—s.1,ch.25143,1949;s.7,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.61-364;s.1,ch.
67-353;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;ss.7,8,ch.70-269;s.1,ch.70-439;s.32,ch.
77-175;s.8,ch.83-251;s.13,ch.85-80;s.603,ch.95-147;s.5,ch.99-318;s.61,
ch.2005-277;s.18,ch.2005-286;s.45,ch.2011-40.
Note.—Formers.102.011.
103.022Write-incandidatesforPresidentand
VicePresident.—Personsseekingtoqualifyforelec-
tionaswrite-incandidatesforPresidentandVice
PresidentoftheUnitedStatesmayhaveablank
spaceprovidedonthegeneralelectionballotfortheir
namestobewritteninbyfilinganoathwiththe
DepartmentofStateatanytimeafterthe57thday,
butbeforenoonofthe49thday,priortothedateofthe
primaryelectionintheyearinwhichapresidential
electionisheld.TheDepartmentofStateshallprescribe
theformtobeusedinadministeringtheoath.The
candidatesshallfilewiththedepartmentacertificate
namingtherequirednumberofpersonstoserveas
electors.Suchwrite-incandidatesshallnotbeentitledto
havetheirnamesontheballot.
History.—s.15,ch.81-105;s.9,ch.83-251;s.19,ch.2005-286.
103.051Congresssetsmeetingdatesofelec-
tors.—Thepresidentialelectorsshall,onthedaythatis
directedbyCongressandatthetimefixedbythe
Governor,meetatTallahasseeandperformtheduties
requiredofthembytheConstitutionandlawsofthe
UnitedStates.
History.—s.6,ch.71,1847;RS204;GS288;RGS384;CGL449;s.7,ch.
26870,1951;s.32,ch.77-175;s.62,ch.2005-277.
Note.—Formers.105.01.
103.061Meetingofelectorsandfillingofvacan-
cies.—Eachpresidentialelectorshall,onthedayfixed
byCongresstoelectaPresidentandVicePresident
andatthetimefixedbytheGovernor,givenoticetothe
GovernorthattheelectorisinTallahasseeandreadyto
performthedutiesofpresidentialelector.TheGovernor
shallforthwithdelivertothepresidentialelectorspre-
sentacertificateofthenamesofalltheelectors;andif,
onexaminationthereof,itshouldbefoundthatoneor
moreelectorsareabsent,theelectorspresentshall
electbyballot,inthepresenceoftheGovernor,a
personorpersonstofillsuchvacancyorvacanciesas
mayhaveoccurredthroughthenonattendanceofoneor
moreoftheelectors.
History.—s.8,ch.71,1847;RS206;GS290;RGS386;CGL451;s.7,ch.
26870,1951;s.32,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.85-19;s.604,ch.95-147;s.63,ch.
2005-277.
Note.—Formers.105.03.
103.062Pluralityofvotestofillvacancy;pro-
ceedingincaseoftie.—Ifanymorethanthenumber
ofpersonsrequiredtofillthevacancyasprovidedbys.
103.061receivethehighestandanequalnumberof
votes,thentheelectionofthosereceivingsuchhighest
andequalnumberofvotesshallbedeterminedbylot
drawnbytheGovernorinthepresenceofthepre-
sidentialelectorsattending;otherwise,those,tothe
numberrequired,receivingthehighestnumberofvotes,
shallbeconsideredelectedtofillthevacancy.
History.—s.7,ch.26870,1951;s.2,ch.67-353;s.32,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.103.031.
103.071Compensationofelectors.—Eachpre-
sidentialelectorattendingassuchinTallahasseeshall
bereimbursedforhisorhertravelexpenses,as
providedins.112.061,fromtheelector’splaceof
residencetoTallahasseeandreturn.Suchexpenses
shallbepaiduponapprovaloftheGovernor.The
amountsnecessarytomeettherequirementsofthis
sectionshallbeincludedinthelegislativebudget
requestoftheGovernor.Iftheamountsappropriated
forthispurposeareinsufficient,theExecutiveOfficeof
theGovernormayreleasethenecessaryamountsfrom
thedeficiencyappropriation.
History.—s.12,ch.71,1847;RS210;GS294;RGS390;CGL455;ss.7,chs.
26869,26870,1951;s.1,ch.61-32;s.6,ch.63-400;ss.2,3,ch.67-371;ss.31,35,
ch.69-106;s.86,ch.79-190;s.605,ch.95-147.
Note.—Formers.105.07.
103.081Useofpartyname;politicaladvertising.
(1)Nopersonshallusethename,abbreviation,or
symbolofanypoliticalparty,thename,abbreviation,or
symbolofwhichisfiledwiththeDepartmentofState,in
politicaladvertisinginnewspapers,otherpublications,
handbills,radioortelevision,oranyotherformof
advertisinginconnectionwithanypoliticalactivitiesin
supportofacandidateofanyotherparty,unlesssuch
personshallfirstobtainthewrittenpermissionofthe
chairofthestateexecutivecommitteeofthepartythe
name,abbreviation,orsymbolofwhichistobeused.
(2)Nopersonorgroupofpersonsshallusethe
name,abbreviation,orsymbolofanypoliticalparty,the
name,abbreviation,orsymbolofwhichisfiledwiththe
DepartmentofState,inconnectionwithanyclub,group,
association,ororganizationofanykindunlessapproval
andpermissionhavebeengiveninwritingbythestate
executivecommitteeofsuchparty.Thissubsection
shallnotapplytocountyexecutivecommitteesofsuch
partiesandorganizationswhicharecharteredbythe
F.S.2014PRESIDENTIALELECTORS;POLITICALPARTIES;COMMITTEES Ch.103
87
nationalexecutivecommitteeofthepartythename,
abbreviation,orsymbolofwhichistobeused,orto
organizationsusingthenameofanypoliticalparty
whichorganizationshavebeeninexistenceandorga-
nizedonastatewidebasisforaperiodof10years.
(3)ApoliticalpartymayfilewiththeDepartmentof
Statenamesofgroupsorcommitteesassociatedwith
thepoliticalparty.Suchfilednamesmaynotbeused
withoutfirstobtainingthewrittenpermissionofthechair
ofthestateexecutivecommitteeoftheparty.
(4)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionoflawtothe
contrary,anaffiliatedpartycommitteeshallbeentitled
tousethename,abbreviation,orsymbolofthepolitical
partyofitsleaderasdefinedins.103.092.
History.—s.6,ch.6469,1913;RGS304;CGL360;s.7,ch.26870,1951;s.26,
ch.29934,1955;s.1,ch.57-202;s.1,ch.61-424;s.3,ch.67-353;ss.10,35,ch.
69-106;s.32,ch.77-175;s.606,ch.95-147;s.35,ch.2007-30;ss.1,30,ch.
2011-6;HJR7105,2011RegularSession.
Note.—Formers.102.06.
103.091Politicalparties.—
(1)Eachpoliticalpartyofthestateshallberepre-
sentedbyastateexecutivecommittee.Countyexecu-
tivecommitteesandothercommitteesmaybeestab-
lishedinaccordancewiththerulesofthestateexecutive
committee.Apoliticalpartymayprovidefortheselec-
tionofitsnationalcommitteeanditsstateandcounty
executivecommitteesinsuchmannerasitdeems
proper.Unlessotherwiseprovidedbypartyrule,the
countyexecutivecommitteeofeachpoliticalpartyshall
consistofatleasttwomembers,amanandawoman,
fromeachprecinct,whoshallbecalledtheprecinct
committeemanandcommitteewoman.Forcounties
dividedinto40ormoreprecincts,thestateexecutive
committeemayadoptadistrictunitofrepresentationfor
suchcountyexecutivecommittees.Uponadoptionofa
districtunitofrepresentation,thestateexecutive
committeeshallrequestthesupervisorofelectionsof
thatcounty,withapprovaloftheboardofcounty
commissioners,toprovideforelectiondistrictsasnearly
equalinnumberofregisteredvotersaspossible.Each
countycommitteemanorcommitteewomanshallbea
residentoftheprecinctfromwhichheorsheiselected.
Eachstatecommitteemanorcommitteewomanmustbe
amemberingoodstandingofthecountyexecutive
committeeforthecountyinwhichthestatecommittee-
manorcommitteewomanisaregisteredvoter.
(2)Thestateexecutivecommitteeofapoliticalparty
maybyresolutionprovideamethodofelectionof
nationalcommitteemenandnationalcommitteewomen
andofnominationofpresidentialelectors,ifsuchparty
isentitledtoaplaceontheballotasotherwiseprovided
forpresidentialelectors,andmayprovidealsoforthe
electionofdelegatesandalternatestonationalcon-
ventions.
(3)Thestateexecutivecommitteeofeachpolitical
partyshallfilewiththeDepartmentofStatethenames
andaddressesofitschair,vicechair,secretary,
treasurer,andmembersandshallfileacopyofits
constitution,bylaws,andrulesandregulationswiththe
DepartmentofState.Eachcountyexecutivecommittee
shallfilewiththestateexecutivecommitteeandwiththe
supervisorofelectionsthenamesandaddressesofits
officersandmembers.
(4)Anypoliticalpartyotherthanaminorpolitical
partymaybyruleprovideforthemembershipofitsstate
orcountyexecutivecommitteetobeelectedfor4-year
termsattheprimaryelectionineachyearapresidential
electionisheld.Thetermsshallcommenceonthefirst
dayofthemonthfollowingeachpresidentialgeneral
election;butthenamesofcandidatesforpoliticalparty
officesshallnotbeplacedontheballotatanyother
election.Theresultsofsuchelectionshallbedeter-
minedbyapluralityofthevotescast.Insuchevent,
electorsseekingtoqualifyforsuchofficeshalldoso
withtheDepartmentofStateorsupervisorofelections
notearlierthannoonofthe71stday,orlaterthannoon
ofthe67thday,precedingtheprimaryelection.The
outgoingchairofeachcountyexecutivecommittee
shall,within30daysafterthecommitteememberstake
office,holdanorganizationalmeetingofallnewly
electedmembersforthepurposeofelectingofficers.
Thechairofeachstateexecutivecommitteeshall,
within60daysafterthecommitteememberstakeoffice,
holdanorganizationalmeetingofallnewlyelected
membersforthepurposeofelectingofficers.
(5)Intheeventnocountycommitteemanorcom-
mitteewomaniselected,oravacancyoccursfromany
othercauseinanycountyexecutivecommittee,the
countychairshallcallameetingofthecountyexecutive
committeebyduenoticetoallmembers,andthe
vacancyshallbefilledbyamajorityvoteofthose
presentatameetingatwhichaquorumispresent.Such
vacancyshallbefilledbyaqualifiedmemberofthe
politicalpartyresidinginthedistrictwherethevacancy
occurredandfortheunexpiredportionoftheterm.
(6)(a)Inadditiontothemembersprovidedforin
subsection(1),eachcountyexecutivecommitteeshall
includeallmembersoftheLegislaturewhoareresi-
dentsofthecountyandmembersoftheirrespective
politicalpartyandwhoshallbeknownasat-large
committeemenandcommitteewomen.
(b)Eachstateexecutivecommitteeshallinclude,as
at-largecommitteemenandcommitteewomen,allmem-
bersoftheUnitedStatesCongressrepresentingthe
StateofFloridawhoaremembersofthepoliticalparty,
allstatewideelectedofficialswhoaremembersofthe
party,10Floridaregisteredvoterswhoaremembersof
thepartyasappointedbytheGovernoriftheGovernor
isamemberoftheparty,andthePresidentofthe
SenateortheMinorityLeaderintheSenate,andthe
SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativesortheMinority
LeaderintheHouseofRepresentatives,whicheverisa
memberofthepoliticalparty,and20membersofthe
Legislaturewhoaremembersofthepoliticalparty.Ten
ofthelegislatorsshallbeappointedwiththeconcur-
renceofthestatechairoftherespectiveparty,as
follows:fivetobeappointedbythePresidentofthe
Senate;fivebytheMinorityLeaderintheSenate;fiveby
theSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives;andfive
bytheMinorityLeaderintheHouse.
(c)Whenapoliticalpartyallowsanymemberofthe
stateexecutivecommitteetohavemorethanonevote
perperson,otherthanbyproxy,inamattercoming
beforethestateexecutivecommittee,the20members
oftheLegislatureappointedunderparagraph(b)shall
notbeappointedtothestateexecutivecommitteeand
Ch.103 PRESIDENTIALELECTORS;POLITICALPARTIES;COMMITTEESF.S.2014
88
thefollowingelectedofficialswhoaremembersofthat
politicalpartyshallbeappointedandshallhavethe
followingvotes:
1.Governor:anumberequalto15percentofvotes
castbystateexecutivecommitteemenandcommittee-
women;
2.LieutenantGovernor:anumberequalto5
percentofthevotescastbystateexecutivecommittee-
menandcommitteewomen;
3.EachmemberoftheUnitedStatesSenate
representingthestate:anumberequalto10percent
ofthevotescastbystateexecutivecommitteemenand
committeewomen;
4.AttorneyGeneral:anumberequalto5percent
ofthevotescastbystateexecutivecommitteemenand
committeewomen;
5.ChiefFinancialOfficer:anumberequalto5
percentofthevotescastbystateexecutivecommittee-
menandcommitteewomen;
6.CommissionerofAgriculture:anumberequalto
5percentofthevotescastbystateexecutivecommit-
teemenandcommitteewomen;
7.PresidentoftheSenate:anumberequalto10
percentofthevotescastbystateexecutivecommittee-
menandcommitteewomen;
8.MinorityleaderoftheSenate:anumberequalto
10percentofthevotescastbystateexecutive
committeemenandcommitteewomen;
9.SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives:a
numberequalto10percentofthevotescastbystate
executivecommitteemenandcommitteewomen;
10.MinorityleaderoftheHouseofRepresentatives:
anumberequalto10percentofthevotescastbystate
executivecommitteemenandcommitteewomen;and
11.EachmemberoftheUnitedStatesHouseof
Representativesrepresentingthestate:anumberequal
to1percentofthevotescastbystateexecutive
committeemenandcommitteewomen.
(d)1.Thegoverningbodyofeachstateexecutive
committeeasdefinedbypartyruleshallincludeasat-
largecommitteemenandcommitteewomenallstate-
wideelectedofficialswhoaremembersofsuchpolitical
party;uptofourmembersoftheUnitedStatesCon-
gressrepresentingthestatewhoaremembersofsuch
politicalpartyandwhoshallbeappointedbythestate
chaironthebasisofgeographicrepresentation;the
permanentpresidingofficerselectedbythemembersof
eachhouseoftheLegislaturewhoaremembersofsuch
politicalparty;andtheminorityleaderselectedbythe
membersofeachhouseoftheLegislaturewhoare
membersofsuchpoliticalparty.
2.Allmembersofthegoverningbodyshallhave
onevoteperperson.
(7)Membersofthestateexecutivecommitteeor
governingbodymayvotebyproxy.
(8)Theconductingofofficialbusinessinconnection
withone’spublicofficeconstitutesgoodandsufficient
reasonforfailuretoattendcountyorstateexecutive
committeemeetingsorameetingofthegoverning
body.
History.—ss.1,2,2A,ch.22039,1943;ss.1,2,3,ch.22678,1945;s.7,ch.
26870,1951;s.32,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.78-1;s.22,ch.79-164;s.3,ch.81-312;s.
12,ch.82-143;s.3,ch.83-242;s.33,ch.84-302;s.17,ch.87-363;s.607,ch.
95-147;s.2,ch.95-197;s.110,ch.2003-261;s.20,ch.2005-286;s.36,ch.
2007-30.
Note.—Formers.102.71.
103.092Affiliatedpartycommittees.—
(1)Forpurposesofthissection,theterm“leader”
meansthePresidentoftheSenate,theSpeakerofthe
HouseofRepresentatives,ortheminorityleaderof
eitherhouseoftheLegislature,untilapersonis
designatedbyapoliticalpartyconferenceofmembers
ofeitherhousetosucceedtoanysuchposition,atwhich
timethedesigneebecomestheleaderforpurposesof
thissection.
(2)Theleaderofeachpoliticalpartyconferenceof
theHouseofRepresentativesandtheSenatemay
establishaseparate,affiliatedpartycommitteeto
supporttheelectionofcandidatesoftheleader’s
politicalparty.Theaffiliatedpartycommitteeissubject
tothesameprovisionsofchapter106asapolitical
party.
(3)Eachaffiliatedpartycommitteeshall:
(a)Adoptbylawstoinclude,ataminimum,the
designationofatreasurer.
(b)Conductcampaignsforcandidateswhoare
membersoftheleader’spoliticalparty.
(c)Establishanaccount.
(d)Raiseandexpendfunds.Suchfundsmaynotbe
expendedorcommittedtobeexpendedexceptwhen
authorizedbytheleaderoftheaffiliatedpartycommit-
tee.
History.—ss.2,30,ch.2011-6;HJR7105,2011RegularSession.
103.095Minorpoliticalparties.—
(1)Anygroupofcitizensorganizedforthegeneral
purposesofelectingtoofficequalifiedpersonsand
determiningpublicissuesunderthedemocraticpro-
cessesoftheUnitedStatesmaybecomeaminor
politicalpartyofthisstatebyfilingwiththedepartmenta
certificateshowingthenameoftheorganization,the
namesandaddressesofitscurrentofficers,including
themembersofitsexecutivecommittee,accompanied
byacompleteduniformstatewidevoterregistration
applicationasspecifiedins.97.052foreachofits
currentofficersandmembersofitsexecutivecommittee
whichreflecttheiraffiliationwiththeproposedminor
politicalparty,andacopyofitsconstitution,bylaws,and
rulesandregulations.
(2)Eachelectorregisteredtovoteintheminor
politicalpartyinwhichheorshehassodesignatedhas
afundamentalrighttofullyandmeaningfullyparticipate
inthebusinessandaffairsoftheminorpoliticalparty
withoutanymonetaryencumbrance.Theconstitution,
bylaws,rules,regulations,orotherequivalentdocu-
mentsmustreflectthisfundamentalrightandmust
provideforandcontainreasonableprovisionsthat,ata
minimum,prescribeproceduresto:prescribeitsmem-
bership;conductitsmeetingsaccordingtogenerally
acceptedparliamentarypractices;timelynotifyits
membersastothetime,date,andplaceofallofits
meetings;timelypublishnoticeonitspublicand
functioningwebsiteastothetime,date,andplaceof
allofitsmeetings;electitsofficers;removeitsofficers;
makepartynominationswhenrequiredbylaw;conduct
campaignsforpartynominees;raiseandexpendparty
F.S.2014PRESIDENTIALELECTORS;POLITICALPARTIES;COMMITTEES Ch.103
89
funds;selectdelegatestoitsnationalconvention,if
applicable;selectpresidentialelectors,ifapplicable;
andalteroramendallofitsgoverningdocuments.
(3)Themembersoftheexecutivecommitteemust
electachair,vicechair,secretary,andtreasurer,allof
whomshallbemembersoftheminorpoliticalparty,and
nomembermayholdmorethanoneoffice,exceptthat
onepersonmayholdtheofficesofsecretaryand
treasurer.
(4)Uponapprovaloftheminorpoliticalparty’sfiling,
thedepartmentshallprocessthevoterregistration
applicationssubmittedbytheminorpoliticalparty’s
officersandmembersofitsexecutivecommittee.Itshall
bethedutyoftheminorpoliticalpartytonotifythe
departmentofanychangesinthefilingcertificatewithin
5daysaftersuchchanges.
(5)TheDivisionofElectionsshalladoptrulesto
prescribethemannerinwhichpoliticalparties,including
minorpoliticalparties,mayhavetheirfilingswiththe
DepartmentofStatecanceled.Suchrulesshall,ata
minimum,providefor:
(a)Notice,whichmustcontainthefactsandcon-
ductthatwarranttheintendedaction,including,butnot
limitedto,thefailuretohaveanyvotersregisteredinthe
party,thefailuretonotifythedepartmentofreplacement
officers,thefailuretofilecampaignfinancereports,the
failuretoadoptandfilewiththedepartmentallgovern-
ingdocumentscontainingtheprovisionsspecifiedin
subsection(2),andlimitedactivity.
(b)Adequateopportunitytorespond.
(c)AppealofthedecisiontotheFloridaElections
Commission.Suchappealsareexemptfromthecon-
fidentialityprovisionsofs.106.25.
(6)Therequirementsofthissectionareretroactive
foranyminorpoliticalpartyregisteredwiththedepart-
mentonJuly1,2011,andmustbecompliedwithwithin
180daysafterthedepartmentprovidesnoticetothe
minorpoliticalpartyoftherequirementscontainedin
thissection.Failureoftheminorpoliticalpartytocomply
withtherequirementswithin180daysafterreceiptof
thenoticeshallautomaticallyresultinthecancellationof
theminorpoliticalparty’sregistration.
History.—s.46,ch.2011-40.
103.101Presidentialpreferenceprimary.—
(1)Eachpoliticalpartyotherthanaminorpolitical
partyshall,atthepresidentialpreferenceprimary,elect
onepersontobetheparty’scandidatefornomination
forPresidentoftheUnitedStatesorselectdelegatesto
theparty’snationalnominatingconvention,asprovided
bypartyrule.Thepresidentialpreferenceprimaryshall
beheldineachyearthenumberofwhichisamultipleof
4onthefirstTuesdaythattherulesofthemajorpolitical
partiesprovideforstatedelegationstobeallocated
withoutpenalty.Anypartyruledirectingthevoteof
delegatesatanationalnominatingconventionshall
reasonablyreflecttheresultsofthepresidentialpre-
ferenceprimary,ifoneisheld.
(2)ByNovember30oftheyearprecedingthe
presidentialpreferenceprimary,eachpoliticalparty
shallsubmittotheSecretaryofStatealistofits
presidentialcandidatestobeplacedonthepresidential
preferenceprimaryballotorcandidatesentitledtohave
delegatesappearonthepresidentialpreferencepri-
maryballot.TheSecretaryofStateshallprepareand
publishalistofthenamesofthepresidentialcandidates
submittednotlaterthanonthefirstTuesdayafterthe
firstMondayinDecemberoftheyearprecedingthe
presidentialpreferenceprimary.TheDepartmentof
Stateshallimmediatelynotifyeachpresidentialcandi-
datelistedbytheSecretaryofState.Suchnotification
shallbeinwriting,byregisteredmail,withreturnreceipt
requested.
(3)Acandidate’snameshallbeprintedonthe
presidentialpreferenceprimaryballotunlessthecandi-
datesubmitstotheDepartmentofState,priortothe
secondTuesdayafterthefirstMondayinDecemberof
theyearprecedingthepresidentialpreferenceprimary,
anaffidavitstatingthatheorsheisnotnow,anddoes
notpresentlyintendtobecome,acandidatefor
Presidentattheupcomingnominatingconvention.Ifa
candidatewithdrawspursuanttothissubsection,the
DepartmentofStateshallnotifythestateexecutive
committeethatthecandidate’snamewillnotbeplaced
ontheballot.TheDepartmentofStateshall,nolater
thanthethirdTuesdayafterthefirstMondayin
Decemberoftheyearprecedingthepresidentialpre-
ferenceprimary,certifytoeachsupervisorofelections
thenameofeachcandidateforpoliticalpartynomina-
tiontobeprintedontheballot.
(4)Thenamesofcandidatesforpoliticalparty
nominationsforPresidentoftheUnitedStatesshall
beprintedonofficialballotsforthepresidentialpre-
ferenceprimaryelectionandshallbemarked,counted,
canvassed,returned,andproclaimedinthesame
mannerandunderthesameconditions,sofaras
theyareapplicable,asinotherstateelections.If
partyrulerequiresthedelegates’namestobeprinted
ontheofficialpresidentialpreferenceprimaryballot,the
nameofthepresidentialcandidatesforthatpolitical
partymaynotbeprintedseparately,buttheballotmay
reflectthepresidentialcandidatetowhomthedelegate
ispledged.If,however,apoliticalpartyhasonlyone
presidentialcandidate,neitherthenameofthecandi-
datenorthenamesofthecandidate’sdelegatesshall
beprintedontheballot.
(5)Thestateexecutivecommitteeofeachparty,by
ruleadoptedatleast60dayspriortothepresidential
preferenceprimaryelection,shalldeterminethenum-
ber,andestablishprocedurestobefollowedinthe
selection,ofdelegatesanddelegatealternatesfrom
amongeachcandidate’ssupporters.Acopyofanyrule
adoptedbytheexecutivecommitteeshallbefiledwith
theDepartmentofStatewithin7daysafteritsadoption
andshallbecomeapublicrecord.TheDepartmentof
Stateshallreviewtheproceduresandshallnotifythe
stateexecutivecommitteeofeachpoliticalpartyofany
ballotlimitations.
(6)Allnamesofcandidatesordelegatesshallbe
listedasdirectedbytheDepartmentofState.
History.—s.3,ch.6469,1913;RGS301;CGL357;ss.1,2,3,ch.22058,1943;
s.1,ch.22729,1945;s.1,ch.25235,1949;s.7,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.29947,
1955;s.4,ch.67-353;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.2,ch.71-236;s.2,ch.75-246;s.1,
ch.77-174;s.32,ch.77-175;s.14,ch.82-143;s.1,ch.84-92;s.1,ch.86-97;s.32,
ch.89-338;s.15,ch.91-45;s.608,ch.95-147;s.28,ch.2001-40;s.3,ch.2007-30;
s.27,ch.2008-95;s.47,ch.2011-40;s.28,ch.2012-116;s.20,ch.2013-57.
Note.—Formerss.102.03,102.72.
Ch.103 PRESIDENTIALELECTORS;POLITICALPARTIES;COMMITTEESF.S.2014
90
103.121Powersanddutiesofexecutivecom-
mittees.—
(1)(a)Eachstateandcountyexecutivecommitteeof
apoliticalpartyshallhavethepowerandduty:
1.Toadoptaconstitutionbytwo-thirdsvoteofthe
fullcommittee.
2.Toadoptsuchbylawsasitmaydeemnecessary
bymajorityvoteofthefullcommittee.
3.Toconductitsmeetingsaccordingtogenerally
acceptedparliamentarypractice.
4.Tomakepartynominationwhenrequiredbylaw.
5.Toconductcampaignsforpartynominees.
6.Toraiseandexpendpartyfunds.Suchfunds
maynotbeexpendedorcommittedtobeexpended
exceptafterwrittenauthorizationbythechairofthe
stateorcountyexecutivecommittee.
(b)Thecountyexecutivecommitteeshallreceive
paymentofassessmentsuponcandidatestobevoted
forinasinglecountyexceptstatesenators,state
representatives,andrepresentativestotheCongress
oftheUnitedStates;anaffiliatedpartycommittee
controlledbyaleaderoftheSenateasdefinedins.
103.092shallreceivepaymentofassessmentsupon
candidatesfortheofficeofstatesenator,andan
affiliatedpartycommitteecontrolledbyaleaderofthe
HouseofRepresentativesasdefinedins.103.092shall
receivepaymentofassessmentsuponcandidatesfor
theofficeofstaterepresentative;andthestateexecu-
tivecommitteesshallreceiveallotherassessments
authorized.Allpartyassessmentsshallbe2percentof
theannualsalaryoftheofficesoughtbytherespective
candidate.Allsuchcommitteeassessmentsshallbe
remittedtothestateexecutivecommitteeofthe
appropriatepartyanddistributedinaccordancewith
subsection(5),exceptthatassessmentsforcandidates
fortheofficeofstatesenatororstaterepresentative
shallberemittedtotheappropriateaffiliatedparty
committee.
(2)Thechairandtreasurerofanexecutivecommit-
teeofanypoliticalpartyshallbeaccountableforthe
fundsofsuchcommitteeandjointlyliablefortheir
properexpenditureforauthorizedpurposesonly.The
fundsofeachsuchstateexecutivecommitteeshallbe
publiclyauditedattheendofeachcalendaryearanda
copyofsuchauditfurnishedtotheDepartmentofState
foritsexaminationpriortoApril1oftheensuingyear.
WhenfiledwiththeDepartmentofState,copiesofsuch
auditshallbepublicdocuments.Thetreasurerofeach
countyexecutivecommitteeshallmaintainadequate
recordsevidencingreceiptanddisbursementofallparty
fundsreceivedbyhimorher,andsuchrecordsshallbe
publiclyauditedattheendofeachcalendaryearanda
copyofsuchauditfiledwiththesupervisorofelections
andthestateexecutivecommitteepriortoApril1ofthe
ensuingyear.
(3)Anychairortreasurerofastateorcounty
executivecommitteeofanypoliticalpartywhoknow-
inglymisappropriates,ormakesanunlawfulexpendi-
tureof,orafalseorimproperaccountingfor,thefunds
ofsuchcommitteeisguiltyofafelonyofthethird
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.
775.083,ors.775.084.
(4)Thecentralcommitteeorotherequivalentgov-
erningbodyofeachstateexecutivecommitteeshall
adoptarulewhichgovernsthetimeandmannerin
whichtherespectivecountyexecutivecommitteesof
suchpartymayendorse,certify,screen,orotherwise
recommendoneormorecandidatesforsuchparty’s
nominationforelection.Uponadoption,suchruleshall
providetheexclusivemethodbywhichacounty
committeemaysoendorse,certify,screen,orotherwise
recommend.Nolaterthanthedateonwhichqualifying
forpublicofficebeginspursuanttos.99.061,thechair
ofeachcountyexecutivecommitteeshallnotifyin
writingthesupervisorofelectionsofhisorhercounty
whetherthecountyexecutivecommitteehasendorsed
orintendstoendorse,certify,screen,orotherwise
recommendcandidatesfornominationpursuanttoparty
rule.Acopyofsuchnotificationshallbeprovidedtothe
SecretaryofStateandtothechairoftheappropriate
stateexecutivecommittee.
(5)Thestatechairofeachstateexecutivecommit-
teeshallreturnthe2-percentcommitteeassessmentfor
countycandidatestotheappropriatecountyexecutive
committeesonlyuponreceiptofawrittenstatementthat
suchcountyexecutivecommitteechoosesnotto
endorse,certify,screen,orotherwiserecommendone
ormorecandidatesforsuchparty’snominationfor
electionanduponthestatechair’sdeterminationthat
thecountyexecutivecommitteeisincompliancewithall
Floridastatutesandallstatepartyrules,bylaws,
constitutions,andrequirements.
History.—ss.20,21,23,28,ch.6469,1913;RGS324,325,327,332;CGL381,
382,384,389;s.1,ch.25389,1949;s.9,ch.26329,1949;s.7,ch.26870,1951;s.
41,ch.28156,1953;s.2,ch.29935,1955;s.1,ch.57-743;s.1,ch.61-157;s.1,ch.
63-97;ss.6,7,8,ch.67-353;ss.10,35,ch.69-106;s.26,ch.77-104;s.32,ch.
77-175;s.50,ch.79-400;s.1,ch.82-160;s.25,ch.83-217;s.2,ch.83-242;s.1,
ch.89-256;s.609,ch.95-147;s.64,ch.2005-277;ss.3,30,ch.2011-6;HJR7105,
2011RegularSession.
Note.—Formerss.102.27,102.28,102.30,102.35.
103.131Politicalpartyofficesdeemedvacantin
certaincases.—Everypoliticalpartyofficeshallbe
deemedvacantinthefollowingcases:
(1)Bythedeathoftheincumbent.
(2)Byhisorherresignation.
(3)Byhisorherremoval.
(4)Byhisorherceasingtobeaninhabitantofthe
state,district,orprecinctforwhichheorsheshallhave
beenelectedorappointed.
(5)Byhisorherrefusaltoaccepttheoffice.
(6)Theconvictionoftheincumbentofanyfelony.
(7)Thedecisionofacompetenttribunaldeclaring
voidhisorherelectionorappointment,andhisorher
removalbysaidtribunal.
(8)Byhisorherfailuretoattend,withoutgoodand
sufficientreason,threeconsecutivemeetings,regular
orcalled,ofthecommitteeofwhichheorsheisa
member.
History.—s.1,ch.59-68;s.1,ch.61-122;s.9,ch.67-353;s.610,ch.95-147.
103.141Removalofcountyexecutivecommit-
teememberforviolationofoath.—Ifthecounty
executivecommitteebyatleastatwo-thirdsmajority
voteofthemembersofthecommittee,attendinga
meetingheldafterduenoticehasbeengivenandat
whichmeetingaquorumispresent,determinesan
incumbentcountyexecutivecommitteememberisguilty
F.S.2014PRESIDENTIALELECTORS;POLITICALPARTIES;COMMITTEES Ch.103
91
ofanoffenseinvolvingaviolationofthemember’soath
ofoffice,themembershallberemovedfromofficeand
theofficeshallbedeemedvacant.However,ifthe
countycommitteewrongfullyremovesacountycom-
mitteememberandthecommitteememberwrongfully
removedfilessuitinthecircuitcourtalleginghisorher
removalwaswrongfulandwinsthesuit,thecommittee
membershallberestoredtoofficeandthecounty
committeeshallpaythecostsincurredbythewrongfully
removedcommitteememberinbringingthesuit,
includingreasonableattorney’sfees.
History.—s.10,ch.67-353;s.611,ch.95-147;s.37,ch.2007-30;s.48,ch.
2011-40.
Ch.103 PRESIDENTIALELECTORS;POLITICALPARTIES;COMMITTEESF.S.2014
92
CHAPTER104
ELECTIONCODE:VIOLATIONS;PENALTIES
104.011Falseswearing;submissionoffalsevoter
registrationinformation.
104.012Considerationforregistration;interference
withregistration;solicitingregistrations
forcompensation;alterationofregistra-
tionapplication.
104.013Unauthorizeduse,possession,ordestruc-
tionofvoterinformationcard.
104.031Falsedeclarationtosecureassistancein
preparingballot.
104.041Fraudinconnectionwithcastingvote.
104.045Voteselling.
104.047Absenteeballotsandvoting;violations.
104.051Violations;neglectofduty;corruptprac-
tices.
104.0515Votingrights;deprivationof,orinterference
with,prohibited;penalty.
104.061Corruptlyinfluencingvoting.
104.0615Voterintimidationorsuppressionprohib-
ited;criminalpenalties.
104.0616Absenteeballotsandvoting;violations.
104.071Remunerationbycandidateforservices,
support,etc.;penalty.
104.081Threatsofemployerstocontrolvotesof
employees.
104.091Aiding,abetting,advising,orconspiringin
violationofthecode.
104.101Failuretoassistofficersatpolls.
104.11Neglectofdutybysherifforotherofficer.
104.13Interminglingballots.
104.15Unqualifiedelectorswillfullyvoting.
104.16Votingfraudulentballot.
104.17Votinginpersonaftercastingabsentee
ballot.
104.18Castingmorethanoneballotatanyelec-
tion.
104.185 Petitions;knowinglysigningmorethan
once;signinganotherperson’snameor
afictitiousname.
104.19Usingstickersorrubberstampsorcarrying
certainitemsinvotingbooth;penalty.
104.20Ballotnottobeseen,andotheroffenses.
104.21Changingelectors’ballots.
104.22Stealinganddestroyingrecords,etc.,of
election.
104.23Disclosinghowelectorvotes.
104.24Penaltyforassumingname.
104.26Penaltyfordestroyingballotorbooth,etc.
104.271Falseormaliciouschargesagainst,orfalse
statementsabout,opposingcandidates;
penalty.
104.2715Falserepresentationsofmilitaryservice;
penalty.
104.29Inspectorsrefusingtoallowwatcherswhile
ballotsarecounted.
104.30Votingsystem;unlawfulpossession;tam-
pering.
104.31 Politicalactivitiesofstate,county,and
municipalofficersandemployees.
104.32Supervisorofelections;deliveryofbooksto
successor.
104.39Witnessesastoviolations.
104.41Violationsnototherwiseprovidedfor.
104.42Fraudulentregistrationandillegalvoting;
investigation.
104.43Grandjuries;specialinvestigation.
104.011Falseswearing;submissionoffalse
voterregistrationinformation.—
(1)Apersonwhowillfullyswearsoraffirmsfalselyto
anyoathoraffirmation,orwillfullyprocuresanother
persontoswearoraffirmfalselytoanoathoraffirma-
tion,inconnectionwithorarisingoutofvotingor
electionscommitsafelonyofthethirddegree,punish-
ableasprovidedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.
775.084.
(2)Apersonwhowillfullysubmitsanyfalsevoter
registrationinformationcommitsafelonyofthethird
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.
775.083.
History.—s.15,ch.14715,1931;CGL1936Supp.8202(6);s.8,ch.26870,
1951;s.19,ch.71-136;s.33,ch.77-175;s.38,ch.94-224;s.31,ch.97-13.
104.012Considerationforregistration;interfer-
encewithregistration;solicitingregistrationsfor
compensation;alterationofregistrationapplica-
tion.—
(1)Anypersonwhogivesanythingofvaluethatis
redeemableincashtoanypersoninconsiderationfor
hisorherbecomingaregisteredvotercommitsafelony
ofthethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.
775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.Thissectionshall
notbeinterpreted,however,toexcludesuchservices
astransportationtotheplaceofregistrationorbaby-
sittinginconnectionwiththeabsenceofanelectorfrom
homeforregistering.
(2)Apersonwhobybribery,menace,threat,or
othercorruption,directlyorindirectly,influences,de-
ceives,ordetersorattemptstoinfluence,deceive,or
deteranypersoninthefreeexerciseofthatperson’s
righttoregistertovoteatanytime,uponthefirst
conviction,commitsafelonyofthethirddegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.775.083,or
s.775.084,and,uponanysubsequentconviction,
commitsafelonyoftheseconddegree,punishableas
providedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
(3)Apersonmaynotsolicitorpayanotherpersonto
solicitvoterregistrationsforcompensationthatisbased
uponthenumberofregistrationsobtained.Aperson
whoviolatestheprovisionsofthissubsectioncommitsa
felonyofthethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.
775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
(4)Apersonwhoaltersthevoterregistration
applicationofanyotherperson,withouttheother
person’sknowledgeandconsent,commitsafelonyof
thethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,
s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.1,ch.63-198;s.20,ch.71-136;s.33,ch.77-175;s.39,ch.94-224;
s.1394,ch.95-147;s.32,ch.97-13;s.23,ch.98-129.
F.S.2014 ELECTIONCODE:VIOLATIONS;PENALTIES Ch.104
93
104.013Unauthorizeduse,possession,orde-
structionofvoterinformationcard.—
(1)Itisunlawfulforanypersonknowinglytohavein
hisorherpossessionanyblank,forged,stolen,
fictitious,counterfeit,orunlawfullyissuedvoterinforma-
tioncardunlesspossessionbysuchpersonhasbeen
dulyauthorizedbythesupervisor.
(2)Itisunlawfulforanypersontobarter,trade,sell,
orgiveawayavoterinformationcardunlesssaidperson
hasbeendulyauthorizedtoissueavoterinformation
card.
(3)Itisunlawfulforanypersonwillfullytodestroyor
defacetheinformationcardofadulyregisteredvoter.
(4)Anypersonwhoviolatesanyoftheprovisionsof
thissectioncommitsafelonyofthethirddegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.775.083,or
s.775.084.
History.—s.1,ch.76-49;s.1,ch.77-174;s.34,ch.77-175;s.3,ch.91-224;s.
40,ch.94-224;s.1395,ch.95-147;s.24,ch.98-129;s.44,ch.2005-278.
104.031Falsedeclarationtosecureassistance
inpreparingballot.—Anypersonwhomakesafalse
declarationforassistanceinvoting,orinthepreparation
ofhisorherballot,inanyelectionisguiltyofa
misdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishableaspro-
videdins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.49,ch.4328,1895;GS3829;RGS5892;CGL8156;s.8,ch.
26870,1951;s.22,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.4,ch.91-224;s.613,ch.
95-147.
Note.—Formers.99.31.
104.041Fraudinconnectionwithcastingvote.
Anypersonperpetratingorattemptingtoperpetrateor
aidintheperpetrationofanyfraudinconnectionwith
anyvotecast,tobecast,orattemptedtobecast,is
guiltyofafelonyofthethirddegree,punishableas
providedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.4,ch.22014,1943;s.1,ch.25385,1949;s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.
23,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.101.14.
104.045Voteselling.—Anypersonwho:
(1)Corruptlyofferstovotefororagainst,orto
refrainfromvotingfororagainst,anycandidateinany
electioninreturnforpecuniaryorotherbenefit;or
(2)Acceptsapecuniaryorotherbenefitinex-
changeforapromisetovotefororagainst,ortorefrain
fromvotingfororagainst,anycandidateinanyelection,
isguiltyofafelonyofthethirddegree,punishableas
providedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.1,ch.81-107;s.25,ch.98-129.
104.047Absenteeballotsandvoting;violations.
(1)Exceptasprovidedins.101.62ors.101.655,
anypersonwhorequestsanabsenteeballotonbehalf
ofanelectorisguiltyofafelonyofthethirddegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.
775.084.
(2)Anypersonwhomarksordesignatesachoice
ontheballotofanotherperson,exceptasprovidedins.
101.051,s.101.655,ors.101.661,isguiltyofafelonyof
thethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,
s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.26,ch.98-129;s.34,ch.99-2;s.57,ch.2001-40;s.54,ch.
2005-278.
104.051Violations;neglectofduty;corrupt
practices.—
(1)Anyofficialwhowillfullyviolatesanyofthe
provisionsofthiselectioncodeshallbeexcludedfrom
thepolls.Anyelectionofficialwhoisexcludedshallbe
replacedasprovidedinthiscode.
(2)Anyofficialwhowillfullyrefusesorwillfully
neglectstoperformhisorherdutiesasprescribedby
thiselectioncodeisguiltyofamisdemeanorofthefirst
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.
775.083.
(3)Anyofficialwhoperformshisorherdutyas
prescribedbythiselectioncodefraudulentlyorcorruptly
isguiltyofafelonyofthethirddegree,punishableas
providedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
(4)Anysupervisor,deputysupervisor,orelection
employeewhoattemptstoinfluenceorinterferewith
anyelectorvotingaballotcommitsafelonyofthethird
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.
775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.30,ch.4328,1895;s.10,ch.4537,1897;s.16,ch.14715,1931;s.
4,ch.18407,1937;GS215,3824;RGS259,5885;CGL315,8148;1936Supp.
8151(1);1940Supp.7476(8);ss.3-E,4,7,8,ch.22018,1943;s.8,ch.26870,
1951;s.42,ch.28156,1953;s.24,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.21,ch.90-315;
s.614,ch.95-147;s.27,ch.98-129.
104.0515Votingrights;deprivationof,orinter-
ferencewith,prohibited;penalty.—
(1)Allcitizensofthisstatewhoareotherwise
qualifiedbylawtovoteatanyelectionbythepeople
inthisstateorinanydistrict,county,city,town,
municipality,schooldistrict,orothersubdivisionof
thisstateshallbeentitledandallowedtovoteatall
suchelectionswithoutdistinctionaccordingtorace,
color,orpreviousconditionofservitude,notwithstand-
inganylaw,ordinance,regulation,custom,orusageto
thecontrary.
(2)Nopersonactingundercoloroflawshall:
(a)Indeterminingwhetheranyindividualisqualified
underlawtovoteinanyelection,applyanystandard,
practice,orproceduredifferentfromthestandards,
practices,orproceduresappliedunderlawtoother
individualswithinthesamepoliticalsubdivisionwho
havebeenfoundtobequalifiedtovote;or
(b)Denytherightofanyindividualtovoteinany
electionbecauseofanerrororomissiononanyrecord
orpaperrelatingtoanyapplication,registration,orother
actrequisitetovoting,ifsucherrororomissionisnot
materialindeterminingwhethersuchindividualis
qualifiedunderlawtovoteinsuchelection.This
paragraphshallapplytoabsenteeballotsonlyifthere
isapatternorhistoryofdiscriminationonthebasisof
race,color,orpreviousconditionofservitudeinregard
toabsenteeballots.
(3)Noperson,whetheractingundercoloroflawor
otherwise,shallintimidate,threaten,orcoerce,or
attempttointimidate,threaten,orcoerce,anyother
personforthepurposeofinterferingwiththerightof
suchotherpersontovoteornottovoteasthatperson
maychoose,orforthepurposeofcausingsuchother
persontovotefor,ornotvotefor,anycandidateforany
officeatanygeneral,special,orprimaryelectionheld
solelyorinpartforthepurposeofselectingorelecting
anysuchcandidate.
Ch.104 ELECTIONCODE:VIOLATIONS;PENALTIES F.S.2014
94
(4)Novotingqualificationorprerequisitetovoting,
andnostandard,practice,orprocedure,shallbe
imposedorappliedbyanypoliticalsubdivisionofthis
statetodenyorabridgetherightofanycitizentovoteon
accountofraceorcolor.
(5)Anypersonwhoviolatestheprovisionsofthis
sectionisguiltyofafelonyofthethirddegree,punish-
ableasprovidedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.
775.084.
History.—s.1,ch.82-59;s.26,ch.83-217;s.5,ch.91-224;s.615,ch.95-147;
s.28,ch.98-129.
104.061Corruptlyinfluencingvoting.—
(1)Whoeverbybribery,menace,threat,orother
corruptionwhatsoever,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,
attemptstoinfluence,deceive,ordeteranyelectorin
votingorinterfereswithhimorherinthefreeexerciseof
theelector’srighttovoteatanyelectioncommitsa
felonyofthethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.
775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084forthefirstconvic-
tion,andafelonyoftheseconddegree,punishableas
providedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084,forany
subsequentconviction.
(2)Nopersonshalldirectlyorindirectlygiveor
promiseanythingofvaluetoanotherintendingthereby
tobuythatperson’soranother’svoteortocorruptly
influencethatpersonoranotherincastinghisorher
vote.Anypersonwhoviolatesthissubsectionisguiltyof
afelonyofthethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.
775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.However,this
subsectionshallnotapplytotheservingoffoodtobe
consumedatapoliticalrallyormeetingortoanyitemof
nominalvaluewhichisusedasapoliticaladvertise-
ment,includingacampaignmessagedesignedtobe
wornbyaperson.
History.—ss.1,3,ch.6470,1913;RGS5918;CGL8182;s.1,ch.19617,1939;
s.1,ch.20934,1941;s.7,ch.22858,1945;s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.65-379;s.
25,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.51,ch.79-400;s.21,ch.81-304;s.22,ch.
90-315;s.616,ch.95-147;s.29,ch.98-129.
104.0615Voterintimidationorsuppressionpro-
hibited;criminalpenalties.—
(1)Thissectionmaybecitedasthe“VoterProtec-
tionAct.”
(2)Apersonmaynotdirectlyorindirectlyuseor
threatentouseforce,violence,orintimidationorany
tacticofcoercionorintimidationtoinduceorcompelan
individualto:
(a)Voteorrefrainfromvoting;
(b)Voteorrefrainfromvotingforanyparticular
individualorballotmeasure;
(c)Refrainfromregisteringtovote;or
(d)Refrainfromactingasalegallyauthorized
electionofficialorpollwatcher.
(3)Apersonmaynotknowinglyusefalseinforma-
tionto:
(a)Challengeanindividual’srighttovote;
(b)Induceorattempttoinduceanindividualto
refrainfromvotingorregisteringtovote;or
(c)Induceorattempttoinduceanindividualto
refrainfromactingasalegallyauthorizedelection
officialorpollwatcher.
(4)Apersonmaynotknowinglydestroy,mutilate,or
defaceavoterregistrationformorelectionballotor
obstructordelaythedeliveryofavoterregistrationform
orelectionballot.
(5)Apersonwhoviolatessubsection(2),subsec-
tion(3),orsubsection(4)commitsafelonyofthethird
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.
775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.76,ch.2005-277.
104.0616Absenteeballotsandvoting;viola-
tions.—
(1)Forpurposesofthissection,theterm“immedi-
atefamily”meansaperson’sspouseortheparent,
child,grandparent,orsiblingofthepersonorthe
person’sspouse.
(2)Anypersonwhoprovidesorofferstoprovide,
andanypersonwhoaccepts,apecuniaryorother
benefitinexchangefordistributing,ordering,request-
ing,collecting,delivering,orotherwisephysicallypos-
sessingmorethantwoabsenteeballotsperelectionin
additiontohisorherownballotoraballotbelongingto
animmediatefamilymember,exceptasprovidedinss.
101.6105-101.694,commitsamisdemeanorofthefirst
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.
775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.53,ch.2005-278;s.21,ch.2013-57;s.8,ch.2014-17.
104.071Remunerationbycandidateforser-
vices,support,etc.;penalty.—
(1)Itisunlawfulforanypersonsupportinga
candidate,orforanycandidate,inordertoaidor
promotethenominationorelectionofsuchcandidatein
anyelection,directlyorindirectlyto:
(a)Promisetoappointanotherperson,promiseto
secureoraidinsecuringappointment,nominationor
electionofanotherpersontoanypublicorprivate
position,ortoanypositionofhonor,trust,oremolument,
exceptonewhohaspubliclyannouncedordefinedwhat
hisorherchoiceorpurposeinrelationtoanyelectionin
whichheorshemaybecalledtotakepart,ifelected.
(b)Give,orpromisetogive,pay,orloan,anymoney
orotherthingofvaluetotheowner,editor,publisher,or
agent,ofanycommunicationmedia,aswellasnews-
papers,toadvocateoroppose,throughsuchmedia,
anycandidatefornominationinanyelectionorany
candidateforelection,andnosuchowner,editor,or
agentshallgive,solicit,oracceptsuchpaymentor
reward.Itshalllikewisebeunlawfulforanyowner,
editor,publisher,oragentofanypoll-takingorpoll-
publishingconcerntoadvocateoropposethroughsuch
pollanycandidatefornominationinanyelectionorany
candidateforelectioninreturnforthegivingor
promisingtogive,pay,orloananymoneyorother
thingofvaluetosaidowner,editor,publisher,oragent
ofanypoll-takingorpoll-publishingconcern.
(c)Give,pay,expend,orcontributeanymoneyor
thingofvalueforthefurtheranceofthecandidacyofany
othercandidate.
(d)Furnish,give,ordelivertoanotherpersonany
moneyorotherthingofvalueforanypurposeprohibited
bytheelectionlaws.
Thissubsectionshallnotprohibitacandidatefrom
furnishingcomplimentaryticketstothecandidate’s
campaignfundraisertoothercandidates.
F.S.2014 ELECTIONCODE:VIOLATIONS;PENALTIES Ch.104
95
(2)Acandidatemaygivehisorherownpersonalor
businessfundstoanothercandidate,solongasthe
contributionisnotgiveninexchangeforapromiseor
expectationthattherecipientwilldirectlyorindirectlydo
anythingtoaidorpromotethecandidacyofthe
contributorwhichtherecipientwouldnothaveotherwise
done.
(3)Anypersonwhoviolatesanyprovisionofthis
sectionisguiltyofafelonyofthethirddegree,punish-
ableasprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083,andfrom
andafterconvictionshallbedisqualifiedtoholdoffice.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.2,ch.65-379;s.26,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.
77-175;s.52,ch.79-400;s.33,ch.89-338;s.617,ch.95-147.
104.081Threatsofemployerstocontrolvotesof
employees.—Itisunlawfulforanypersonhavingone
ormorepersonsinhisorherserviceasemployeesto
dischargeorthreatentodischargeanyemployeeinhis
orherserviceforvotingornotvotinginanyelection,
state,county,ormunicipal,foranycandidateor
measuresubmittedtoavoteofthepeople.Anyperson
whoviolatestheprovisionsofthissectionisguiltyofa
felonyofthethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.
775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.27,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.618,ch.
95-147;s.30,ch.98-129.
104.091Aiding,abetting,advising,orconspir-
inginviolationofthecode.—
(1)Anypersonwhoknowinglyaids,abets,or
advisestheviolationofthiscodeshallbepunishedin
likemannerastheprincipaloffender.
(2)Anypersonwhoagrees,conspires,combines,
orconfederateswithanotherpersontocommita
violationofthiscodeshallbepunishedasifheorshe
hadcommittedtheviolation.
(3)Anypersonwhoknowsofafelonyviolationof
thiscodeandgivesanyaidtotheoffenderwhohas
violatedthiscode,withintentthattheoffenderavoidor
escapedetection,arrest,trial,orpunishment,shallbe
punishedasifheorshehadcommittedtheviolation.
ThissubsectiondoesnotprohibitamemberofThe
FloridaBarfromgivinglegaladvicetoaclient.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.67-164;s.28,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.
77-175;s.1,ch.2002-214.
104.101Failuretoassistofficersatpolls.—Any
personsummonedbythesheriffordeputysheriffwho
failsorrefusestoassisthimorherinmaintainingthe
peaceatthepollsisguiltyofamisdemeanorofthefirst
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.
775.083.
History.—s.27,ch.3879,1889;RS181;s.58,ch.4328,1895;GS3834;RGS
5896;CGL8160;s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.29,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.619,
ch.95-147.
Note.—Formers.99.40.
104.11Neglectofdutybysherifforotherofficer.
Anysheriff,deputysheriff,orotherofficerwhowillfully
neglectsorwillfullyrefusestoperformhisorherduties
relatingtoelectionsisguiltyofamisdemeanorofthe
firstdegree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.
775.083.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.30,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.620,ch.
95-147.
104.13Interminglingballots.—Whoeverwillfully
placesanyballotintheballotboxexceptasproperly
votedbyelectors,orwillfullyinterminglesanyother
ballotswhichhavenotbeendulyreceivedduringthe
electionwiththeballotswhicharevotedbytheelectors,
isguiltyofafelonyofthethirddegree,punishableas
providedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.3,ch.65-379;s.32,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.
77-175.
104.15Unqualifiedelectorswillfullyvoting.—
Whoever,knowingheorsheisnotaqualifiedelector,
willfullyvotesatanyelectionisguiltyofafelonyofthe
thirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.
775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.5,ch.65-379;s.34,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.
77-175;s.621,ch.95-147.
104.16Votingfraudulentballot.—Anyelector
whoknowinglyvotesorattemptstovoteafraudulent
ballot,oranypersonwhoknowinglysolicits,orat-
tempts,tovoteafraudulentballot,isguiltyofafelonyof
thethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,
s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.36,ch.4328,1895;GS221;s.42,ch.6469,1913;RGS266,346,
5911;CGL322,403;8175;s.6,ch.17898,1937;s.3,ch.17901,1937;s.6,ch.
25187,1949;s.4,ch.25386,1949;s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.6,ch.65-379;s.35,ch.
71-136;s.35,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formerss.99.20,102.41.
104.17Votinginpersonaftercastingabsentee
ballot.—Anypersonwhowillfullyvotesorattemptsto
votebothinpersonandbyabsenteeballotatany
electionisguiltyofafelonyofthethirddegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.775.083,or
s.775.084.
History.—s.1,ch.22014,1943;s.1,ch.25385,1949;s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.
7,ch.65-379;s.36,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175.
Note.—Formers.101.11.
104.18Castingmorethanoneballotatany
election.—Exceptasprovidedins.101.6952,whoever
willfullyvotesmorethanoneballotatanyelection
commitsafelonyofthethirddegree,punishableas
providedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.8,ch.65-379;s.37,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.
77-175;s.4,ch.2011-162.
104.185Petitions;knowinglysigningmorethan
once;signinganotherperson’snameorafictitious
name.—
(1)Apersonwhoknowinglysignsapetitionor
petitionsforacandidate,aminorpoliticalparty,oran
issuemorethanonetimecommitsamisdemeanorof
thefirstdegree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082or
s.775.083.
(2)Apersonwhosignsanotherperson’snameora
fictitiousnametoanypetitiontosecureballotposition
foracandidate,aminorpoliticalparty,oranissue
commitsamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishable
asprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.1,ch.77-178;s.6,ch.91-224;s.23,ch.97-13.
104.19Usingstickersorrubberstampsor
carryingcertainitemsinvotingbooth;penalty.—
(1)(a)Itisunlawfulforanypersoncastingaballotat
anyelectiontousestickersorrubberstampsortocarry
Ch.104 ELECTIONCODE:VIOLATIONS;PENALTIES F.S.2014
96
intoavotingboothanymechanicaldevice,paper,or
memorandumwhichmightbeusedtoaffectadversely
thenormalelectionprocess.
(b)Incastingawrite-inballot,theelectorshallcast
thesameinhisorherownhandwritingorinthe
handwritingofanauthorizedpersonaidinghimorher.
(2)Anypersonwhoviolatestheprovisionsofthis
sectionisguiltyofamisdemeanoroftheseconddegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.7,ch.25187,1949;s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.70-136;s.39,ch.
71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.16,ch.81-105;s.622,ch.95-147.
Note.—Formers.99.201.
104.20Ballotnottobeseen,andotheroffenses.
Anyelectorwho,exceptasprovidedbylaw,allowshis
orherballottobeseenbyanyperson;takesor
removes,orattemptstotakeorremove,anyballot
fromthepollingplacebeforethecloseofthepolls;
placesanymarkonhisorherballotbywhichitmaybe
identified;endeavorstoinduceanyelectortoshowhow
heorshevoted;aidsorattemptstoaidanyelector
unlawfully;orprintsorprocurestobeprinted,orhasin
hisorherpossession,anycopiesofanyballotprepared
tobevotedisguiltyofamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.55,ch.4328,1895;s.2,ch.4536,1897;GS3835;RGS5897;CGL
8161;s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.40,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.623,ch.95-147;
s.19,ch.2002-281.
Note.—Formers.99.34.
104.21Changingelectors’ballots.—Whoever
fraudulentlychangesorattemptstochangethevote
orballotofanyelector,bywhichactionssuchelectoris
preventedfromvotingsuchballotorfromvotingsuch
ballotastheelectorintended,isguiltyofafelonyofthe
thirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.
775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.10,ch.65-379;s.41,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.
77-175;s.624,ch.95-147.
104.22Stealinganddestroyingrecords,etc.,of
election.—Anypersonwhoisguiltyofstealing,willfully
andwrongfullybreaking,destroying,mutilating,defa-
cing,orunlawfullymovingorsecuringanddetainingthe
wholeoranypartofanyballotboxoranyrecordtally
sheetorcopythereof,returns,oranyotherpaperor
documentprovidedfor,orwhofraudulentlymakesany
entryoralterationthereinexceptasprovidedbylaw,or
whopermitsanyotherpersonsotodo,isguiltyofa
felonyofthethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.
775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.11,ch.65-379;s.42,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.
77-175.
104.23Disclosinghowelectorvotes.—Anyelec-
tionofficialorpersonassistinganyelectorwhowillfully
discloseshowanyelectorvoted,exceptupontrialin
court,isguiltyofafelonyofthethirddegree,punishable
asprovidedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.12,ch.65-379;s.43,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.
77-175.
104.24Penaltyforassumingname.—Aperson
maynot,inconnectionwithanypartoftheelection
process,fraudulentlycallhimselforherself,orfraudu-
lentlypassby,anyothernamethanthenamebywhich
thepersonisregisteredorfraudulentlyusethenameof
anotherinvoting.Anypersonwhoviolatesthissection
isguiltyofafelonyofthethirddegree,punishableas
providedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.775.084.
History.—s.57,ch.6469,1913;RGS360,5913;CGL417,8177;s.4,ch.
22014,1943;s.1,ch.25385,1949;s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.13,ch.65-379;s.44,
ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.625,ch.95-147;s.31,ch.98-129.
Note.—Formerss.101.14,102.53.
104.26Penaltyfordestroyingballotorbooth,
etc.—Anypersonwhowrongfully,duringorbeforean
election,removes,tearsdown,destroys,ordefacesany
ballot,booth,compartment,orotherconvenience
providedforthepurposeofenablingtheelectorto
preparehisorherballot,oranycardfortheinstructionof
thevoter,isguiltyofamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.46,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.626,ch.
95-147.
104.271Falseormaliciouschargesagainst,or
falsestatementsabout,opposingcandidates;pen-
alty.—
(1)Anycandidatewho,inaprimaryelectionorother
election,willfullychargesanopposingcandidateparti-
cipatinginsuchelectionwithaviolationofanyprovision
ofthiscode,whichchargeisknownbythecandidate
makingsuchchargetobefalseormalicious,isguiltyof
afelonyofthethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.
775.082ors.775.083and,inaddition,afterconviction
shallbedisqualifiedtoholdoffice.
(2)Anycandidatewho,inaprimaryelectionorother
election,withactualmalicemakesorcausestobemade
anystatementaboutanopposingcandidatewhichis
falseisguiltyofaviolationofthiscode.Anaggrieved
candidatemayfileacomplaintwiththeFloridaElections
Commissionpursuanttos.106.25.Thecommission
shalladoptrulestoprovideanexpeditedhearingof
complaintsfiledunderthissubsection.Notwithstanding
anyotherprovisionoflaw,thecommissionshallassess
acivilpenaltyofupto$5,000againstanycandidate
foundinviolationofthissubsection,whichshallbe
depositedtotheaccountoftheGeneralRevenueFund
ofthestate.
History.—s.44,ch.28156,1953;s.48,ch.71-136;s.27,ch.77-104;s.35,ch.
77-175;s.1,ch.85-210;s.627,ch.95-147;s.44,ch.97-13.
104.2715Falserepresentationsofmilitaryser-
vice;penalty.—
(1)Acandidatewho,inaprimaryorotherelection,
falselyrepresents,directlyorindirectly,thatheorshe
servedoriscurrentlyservinginthemilitary,whether
activeduty,reserve,orNationalGuard,commitsa
violationoftheFloridaElectionCode.
(2)AnypersonmayfileacomplaintwiththeFlorida
ElectionsCommissionpursuanttos.106.25alleginga
violationofsubsection(1).
(3)Thecommissionshalladoptrulestoprovidean
expeditedhearingofcomplaintsfiledundersubsection
(2),or,incasesreferredtotheDivisionofAdministrative
Hearingspursuanttos.106.25(5),thedirectorshall
assignanadministrativelawjudgetoprovidean
expeditedhearing.
(4)Notwithstandinganyotherlaw,thecommission
oradministrativelawjudgeshallassessacivilpenaltyof
upto$5,000againstanycandidatewhoisfoundtohave
F.S.2014 ELECTIONCODE:VIOLATIONS;PENALTIES Ch.104
97
violatedsubsection(1),whichshallbedepositedinto
theGeneralRevenueFund.
History.—s.1,ch.2011-148.
104.29Inspectorsrefusingtoallowwatchers
whileballotsarecounted.—Theinspectorsorother
electionofficialsatthepollingplaceshall,afterthepolls
close,allowasmanyasthreepersonsneartothemto
seewhethertheballotsarebeingreconciledcorrectly.
Anyofficialwhodeniesthisprivilegeorinterferes
therewithcommitsamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.51,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.53,ch.
79-400;s.50,ch.2011-40.
104.30Votingsystem;unlawfulpossession;
tampering.—
(1)Anyunauthorizedpersonwhounlawfullyhas
possessionofanyvotingsystem,components,orkey
thereofisguiltyofamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
(2)Anypersonwhotampersorattemptstotamper
withordestroyanyvotingsystemorequipmentwiththe
intentionofinterferingwiththeelectionprocessorthe
resultsthereofisguiltyofafelonyofthethirddegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.
775.084.
History.—s.26,ch.13893,1929;CGL1936Supp.8202(1);s.8,ch.26870,
1951;s.17,ch.65-379;s.52,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175;s.29,ch.2001-40.
Note.—Formers.100.28.
104.31Politicalactivitiesofstate,county,and
municipalofficersandemployees.—
(1)Noofficeroremployeeofthestate,orofany
countyormunicipalitythereof,exceptashereinafter
exemptedfromprovisionshereof,shall:
(a)Usehisorherofficialauthorityorinfluencefor
thepurposeofinterferingwithanelectionoranomina-
tionofofficeorcoercingorinfluencinganotherperson’s
voteoraffectingtheresultthereof.
(b)Directlyorindirectlycoerceorattempttocoerce,
command,oradviseanyotherofficeroremployeeto
pay,lend,orcontributeanypartofhisorhersalary,or
anymoney,oranythingelseofvaluetoanyparty,
committee,organization,agency,orpersonforpolitical
purposes.Nothinginthisparagraphorinanycountyor
municipalcharterorordinanceshallprohibitanemploy-
eefromsuggestingtoanotheremployeeinanoncoer-
civemannerthatheorshemayvoluntarilycontributeto
afundwhichisadministeredbyaparty,committee,
organization,agency,person,laborunionorother
employeeorganizationforpoliticalpurposes.
(c)Directlyorindirectlycoerceorattempttocoerce,
command,andadviseanysuchofficeroremployeeas
towhereheorshemightpurchasecommoditiesorto
interfereinanyotherwaywiththepersonalrightofsaid
officeroremployee.
Theprovisionsofthissectionshallnotbeconstruedso
astopreventanypersonfrombecomingacandidatefor
andactivelycampaigningforanyelectiveofficeinthis
state.Allsuchpersonsshallretaintherighttovoteas
theymaychooseandtoexpresstheiropinionsonall
politicalsubjectsandcandidates.Theprovisionsof
paragraph(a)shallnotbeconstruedsoastolimitthe
politicalactivityinageneral,special,primary,bond,
referendum,orotherelectionofanykindornature,of
electedofficialsorcandidatesforpublicofficeinthe
stateorofanycountyormunicipalitythereof;andthe
provisionsofparagraph(a)shallnotbeconstruedsoas
tolimitthepoliticalactivityingeneralorspecialelections
oftheofficialsappointedastheheadsordirectorsof
stateadministrativeagencies,boards,commissions,or
committeesorofthemembersofstateboards,commis-
sions,orcommittees,whethertheybesalaried,non-
salaried,orreimbursedforexpense.Intheeventofa
dualcapacityofanymemberofastateboard,commis-
sion,orcommittee,anyrestrictiveprovisionsapplicable
toeithercapacityshallapply.Theprovisionsofpara-
graph(a)shallnotbeconstruedsoastolimitthe
politicalactivityinageneral,special,primary,bond,
referendum,orotherelectionofanykindornatureofthe
Governor,theelectedmembersoftheGovernor’s
Cabinet,orthemembersoftheLegislature.The
provisionsofparagraphs(b)and(c)shallapplytoall
officersandemployeesofthestateorofanycountyor
municipalitythereof,whetherelected,appointed,or
otherwiseemployed,orwhethertheactivityshallbe
inconnectionwithaprimary,general,special,bond,
referendum,orotherelectionofanykindornature.
(2)Anemployeeofthestateoranypoliticalsub-
divisionmaynotparticipateinanypoliticalcampaignfor
anelectiveofficewhileonduty.
(3)Anypersonviolatingtheprovisionsofthis
sectionisguiltyofamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
(4)Nothingcontainedinthissectionorinanycounty
ormunicipalchartershallbedeemedtoprohibitany
publicemployeefromexpressinghisorheropinionson
anycandidateorissueorfromparticipatinginany
politicalcampaignduringtheemployee’soff-dutyhours,
solongassuchactivitiesarenotinconflictwiththe
provisionsofsubsection(1)ors.110.233.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.7,ch.29615,1955;s.5,ch.29936,1955;s.
1,ch.59-208;s.18,ch.65-379;s.53,ch.71-136;ss.1,2,ch.74-13;s.1,ch.
75-261;s.30,ch.79-190;s.1,ch.80-207;s.628,ch.95-147;s.1,ch.2006-275.
104.32Supervisorofelections;deliveryof
bookstosuccessor.—Anysupervisorofelections
whowillfullyfailsorrefusespromptlytocomplywith
thedemandofhisorhersuccessorforthedeliveryof
registrationbooks,papers,andblanksconnectedwith
hisorherofficeisguiltyofamisdemeanorofthefirst
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.
775.083.
History.—s.8,ch.3879,1889;RS2779;s.9,ch.4328,1895;GS3820;RGS
5881;CGL8144;s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.2,ch.65-60;s.54,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.
77-175;s.629,ch.95-147.
Note.—Formers.98.21.
104.39Witnessesastoviolations.—Anyperson
whoviolatesanyprovisionofthiscodeshallbea
competentwitnessagainstanyotherpersonsoviolating
andmaybecompelledtoattendandtestifyasanyother
person.Thetestimonygivenshallnotbeusedinany
prosecutionorcriminalproceedingagainsttheperson
sotestifying,exceptinaprosecutionforperjury.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.35,ch.77-175.
Ch.104 ELECTIONCODE:VIOLATIONS;PENALTIES F.S.2014
98
104.41Violationsnototherwiseprovidedfor.—
Anyviolationofthiscodenototherwiseprovidedforisa
misdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishableaspro-
videdins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.61,ch.71-136;s.35,ch.77-175.
104.42Fraudulentregistrationandillegalvot-
ing;investigation.—
(1)Thesupervisorofelectionsisauthorizedto
investigatefraudulentregistrationsandillegalvoting
andtoreporthisorherfindingstothelocalstate
attorneyandtheFloridaElectionsCommission.
(2)Theboardofcountycommissionersinany
countymayappropriatefundstothesupervisorof
electionsforthepurposeofinvestigatingfraudulent
registrationsandillegalvoting.
History.—ss.12,14,ch.17899,1937;CGL1940Supp.369(4);s.8,ch.26870,
1951;s.35,ch.77-175;s.32,ch.98-129.
Note.—Formers.100.40.
104.43Grandjuries;specialinvestigation.—The
grandjuryinanycircuitshall,upontherequestofany
candidateorqualifiedvoter,makeaspecialinvestiga-
tionwhenitconvenesduringacampaignprecedingany
electiondaytodeterminewhetherthereisanyviolation
oftheprovisionsofthiscode,andshallreturnindict-
mentswhensufficientgroundisfound.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.35,ch.77-175.
F.S.2014 ELECTIONCODE:VIOLATIONS;PENALTIES Ch.104
99
CHAPTER105
NONPARTISANELECTIONS
105.011Definitions.
105.031 Qualification;filingfee;candidate’soath;
itemsrequiredtobefiled.
105.035 Petitionprocessofqualifyingforcertain
judicialofficesandtheofficeofschool
boardmember.
105.036Initiativeformethodofselectionforcircuitor
countycourtjudges;proceduresforplace-
mentonballot.
105.041Formofballot.
105.051 Determinationofelectionorretentionto
office.
105.061Electorsqualifiedtovote.
105.071Candidatesforjudicialoffice;limitationson
politicalactivity.
105.08Campaigncontributionandexpense;report-
ing.
105.09Politicalactivityinbehalfofacandidatefor
judicialofficelimited.
105.10Applicabilityofelectioncode.
105.101 Effectofrevisionofcountycourtjudge
selectionmethod.
105.102 Effectofrevisionofcircuitcourtjudge
selectionmethod.
105.011Definitions.—
(1)Asusedinthischapter,theterm“judicialoffice”
includestheofficeof:
(a)JusticeoftheSupremeCourt.
(b)Judgeofadistrictcourtofappeal.
(c)Judgeofacircuitcourt.
(d)Countycourtjudge.
(2)Ajudicialofficeisanonpartisanoffice,anda
candidateforelectionorretentiontheretoisprohibited
fromcampaigningorqualifyingforsuchanofficebased
onpartyaffiliation.
History.—s.1,ch.71-49;s.1,ch.72-310;s.36,ch.77-175.
105.031Qualification;filingfee;candidate’s
oath;itemsrequiredtobefiled.—
(1)TIMEOFQUALIFYING.—Exceptforcandidates
forjudicialoffice,nonpartisancandidatesformulti-
countyofficeshallqualifywiththeDivisionofElections
oftheDepartmentofStateandnonpartisancandidates
forcountywideorlessthancountywideofficeshall
qualifywiththesupervisorofelections.Candidatesfor
judicialofficeotherthantheofficeofcountycourtjudge
shallqualifywiththeDivisionofElectionsofthe
DepartmentofState,andcandidatesfortheofficeof
countycourtjudgeshallqualifywiththesupervisorof
electionsofthecounty.Candidatesforjudicialoffice
shallqualifynoearlierthannoonofthe120thday,and
nolaterthannoonofthe116thday,beforetheprimary
election.Candidatesfortheofficeofschoolboard
membershallqualifynoearlierthannoonofthe71st
day,andnolaterthannoonofthe67thday,beforethe
primaryelection.Filingshallbeonformsprovidedfor
thatpurposebytheDivisionofElectionsandfurnished
bytheappropriatequalifyingofficer.Anypersonother
thanawrite-incandidatewhoqualifieswithinthetime
prescribedinthissubsectionshallbeentitledtohavehis
orhernameprintedontheballot.
(2)FILINGINGROUPSORDISTRICTS.—Candi-
datesshallqualifyingroupsordistrictswheremultiple
officesaretobefilled.
(3)QUALIFYINGFEE.—Eachcandidatequalifying
forelectiontoajudicialofficeortheofficeofschool
boardmember,exceptwrite-injudicialorschoolboard
candidates,shall,duringthetimeforqualifying,payto
theofficerwithwhomheorshequalifiesaqualifyingfee,
whichshallconsistofafilingfeeandanelection
assessment,orqualifybythepetitionprocess.The
amountofthefilingfeeis3percentoftheannualsalary
oftheofficesought.Theamountoftheelection
assessmentis1percentoftheannualsalaryofthe
officesought.TheDepartmentofStateshalltransferall
filingfeestotheDepartmentofLegalAffairsfordeposit
intheElectionsCommissionTrustFund.Thesupervisor
ofelectionsshallforwardallfilingfeestotheElections
CommissionTrustFund.Theelectionassessmentshall
bedepositedintotheElectionsCommissionTrustFund.
Theannualsalaryoftheofficeforpurposesofcomput-
ingthequalifyingfeeshallbecomputedbymultiplying
12timesthemonthlysalaryauthorizedforsuchofficeas
ofJuly1immediatelyprecedingthefirstdayof
qualifying.Thissubsectiondoesnotapplytocandidates
qualifyingforretentiontojudicialoffice.
(4)CANDIDATE’SOATH.—
(a)Allcandidatesfortheofficeofschoolboard
membershallsubscribetotheoathasprescribedins.
99.021.
(b)Allcandidatesforjudicialofficeshallsubscribe
toanoathoraffirmationinwritingtobefiledwiththe
appropriatequalifyingofficeruponqualifying.Aprinted
copyoftheoathoraffirmationshallbefurnishedtothe
candidatebythequalifyingofficerandshallbein
substantiallythefollowingform:
StateofFlorida
Countyof __
Beforeme,anofficerauthorizedtoadministeroaths,
personallyappeared (pleaseprintnameasyouwishittoappearonthe
ballot),tomewellknown,who,beingsworn,saysheor
she:isacandidateforthejudicialofficeof __;thathis
orherlegalresidenceis __County,Florida;thatheor
sheisaqualifiedelectorofthestateandoftheterritorial
jurisdictionofthecourttowhichheorsheseeks
election;thatheorsheisqualifiedundertheconstitution
andlawsofFloridatoholdthejudicialofficetowhichhe
orshedesirestobeelectedorinwhichheorshe
desirestoberetained;thatheorshehasqualifiedforno
otherpublicofficeinthestate,thetermofwhichofficeor
anypartthereofrunsconcurrenttotheofficeheorshe
seeks;thatheorshehasresignedfromanyofficewhich
heorsheisrequiredtoresignpursuanttos.99.012,
FloridaStatutes;andthatheorshewillsupportthe
ConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesandtheConstitutionof
theStateofFlorida.
Ch.105 NONPARTISANELECTIONS F.S.2014
100
(Signatureofcandidate)
(Address)
Sworntoandsubscribedbeforemethis __dayof
__,(year),at __County,Florida.
(Signatureandtitleofofficeradministeringoath)
(5)ITEMSREQUIREDTOBEFILED.—
(a)Inorderforacandidateforjudicialofficeorthe
officeofschoolboardmembertobequalified,the
followingitemsmustbereceivedbythefilingofficerby
theendofthequalifyingperiod:
1.Exceptforcandidatesforretentiontojudicial
office,aproperlyexecutedcheckdrawnuponthe
candidate’scampaignaccountinanamountnotless
thanthefeerequiredbysubsection(3)or,inlieu
thereof,thecopyofthenoticeofobtainingballotposition
pursuanttos.105.035.Ifacandidate’scheckis
returnedbythebankforanyreason,thefilingofficer
shallimmediatelynotifythecandidateandthecandidate
shall,theendofqualifyingnotwithstanding,have48
hoursfromthetimesuchnotificationisreceived,
excludingSaturdays,Sundays,andlegalholidays,to
paythefeewithacashier’scheckpurchasedfromfunds
ofthecampaignaccount.Failuretopaythefeeas
providedinthissubparagraphshalldisqualifythe
candidate.
2.Thecandidate’soathrequiredbysubsection(4),
whichmustcontainthenameofthecandidateasitisto
appearontheballot;theofficesought,includingthe
districtorgroupnumberifapplicable;andthesignature
ofthecandidate,dulyacknowledged.
3.Theloyaltyoathrequiredbys.876.05,signedby
thecandidateanddulyacknowledged.
4.Thecompletedformfortheappointmentof
campaigntreasureranddesignationofcampaignde-
pository,asrequiredbys.106.021.Inaddition,each
candidateforjudicialoffice,includinganincumbent
judge,shallfileastatementwiththequalifyingofficer,
within10daysafterfilingtheappointmentofcampaign
treasureranddesignationofcampaigndepository,
statingthatthecandidatehasreadandunderstands
therequirementsoftheFloridaCodeofJudicial
Conduct.Suchstatementshallbeinsubstantiallythe
followingform:
StatementofCandidateforJudicialOffice
I,(nameofcandidate),ajudicialcandidate,havereceived,
read,andunderstandtherequirementsoftheFlorida
CodeofJudicialConduct.
(Signatureofcandidate)
(Date)
5.Thefullandpublicdisclosureoffinancialinter-
estsrequiredbys.8,Art.IIoftheStateConstitutionor
thestatementoffinancialinterestsrequiredbys.
112.3145,whicheverisapplicable.Apublicofficer
whohasfiledthefullandpublicdisclosureorstatement
offinancialinterestswiththeCommissiononEthicsor
thesupervisorofelectionspriortoqualifyingforoffice
mayfileacopyofthatdisclosureatthetimeof
qualifying.
(b)Ifthefilingofficerreceivesqualifyingpapersthat
donotincludeallitemsasrequiredbyparagraph(a)
priortothelastdayofqualifying,thefilingofficershall
makeareasonableefforttonotifythecandidateofthe
missingorincompleteitemsandshallinformthe
candidatethatallrequireditemsmustbereceivedby
thecloseofqualifying.Acandidate’snameasitisto
appearontheballotmaynotbechangedaftertheendof
qualifying.
(6)Notwithstandingthequalifyingperiodprescribed
inthissection,afilingofficermayacceptandhold
qualifyingpaperssubmittednotearlierthan14days
priortothebeginningofthequalifyingperiod,tobe
processedandfiledduringthequalifyingperiod.
History.—s.3,ch.71-49;s.36,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.78-260;s.5,ch.79-365;s.
54,ch.79-400;s.17,ch.81-105;s.10,ch.83-251;s.1,ch.89-152;s.34,ch.
89-338;s.5,ch.91-107;s.630,ch.95-147;s.2,ch.95-156;s.13,ch.97-13;s.13,
ch.99-6;s.2,ch.99-326;s.2,ch.99-355;s.23,ch.2002-17;s.65,ch.2005-277;s.
21,ch.2005-286;s.40,ch.2007-30;s.4,ch.2010-16;s.51,ch.2011-40.
105.035Petitionprocessofqualifyingforcer-
tainjudicialofficesandtheofficeofschoolboard
member.—
(1)Apersonseekingtoqualifyforelectiontothe
officeofcircuitjudgeorcountycourtjudgeortheoffice
ofschoolboardmembermayqualifyforelectiontosuch
officebymeansofthepetitioningprocessprescribedin
thissection.Apersonqualifyingbythispetitionprocess
isnotrequiredtopaythequalifyingfeerequiredbythis
chapter.
(2)Thepetitionformatshallbeprescribedbythe
DivisionofElectionsandshallbeusedbythecandidate
toreproducepetitionsforcirculation.Ifthecandidateis
runningforanofficethatwillbegroupedontheballot
withtwoormoresimilarofficestobefilledatthesame
election,thecandidate’spetitionmustindicate,priorto
theobtainingofregisteredelectors’signatures,for
whichgroupordistrictofficethecandidateisrunning.
(3)Eachcandidateforelectiontoajudicialofficeor
theofficeofschoolboardmembershallobtainthe
signatureofanumberofqualifiedelectorsequaltoat
least1percentofthetotalnumberofregisteredelectors
ofthedistrict,circuit,county,orothergeographicentity
representedbytheofficesoughtasshownbythe
compilationbytheDepartmentofStateforthelast
precedinggeneralelection.Aseparatepetitionshallbe
circulatedforeachcandidateavailinghimselforherself
oftheprovisionsofthissection.Signaturesmaynotbe
obtaineduntilthecandidatehasfiledtheappointmentof
campaigntreasureranddesignationofcampaignde-
positorypursuanttos.106.021.
(4)(a)Eachcandidateseekingtoqualifyforelection
totheofficeofcircuitjudgeortheofficeofschoolboard
memberfromamulticountyschooldistrictpursuantto
thissectionshallfileaseparatepetitionfromeach
countyfromwhichsignaturesaresought.Eachpetition
shallbesubmitted,priortonoonofthe28thday
precedingthefirstdayofthequalifyingperiodforthe
officesought,tothesupervisorofelectionsofthecounty
forwhichsuchpetitionwascirculated.Eachsupervisor
ofelectionstowhomapetitionissubmittedshallcheck
thesignaturesonthepetitiontoverifytheirstatusas
electorsofthatcountyandofthegeographicarea
representedbytheofficesought.Nolaterthanthe7th
daybeforethefirstdateforqualifying,thesupervisor
F.S.2014 NONPARTISANELECTIONS Ch.105
101
shallcertifythenumbershownasregisteredelectors
andsubmitsuchcertificationtotheDivisionofElections.
Thedivisionshalldeterminewhethertherequired
numberofsignatureshasbeenobtainedforthename
ofthecandidatetobeplacedontheballotandshall
notifythecandidate.Iftherequirednumberofsigna-
tureshasbeenobtained,thecandidateshall,duringthe
timeprescribedforqualifyingforoffice,submitacopyof
suchnoticeandfilehisorherqualifyingpapersandoath
prescribedins.105.031withtheDivisionofElections.
Uponreceiptofthecopyofsuchnoticeandqualifying
papers,thedivisionshallcertifythenameofthe
candidatetotheappropriatesupervisororsupervisors
ofelectionsashavingqualifiedfortheofficesought.
(b)Eachcandidateseekingtoqualifyforelectionto
theofficeofcountycourtjudgeortheofficeofschool
boardmemberfromasinglecountyschooldistrict
pursuanttothissectionshallsubmithisorherpetition,
priortonoonofthe28thdayprecedingthefirstdayof
thequalifyingperiodfortheofficesought,tothe
supervisorofelectionsofthecountyforwhichsuch
petitionwascirculated.Thesupervisorshallcheckthe
signaturesonthepetitiontoverifytheirstatusas
electorsofthecountyandofthegeographicarea
representedbytheofficesought.Nolaterthanthe
7thdaybeforethefirstdateforqualifying,thesupervisor
shalldeterminewhethertherequirednumberofsigna-
tureshasbeenobtainedforthenameofthecandidate
tobeplacedontheballotandshallnotifythecandidate.
Iftherequirednumberofsignatureshasbeenobtained,
thecandidateshall,duringthetimeprescribedfor
qualifyingforoffice,submitacopyofsuchnoticeand
filehisorherqualifyingpapersandoathprescribedins.
105.031withthequalifyingofficer.Uponreceiptofthe
copyofsuchnoticeandqualifyingpapers,such
candidateshallbeentitledtohavehisorhername
printedontheballot.
History.—s.37,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.89-152;s.35,ch.89-338;s.23,ch.90-315;
s.631,ch.95-147;s.6,ch.99-318;s.3,ch.99-326;s.66,ch.2005-277.
105.036Initiativeformethodofselectionfor
circuitorcountycourtjudges;proceduresfor
placementonballot.—
(1)Subsequenttothegeneralelectionintheyear
2000,alocaloptionformeritselectionandretentionor
theelectionofcircuitorcountycourtjudgesmaybe
placedontheballotforthegeneralelectionoccurringin
excessof90daysfromthecertificationofballotposition
bytheSecretaryofStateforcircuitcourtjudgesorthe
countysupervisorofelectionsforcountycourtjudges.
Theballotshallprovideforavoteonthemethodfor
selectionofjudgesnotcurrentlyusedforfillingjudicial
officesinthecountyorcircuit.
(2)Certificationofballotpositionforthemethodof
selectionofcircuitcourtjudgesshallbeissuedwhenthe
SecretaryofStatehasreceivedaverificationcertificate
fromeachsupervisorofelectionsinacircuitindicating
thattherequisitenumberofvalidsignaturesofelectors
inthecircuithasbeensubmittedandverifiedbythe
supervisororsupervisorsofthatcircuit.Certificationof
ballotpositionforthemethodofselectionofcountycourt
judgesshallbeissuedwhenthesupervisorofelections
inacountyindicatesthattherequisitenumberof
signaturesofelectorsinthecountyhasbeensubmitted
toandverifiedbythesupervisor.Eachsignatureshall
bedatedwhenmadeandshallbevalidforaperiodof2
yearsfollowingsuchdate,providedallrequirementsof
lawarecompliedwith.
(3)Thesponsorofaninitiativeformeritselection
andretentionorelectionofcircuitorcountycourtjudges
mustregisterasapoliticalcommitteepursuanttos.
106.03.
(4)TheSecretaryofStateshalladoptrulespur-
suanttoss.120.536(1)and120.54prescribingthestyle
andrequirementsofthecircuitcourtandcountycourt
formsforcollectionofsignatures.
(5)Nolaterthan5p.m.151dayspriortothegeneral
electionatwhichtheproposedjudicialselectioninitia-
tiveistobevotedon,thesponsorshallsubmitsigned
anddatedformstotheappropriatesupervisorof
electionsforverificationastothenumberofregistered
electorswhosevalidsignaturesappearthereon.The
supervisorshallpromptlyverifythesignaturesupon
paymentofthefeeorfilingoftheundueburdenoath
requiredbys.99.097.Verificationmustbecompletedat
least91dayspriortothegeneralelection.Upon
completionofverification,thesupervisorshallexecute
acertificateindicatingthetotalnumberofsignatures
checkedandthenumberofsignaturesverifiedasvalid
andasbeingofregisteredelectorsoftheapplicable
countyorcircuit.Thiscertificatemustbeimmediately
transmittedtotheSecretaryofStateforpetitionsrelated
tothemethodofselectionofcircuitcourtjudges.The
supervisormustretainthesignatureformsforatleast1
yearfollowingtheelectioninwhichtheissueappeared
ontheballotoruntilthecommitteethatcirculatedthe
petitionisnolongerseekingtoobtainballotpositionas
determinedbytheDivisionofElectionsforcircuitcourt
petitionsorbythesupervisorofelectionsforcounty
courtpetitions.
(6)UponadeterminationbytheSecretaryofState
forcircuitcourtpetitionsorbythesupervisorofelections
forcountycourtpetitionsthattherequisitenumberof
validsignatureshasbeenobtained,acertificationof
ballotpositionmustbeissuedfortheproposedmethod
ofselectionofjudges.Arequesttoexercisealocal
optiontochangethemethodforselectionofcircuitor
countycourtjudgesisdeemedfiledwiththeSecretary
ofStateforcircuitcourtjudgesorthesupervisorof
electionsforcountycourtjudgesuponthedateofthe
receiptofacertificateorcertificatesindicatingthe
petitionhasbeensignedbytheconstitutionallyrequired
numberofelectors.
(7)Within10daysaftereachgeneralelectionfor
whichaninitiativetochangethemethodofselectionof
circuitorcountycourtjudgeswasplacedontheballotin
anycircuitorcountyinthestate,theSecretaryofState
mustnotifytheChiefJusticeoftheSupremeCourtof
Floridaofthechangedmethodforselectionofjudgesfor
anycircuitorcountywheretheinitiativepassed.
(8)TheDepartmentofStateshallhavetheauthority
topromulgaterulesinaccordancewithss.120.536(1)
and120.54tocarryouttheprovisionsofthissection.
History.—s.9,ch.99-355.
Ch.105 NONPARTISANELECTIONS F.S.2014
102
105.041Formofballot.—
(1)BALLOTS.—Thenamesofcandidatesfornon-
partisanofficewhichappearontheballotattheprimary
electionshallbegroupedtogetheronaseparateportion
oftheballotoronaseparateballot.Thenamesof
candidatesforelectiontononpartisanofficewhich
appearontheballotatthegeneralelectionandthe
namesofjusticesandjudgesseekingretentiontooffice
shallbegroupedtogetheronaseparateportionofthe
generalelectionballot.
(2)LISTINGOFCANDIDATES.—Theorderof
nonpartisanofficesappearingontheballotshallbe
determinedbytheDepartmentofState.Thenamesof
candidatesforelectiontoeachnonpartisanofficeshall
belistedinalphabeticalorder.Withrespecttoretention
ofjusticesandjudges,thequestion“ShallJustice(or
Judge)(nameofjusticeorjudge)ofthe(nameofthe
court)beretainedinoffice?”shallappearontheballotin
alphabeticalorderandthereafterthewords“Yes”and
“No.”
(3)REFERENCETOPARTYAFFILIATIONPRO-
HIBITED.—Noreferencetopoliticalpartyaffiliationshall
appearonanyballotwithrespecttoanynonpartisan
officeorcandidate.
(4)WRITE-INCANDIDATES.—Spaceshallbe
madeavailableonthegeneralelectionballotforan
electortowriteinthenameofawrite-incandidatefor
judgeofacircuitcourtorcountycourtormemberofa
schoolboardifacandidatehasqualifiedasawrite-in
candidateforsuchofficepursuanttos.105.031.This
subsectionshallnotapplytotheofficesofjusticesand
judgesseekingretention.
History.—s.4,ch.71-49;s.38,ch.77-175;s.55,ch.79-400;s.1,ch.80-305;s.
18,ch.81-105;s.4,ch.99-326;s.3,ch.99-355;s.2,ch.2000-361;s.22,ch.
2005-286;s.34,ch.2008-95.
105.051Determinationofelectionorretention
tooffice.—
(1)ELECTION.—Incircuitsandcountiesholding
elections:
(a)Thenameofanunopposedcandidateforthe
officeofcircuitjudge,countycourtjudge,ormemberof
aschoolboardshallnotappearonanyballot,andsuch
candidateshallbedeemedtohavevotedforhimselfor
herselfatthegeneralelection.
(b)Iftwoormorecandidates,neitherofwhomisa
write-incandidate,qualifyforsuchanoffice,thenames
ofthosecandidatesshallbeplacedontheballotatthe
primaryelection.Ifanycandidateforsuchoffice
receivesamajorityofthevotescastforsuchofficein
theprimaryelection,thenameofthecandidatewho
receivessuchmajorityshallnotappearonanyother
ballotunlessawrite-incandidatehasqualifiedforsuch
office.Anunopposedcandidateshallbedeemedto
havevotedforhimselforherselfatthegeneralelection.
Ifnocandidateforsuchofficereceivesamajorityofthe
votescastforsuchofficeintheprimaryelection,the
namesofthetwocandidatesreceivingthehighest
numberofvotesforsuchofficeshallbeplacedonthe
generalelectionballot.Ifmorethantwocandidates
receiveanequalandhighestnumberofvotes,thename
ofeachcandidatereceivinganequalandhighest
numberofvotesshallbeplacedonthegeneralelection
ballot.Inanycontestinwhichthereisatieforsecond
placeandthecandidateplacingfirstdidnotreceivea
majorityofthevotescastforsuchoffice,thenameofthe
candidateplacingfirstandthenameofeachcandidate
tyingforsecondshallbeplacedonthegeneralelection
ballot.
(c)Thecandidatewhoreceivesthehighestnumber
ofvotescastfortheofficeinthegeneralelectionshallbe
electedtosuchoffice.Ifthevoteatthegeneralelection
resultsinatie,theoutcomeshallbedeterminedbylot.
(2)RETENTION.—Withrespecttoanyjusticeor
judgewhoqualifiestorunforretentioninoffice,the
questionprescribedins.105.041(2)shallbeplacedon
theballotatthegeneralelection.Ifamajorityofthe
qualifiedelectorsvotingonsuchquestionwithinthe
territorialjurisdictionofthecourtvoteforretention,the
justiceorjudgeshallberetainedforatermof6years
commencingonthefirstTuesdayafterthefirstMonday
inJanuaryfollowingthegeneralelection.Iflessthana
majorityofthequalifiedelectorsvotingonsuchquestion
withintheterritorialjurisdictionofthecourtvotefor
retention,avacancyshallexistinsuchofficeuponthe
expirationofthetermbeingservedbythejusticeor
judge.
History.—s.5,ch.71-49;s.38,ch.77-175;s.19,ch.81-105;s.632,ch.95-147;
s.5,ch.99-326;s.4,ch.99-355;s.23,ch.2005-286.
105.061Electorsqualifiedtovote.—
(1)Eachqualifiedelectoroftheterritorialjurisdiction
ofacourtshallbeeligibletovoteforacandidatefor
eachjudicialofficeofsuchcourtor,inthecaseofa
justiceorajudgeseekingretention,fororagainst
retentionofsuchjusticeorjudge.
(2)Theelectionofmembersofaschoolboardshall
bebyvoteofthequalifiedelectorsasprescribedin
chapter1001.
History.—s.6,ch.71-49;s.38,ch.77-175;s.6,ch.99-326;s.5,ch.99-355;s.
887,ch.2002-387.
105.071Candidatesforjudicialoffice;limita-
tionsonpoliticalactivity.—Acandidateforjudicial
officeshallnot:
(1)Participateinanypartisanpoliticalpartyactiv-
ities,exceptthatsuchcandidatemayregistertovoteas
amemberofanypoliticalpartyandmayvoteinany
partyprimaryforcandidatesfornominationoftheparty
inwhichsheorheisregisteredtovote.
(2)Campaignasamemberofanypoliticalparty.
(3)Publiclyrepresentoradvertiseherselforhimself
asamemberofanypoliticalparty.
(4)Endorseanycandidate.
(5)Makepoliticalspeechesotherthaninthe
candidate’sownbehalf.
(6)Makecontributionstopoliticalpartyfunds.
(7)Acceptcontributionsfromanypoliticalparty.
(8)Solicitcontributionsforanypoliticalparty.
(9)Acceptorretainaplaceonanypoliticalparty
committee.
(10)Makeanycontributiontoanyperson,group,or
organizationforitsendorsementtojudicialoffice.
(11)Agreetopayalloranypartofanyadvertisement
sponsoredbyanyperson,group,ororganization
whereinthecandidatemaybeendorsedforjudicial
officebyanysuchperson,group,ororganization.
F.S.2014 NONPARTISANELECTIONS Ch.105
103
Acandidateforjudicialofficeorretentionthereinwho
violatestheprovisionsofthissectionisliableforacivil
fineofupto$1,000tobedeterminedbytheFlorida
ElectionsCommission.
History.—s.7,ch.71-49;s.2,ch.72-310;s.38,ch.77-175;s.633,ch.95-147;
s.7,ch.99-326.
105.08Campaigncontributionandexpense;
reporting.—
(1)Acandidateforjudicialofficeortheofficeof
schoolboardmembermayacceptcontributionsand
mayincuronlysuchexpensesasareauthorizedbylaw.
Eachsuchcandidateshallkeepanaccuraterecordof
hisorhercontributionsandexpenses,andshallfile
reportspursuanttochapter106.
(2)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionofthis
chapterorchapter106,acandidateforretentionasa
justiceorajudgewhohasnotreceivedanycontribution
ormadeanyexpendituremayfileaswornstatementat
thetimeofqualifyingthatheorshedoesnotanticipate
receivingcontributionsormakingexpendituresincon-
nectionwiththecandidacyforretentiontooffice.Such
candidateshallfileafinalreportpursuanttos.106.141,
within90daysfollowingthegeneralelectionforwhich
thecandidate’snameappearedontheballotfor
retention.Anysuchcandidateforretentiontojudicial
officewho,afterfilingastatementpursuanttothis
subsection,receivesanycontributionormakesany
expenditureinconnectionwiththecandidacyforreten-
tionshallimmediatelyfileastatementtothateffectwith
thequalifyingofficerandshallbeginfilingreportsasan
opposedcandidatepursuanttos.106.07.
History.—s.8,ch.71-49;s.38,ch.77-175;s.3,ch.89-152;s.634,ch.95-147;
s.8,ch.99-326;s.6,ch.99-355.
105.09Politicalactivityinbehalfofacandidate
forjudicialofficelimited.—
(1)Nopoliticalpartyorpartisanpoliticalorganiza-
tionshallendorse,support,orassistanycandidateina
campaignforelectiontojudicialoffice.
(2)Anypersonwhoknowingly,inanindividual
capacityorasanofficerofanorganization,violates
theprovisionsofthissectionisguiltyofamisdemeanor
oftheseconddegree,punishableasprovidedins.
775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.9,ch.71-49;s.38,ch.77-175;s.635,ch.95-147.
105.10Applicabilityofelectioncode.—Ifany
provisionofthischapterisinconflictwithanyother
provisionofthiscode,theprovisionofthischaptershall
prevail.
History.—s.10,ch.71-49;s.38,ch.77-175.
105.101Effectofrevisionofcountycourtjudge
selectionmethod.—Nocountycourtjudgeelected
priortoorattheelectionthatapprovesanyrevisionto
theselectionofcountycourtjudgesshallbeaffectedin
hisorhertermofoffice.Anycountyjudgewishingto
applyforasubsequenttermwillbeelectedorretained
pursuanttothemethodofelectionorselectionand
retentionofcountycourtjudgesineffectinthecounty
fortheelectionprecedingtheendofthejudge’stermof
office.
History.—s.11,ch.99-355.
105.102Effectofrevisionofcircuitcourtjudge
selectionmethod.—Nocircuitcourtjudgeelectedprior
toorattheelectionthatapprovesanyrevisiontothe
selectionofcircuitcourtjudgeshallbeaffectedinhisor
hertermofoffice.Anycircuitcourtjudgewishingto
applyforasubsequenttermwillbeelectedorretained
pursuanttothemethodofelectionorselectionand
retentionofcircuitcourtjudgesineffectinthecircuitfor
theelectionprecedingtheendofthejudge’stermof
office.
History.—s.12,ch.99-355.
Ch.105 NONPARTISANELECTIONS F.S.2014
104
CHAPTER106
CAMPAIGNFINANCING
106.011Definitions.
106.021 Campaigntreasurers;deputies;primary
andsecondarydepositories.
106.022Appointmentofaregisteredagent;duties.
106.023Statementofcandidate.
106.025Campaignfundraisers.
106.03 Registrationofpoliticalcommitteesand
electioneeringcommunicationsorgani-
zations.
106.05Depositofcontributions;statementofcam-
paigntreasurer.
106.055Valuationofin-kindcontributions.
106.06Treasurertokeeprecords;inspections.
106.07Reports;certificationandfiling.
106.0701Solicitationofcontributionsonbehalfofs.
527ors.501(c)(4)organizations;report-
ingrequirements;civilpenalty;exemp-
tion.
106.0702Reporting;politicalpartyexecutivecommit-
teecandidates.
106.0703Electioneeringcommunicationsorganiza-
tions;reportingrequirements;certifica-
tionandfiling;penalties.
106.0705 Electronicfilingofcampaigntreasurer’s
reports.
106.0706Electronicfilingofcampaignfinancere-
ports;publicrecordsexemption.
106.071Independentexpenditures;electioneering
communications;reports;disclaimers.
106.075Electedofficials;reportofloansmadein
yearprecedingelection;limitationon
contributionstopayloans.
106.08Contributions;limitationson.
106.087 Independentexpenditures;contribution
limits;restrictionsonpoliticalparties
andpoliticalcommittees.
106.088 Independentexpenditures;contribution
limits;restrictionsonaffiliatedpartycom-
mittees.
106.09 Cashcontributionsandcontributionby
cashier’schecks.
106.11Expensesofandexpendituresbycandi-
datesandpoliticalcommittees.
106.113Expendituresbylocalgovernments.
106.12Pettycashfundsallowed.
106.125Creditcards;conditionsonuse.
106.14Utilities;deposits;priorauthorization.
106.1405Useofcampaignfunds.
106.141Dispositionofsurplusfundsbycandidates.
106.143Politicaladvertisementscirculatedpriorto
election;requirements.
106.1435Usageandremovalofpoliticalcampaign
advertisements.
106.1437Miscellaneousadvertisements.
106.1439 Electioneeringcommunications;disclai-
mers.
106.147Telephonesolicitation;disclosurerequire-
ments;prohibitions;exemptions;penal-
ties.
106.1475 Telephonesolicitation;registeredagent
requirements;penalty.
106.15Certainactsprohibited.
106.16Limitationoncertainratesandcharges.
106.161Airtimeavailableatthelowestunitrate.
106.165Useofclosedcaptioninganddescriptive
narrativeinalltelevisionbroadcasts.
106.17Pollsandsurveysrelatingtocandidacies.
106.18Whenacandidate’snametobeomitted
fromballot.
106.19 Violationsbycandidates,personscon-
nectedwithcampaigns,andpolitical
committees.
106.191Signaturesgatheredforinitiativepetition;
effectofch.97-13.
106.21Certificatesofelectionnottobeissued
uponconviction.
106.22DutiesoftheDivisionofElections.
106.23PowersoftheDivisionofElections.
106.24 FloridaElectionsCommission;member-
ship;powers;duties.
106.25 ReportsofallegedviolationstoFlorida
ElectionsCommission;dispositionof
findings.
106.26Powersofcommission;rightsandrespon-
sibilitiesofparties;findingsbycommis-
sion.
106.265Civilpenalties.
106.27Determinationsbycommission;legaldis-
position.
106.28Limitationofactions.
106.29Reportsbypoliticalpartiesandaffiliated
partycommittees;restrictionsoncontri-
butionsandexpenditures;penalties.
106.295Leadershipfund.
106.30Shorttitle.
106.31Legislativeintent.
106.32ElectionCampaignFinancingTrustFund.
106.33Electioncampaignfinancing;eligibility.
106.34Expenditurelimits.
106.35Distributionoffunds.
106.353Candidatesvoluntarilyabidingbyelection
campaignfinancinglimitsbutnotre-
questingpublicfunds;irrevocablestate-
mentrequired;penalty.
106.355Nonparticipatingcandidateexceedinglim-
its.
106.36Penalties;fines.
106.011Definitions.—Asusedinthischapter,the
followingtermshavethefollowingmeaningsunlessthe
contextclearlyindicatesotherwise:
(1)“Campaignfundraiser”meansanaffairheldto
raisefundstobeusedinacampaignforpublicoffice.
(2)“Campaigntreasurer”meansanindividualap-
pointedbyacandidateorpoliticalcommitteeas
providedinthischapter.
(3)“Candidate”meansapersontowhomanyofthe
followingapplies:
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
105
(a)Apersonwhoseekstoqualifyfornominationor
electionbymeansofthepetitioningprocess.
(b)Apersonwhoseekstoqualifyforelectionasa
write-incandidate.
(c)Apersonwhoreceivescontributionsormakes
expenditures,orconsentsforanyotherpersonto
receivecontributionsormakeexpenditures,witha
viewtobringabouthisorhernominationorelection
to,orretentionin,publicoffice.
(d)Apersonwhoappointsatreasureranddesig-
natesaprimarydepository.
(e)Apersonwhofilesqualificationpapersand
subscribestoacandidate’soathasrequiredbylaw.
However,thisdefinitiondoesnotincludeanycandidate
forapoliticalpartyexecutivecommittee.Expenditures
relatedtopotentialcandidatepollsasprovidedins.
106.17arenotcontributionsorexpendituresforpur-
posesofthissubsection.
(4)“Communicationsmedia”meansbroadcasting
stations,newspapers,magazines,outdooradvertising
facilities,printers,directmail,advertisingagencies,the
Internet,andtelephonecompanies;butwithrespectto
telephones,anexpenditureisdeemedtobean
expenditurefortheuseofcommunicationsmediaonly
ifmadeforthecostsoftelephones,paidtelephonists,or
automatictelephoneequipmenttobeusedbya
candidateorapoliticalcommitteetocommunicate
withpotentialvotersbutexcludingthecostsoftele-
phonesincurredbyavolunteerforuseoftelephonesby
suchvolunteer;however,withrespecttotheInternet,an
expenditureisdeemedanexpenditureforuseof
communicationsmediaonlyifmadeforthecostof
creatingordisseminatingamessageonacomputer
informationsystemaccessiblebymorethanoneperson
butexcludinginternalcommunicationsofacampaignor
ofanygroup.
(5)“Contribution”means:
(a)Agift,subscription,conveyance,deposit,loan,
payment,ordistributionofmoneyoranythingofvalue,
includingcontributionsinkindhavinganattributable
monetaryvalueinanyform,madeforthepurposeof
influencingtheresultsofanelectionormakingan
electioneeringcommunication.
(b)Atransferoffundsbetweenpoliticalcommittees,
betweenelectioneeringcommunicationsorganizations,
orbetweenanycombinationofthesegroups.
(c)Thepayment,byapersonotherthanacandi-
dateorpoliticalcommittee,ofcompensationforthe
personalservicesofanotherpersonwhicharerendered
toacandidateorpoliticalcommitteewithoutchargeto
thecandidateorcommitteeforsuchservices.
(d)Thetransferoffundsbyacampaigntreasureror
deputycampaigntreasurerbetweenaprimarydeposi-
toryandaseparateinterest-bearingaccountorcertifi-
cateofdeposit,andthetermincludesinterestearnedon
suchaccountorcertificate.
Notwithstandingtheforegoingmeaningsof“contribu-
tion,”thetermmaynotbeconstruedtoincludeservices,
including,butnotlimitedto,legalandaccounting
services,providedwithoutcompensationbyindividuals
volunteeringaportionoralloftheirtimeonbehalfofa
candidateorpoliticalcommitteeoreditorialendorse-
ments.
(6)“Division”meanstheDivisionofElectionsofthe
DepartmentofState.
(7)“Election”meansaprimaryelection,special
primaryelection,generalelection,specialelection,or
municipalelectionheldinthisstateforthepurposeof
nominatingorelectingcandidatestopublicoffice,
choosingdelegatestothenationalnominatingconven-
tionsofpoliticalparties,selectingamemberofapolitical
partyexecutivecommittee,orsubmittinganissuetothe
electorsfortheirapprovalorrejection.
(8)(a)“Electioneeringcommunication”meanscom-
municationthatispubliclydistributedbyatelevision
station,radiostation,cabletelevisionsystem,satellite
system,newspaper,magazine,directmail,ortelephone
andthat:
1.Referstoordepictsaclearlyidentifiedcandidate
forofficewithoutexpresslyadvocatingtheelectionor
defeatofacandidatebutthatissusceptibleofno
reasonableinterpretationotherthananappealtovote
fororagainstaspecificcandidate;
2.Ismadewithin30daysbeforeaprimaryor
specialprimaryelectionor60daysbeforeanyother
electionfortheofficesoughtbythecandidate;and
3.Istargetedtotherelevantelectorateinthe
geographicareathecandidatewouldrepresentif
elected.
(b)Theterm“electioneeringcommunication”does
notinclude:
1.Acommunicationdisseminatedthrougha
meansofcommunicationotherthanatelevisionstation,
radiostation,cabletelevisionsystem,satellitesystem,
newspaper,magazine,directmail,telephone,orstate-
mentordepictionbyanorganization,inexistence
beforethetimeduringwhichacandidatenamedor
depictedqualifiesforthatelection,madeinthat
organization’snewsletter,whichnewsletterisdistribu-
tedonlytomembersofthatorganization.
2.Acommunicationinanewsstory,commentary,
oreditorialdistributedthroughthefacilitiesofaradio
station,televisionstation,cabletelevisionsystem,or
satellitesystem,unlessthefacilitiesareownedor
controlledbyapoliticalparty,politicalcommittee,or
candidate.Anewsstorydistributedthroughthefacilities
ownedorcontrolledbyapoliticalparty,political
committee,orcandidatemayneverthelessbeexempt
ifitrepresentsabonafidenewsaccountcommunicated
throughalicensedbroadcastingfacilityandthecom-
municationispartofageneralpatternofcampaign-
relatednewsaccountsthatgivereasonablyequal
coveragetoallopposingcandidatesinthearea.
3.Acommunicationthatconstitutesapublicde-
bateorforumthatincludesatleasttwoopposing
candidatesforanofficeoroneadvocateandone
opponentofanissue,orthatsolelypromotessucha
debateorforumandismadebyoronbehalfofthe
personsponsoringthedebateorforum,providedthat:
a.Thestagingorganizationiseither:
(I)Acharitableorganizationthatdoesnotmake
otherelectioneeringcommunicationsanddoesnot
otherwisesupportoropposeanypoliticalcandidateor
politicalparty;or
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
106
(II)Anewspaper,radiostation,televisionstation,or
otherrecognizednewsmedium;and
b.Thestagingorganizationdoesnotstructurethe
debatetopromoteoradvanceonecandidateorissue
positionoveranother.
(c)Forpurposesofthischapter,anexpenditure
madefor,orinfurtheranceof,anelectioneering
communicationisnotconsideredacontributiontoor
onbehalfofanycandidate.
(d)Forpurposesofthischapter,anelectioneering
communicationdoesnotconstituteanindependent
expenditureandisnotsubjecttothelimitationsapplic-
abletoindependentexpenditures.
(9)“Electioneeringcommunicationsorganization”
meansanygroup,otherthanapoliticalparty,affiliated
partycommittee,orpoliticalcommittee,whoseelection-
relatedactivitiesarelimitedtomakingexpendituresfor
electioneeringcommunicationsoracceptingcontribu-
tionsforthepurposeofmakingelectioneeringcommu-
nicationsandwhoseactivitieswouldnototherwise
requirethegrouptoregisterasapoliticalpartyor
politicalcommitteeunderthischapter.
(10)(a)“Expenditure”meansapurchase,payment,
distribution,loan,advance,transferoffundsbya
campaigntreasurerordeputycampaigntreasurer
betweenaprimarydepositoryandaseparateinterest-
bearingaccountorcertificateofdeposit,orgiftofmoney
oranythingofvaluemadeforthepurposeofinfluencing
theresultsofanelectionormakinganelectioneering
communication.However,“expenditure”doesnotin-
cludeapurchase,payment,distribution,loan,advance,
orgiftofmoneyoranythingofvaluemadeforthe
purposeofinfluencingtheresultsofanelectionwhen
madebyanorganization,inexistencebeforethetime
duringwhichacandidatequalifiesoranissueisplaced
ontheballotforthatelection,forthepurposeofprinting
ordistributingsuchorganization’snewsletter,contain-
ingastatementbysuchorganizationinsupportofor
oppositiontoacandidateorissue,whichnewsletteris
distributedonlytomembersofsuchorganization.
(b)Asusedinthischapter,an“expenditure”foran
electioneeringcommunicationismadewhentheear-
liestofthefollowingoccurs:
1.Apersonentersintoacontractforapplicable
goodsorservices;
2.Apersonmakespayment,inwholeorinpart,for
theproductionorpublicdisseminationofapplicable
goodsorservices;or
3.Theelectioneeringcommunicationispublicly
disseminated.
(11)“Filingofficer”meansthepersonbeforewhoma
candidatequalifiesortheagencyorofficerwithwhoma
politicalcommitteeoranelectioneeringcommunica-
tionsorganizationregisters.
(12)(a)“Independentexpenditure”meansanexpen-
diturebyapersonforthepurposeofexpressly
advocatingtheelectionordefeatofacandidateorthe
approvalorrejectionofanissue,whichexpenditureis
notcontrolledby,coordinatedwith,ormadeupon
consultationwith,anycandidate,politicalcommittee,
oragentofsuchcandidateorcommittee.Anexpendi-
tureforsuchpurposebyapersonhavingacontractwith
thecandidate,politicalcommittee,oragentofsuch
candidateorcommitteeinagivenelectionperiodisnot
anindependentexpenditure.
(b)Anexpenditureforthepurposeofexpressly
advocatingtheelectionordefeatofacandidatewhichis
madebythenational,state,orcountyexecutive
committeeofapoliticalparty,includinganysubordinate
committeeofthepoliticalparty,anaffiliatedparty
committee,apoliticalcommittee,oranyotherperson
isnotconsideredanindependentexpenditureifthe
committeeorperson:
1.Communicateswiththecandidate,thecandida-
te’scampaign,oranagentofthecandidateactingon
behalfofthecandidate,includingapollster,media
consultant,advertisingagency,vendor,advisor,orstaff
member,concerningthepreparationof,useof,or
paymentfor,thespecificexpenditureoradvertising
campaignatissue;
2.Makesapaymentincooperation,consultation,
orconcertwith,attherequestorsuggestionof,or
pursuanttoageneralorparticularunderstandingwith
thecandidate,thecandidate’scampaign,apolitical
committeesupportingthecandidate,oranagentofthe
candidaterelatingtothespecificexpenditureoradver-
tisingcampaignatissue;
3.Makesapaymentforthedissemination,dis-
tribution,orrepublication,inwholeorinpart,ofa
broadcastorawritten,graphic,orotherformof
campaignmaterialpreparedbythecandidate,the
candidate’scampaign,oranagentofthecandidate,
includingapollster,mediaconsultant,advertising
agency,vendor,advisor,orstaffmember;
4.Makesapaymentbasedoninformationabout
thecandidate’splans,projects,orneedscommunicated
toamemberofthecommitteeorpersonbythe
candidateoranagentofthecandidate,providedthe
committeeorpersonusestheinformationinanyway,in
wholeorinpart,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,todesign,
prepare,orpayforthespecificexpenditureoradvertis-
ingcampaignatissue;
5.Afterthelastdayofthequalifyingperiod
prescribedforthecandidate,consultsaboutthecandi-
date’splans,projects,orneedsinconnectionwiththe
candidate’spursuitofelectiontoofficeandtheinforma-
tionisusedinanywaytoplan,create,design,or
prepareanindependentexpenditureoradvertising
campaign,with:
a.Anofficer,director,employee,oragentofa
national,state,orcountyexecutivecommitteeofa
politicalpartyoranaffiliatedpartycommitteethathas
madeorintendstomakeexpendituresinconnection
withorcontributionstothecandidate;or
b.Apersonwhoseprofessionalserviceshave
beenretainedbyanational,state,orcountyexecutive
committeeofapoliticalpartyoranaffiliatedparty
committeethathasmadeorintendstomakeexpendi-
turesinconnectionwithorcontributionstothecandi-
date;
6.Afterthelastdayofthequalifyingperiod
prescribedforthecandidate,retainstheprofessional
servicesofapersonalsoprovidingthoseservicestothe
candidateinconnectionwiththecandidate’spursuitof
electiontooffice;or
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
107
7.Arranges,coordinates,ordirectstheexpendi-
ture,inanyway,withthecandidateoranagentofthe
candidate.
(13)“Issue”meansapropositionthatisrequiredby
theStateConstitution,bylaworresolutionofthe
Legislature,orbythecharter,ordinance,orresolution
ofapoliticalsubdivisionofthisstatetobesubmittedto
theelectorsfortheirapprovalorrejectionatanelection,
orapropositionforwhichapetitioniscirculatedinorder
tohavesuchpropositionplacedontheballotatan
election.
(14)“Person”meansanindividualoracorporation,
association,firm,partnership,jointventure,jointstock
company,club,organization,estate,trust,business
trust,syndicate,orothercombinationofindividuals
havingcollectivecapacity.Thetermincludesapolitical
party,affiliatedpartycommittee,orpoliticalcommittee.
(15)“Politicaladvertisement”meansapaidexpres-
sioninacommunicationsmediumprescribedinsub-
section(4),whetherradio,television,newspaper,
magazine,periodical,campaignliterature,directmail,
ordisplayorbymeansotherthanthespokenwordin
directconversation,whichexpresslyadvocatesthe
electionordefeatofacandidateortheapprovalor
rejectionofanissue.However,politicaladvertisement
doesnotinclude:
(a)Astatementbyanorganization,inexistence
beforethetimeduringwhichacandidatequalifiesoran
issueisplacedontheballotforthatelection,insupport
oforoppositiontoacandidateorissue,inthat
organization’snewsletter,whichnewsletterisdistribu-
tedonlytothemembersofthatorganization.
(b)Editorialendorsementsbyanewspaper,aradio
ortelevisionstation,oranyotherrecognizednews
medium.
(16)(a)“Politicalcommittee”means:
1.Acombinationoftwoormoreindividuals,ora
personotherthananindividual,that,inanaggregate
amountinexcessof$500duringasinglecalendaryear:
a.Acceptscontributionsforthepurposeofmaking
contributionstoanycandidate,politicalcommittee,
affiliatedpartycommittee,orpoliticalparty;
b.Acceptscontributionsforthepurposeofex-
presslyadvocatingtheelectionordefeatofacandidate
orthepassageordefeatofanissue;
c.Makesexpendituresthatexpresslyadvocatethe
electionordefeatofacandidateorthepassageor
defeatofanissue;or
d.Makescontributionstoacommonfund,other
thanajointcheckingaccountbetweenspouses,from
whichcontributionsaremadetoanycandidate,political
committee,affiliatedpartycommittee,orpoliticalparty;
2.Thesponsorofaproposedconstitutional
amendmentbyinitiativewhointendstoseekthe
signaturesofregisteredelectors.
(b)Notwithstandingparagraph(a),thefollowing
entitiesarenotconsideredpoliticalcommitteesfor
purposesofthischapter:
1.Nationalpoliticalparties,thestateandcounty
executivecommitteesofpoliticalparties,andaffiliated
partycommitteesregulatedbychapter103.
2.Corporationsregulatedbychapter607orchap-
ter617orotherbusinessentitiesformedforpurposes
otherthantosupportoropposeissuesorcandidates,if
theirpoliticalactivitiesarelimitedtocontributionsto
candidates,politicalparties,affiliatedpartycommittees,
orpoliticalcommitteesorexpendituresinsupportofor
oppositiontoanissuefromcorporateorbusinessfunds
andifnocontributionsarereceivedbysuchcorpora-
tionsorbusinessentities.
3.Electioneeringcommunicationsorganizations
asdefinedinsubsection(9).
(17)“Publicoffice”meansastate,county,municipal,
orschoolorotherdistrictofficeorpositionthatisfilledby
voteoftheelectors.
(18)“Unopposedcandidate”meansacandidatefor
nominationorelectiontoanofficewho,afterthelastday
onwhichaperson,includingawrite-incandidate,may
qualify,iswithoutoppositionintheelectionatwhichthe
officeistobefilledorwhoiswithoutsuchopposition
aftersuchdateasaresultofaprimaryelectionorof
withdrawalbyothercandidatesseekingthesameoffice.
Acandidateisnotanunopposedcandidateifthereisa
vacancytobefilledunders.100.111(3),ifthereisa
legalproceedingpendingregardingtherighttoaballot
positionfortheofficesoughtbythecandidate,orifthe
candidateisseekingretentionasajusticeorjudge.
History.—s.1,ch.73-128;s.1,ch.74-200;s.1,ch.77-174;s.39,ch.77-175;s.
2,ch.79-157;ss.6,17,ch.79-365;s.1,ch.79-378;s.22,ch.81-304;s.34,ch.
84-302;s.4,ch.85-226;s.2,ch.89-256;s.1,ch.89-537;s.24,ch.90-315;s.9,ch.
91-107;s.636,ch.95-147;s.2,ch.97-13;s.7,ch.99-355;s.1,ch.2002-197;s.2,
ch.2004-252;s.1,ch.2006-300;s.19,ch.2010-167;ss.4,30,ch.2011-6;s.52,ch.
2011-40;HJR7105,2011RegularSession;s.5,ch.2012-5;s.3,ch.2013-37;s.9,
ch.2014-17.
106.021Campaigntreasurers;deputies;pri-
maryandsecondarydepositories.—
(1)(a)Eachcandidatefornominationorelectionto
officeandeachpoliticalcommitteeshallappointa
campaigntreasurer.Eachpersonwhoseekstoqualify
fornominationorelectionto,orretentionin,officeshall
appointacampaigntreasureranddesignateaprimary
campaigndepositorybeforequalifyingforoffice.Any
personwhoseekstoqualifyforelectionornominationto
anyofficebymeansofthepetitioningprocessshall
appointatreasureranddesignateaprimarydepository
onorbeforethedateheorsheobtainsthepetitions.At
thesametimeacandidatedesignatesacampaign
depositoryandappointsatreasurer,thecandidateshall
alsodesignatetheofficeforwhichheorsheisa
candidate.Ifthecandidateisrunningforanofficethat
willbegroupedontheballotwithtwoormoresimilar
officestobefilledatthesameelection,thecandidate
mustindicateforwhichgroupordistrictofficeheorshe
isrunning.Thissubsectiondoesnotprohibitacandi-
date,atalaterdate,fromchangingthedesignationof
theofficeforwhichheorsheisacandidate.However,if
acandidatechangesthedesignatedofficeforwhichhe
orsheisacandidate,thecandidatemustnotifyall
contributorsinwritingoftheintenttoseekadifferent
officeandoffertoreturnprorata,upontheirrequest,
thosecontributionsgiveninsupportoftheoriginaloffice
sought.Thisnotificationshallbegivenwithin15days
afterthefilingofthechangeofdesignationandshall
includeastandardformdevelopedbytheDivisionof
Electionsforrequestingthereturnofcontributions.The
noticerequirementdoesnotapplytoanychangeina
numericaldesignationresultingsolelyfromredistricting.
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
108
If,within30daysafterbeingnotifiedbythecandidateof
theintenttoseekadifferentoffice,thecontributor
notifiesthecandidateinwritingthatthecontributor
wisheshisorhercontributiontobereturned,the
candidateshallreturnthecontribution,onaprorata
basis,calculatedasofthedatethechangeofdesigna-
tionisfiled.Uptoamaximumofthecontributionlimits
specifiedins.106.08,acandidatewhorunsforanoffice
otherthantheofficeoriginallydesignatedmayuseany
contributionthatadonordoesnotrequestbereturned
withinthe30-dayperiodforthenewlydesignatedoffice,
providedthecandidatedisposesofanyamountex-
ceedingthecontributionlimitpursuanttotheoptionsin
s.106.11(5)(b)and(c)ors.106.141(4)(a)1.,2.,or4.;
notwithstanding,thefullamountofthecontributionfor
theoriginalofficeshallcounttowardthecontribution
limitsspecifiedins.106.08forthenewlydesignated
office.Apersonmaynotacceptanycontributionor
makeanyexpenditurewithaviewtobringingabouthis
orhernomination,election,orretentioninpublicoffice,
orauthorizeanothertoacceptsuchcontributionsor
makesuchexpenditureontheperson’sbehalf,unless
suchpersonhasappointedacampaigntreasurerand
designatedaprimarycampaigndepository.Acandidate
foranofficevoteduponstatewidemayappointnotmore
than15deputycampaigntreasurers,andanyother
candidateorpoliticalcommitteemayappointnotmore
than3deputycampaigntreasurers.Thenamesand
addressesofthecampaigntreasureranddeputy
campaigntreasurerssoappointedshallbefiledwith
theofficerbeforewhomsuchcandidateisrequiredto
qualifyorwithwhomsuchpoliticalcommitteeisrequired
toregisterpursuanttos.106.03.
(b)Exceptasprovidedinparagraph(d),each
candidateandeachpoliticalcommitteeshallalso
designateoneprimarycampaigndepositoryforthe
purposeofdepositingallcontributionsreceived,and
disbursingallexpendituresmade,bythecandidateor
politicalcommittee.Thecandidateorpoliticalcommittee
mayalsodesignateonesecondarydepositoryineach
countyinwhichanelectionisheldinwhichthe
candidateorcommitteeparticipates.Secondarydeposi-
toriesshallbeforthesolepurposeofdepositing
contributionsandforwardingthedepositstotheprimary
campaigndepository.Anybank,savingsandloan
association,orcreditunionauthorizedtotransact
businessinthisstatemaybedesignatedasacampaign
depository.Thecandidateorpoliticalcommitteeshall
filethenameandaddressofeachprimaryand
secondarydepositorysodesignatedatthesametime
that,andwiththesameofficerwithwhom,thecandidate
orcommitteefilesthenameofhis,her,oritscampaign
treasurerpursuanttoparagraph(a).Inaddition,the
campaigntreasureroradeputycampaigntreasurer
maydepositanyfundswhichareintheprimary
campaigndepositoryandwhicharenotthencurrently
neededforthedisbursementofexpendituresintoa
separateinterest-bearingaccountinanybank,savings
andloanassociation,orcreditunionauthorizedto
transactbusinessinthisstate.Theseparateinterest-
bearingaccountshallbedesignated“(nameofcandidateor
committee)separateinterest-bearingcampaignaccount.”
Inlieuthereof,thecampaigntreasurerordeputy
campaigntreasurermaypurchaseacertificateof
depositwithsuchunneededfundsinsuchbank,savings
andloanassociation,orcreditunion.Theseparate
interest-bearingaccountorcertificateofdepositshallbe
separatefromanypersonalorotheraccountor
certificateofdeposit.Anywithdrawaloftheprincipal
orearnedinterestoranypartthereofshallonlybemade
fromtheseparateinterest-bearingaccountorcertificate
ofdepositforthepurposeoftransferringfundstothe
primaryaccountandshallbereportedasacontribution.
(c)Anycampaigntreasurerordeputytreasurer
appointedpursuanttothissectionshall,beforesuch
appointmentmaybecomeeffective,haveaccepted
appointmenttosuchpositioninwritingandfiledsuch
acceptancewiththeofficerbeforewhomthecandidate
isrequiredtoqualifyorwiththeofficerwithwhomthe
politicalcommitteeisrequiredtofilereports.An
individualmaybeappointedandserveascampaign
treasurerofacandidateandapoliticalcommitteeortwo
ormorecandidatesandpoliticalcommittees.Acandi-
datemayappointherselforhimselfascampaign
treasurer.
(d)Anypoliticalcommitteewhichdepositsallcon-
tributionsreceivedinanationaldepositoryfromwhich
thepoliticalcommitteereceivesfundstocontributeto
stateandlocalcandidatesshallnotberequiredto
designateacampaigndepositoryinthestate.
(2)Acandidateorpoliticalcommitteemayremove
his,her,oritscampaigntreasureroranydeputy
treasurer.Incaseofthedeath,resignation,orremoval
ofacampaigntreasurerbeforecompliancewithall
obligationsofacampaigntreasurerunderthischapter,
thecandidateorpoliticalcommitteeshallappointa
successorandcertifythenameandaddressofthe
successorinthemannerprovidedinthecaseofan
originalappointment.Noresignationshallbeeffective
untilithasbeensubmittedtothecandidateorcommit-
teeinwritingandacopythereofhasbeenfiledwiththe
officerbeforewhomthecandidateisrequiredtoqualify
ortheofficerwithwhomthepoliticalcommitteeis
requiredtofilereports.Notreasurerordeputytreasurer
shallbedeemedremovedbyacandidateorpolitical
committeeuntilwrittennoticeofsuchremovalhasbeen
giventosuchtreasurerordeputytreasurerandhas
beenfiledwiththeofficerbeforewhomsuchcandidate
isrequiredtoqualifyorwiththeofficerwithwhomsuch
committeeisrequiredtofilereports.
(3)Nocontributionorexpenditure,includingcon-
tributionsorexpendituresofacandidateorofthe
candidate’sfamily,shallbedirectlyorindirectlymade
orreceivedinfurtheranceofthecandidacyofany
personfornominationorelectiontopoliticalofficeinthe
stateoronbehalfofanypoliticalcommitteeexcept
throughthedulyappointedcampaigntreasurerofthe
candidateorpoliticalcommittee,subjecttothefollowing
exceptions:
(a)Independentexpenditures;
(b)Reimbursementstoacandidateoranyother
individualforexpensesincurredinconnectionwiththe
campaignoractivitiesofthepoliticalcommitteebya
checkdrawnuponthecampaignaccountandreported
pursuanttos.106.07(4).Thefullnameofeachperson
towhomthecandidateorotherindividualmade
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
109
paymentforwhichreimbursementwasmadebycheck
drawnuponthecampaignaccountshallbereported
pursuanttos.106.07(4),togetherwiththepurposeof
suchpayment;
(c)Expendituresmadeindirectlythroughatreas-
urerforgoodsorservices,suchascommunications
mediaplacementorprocurementservices,campaign
signs,insurance,orotherexpendituresthatinclude
multipleintegralcomponentsaspartoftheexpenditure
andreportedpursuanttos.106.07(4)(a)13.;or
(d)Expendituresmadedirectlybyanyaffiliated
partycommitteeorpoliticalpartyregulatedbychapter
103forobtainingtime,space,orservicesinorbyany
communicationsmediumforthepurposeofjointly
endorsingthreeormorecandidates,andanysuch
expendituremaynotbeconsideredacontributionor
expendituretooronbehalfofanysuchcandidatesfor
thepurposesofthischapter.
(4)Adeputycampaigntreasurermayexerciseany
ofthepowersanddutiesofacampaigntreasurerasset
forthinthischapterwhenspecificallyauthorizedtodo
sobythecampaigntreasurerandthecandidate,inthe
caseofacandidate,orthecampaigntreasurerand
chairofthepoliticalcommittee,inthecaseofapolitical
committee.
(5)Forpurposesofappointingacampaigntreas-
ureranddesignatingacampaigndepository,candi-
datesfortheofficesofGovernorandLieutenant
Governoronthesameticketshallbeconsidereda
singlecandidate.
History.—s.2,ch.73-128;s.2,ch.74-200;s.1,ch.75-139;s.39,ch.77-175;s.
2,ch.79-378;s.56,ch.79-400;s.23,ch.81-304;s.35,ch.84-302;s.3,ch.89-256;
s.25,ch.90-315;s.10,ch.91-107;s.637,ch.95-147;s.9,ch.97-13;s.28,ch.
2002-17;s.14,ch.2004-252;s.41,ch.2007-30;s.28,ch.2008-95;ss.5,30,ch.
2011-6;s.53,ch.2011-40;HJR7105,2011RegularSession;s.4,ch.2013-37.
106.022Appointmentofaregisteredagent;
duties.—
(1)Eachpoliticalcommitteeorelectioneeringcom-
municationsorganizationshallhaveandcontinuously
maintaininthisstatearegisteredofficeandaregistered
agentandmustfilewiththefilingofficerastatementof
appointmentfortheregisteredofficeandregistered
agent.Thestatementofappointmentmust:
(a)Providethenameoftheregisteredagentand
thestreetaddressandphonenumberfortheregistered
office;
(b)Identifytheentityforwhomtheregisteredagent
serves;
(c)Designatetheaddresstheregisteredagent
wishestousetoreceivemail;
(d)Includetheentity’sundertakingtoinformthe
filingofficerofanychangeinsuchdesignatedaddress;
(e)Providefortheregisteredagent’sacceptanceof
theappointment,whichmustconfirmthattheregistered
agentisfamiliarwithandacceptstheobligationsofthe
positionassetforthinthissection;and
(f)Containthesignatureoftheregisteredagent
andtheentityengagingtheregisteredagent.
(2)Anentitymaychangeitsappointmentofregis-
teredagentandregisteredofficeunderthissectionby
executingawrittenstatementofchangeandfilingitwith
thefilingofficer.Thestatementmustsatisfyallofthe
requirementsofsubsection(1).
(3)Aregisteredagentmayresignhisorher
appointmentasregisteredagentbyexecutingawritten
statementofresignationandfilingitwiththefiling
officer.Anentitywithoutaregisteredagentmaynot
makeexpendituresoracceptcontributionsuntilitfilesa
writtenstatementofchangeasrequiredinsubsection
(2).
History.—s.67,ch.2005-277;s.2,ch.2006-300;s.20,ch.2010-167;ss.6,30,
ch.2011-6;s.54,ch.2011-40;HJR7105,2011RegularSession;s.5,ch.2013-37.
106.023Statementofcandidate.—
(1)Eachcandidatemustfileastatementwiththe
qualifyingofficerwithin10daysafterfilingtheappoint-
mentofcampaigntreasureranddesignationofcam-
paigndepository,statingthatthecandidatehasread
andunderstandstherequirementsofthischapter.Such
statementshallbeprovidedbythefilingofficerandshall
beinsubstantiallythefollowingform:
STATEMENTOFCANDIDATE
I,__,candidatefortheofficeof __,havebeen
providedaccesstoreadandunderstandtherequire-
mentsofChapter106,FloridaStatutes.
(Signatureofcandidate)(Date)
Willfulfailuretofilethisformisaviolationofss.
106.19(1)(c)and106.25(3),F.S.
(2)Theexecutionandfilingofthestatementof
candidatedoesnotinandofitselfcreateapresumption
thatanyviolationofthischapterorchapter104isa
willfulviolation.
History.—s.26,ch.90-315;s.638,ch.95-147;s.15,ch.2004-252;s.15,ch.
2008-4;s.55,ch.2011-40.
106.025Campaignfundraisers.—
(1)(a)Nocampaignfundraisermaybeheldunless
thepersonforwhomsuchfundsaretobesousedisa
candidateforpublicoffice.
(b)Allmoneyandcontributionsreceivedwithre-
specttosuchacampaignfundraisershallbedeemedto
becampaigncontributions,andshallbeaccountedfor,
andsubjecttothesamerestrictions,asothercampaign
contributions.Allexpendituresmadewithrespectto
suchacampaignfundraiserwhicharemadeor
reimbursedbyacheckdrawnonthecampaigndeposi-
toryofthecandidateforwhomthefundsaretobeused
andshallbedeemedtobecampaignexpenditurestobe
accountedfor,andsubjecttothesamerestrictions,as
othercampaignexpenditures.
(c)Anyticketsoradvertisingforacampaignfund
raisermustcomplywiththerequirementsofs.106.143.
(d)Anypersonorcandidatewhoholdsacampaign
fundraiser,orconsentstoacampaignfundraiserbeing
held,inviolationoftheprovisionsofthissubsectionis
guiltyofamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishable
asprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
(2)Thissectionshallnotapplytoanycampaign
fundraiserheldonbehalfofapoliticalpartybythestate
orcountyexecutivecommitteeoranaffiliatedparty
committeeofsuchparty,providedthattheproceedsof
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
110
suchcampaignfundraiserarereportedpursuanttos.
106.29.
History.—s.40,ch.77-175;s.51,ch.81-259;s.24,ch.81-304;s.27,ch.
83-217;s.4,ch.89-256;ss.7,30,ch.2011-6;s.56,ch.2011-40;HJR7105,2011
RegularSession;s.6,ch.2013-37.
106.03Registrationofpoliticalcommitteesand
electioneeringcommunicationsorganizations.—
(1)(a)Eachpoliticalcommitteethatreceivescontri-
butionsormakesexpendituresduringacalendaryearin
anaggregateamountexceeding$500orthatseeksthe
signaturesofregisteredelectorsinsupportofan
initiativeshallfileastatementoforganizationas
providedinsubsection(3)within10daysafterits
organization.Ifapoliticalcommitteeisorganizedwithin
10daysofanyelection,itshallimmediatelyfilethe
statementoforganizationrequiredbythissection.
(b)1.Eachgroupshallfileastatementoforganiza-
tionasanelectioneeringcommunicationsorganization
within24hoursafterthedateonwhichitmakes
expendituresforanelectioneeringcommunicationin
excessof$5,000,ifsuchexpendituresaremadewithin
thetimeframesspecifiedins.106.011(8)(a)2.Ifthe
groupmakesexpendituresforanelectioneeringcom-
municationinexcessof$5,000beforethetimeframes
specifiedins.106.011(8)(a)2.,itshallfilethestatement
oforganizationwithin24hoursafterthe30thdaybefore
aprimaryorspecialprimaryelection,orwithin24hours
afterthe60thdaybeforeanyotherelection,whichever
isapplicable.
2.a.Inastatewide,legislative,ormulticountyelec-
tion,anelectioneeringcommunicationsorganization
shallfileastatementoforganizationwiththeDivision
ofElections.
b.Inacountywideelectionoranyelectionheldon
lessthanacountywidebasis,exceptasdescribedin
sub-subparagraphc.,anelectioneeringcommunica-
tionsorganizationshallfileastatementoforganization
withthesupervisorofelectionsofthecountyinwhich
theelectionisbeingheld.
c.Inamunicipalelection,anelectioneeringcom-
municationsorganizationshallfileastatementof
organizationwiththeofficerbeforewhommunicipal
candidatesqualify.
d.Anyelectioneeringcommunicationsorganiza-
tionthatwouldberequiredtofileastatementof
organizationintwoormorelocationsneedonlyfilea
statementoforganizationwiththeDivisionofElections.
(2)Thestatementoforganizationshallinclude:
(a)Thename,mailingaddress,andstreetaddress
ofthecommitteeorelectioneeringcommunications
organization;
(b)Thenames,streetaddresses,andrelationships
ofaffiliatedorconnectedorganizations,includingany
affiliatedsponsors;
(c)Thearea,scope,orjurisdictionofthecommittee
orelectioneeringcommunicationsorganization;
(d)Thename,mailingaddress,streetaddress,and
positionofthecustodianofbooksandaccounts;
(e)Thename,mailingaddress,streetaddress,and
positionofotherprincipalofficers,includingthetreas-
ureranddeputytreasurer,ifany;
(f)Thename,address,officesought,andparty
affiliationof:
1.Eachcandidatewhomthecommitteeissupport-
ing;
2.Anyotherindividual,ifany,whomthecommittee
issupportingfornominationforelection,orelection,to
anypublicofficewhatever;
(g)Anyissueorissuesthecommitteeissupporting
oropposing;
(h)Ifthecommitteeissupportingtheentireticketof
anyparty,astatementtothateffectandthenameofthe
party;
(i)Astatementofwhetherthecommitteeisa
continuingone;
(j)Plansforthedispositionofresidualfundswhich
willbemadeintheeventofdissolution;
(k)Alistingofallbanks,safe-depositboxes,or
otherdepositoriesusedforcommitteeorelectioneering
communicationsorganizationfunds;
(l)Astatementofthereportsrequiredtobefiledby
thecommitteeortheelectioneeringcommunications
organizationwithfederalofficials,ifany,andthenames,
addresses,andpositionsofsuchofficials;and
(m)Astatementofwhethertheelectioneeringcom-
municationsorganizationwasformedasanewly
createdorganizationduringthecurrentcalendarquarter
orwasformedfromanorganizationexistingpriortothe
currentcalendarquarter.Forpurposesofthissubsec-
tion,calendarquartersendthelastdayofMarch,June,
September,andDecember.
(3)(a)Apoliticalcommitteewhichisorganizedto
supportoropposestatewide,legislative,ormulticounty
candidatesorissuestobevotedupononastatewideor
multicountybasisshallfileastatementoforganization
withtheDivisionofElections.
(b)Exceptasprovidedinparagraph(c),apolitical
committeewhichisorganizedtosupportoroppose
candidatesorissuestobevotedoninacountywide
electionorcandidatesorissuesinanyelectionheldon
lessthanacountywidebasisshallfileastatementof
organizationwiththesupervisorofelectionsofthe
countyinwhichsuchelectionisbeingheld.
(c)Apoliticalcommitteewhichisorganizedto
supportoropposeonlycandidatesformunicipaloffice
orissuestobevotedoninamunicipalelectionshallfile
astatementoforganizationwiththeofficerbeforewhom
municipalcandidatesqualify.
(d)Anypoliticalcommitteewhichwouldberequired
underthissubsectiontofileastatementoforganization
intwoormorelocationsneedfileonlywiththeDivision
ofElections.
(4)Anychangeininformationpreviouslysubmitted
inastatementoforganizationshallbereportedtothe
agencyorofficerwithwhomsuchcommitteeor
electioneeringcommunicationsorganizationisrequired
toregisterwithin10daysfollowingthechange.
(5)Anycommitteewhich,afterhavingfiledoneor
morestatementsoforganization,disbandsordeter-
minesitwillnolongerreceivecontributionsormake
expendituresduringthecalendaryearinanaggregate
amountexceeding$500shallsonotifytheagencyor
officerwithwhomsuchcommitteeisrequiredtofilethe
statementoforganization.
(6)Ifthefilingofficerfindsthatapoliticalcommittee
hasfileditsstatementoforganizationconsistentwith
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
111
therequirementsofsubsection(2),itshallnotifythe
committeeinwritingthatithasbeenregisteredasa
politicalcommittee.Ifthefilingofficerfindsthata
politicalcommittee’sstatementoforganizationdoes
notmeettherequirementsofsubsection(2),itshall
notifythecommitteeofsuchfindingandshallstatein
writingthereasonsforrejectionofthestatementof
organization.
(7)TheDivisionofElectionsshalladoptrulesto
prescribethemannerinwhichcommitteesandelectio-
neeringcommunicationsorganizationsmaybedis-
solvedandhavetheirregistrationcanceled.Such
rulesshall,ataminimum,providefor:
(a)Noticewhichshallcontainthefactsandconduct
whichwarranttheintendedaction,includingbutnot
limitedtofailuretofilereportsandlimitedactivity.
(b)Adequateopportunitytorespond.
(c)AppealofthedecisiontotheFloridaElections
Commission.Suchappealsshallbeexemptfromthe
confidentialityprovisionsofs.106.25.
History.—s.3,ch.73-128;s.3,ch.74-200;s.1,ch.77-174;s.41,ch.77-175;s.
18,ch.79-365;s.25,ch.81-304;s.1,ch.82-143;s.36,ch.84-302;s.5,ch.89-256;
s.27,ch.90-315;s.3,ch.2006-300;s.21,ch.2010-167;ss.8,30,ch.2011-6;s.57,
ch.2011-40;HJR7105,2011RegularSession;s.7,ch.2013-37.
106.05Depositofcontributions;statementof
campaigntreasurer.—Allfundsreceivedbythecam-
paigntreasurerofanycandidateorpoliticalcommittee
shall,priortotheendofthe5thbusinessdayfollowing
thereceiptthereof,Saturdays,Sundays,andlegal
holidaysexcluded,bedepositedinacampaigndeposi-
torydesignatedpursuanttos.106.021,inanaccount
thatcontainsthenameofthecandidateorcommittee.
Exceptforcontributionstopoliticalcommitteesmadeby
payrolldeduction,alldepositsshallbeaccompaniedby
abankdepositslipcontainingthenameofeach
contributorandtheamountcontributedbyeach.Ifa
contributionisdepositedinasecondarycampaign
depository,thedepositoryshallforwardthefullamount
ofthedeposit,alongwithacopyofthedepositslip
accompanyingthedeposit,totheprimarycampaign
depositorypriortotheendofthe1stbusinessday
followingthedeposit.
History.—s.5,ch.73-128;s.1,ch.76-88;s.1,ch.77-174;s.43,ch.77-175;s.
7,ch.89-256;s.29,ch.90-315;s.8,ch.2013-37.
106.055Valuationofin-kindcontributions.—
Anypersonwhomakesanin-kindcontributionshall,
atthetimeofmakingsuchcontribution,placeavalueon
suchcontribution,whichvaluationshallbethefair
marketvalueofsuchcontribution.Travelconveyed
uponprivateaircraftshallbevaluedattheactualcostof
perpersoncommercialairtravelforthesameora
substantiallysimilarroute.
History.—s.44,ch.77-175;s.43,ch.2007-30.
106.06Treasurertokeeprecords;inspections.
(1)Thecampaigntreasurerofeachcandidateand
thecampaigntreasurerofeachpoliticalcommitteeshall
keepdetailedaccounts,currentwithinnotmorethan2
daysafterthedateofreceivingacontributionormaking
anexpenditure,ofallcontributionsreceivedandall
expendituresmadebyoronbehalfofthecandidateor
politicalcommitteethatarerequiredtobesetforthina
statementfiledunderthischapter.Thecampaign
treasurershallalsokeepdetailedaccountsofall
depositsmadeinanyseparateinterest-bearingaccount
orcertificateofdepositandofallwithdrawalsmade
therefromtotheprimarydepositoryandofallinterest
earnedthereon.
(2)Accounts,includingseparateinterest-bearing
accountsandcertificatesofdeposit,keptbythe
campaigntreasurerofacandidateorpoliticalcommittee
maybeinspectedunderreasonablecircumstances
before,during,oraftertheelectiontowhichthe
accountsreferbyanyauthorizedrepresentativeofthe
DivisionofElectionsortheFloridaElectionsCommis-
sion.Therightofinspectionmaybeenforcedby
appropriatewritissuedbyanycourtofcompetent
jurisdiction.Thecampaigntreasurerofapolitical
committeesupportingacandidatemaybejoinedwith
thecampaigntreasurerofthecandidateasrespondent
insuchaproceeding.
(3)Accountskeptbyacampaigntreasurerofa
candidateshallbepreservedbythecampaigntreasurer
foranumberofyearsequaltothetermofofficeofthe
officetowhichthecandidateseekselection.Accounts
keptbyacampaigntreasurerofapoliticalcommittee
shallbepreservedbysuchtreasurerforatleast2years
afterthedateoftheelectiontowhichtheaccountsrefer.
History.—s.6,ch.73-128;s.45,ch.77-175;s.3,ch.79-378;s.8,ch.89-256;s.
30,ch.90-315.
106.07Reports;certificationandfiling.—
(1)Eachcampaigntreasurerdesignatedbya
candidateorpoliticalcommitteepursuanttos.
106.021shallfileregularreportsofallcontributions
received,andallexpendituresmade,byoronbehalfof
suchcandidateorpoliticalcommittee.Exceptas
providedinparagraphs(a)and(b),reportsshallbe
filedonthe10thdayfollowingtheendofeachcalendar
monthfromthetimethecampaigntreasurerisap-
pointed,exceptthat,ifthe10thdayfollowingtheendof
acalendarmonthoccursonaSaturday,Sunday,or
legalholiday,thereportshallbefiledonthenext
followingdaythatisnotaSaturday,Sunday,orlegal
holiday.Monthlyreportsshallincludeallcontributions
receivedandexpendituresmadeduringthecalendar
monthwhichhavenototherwisebeenreportedpur-
suanttothissection.
(a)Astatewidecandidateorapoliticalcommittee
requiredtofilereportswiththedivisionmustfilereports:
1.Onthe60thdayimmediatelyprecedingthe
primaryelection,andeachweekthereafter,withthe
lastweeklyreportbeingfiledonthe4thdayimmediately
precedingthegeneralelection.
2.Onthe10thdayimmediatelyprecedingthe
generalelection,andeachdaythereafter,withthe
lastdailyreportbeingfiledthe5thdayimmediately
precedingthegeneralelection.
(b)Anyothercandidateorapoliticalcommittee
requiredtofilereportswithafilingofficerotherthanthe
divisionmustfilereportsonthe60thdayimmediately
precedingtheprimaryelection,andbiweeklyoneach
Fridaythereafterthroughandincludingthe4thday
immediatelyprecedingthegeneralelection,withaddi-
tionalreportsdueonthe25thand11thdaysbeforethe
primaryelectionandthegeneralelection.
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
112
(c)Followingthelastdayofqualifyingforoffice,any
unopposedcandidateneedonlyfileareportwithin90
daysafterthedatesuchcandidatebecameunopposed.
Suchreportshallcontainallpreviouslyunreported
contributionsandexpendituresasrequiredbythis
sectionandshallreflectdispositionoffundsasrequired
bys.106.141.
(d)1.Whenaspecialelectioniscalledtofilla
vacancyinoffice,allpoliticalcommitteesmaking
contributionsorexpenditurestoinfluencetheresults
ofsuchspecialelectionortheprecedingspecialprimary
electionshallfilecampaigntreasurers’reportswiththe
filingofficeronthedatessetbytheDepartmentofState
pursuanttos.100.111.
2.Whenanelectioniscalledforanissuetoappear
ontheballotatatimewhennocandidatesare
scheduledtoappearontheballot,allpoliticalcommit-
teesmakingcontributionsorexpendituresinsupportof
orinoppositiontosuchissueshallfilereportsonthe
18thand4thdaysbeforesuchelection.
(e)Thefilingofficershallprovideeachcandidate
withascheduledesignatingthebeginningandendof
reportingperiodsaswellasthecorrespondingdesig-
natedduedates.
(2)(a)1.Allreportsrequiredofacandidatebythis
sectionshallbefiledwiththeofficerbeforewhomthe
candidateisrequiredbylawtoqualify.Allcandidates
whofilewiththeDepartmentofStateshallfiletheir
reportspursuanttos.106.0705.Exceptasprovidedin
s.106.0705,reportsshallbefilednotlaterthan5p.m.of
thedaydesignated;however,anyreportpostmarkedby
theUnitedStatesPostalServicenolaterthanmidnight
ofthedaydesignatedisdeemedtohavebeenfiledina
timelymanner.Anyreportreceivedbythefilingofficer
within5daysafterthedesignatedduedatethatwas
deliveredbytheUnitedStatesPostalServiceisdeemed
timelyfiledunlessithasapostmarkthatindicatesthat
thereportwasmailedafterthedesignatedduedate.A
certificateofmailingobtainedfromanddatedbythe
UnitedStatesPostalServiceatthetimeofmailing,ora
receiptfromanestablishedcouriercompany,which
bearsadateonorbeforethedateonwhichthereportis
due,sufficesasproofofmailinginatimelymanner.
Reportsotherthandailyreportsmustcontaininforma-
tiononallpreviouslyunreportedcontributionsreceived
andexpendituresmadeasoftheprecedingFriday,
exceptthatthereportfiledontheFridayimmediately
precedingtheelectionmustcontaininformationonall
previouslyunreportedcontributionsreceivedandex-
pendituresmadeasofthedayprecedingthatdesig-
natedduedate;dailyreportsmustcontaininformation
onallpreviouslyunreportedcontributionsreceivedasof
theprecedingday.Allsuchreportsareopentopublic
inspection.
2.Thissubsectiondoesnotprohibitthegoverning
bodyofapoliticalsubdivision,byordinanceorresolu-
tion,fromimposinguponitsownofficersandcandidates
electronicfilingrequirementsnotinconflictwiths.
106.0705.Expenditureofpublicfundsforsuchpurpose
isdeemedtobeforavalidpublicpurpose.
(b)1.Anyreportthatisdeemedtobeincompleteby
theofficerwithwhomthecandidatequalifiesmustbe
acceptedonaconditionalbasis.Thecampaign
treasurershallbenotifiedbycertifiedmailorbyanother
methodusingacommoncarrierthatprovidesaproofof
deliveryofthenoticeastowhythereportisincomplete
andwithin7daysafterreceiptofsuchnoticemustfilean
addendumtothereportprovidingallinformationne-
cessarytocompletethereportincompliancewiththis
section.Failuretofileacompletereportaftersuch
noticeconstitutesaviolationofthischapter.
2.Noticeisdeemedcompleteuponproofof
deliveryofawrittennoticetothemailingorstreet
addressofthecampaigntreasurerorregisteredagent
ofrecordwiththefilingofficer.
(3)Reportsrequiredofapoliticalcommitteeshallbe
filedwiththeagencyorofficerbeforewhomsuch
committeeregisterspursuanttos.106.03(3)andshall
besubjecttothesamefilingconditionsasestablished
forcandidates’reports.Incompletereportsbypolitical
committeesshallbetreatedinthemannerprovidedfor
incompletereportsbycandidatesinsubsection(2).
(4)(a)Exceptfordailyreports,towhichonlythe
contributionsprovisionsbelowapply,andexceptas
providedinparagraph(b),eachreportrequiredbythis
sectionmustcontain:
1.Thefullname,address,andoccupation,ifany,
ofeachpersonwhohasmadeoneormorecontributions
toorforsuchcommitteeorcandidatewithinthe
reportingperiod,togetherwiththeamountanddateof
suchcontributions.Forcorporations,thereportmust
provideasclearadescriptionaspracticableofthe
principaltypeofbusinessconductedbythecorporation.
However,ifthecontributionis$100orlessorisfroma
relative,asdefinedins.112.312,providedthatthe
relationshipisreported,theoccupationofthecontribu-
torortheprincipaltypeofbusinessneednotbelisted.
2.Thenameandaddressofeachpoliticalcom-
mitteefromwhichthereportingcommitteeorthe
candidatereceived,ortowhichthereportingcommittee
orcandidatemade,anytransferoffunds,togetherwith
theamountsanddatesofalltransfers.
3.Eachloanforcampaignpurposestoorfromany
personorpoliticalcommitteewithinthereportingperiod,
togetherwiththefullnames,addresses,andoccupa-
tions,andprincipalplacesofbusiness,ifany,ofthe
lenderandendorsers,ifany,andthedateandamount
ofsuchloans.
4.Astatementofeachcontribution,rebate,refund,
orotherreceiptnototherwiselistedundersubpara-
graphs1.through3.
5.Thetotalsumsofallloans,in-kindcontributions,
andotherreceiptsbyorforsuchcommitteeorcandidate
duringthereportingperiod.Thereportingformsshallbe
designedtoelicitseparatetotalsforin-kindcontribu-
tions,loans,andotherreceipts.
6.Thefullnameandaddressofeachpersonto
whomexpenditureshavebeenmadebyoronbehalfof
thecommitteeorcandidatewithinthereportingperiod;
theamount,date,andpurposeofeachsuchexpendi-
ture;andthenameandaddressof,andofficesoughtby,
eachcandidateonwhosebehalfsuchexpenditurewas
made.However,expendituresmadefromthepettycash
fundprovidedbys.106.12neednotbereported
individually.
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
113
7.Thefullnameandaddressofeachpersonto
whomanexpenditureforpersonalservices,salary,or
reimbursementforauthorizedexpensesasprovidedin
s.106.021(3)hasbeenmadeandwhichisnotother-
wisereported,includingtheamount,date,andpurpose
ofsuchexpenditure.However,expendituresmadefrom
thepettycashfundprovidedforins.106.12neednotbe
reportedindividually.Receiptsforreimbursementfor
authorizedexpendituresshallberetainedbythe
treasureralongwiththerecordsforthecampaign
account.
8.Thetotalamountwithdrawnandthetotal
amountspentforpettycashpurposespursuanttothis
chapterduringthereportingperiod.
9.Thetotalsumofexpendituresmadebysuch
committeeorcandidateduringthereportingperiod.
10.Theamountandnatureofdebtsandobligations
owedbyortothecommitteeorcandidate,whichrelate
totheconductofanypoliticalcampaign.
11.Transactioninformationforeachcreditcard
purchase.Receiptsforeachcreditcardpurchase
shallberetainedbythetreasurerwiththerecordsfor
thecampaignaccount.
12.Theamountandnatureofanyseparateinterest-
bearingaccountsorcertificatesofdepositandidenti-
ficationofthefinancialinstitutioninwhichsuchaccounts
orcertificatesofdepositarelocated.
13.Theprimarypurposesofanexpendituremade
indirectlythroughacampaigntreasurerpursuanttos.
106.021(3)forgoodsandservicessuchascommu-
nicationsmediaplacementorprocurementservices,
campaignsigns,insurance,andotherexpendituresthat
includemultiplecomponentsaspartoftheexpenditure.
Theprimarypurposeofanexpenditureshallbethat
purpose,includingintegralanddirectlyrelatedcompo-
nents,thatcomprises80percentofsuchexpenditure.
(b)Multipleuniformcontributionsfromthesame
person,aggregatingnomorethan$250percalendar
year,collectedbyanorganizationthatistheaffiliated
sponsorofapoliticalcommittee,maybereportedbythe
politicalcommitteeinanaggregateamountlistingthe
numberofcontributorstogetherwiththeamountcon-
tributedbyeachandthetotalamountcontributedduring
thereportingperiod.Theidentityofeachpersonmaking
suchuniformcontributionmustbereportedtothefiling
officerasprovidedinsubparagraph(a)1.byJuly1of
eachcalendaryear,or,inageneralelectionyear,no
laterthanthe60thdayimmediatelyprecedingthe
primaryelection.
(c)Thefilingofficershallmakeavailabletoany
candidateorcommitteeareportingformwhichthe
candidateorcommitteemayusetoindicatecontribu-
tionsreceivedbythecandidateorcommitteebut
returnedtothecontributorbeforedeposit.
(5)Thecandidateandhisorhercampaigntreas-
urer,inthecaseofacandidate,orthepolitical
committeechairandcampaigntreasurerofthecom-
mittee,inthecaseofapoliticalcommittee,shallcertify
astothecorrectnessofeachreport;andeachpersonso
certifyingshallbeartheresponsibilityfortheaccuracy
andveracityofeachreport.Anycampaigntreasurer,
candidate,orpoliticalcommitteechairwhowillfully
certifiesthecorrectnessofanyreportwhileknowing
thatsuchreportisincorrect,false,orincomplete
commitsamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishable
asprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
(6)Therecordsmaintainedbythecampaignde-
positorywithrespecttoanycampaignaccountregu-
latedbythischapteraresubjecttoinspectionbyan
agentoftheDivisionofElectionsortheFloridaElections
Commissionatanytimeduringnormalbankinghours,
andsuchdepositoryshallfurnishcertifiedcopiesofany
ofsuchrecordstotheDivisionofElectionsorFlorida
ElectionsCommissionuponrequest.
(7)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionsofthis
chapter,inanyreportingperiodduringwhichacandi-
dateorpoliticalcommitteehasnotreceivedfunds,
madeanycontributions,orexpendedanyreportable
funds,thefilingoftherequiredreportforthatperiodis
waived.However,thenextreportfiledmustspecifythat
thereportcoverstheentireperiodbetweenthelast
submittedreportandthereportbeingfiled,andany
candidateorpoliticalcommitteenotreportingbyvirtue
ofthissubsectionondatesprescribedelsewhereinthis
chaptershallnotifythefilingofficerinwritingonthe
prescribedreportingdatethatnoreportisbeingfiledon
thatdate.
(8)(a)Anycandidateorpoliticalcommitteefailingto
fileareportonthedesignatedduedateissubjecttoa
fineasprovidedinparagraph(b)foreachlateday,and,
inthecaseofacandidate,suchfineshallbepaidonly
frompersonalfundsofthecandidate.Thefineshallbe
assessedbythefilingofficerandthemoneyscollected
shallbedeposited:
1.IntheGeneralRevenueFund,inthecaseofa
candidateforstateofficeorapoliticalcommitteethat
registerswiththeDivisionofElections;or
2.Inthegeneralrevenuefundofthepolitical
subdivision,inthecaseofacandidateforanofficeof
apoliticalsubdivisionorapoliticalcommitteethat
registerswithanofficerofapoliticalsubdivision.
Noseparatefineshallbeassessedforfailuretofilea
copyofanyreportrequiredbythissection.
(b)Upondeterminingthatareportislate,thefiling
officershallimmediatelynotifythecandidateorchairof
thepoliticalcommitteeastothefailuretofileareportby
thedesignatedduedateandthatafineisbeing
assessedforeachlateday.Thefineis$50perday
forthefirst3dayslateand,thereafter,$500perdayfor
eachlateday,nottoexceed25percentofthetotal
receiptsorexpenditures,whicheverisgreater,forthe
periodcoveredbythelatereport.However,forthe
reportsimmediatelyprecedingeachspecialprimary
election,specialelection,primaryelection,andgeneral
election,thefineis$500perdayforeachlateday,notto
exceed25percentofthetotalreceiptsorexpenditures,
whicheverisgreater,fortheperiodcoveredbythelate
report.Forreportsrequiredunders.106.141(8),thefine
is$50perdayforeachlateday,nottoexceed25
percentofthetotalreceiptsorexpenditures,whichever
isgreater,fortheperiodcoveredbythelatereport.
Uponreceiptofthereport,thefilingofficershall
determinetheamountofthefinewhichisdueand
shallnotifythecandidateorchairorregisteredagentof
thepoliticalcommittee.Thefilingofficershalldetermine
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
114
theamountofthefineduebasedupontheearliestofthe
following:
1.Whenthereportisactuallyreceivedbysuch
officer.
2.Whenthereportispostmarked.
3.Whenthecertificateofmailingisdated.
4.Whenthereceiptfromanestablishedcourier
companyisdated.
5.Whentheelectronicreceiptissuedpursuanttos.
106.0705orotherelectronicfilingsystemauthorizedin
thissectionisdated.
Suchfineshallbepaidtothefilingofficerwithin20days
afterreceiptofthenoticeofpaymentdue,unlessappeal
ismadetotheFloridaElectionsCommissionpursuant
toparagraph(c).Noticeisdeemedcompleteuponproof
ofdeliveryofwrittennoticetothemailingorstreet
addressonrecordwiththefilingofficer.Inthecaseofa
candidate,suchfineisnotanallowablecampaign
expenditureandshallbepaidonlyfrompersonal
fundsofthecandidate.Anofficerormemberofa
politicalcommitteeisnotpersonallyliableforsuchfine.
(c)Anycandidateorchairofapoliticalcommittee
mayappealordisputethefine,basedupon,butnot
limitedto,unusualcircumstancessurroundingthefail-
uretofileonthedesignatedduedate,andmayrequest
andshallbeentitledtoahearingbeforetheFlorida
ElectionsCommission,whichshallhavetheauthorityto
waivethefineinwholeorinpart.TheFloridaElections
Commissionmustconsiderthemitigatingandaggra-
vatingcircumstancescontainedins.106.265(2)when
determiningtheamountofafine,ifany,tobewaived.
Anysuchrequestshallbemadewithin20daysafter
receiptofthenoticeofpaymentdue.Insuchcase,the
candidateorchairofthepoliticalcommitteeshall,within
the20-dayperiod,notifythefilingofficerinwritingofhis
orherintentiontobringthematterbeforethecommis-
sion.
(d)Theappropriatefilingofficershallnotifythe
FloridaElectionsCommissionoftherepeatedlatefiling
byacandidateorpoliticalcommittee,thefailureofa
candidateorpoliticalcommitteetofileareportafter
notice,orthefailuretopaythefineimposed.The
commissionshallinvestigateonlythoseallegedlate
filingviolationsspecificallyidentifiedbythefilingofficer
andassetforthinthenotification.Anyotheralleged
violationsmustbeseparatelystatedandreportedbythe
divisiontothecommissionunders.106.25(2).
(9)TheDepartmentofStatemayprescribebyrule
therequirementsforfilingcampaigntreasurers’reports
assetforthinthischapter.
History.—s.7,ch.73-128;ss.5,15,17,ch.74-200;ss.1,2,ch.75-8;s.2,ch.
75-139;s.1,ch.77-174;s.46,ch.77-175;s.23,ch.79-164;ss.7,8,ch.79-365;s.
4,ch.79-378;s.58,ch.79-400;s.52,ch.81-259;s.27,ch.81-304;s.2,ch.82-143;
s.11,ch.83-251;s.37,ch.84-302;s.6,ch.85-226;s.1,ch.86-134;s.13,ch.
87-224;s.9,ch.89-256;s.31,ch.90-315;s.2,ch.90-338;s.18,ch.90-502;s.7,
ch.91-107;s.2,ch.95-140;s.640,ch.95-147;s.15,ch.95-280;s.7,ch.97-13;s.
6,ch.2001-75;s.29,ch.2002-17;s.2,ch.2002-197;s.8,ch.2003-1;ss.17,18,ch.
2004-252;s.24,ch.2005-286;ss.5,10,ch.2006-300;s.29,ch.2008-95;s.59,ch.
2011-40;s.6,ch.2012-5;s.9,ch.2013-37.
106.0701Solicitationofcontributionsonbehalf
ofs.527ors.501(c)(4)organizations;reporting
requirements;civilpenalty;exemption.—
(1)TheGovernor,LieutenantGovernor,members
oftheCabinet,statelegislators,orcandidatesforsuch
officeswhodirectlyorindirectlysolicit,causetobe
solicited,oracceptanycontributiononbehalfofan
organizationthatisexemptfromtaxationunders.527or
s.501(c)(4)oftheInternalRevenueCode,whichsuch
individuals,inwholeorinpart,establish,maintain,or
control,shallfileastatementwiththedivisionwithin5
daysaftercommencingsuchactivityonbehalfofthe
organization.Thestatementshallcontainthefollowing
information:
(a)Thenameofthepersonactingonbehalfofthe
organization.
(b)Thenameandtypeoftheorganization.
(c)Adescriptionoftherelationshipbetweenthe
personandtheorganization.
(2)Failuretotimelyfilethestatementshallsubject
thepersontoacivilpenaltyof$50perdayforeachlate
day,payablefromthepersonalfundsoftheviolator.
(3)Uponfilingastatementwiththedivision,an
individualsubjecttotherequirementsofsubsection(1)
shallpromptlycreateapublicwebsitethatcontainsa
missionstatementandthenamesofpersonsasso-
ciatedwiththeorganization.Theaddressofthewebsite
shallbereportedtothedivisionwithin5businessdays
afterthewebsiteiscreated.
(4)Allcontributionsreceivedshallbedisclosedon
thewebsitewithin5businessdaysafterdeposit,
togetherwiththename,address,andoccupationof
thedonor.Allexpendituresbytheorganizationshallbe
individuallydisclosedonthewebsitewithin5business
daysafterbeingmade.
(5)Thefilingrequirementsofsubsection(1)donot
applytoanindividualactingonbehalfofhisorherown
campaign,apoliticalparty,oranaffiliatedparty
committeeofwhichtheindividualisamember.
History.—s.6,ch.2006-300;ss.10,30,ch.2011-6;HJR7105,2011Regular
Session.
106.0702Reporting;politicalpartyexecutive
committeecandidates.—
(1)Anindividualseekingapubliclyelectedposition
onapoliticalpartyexecutivecommitteewhoreceivesa
contributionormakesanexpenditureshallfileareport
ofallcontributionsreceivedandallexpendituresmade.
Thereportshallbefiledonthe4thdayimmediately
precedingtheprimaryelection.
(2)(a)Thereportshallbefiledwiththesupervisorof
electionsoftheappropriatecounty.Reportsshallbe
filednolaterthan5p.m.ofthedaydesignated;
however,anyreportpostmarkedbytheUnitedStates
PostalServicebythedaydesignatedshallbedeemed
tohavebeenfiledinatimelymanner.Anyreport
receivedbythefilingofficerwithin5daysafterthe
designatedduedateshallbedeemedtimelyfiledunless
ithasapostmarkthatindicatesthatthereportwas
mailedafterthedesignatedduedate.Acertificateof
mailingobtainedfromanddatedbytheUnitedStates
PostalServiceatthetimeofmailing,orareceiptfroman
establishedcouriercompany,whichbearsadateonor
beforethedateonwhichthereportisdueisproofof
mailinginatimelymanner.Thereportfiledmustcontain
informationofallcontributionsreceivedandexpendi-
turesmadeasofthedayprecedingthedesignateddue
date.Allsuchreportsmustbeopentopublicinspection.
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
115
(b)Areportingindividualmaysubmitthereport
requiredunderthissectionthroughanelectronicfiling
system,ifusedbythesupervisorforothercandidates,in
ordertosatisfythefilingrequirement.Suchreportsshall
becompletedandfiledthroughtheelectronicfiling
systemnotlaterthanmidnightonthe4thdayimmedi-
atelyprecedingtheprimaryelection.
(3)(a)Areportthatisdeemedtobeincompletebythe
supervisorshallbeacceptedonaconditionalbasis.The
supervisorshallsendanoticetothereportingindividual
bycertifiedmailorbyanothermethodusingacommon
carrierthatprovidesproofofdeliveryastowhythe
reportisincomplete.Within7daysafterreceiptofsuch
notice,thereportingindividualmustfileanaddendumto
thereportprovidingallinformationnecessarytocom-
pletethereportincompliancewiththissection.Failure
tofileacompletereportaftersuchnoticeconstitutesa
violationofthischapter.
(b)Noticeisdeemedcompleteuponproofof
deliveryofawrittennoticetothemailingorstreet
addressthatisonrecordwiththesupervisor.
(4)(a)Eachreportrequiredbythissectionmust
contain:
1.Thefullname,address,andoccupationofeach
personwhohasmadeoneormorecontributionstoor
forthereportingindividualwithinthereportingperiod,
togetherwiththeamountanddateofsuchcontributions.
Forcorporations,thereportmustprovideascleara
descriptionaspracticableoftheprincipaltypeof
businessconductedbythecorporations.However,if
thecontributionis$100orlessorisfromarelative,as
definedins.112.312,providedthattherelationshipis
reported,theoccupationofthecontributororthe
principaltypeofbusinessneednotbelisted.
2.Thenameandaddressofeachpoliticalcom-
mitteefromwhichthereportingindividualhasreceived,
ortowhichthereportingindividualhasmade,any
transferoffundswithinthereportingperiod,together
withtheamountsanddatesofalltransfers.
3.Eachloanforcampaignpurposesfromany
personorpoliticalcommitteewithinthereportingperiod,
togetherwiththefullname,address,andoccupation,
andprincipalplaceofbusiness,ifany,ofthelenderand
endorser,ifany,andthedateandamountofsuchloans.
4.Astatementofeachcontribution,rebate,refund,
orotherreceiptnototherwiselistedundersubpara-
graphs1.-3.
5.Thetotalsumsofallloans,in-kindcontributions,
andotherreceiptsbyorforsuchreportingindividual
duringthereportingperiod.Thereportingformsshallbe
designedtoelicitseparatetotalsforin-kindcontribu-
tions,loans,andotherreceipts.
6.Thefullnameandaddressofeachpersonto
whomexpenditureshavebeenmadebyoronbehalfof
thereportingindividualwithinthereportingperiod;the
amount,date,andpurposeofeachsuchexpenditure;
andthenameandaddressof,andofficesoughtby,
eachreportingindividualonwhosebehalfsuchexpen-
diturewasmade.
7.Theamountandnatureofdebtsandobligations
owedbyortothereportingindividualwhichrelatetothe
conductofanypoliticalcampaign.
8.Transactioninformationforeachcreditcard
purchase.Receiptsforeachcreditcardpurchase
shallberetainedbythereportingindividual.
9.Theamountandnatureofanyseparateinterest-
bearingaccountsorcertificatesofdepositandidenti-
ficationofthefinancialinstitutioninwhichsuchaccounts
orcertificatesofdepositarelocated.
(b)Thesupervisorshallmakeavailabletoany
reportingindividualareportingformthatthereporting
individualmayusetoindicatecontributionsreceivedby
thereportingindividualbutreturnedtothecontributor
beforedeposit.
(5)Thereportingindividualshallcertifyastothe
correctnessofthereportandshallbeartheresponsi-
bilityfortheaccuracyandveracityofeachreport.Any
reportingindividualwhowillfullycertifiesthecorrectness
ofthereportwhileknowingthatsuchreportisincorrect,
false,orincompletecommitsamisdemeanorofthefirst
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.
775.083.
(6)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionsofthis
chapter,thefilingoftherequiredreportiswaivedif
thereportingindividualhasnotreceivedcontributionsor
expendedanyreportablefunds.
(7)(a)Areportingindividualwhofailstofileareport
onthedesignatedduedateissubjecttoafine,andsuch
fineshallbepaidonlyfrompersonalfundsofthe
reportingindividual.Thefineshallbe$50perdayforthe
first3dayslateand,thereafter,$500perdayforeach
lateday,nottoexceed25percentofthetotalreceiptsor
expenditures,whicheverisgreater.Thefineshallbe
assessedbythesupervisor,andthemoneyscollected
shallbedepositedintothegeneralrevenuefundofthe
politicalsubdivision.
(b)Thesupervisorshalldeterminetheamountof
thefineduebasedupontheearliestofthefollowing:
1.Whenthereportisactuallyreceivedbythe
supervisor;
2.Whenthereportispostmarked;
3.Whenthecertificateofmailingisdated;
4.Whenthereceiptfromanestablishedcourier
companyisdated;or
5.Whenthereportiscompletedandfiledthrough
theelectronicfilingsystem,ifapplicable.
Suchfineshallbepaidtothesupervisorwithin20days
afterreceiptofthenoticeofpaymentdueunlessappeal
ismadetotheFloridaElectionsCommissionpursuant
toparagraph(c).Noticeisdeemedcompleteuponproof
ofdeliveryofwrittennoticetothemailingorstreet
addressonrecordwiththesupervisor.Suchfinemay
notbeanallowablecampaignexpenditureandshallbe
paidonlyfrompersonalfundsofthereportingindividual.
(c)Areportingindividualmayappealordisputethe
fine,basedupon,butnotlimitedto,unusualcircum-
stancessurroundingthefailuretofileonthedesignated
duedate,andmayrequestandisentitledtoahearing
beforetheFloridaElectionsCommission,whichhasthe
authoritytowaivethefineinwholeorinpart.TheFlorida
ElectionsCommissionmustconsiderthemitigatingand
aggravatingcircumstancescontainedins.106.265(2)
whendeterminingtheamountofafine,ifany,tobe
waived.Anysuchrequestshallbemadewithin20days
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
116
afterreceiptofthenoticeofpaymentdue.Insuchcase,
thereportingindividualmust,within20daysafterreceipt
ofthenotice,notifythesupervisorinwritingofhisorher
intentiontobringthematterbeforethecommission.
(d)Theappropriatesupervisorshallnotifythe
FloridaElectionsCommissionofthelatefilingbya
reportingindividual,thefailureofareportingindividual
tofileareportafternotice,orthefailuretopaythefine
imposed.Thecommissionshallinvestigateonlythose
allegedlatefilingviolationsspecificallyidentifiedbythe
supervisorandassetforthinthenotification.Anyother
allegedviolationsmustbeseparatelystatedand
reportedbythedivisiontothecommissionunders.
106.25(2).
History.—s.10,ch.2013-37.
106.0703Electioneeringcommunicationsorga-
nizations;reportingrequirements;certificationand
filing;penalties.—
(1)(a)Eachelectioneeringcommunicationsorgani-
zationshallfileregularreportsofallcontributions
receivedandallexpendituresmadebyoronbehalfof
theorganization.Exceptasprovidedinparagraphs(b)
and(c),reportsmustbefiledonthe10thdayfollowing
theendofeachcalendarmonthfromthetimethe
organizationisregistered.However,ifthe10thday
followingtheendofacalendarmonthoccursona
Saturday,Sunday,orlegalholiday,thereportmustbe
filedonthenextfollowingdaythatisnotaSaturday,
Sunday,orlegalholiday.Monthlyreportsmustinclude
allcontributionsreceivedandexpendituresmadeduring
thecalendarmonththathavenototherwisebeen
reportedpursuanttothissection.
(b)Foranelectioneeringcommunicationsorganiza-
tionrequiredtofilereportswiththedivision,reports
mustbefiled:
1.Onthe60thdayimmediatelyprecedingthe
primaryelection,andeachweekthereafter,withthe
lastweeklyreportbeingfiledonthe4thdayimmediately
precedingthegeneralelection.
2.Onthe10thdayimmediatelyprecedingthe
generalelection,andeverydaythereafterexcluding
the4thdayimmediatelyprecedingthegeneralelection,
withthelastdailyreportbeingfiledthedaybeforethe
generalelection.
(c)Foranelectioneeringcommunicationsorganiza-
tionrequiredtofilereportswithafilingofficerotherthan
thedivision,reportsmustbefiledonthe60thday
immediatelyprecedingtheprimaryelection,andbi-
weeklyoneachFridaythereafterthroughandincluding
the4thdayimmediatelyprecedingthegeneralelection,
withadditionalreportsdueonthe25thand11thdays
beforetheprimaryelectionandthegeneralelection.
(d)Whenaspecialelectioniscalledtofillavacancy
inoffice,allelectioneeringcommunicationsorganiza-
tionsmakingcontributionsorexpenditurestoinfluence
theresultsofthespecialelectionshallfilereportswith
thefilingofficeronthedatessetbytheDepartmentof
Statepursuanttos.100.111.
(e)Inadditiontothereportsrequiredbyparagraph
(a),anelectioneeringcommunicationsorganizationthat
isregisteredwiththeDepartmentofStateandthat
makesacontributionorexpendituretoinfluencethe
resultsofacountyormunicipalelectionthatisnotbeing
heldatthesametimeasastateorfederalelectionmust
filereportswiththecountyormunicipalfilingofficeron
thesamedatesascountyormunicipalcandidatesor
committeesforthatelection.Theelectioneeringcom-
municationsorganizationmustalsoincludetheexpen-
ditureinthenextreportfiledwiththeDivisionof
Electionspursuanttothissectionfollowingthecounty
ormunicipalelection.
(f)Thefilingofficershallmakeavailabletoeach
electioneeringcommunicationsorganizationaschedule
designatingthebeginningandendofreportingperiods
aswellasthecorrespondingdesignatedduedates.
(2)(a)Exceptasprovidedins.106.0705,thereports
requiredofanelectioneeringcommunicationsorgani-
zationshallbefiledwiththefilingofficernotlaterthan5
p.m.ofthedaydesignated.However,anyreport
postmarkedbytheUnitedStatesPostalServiceno
laterthanmidnightofthedaydesignatedisdeemedto
havebeenfiledinatimelymanner.Anyreportreceived
bythefilingofficerwithin5daysafterthedesignated
duedatethatwasdeliveredbytheUnitedStatesPostal
Serviceisdeemedtimelyfiledunlessithasapostmark
thatindicatesthatthereportwasmailedafterthe
designatedduedate.Acertificateofmailingobtained
fromanddatedbytheUnitedStatesPostalServiceat
thetimeofmailing,orareceiptfromanestablished
couriercompany,whichbearsadateonorbeforethe
dateonwhichthereportisdue,sufficesasproofof
mailinginatimelymanner.Reportsotherthandaily
reportsmustcontaininformationonallpreviously
unreportedcontributionsreceivedandexpenditures
madeasoftheprecedingFriday,exceptthatthereport
filedontheFridayimmediatelyprecedingtheelection
mustcontaininformationonallpreviouslyunreported
contributionsreceivedandexpendituresmadeasofthe
dayprecedingthedesignatedduedate;dailyreports
mustcontaininformationonallpreviouslyunreported
contributionsreceivedasoftheprecedingday.Allsuch
reportsareopentopublicinspection.
(b)1.Anyreportthatisdeemedtobeincompleteby
theofficerwithwhomtheelectioneeringcommunica-
tionsorganizationfilesshallbeacceptedonacondi-
tionalbasis.Thetreasureroftheelectioneeringcom-
municationsorganizationshallbenotified,bycertified
mailorothercommoncarrierthatcanestablishproofof
deliveryforthenotice,astowhythereportisincom-
plete.Within7daysafterreceiptofsuchnotice,the
treasurermustfileanaddendumtothereportproviding
allinformationnecessarytocompletethereportin
compliancewiththissection.Failuretofileacomplete
reportaftersuchnoticeconstitutesaviolationofthis
chapter.
2.Noticeisdeemedsufficientuponproofof
deliveryofwrittennoticetothemailingorstreetaddress
ofthetreasurerorregisteredagentoftheelectioneering
communicationorganizationonrecordwiththefiling
officer.
(3)(a)Exceptfordailyreports,towhichonlythe
contributionprovisionsbelowapply,eachreportre-
quiredbythissectionmustcontain:
1.Thefullname,address,andoccupation,ifany,
ofeachpersonwhohasmadeoneormorecontributions
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
117
toorforsuchelectioneeringcommunicationsorganiza-
tionwithinthereportingperiod,togetherwiththeamount
anddateofsuchcontributions.Forcorporations,the
reportmustprovideasclearadescriptionaspracticable
oftheprincipaltypeofbusinessconductedbythe
corporation.However,ifthecontributionis$100orless,
theoccupationofthecontributorortheprincipaltypeof
businessneednotbelisted.
2.Thenameandaddressofeachpoliticalcom-
mitteefromwhichortowhichthereportingelectioneer-
ingcommunicationsorganizationmadeanytransferof
funds,togetherwiththeamountsanddatesofall
transfers.
3.Eachloanforelectioneeringcommunication
purposestoorfromanypersonorpoliticalcommittee
withinthereportingperiod,togetherwiththefullnames,
addresses,andoccupationsandprincipalplacesof
business,ifany,ofthelenderandendorsers,ifany,and
thedateandamountofsuchloans.
4.Astatementofeachcontribution,rebate,refund,
orotherreceiptnototherwiselistedundersubpara-
graphs1.-3.
5.Thetotalsumsofallloans,in-kindcontributions,
andotherreceiptsbyorforsuchelectioneeringcom-
municationsorganizationduringthereportingperiod.
Thereportingformsshallbedesignedtoelicitseparate
totalsforin-kindcontributions,loans,andotherreceipts.
6.Thefullnameandaddressofeachpersonto
whomexpenditureshavebeenmadebyoronbehalfof
theelectioneeringcommunicationsorganizationwithin
thereportingperiodandtheamount,date,andpurpose
ofeachexpenditure.
7.Thefullnameandaddressofeachpersonto
whomanexpenditureforpersonalservices,salary,or
reimbursementforexpenseshasbeenmadeandthatis
nototherwisereported,includingtheamount,date,and
purposeoftheexpenditure.
8.Thetotalsumofexpendituresmadebythe
electioneeringcommunicationsorganizationduringthe
reportingperiod.
9.Theamountandnatureofdebtsandobligations
owedbyortotheelectioneeringcommunications
organizationthatrelatetotheconductofanyelectio-
neeringcommunication.
10.Transactioninformationforeachcreditcard
purchase.Receiptsforeachcreditcardpurchase
shallberetainedbytheelectioneeringcommunications
organization.
11.Theamountandnatureofanyseparateinterest-
bearingaccountsorcertificatesofdepositandidenti-
ficationofthefinancialinstitutioninwhichsuchaccounts
orcertificatesofdepositarelocated.
12.Theprimarypurposesofanexpendituremade
indirectlythroughanelectioneeringcommunications
organizationforgoodsandservices,suchascommu-
nicationsmediaplacementorprocurementservicesand
otherexpendituresthatincludemultiplecomponentsas
partoftheexpenditure.Theprimarypurposeofan
expenditureshallbethatpurpose,includingintegraland
directlyrelatedcomponents,thatcomprises80percent
ofsuchexpenditure.
(b)Thefilingofficershallmakeavailabletoany
electioneeringcommunicationsorganizationareporting
formwhichtheelectioneeringcommunicationsorgani-
zationmayusetoindicatecontributionsreceivedbythe
electioneeringcommunicationsorganizationbutre-
turnedtothecontributorbeforedeposit.
(4)Thetreasureroftheelectioneeringcommunica-
tionsorganizationshallcertifyastothecorrectnessof
eachreport,andeachpersonsocertifyingshallbearthe
responsibilityfortheaccuracyandveracityofeach
report.Anytreasurerwhowillfullycertifiesthecorrect-
nessofanyreportwhileknowingthatsuchreportis
incorrect,false,orincompletecommitsamisdemeanor
ofthefirstdegree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082
ors.775.083.
(5)Theelectioneeringcommunicationsorganiza-
tiondepositoryshallprovidestatementsreflecting
depositsandexpendituresfromtheaccounttothe
treasurer,whoshallretaintherecordspursuanttos.
106.06.Therecordsmaintainedbythedepositorywith
respecttotheaccountshallbesubjecttoinspectionby
anagentoftheDivisionofElectionsortheFlorida
ElectionsCommissionatanytimeduringnormalbank-
inghours,andsuchdepositoryshallfurnishcertified
copiesofanysuchrecordstotheDivisionofElectionsor
theFloridaElectionsCommissionuponrequest.
(6)Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionsofthis
chapter,inanyreportingperiodduringwhichan
electioneeringcommunicationsorganizationhasnot
receivedfunds,madeanycontributions,orexpended
anyreportablefunds,thetreasurershallfileawritten
reportwiththefilingofficerbytheprescribedreporting
datethatnoreportablecontributionsorexpenditures
weremadeduringthereportingperiod.
(7)(a)Anyelectioneeringcommunicationsorganiza-
tionfailingtofileareportonthedesignatedduedate
shallbesubjecttoafineasprovidedinparagraph(b)for
eachlateday.Thefineshallbeassessedbythefiling
officer,andthemoneyscollectedshallbedeposited:
1.IntheGeneralRevenueFund,inthecaseofan
electioneeringcommunicationsorganizationthatregis-
terswiththeDivisionofElections;or
2.Inthegeneralrevenuefundofthepolitical
subdivision,inthecaseofanelectioneeringcommu-
nicationsorganizationthatregisterswithanofficerofa
politicalsubdivision.
Noseparatefineshallbeassessedforfailuretofilea
copyofanyreportrequiredbythissection.
(b)Upondeterminingthatareportislate,thefiling
officershallimmediatelynotifytheelectioneeringcom-
municationsorganizationastothefailuretofileareport
bythedesignatedduedateandthatafineisbeing
assessedforeachlateday.Thefineshallbe$50per
dayforthefirst3dayslateand,thereafter,$500perday
foreachlateday,nottoexceed25percentofthetotal
receiptsorexpenditures,whicheverisgreater,forthe
periodcoveredbythelatereport.However,forthe
reportsimmediatelyprecedingeachprimaryandgen-
eralelection,thefineshallbe$500perdayforeachlate
day,nottoexceed25percentofthetotalreceiptsor
expenditures,whicheverisgreater,fortheperiod
coveredbythelatereport.Uponreceiptofthereport,
thefilingofficershalldeterminetheamountofthefine
whichisdueandshallnotifytheelectioneering
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
118
communicationsorganization.Thefilingofficershall
determinetheamountofthefineduebaseduponthe
earliestofthefollowing:
1.Whenthereportisactuallyreceivedbysuch
officer.
2.Whenthereportispostmarked.
3.Whenthecertificateofmailingisdated.
4.Whenthereceiptfromanestablishedcourier
companyisdated.
5.Whentheelectronicreceiptissuedpursuanttos.
106.0705orotherelectronicfilingsystemauthorizedin
thissectionisdated.
Suchfineshallbepaidtothefilingofficerwithin20days
afterreceiptofthenoticeofpaymentdue,unlessappeal
ismadetotheFloridaElectionsCommissionpursuant
toparagraph(c).Noticeisdeemedsufficientuponproof
ofdeliveryofwrittennoticetothemailingorstreet
addressonrecordwiththefilingofficer.Anofficeror
memberofanelectioneeringcommunicationsorgani-
zationshallnotbepersonallyliableforsuchfine.
(c)Thetreasurerofanelectioneeringcommunica-
tionsorganizationmayappealordisputethefine,based
upon,butnotlimitedto,unusualcircumstancessur-
roundingthefailuretofileonthedesignatedduedate,
andmayrequestandshallbeentitledtoahearing
beforetheFloridaElectionsCommission,whichshall
havetheauthoritytowaivethefineinwholeorinpart.
TheFloridaElectionsCommissionmustconsiderthe
mitigatingandaggravatingcircumstancescontainedin
s.106.265(2)whendeterminingtheamountofafine,if
any,tobewaived.Anysuchrequestshallbemade
within20daysafterreceiptofthenoticeofpaymentdue.
Insuchcase,thetreasureroftheelectioneering
communicationsorganizationshall,withinthe20-day
period,notifythefilingofficerinwritingofhisorher
intentiontobringthematterbeforethecommission.
(d)Theappropriatefilingofficershallnotifythe
FloridaElectionsCommissionoftherepeatedlatefiling
byanelectioneeringcommunicationsorganization,the
failureofanelectioneeringcommunicationsorganiza-
tiontofileareportafternotice,orthefailuretopaythe
fineimposed.Thecommissionshallinvestigateonly
thoseallegedlatefilingviolationsspecificallyidentified
bythefilingofficerandassetforthinthenotification.
Anyotherallegedviolationsmustbestatedseparately
andreportedbythedivisiontothecommissionunders.
106.25(2).
(8)Electioneeringcommunicationsorganizations
shallnotusecreditcards.
History.—s.7,ch.2006-300;s.23,ch.2010-167;ss.11,30,ch.2011-6;s.60,
ch.2011-40;HJR7105,2011RegularSession;s.7,ch.2012-5;s.11,ch.2013-37;
s.10,ch.2014-17.
106.0705Electronicfilingofcampaigntreasur-
er’sreports.—
(1)Asusedinthissection,“electronicfilingsystem”
meansanInternetsystemforrecordingandreporting
campaignfinanceactivitybyreportingperiod.
(2)(a)Eachindividualwhoisrequiredtofilereports
withthedivisionpursuanttos.106.07ors.106.141
mustfilesuchreportsbymeansofthedivision’s
electronicfilingsystem.
(b)Eachpoliticalcommittee,electioneeringcom-
municationsorganization,affiliatedpartycommittee,or
stateexecutivecommitteethatisrequiredtofilereports
withthedivisionunders.106.07,s.106.0703,ors.
106.29,asapplicable,mustfilesuchreportswiththe
divisionbymeansofthedivision’selectronicfiling
system.
(c)Eachpersonororganizationthatisrequiredto
filereportswiththedivisionunders.106.071mustfile
suchreportsbymeansofthedivision’selectronicfiling
system.
(3)Reportsfiledpursuanttothissectionshallbe
completedandfiledthroughtheelectronicfilingsystem
notlaterthanmidnightofthedaydesignated.Reports
notfiledbymidnightofthedaydesignatedarelatefiled
andaresubjecttothepenaltiesunders.106.07(8),s.
106.0703(7),ors.106.29(3),asapplicable.
(4)Eachreportfiledpursuanttothissectionis
consideredtobeunderoathbythecandidateand
treasurer,thechairandtreasurer,thetreasurerunders.
106.0703,ortheleaderandtreasurerunders.103.092,
whicheverisapplicable,andsuchpersonsaresubject
totheprovisionsofs.106.07(5),s.106.0703(4),ors.
106.29(2),asapplicable.Personsgivenasecuresign-
ontotheelectronicfilingsystemareresponsiblefor
protectingsuchfromdisclosureandareresponsiblefor
allfilingsusingsuchcredentials,unlesstheyhave
notifiedthedivisionthattheircredentialshavebeen
compromised.
(5)Theelectronicfilingsystemdevelopedbythe
divisionmust:
(a)BebasedonaccessbymeansoftheInternet.
(b)BeaccessiblebyanyonewithInternetaccess
usingstandardweb-browsingsoftware.
(c)Providefordirectentryofcampaignfinance
informationaswellasuploadofsuchinformationfrom
campaignfinancesoftwarecertifiedbythedivision.
(d)Provideamethodthatpreventsunauthorized
accesstoelectronicfilingsystemfunctions.
(6)Thedivisionshalladoptrulestoadministerthis
sectionandprovideforthereportsrequiredtobefiled
pursuanttothissection.Suchrulesshall,ataminimum,
provide:
(a)Alternatefilingproceduresincasethedivision’s
electronicfilingsystemisnotoperable.
(b)Fortheissuanceofanelectronicreceipttothe
personsubmittingthereportindicatingandverifyingthat
thereporthasbeenfiled.
History.—s.19,ch.2004-252;s.45,ch.2005-278;s.8,ch.2006-300;s.24,ch.
2010-167;ss.12,30,ch.2011-6;s.61,ch.2011-40;HJR7105,2011Regular
Session;s.12,ch.2013-37.
106.0706Electronicfilingofcampaignfinance
reports;publicrecordsexemption.—
(1)Alluseridentificationsandpasswordsheldby
theDepartmentofStatepursuanttos.106.0705are
confidentialandexemptfroms.119.07(1)ands.24(a),
Art.IoftheStateConstitution.
(2)(a)Informationenteredintheelectronicfiling
systemforpurposesofgeneratingareportpursuant
tos.106.0705isexemptfroms.119.07(1)ands.24(a),
Art.IoftheStateConstitution.
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
119
(b)Informationenteredintheelectronicfilingsys-
temisnolongerexemptoncethereportisgenerated
andfiledwiththeDivisionofElections.
History.—s.1,ch.2004-253;s.16,ch.2008-4;s.1,ch.2009-149.
106.071Independentexpenditures;electioneer-
ingcommunications;reports;disclaimers.—
(1)Eachpersonwhomakesanindependentex-
penditurewithrespecttoanycandidateorissue,and
eachindividualwhomakesanexpenditureforan
electioneeringcommunicationwhichisnototherwise
reportedpursuanttothischapter,whichexpenditure,in
theaggregate,isintheamountof$5,000ormore,shall
fileperiodicreportsofsuchexpendituresinthesame
manner,atthesametime,subjecttothesame
penalties,andwiththesameofficerasapolitical
committeesupportingoropposingsuchcandidateor
issue.Thereportshallcontainthefullnameand
addressofthepersonmakingtheexpenditure;thefull
nameandaddressofeachpersontowhomandfor
whomeachsuchexpenditurehasbeenmade;the
amount,date,andpurposeofeachsuchexpenditure;a
descriptionoftheservicesorgoodsobtainedbyeach
suchexpenditure;theissuetowhichtheexpenditure
relates;andthenameandaddressof,andofficesought
by,eachcandidateonwhosebehalfsuchexpenditure
wasmade.
(2)Anypoliticaladvertisementpaidforbyan
independentexpenditureshallprominentlystate“Paid
politicaladvertisementpaidforby (Nameandaddressofperson
payingforadvertisement)independentlyofany (candidateor
committee).”
(3)Subsection(2)doesnotapplytonoveltyitems
havingaretailvalueof$10orlesswhichsupport,butdo
notoppose,acandidateorissue.
(4)Anypersonwhofailstoincludethedisclaimer
prescribedinsubsection(2)inanypoliticaladvertise-
mentthatisrequiredtocontainsuchdisclaimercommits
amisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishableas
providedins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.47,ch.77-175;s.10,ch.89-256;s.4,ch.2004-252;s.25,ch.
2010-167;ss.13,30,ch.2011-6;HJR7105,2011RegularSession.
106.075Electedofficials;reportofloansmade
inyearprecedingelection;limitationoncontribu-
tionstopayloans.—
(1)Apersonwhoiselectedtoofficemustreportall
loans,exceeding$500invalue,madetohimorherand
usedforcampaignpurposes,andmadeinthe12
monthsprecedinghisorherelectiontooffice,tothe
filingofficer.Thereportmustbemade,inthemanner
prescribedbytheDepartmentofState,within10days
afterbeingelectedtooffice.
(2)Anypersonwhomakesacontributiontoan
individualtopayallorpartofaloanincurred,inthe12
monthsprecedingtheelection,tobeusedforthe
individual’scampaign,maynotcontributemorethan
theamountwhichisallowedins.106.08(1).
History.—s.11,ch.89-256;s.32,ch.90-315;s.12,ch.91-107;s.641,ch.
95-147;s.34,ch.2013-37.
106.08Contributions;limitationson.—
(1)(a)Exceptforpoliticalpartiesoraffiliatedparty
committees,nopersonorpoliticalcommitteemay,in
anyelection,makecontributionsinexcessofthe
followingamounts:
1.Toacandidateforstatewideofficeorfor
retentionasajusticeoftheSupremeCourt,$3,000.
CandidatesfortheofficesofGovernorandLieutenant
Governoronthesameticketareconsideredasingle
candidateforthepurposeofthissection.
2.Toacandidateforretentionasajudgeofa
districtcourtofappeal;acandidateforlegislativeoffice;
acandidateformulticountyoffice;acandidatefor
countywideofficeorinanyelectionconductedonless
thanacountywidebasis;oracandidateforcountycourt
judgeorcircuitjudge,$1,000.
(b)Thecontributionlimitsprovidedinthissubsec-
tiondonotapplytocontributionsmadebyastateor
countyexecutivecommitteeofapoliticalpartyor
affiliatedpartycommitteeregulatedbychapter103or
toamountscontributedbyacandidatetohisorherown
campaign.
(c)Thecontributionlimitsofthissubsectionapplyto
eachelection.Forpurposesofthissubsection,the
primaryelectionandgeneralelectionareseparate
electionssolongasthecandidateisnotanunopposed
candidateasdefinedins.106.011.However,forthe
purposeofcontributionlimitswithrespecttocandidates
forretentionasajusticeorjudge,thereisonlyone
election,whichisthegeneralelection.
(2)(a)Acandidatemaynotacceptcontributionsfrom
acountyexecutivecommitteeofapoliticalpartywhose
contributionsintheaggregateexceed$50,000,orfrom
thenationalorstateexecutivecommitteesofapolitical
party,includinganysubordinatecommitteeofsuch
politicalpartyoraffiliatedpartycommittees,whose
contributionsintheaggregateexceed$50,000.
(b)Acandidateforstatewideofficemaynotaccept
contributionsfromnational,state,orcountyexecutive
committeesofapoliticalparty,includinganysubordi-
natecommitteeofthepoliticalparty,oraffiliatedparty
committees,whichcontributionsintheaggregateex-
ceed$250,000.Pollingservices,researchservices,
costsforcampaignstaff,professionalconsultingser-
vices,andtelephonecallsarenotcontributionstobe
countedtowardthecontributionlimitsofparagraph(a)
orthisparagraph.Anyitemnotexpresslyidentifiedin
thisparagraphasnonallocableisacontributioninan
amountequaltothefairmarketvalueoftheitemand
mustbecountedasallocabletowardthecontribution
limitsofparagraph(a)orthisparagraph.Nonallocable,
in-kindcontributionsmustbereportedbythecandidate
unders.106.07andbythepoliticalpartyoraffiliated
partycommitteeunders.106.29.
(3)(a)Anycontributionreceivedbyacandidatewith
oppositioninanelectionorbythecampaigntreasureror
adeputycampaigntreasurerofsuchacandidateonthe
dayofthatelectionorlessthan5daysbeforethedayof
thatelectionmustbereturnedbyhimorhertothe
personorcommitteecontributingitandmaynotbeused
orexpendedbyoronbehalfofthecandidate.
(b)Anycontributionreceivedbyacandidateorby
thecampaigntreasureroradeputycampaigntreasurer
ofacandidateafterthedateatwhichthecandidate
withdrawshisorhercandidacy,orafterthedatethe
candidateisdefeated,becomesunopposed,oris
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
120
electedtoofficemustbereturnedtothepersonor
committeecontributingitandmaynotbeusedor
expendedbyoronbehalfofthecandidate.
(4)Anycontributionreceivedbythechair,campaign
treasurer,ordeputycampaigntreasurerofapolitical
committeesupportingoropposingacandidatewith
oppositioninanelectionorsupportingoropposingan
issueontheballotinanelectiononthedayofthat
electionorlessthan5daysbeforethedayofthat
electionmaynotbeobligatedorexpendedbythe
committeeuntilafterthedateoftheelection.
(5)(a)Apersonmaynotmakeanycontribution
throughorinthenameofanother,directlyorindirectly,
inanyelection.
(b)Candidates,politicalcommittees,affiliatedparty
committees,andpoliticalpartiesmaynotsolicitcon-
tributionsfromanyreligious,charitable,civic,orother
causesororganizationsestablishedprimarilyforthe
publicgood.
(c)Candidates,politicalcommittees,affiliatedparty
committees,andpoliticalpartiesmaynotmakecon-
tributions,inexchangeforpoliticalsupport,toany
religious,charitable,civic,orothercauseororganiza-
tionestablishedprimarilyforthepublicgood.Itisnota
violationofthisparagraphfor:
1.Acandidate,politicalcommittee,affiliatedparty
committee,orpoliticalpartyexecutivecommitteeto
makegiftsofmoneyinlieuofflowersinmemoryofa
deceasedperson;
2.Acandidatetocontinuemembershipin,ormake
regulardonationsfrompersonalorbusinessfundsto,
religious,politicalparty,affiliatedpartycommittee,civic,
orcharitablegroupsofwhichthecandidateisamember
ortowhichthecandidatehasbeenaregulardonorfor
morethan6months;or
3.Acandidatetopurchase,withcampaignfunds,
tickets,admissiontoevents,oradvertisementsfrom
religious,civic,politicalparty,affiliatedpartycommittee,
orcharitablegroups.
(6)(a)Apoliticalpartyoraffiliatedpartycommittee
maynotacceptanycontributionthathasbeenspeci-
ficallydesignatedforthepartialorexclusiveuseofa
particularcandidate.Anycontributionsodesignated
mustbereturnedtothecontributorandmaynotbeused
orexpendedbyoronbehalfofthecandidate.Funds
contributedtoanaffiliatedpartycommitteemaynotbe
designatedforthepartialorexclusiveuseofaleaderas
definedins.103.092.
(b)1.Apoliticalpartyoraffiliatedpartycommittee
maynotacceptanyin-kindcontributionthatfailsto
provideadirectbenefittothepoliticalpartyoraffiliated
partycommittee.A“directbenefit”includes,butisnot
limitedto,fundraisingorfurtheringtheobjectivesofthe
politicalpartyoraffiliatedpartycommittee.
2.a.Anin-kindcontributiontoastatepoliticalparty
maybeacceptedonlybythechairpersonofthestate
politicalpartyorbythechairperson’sdesigneeor
designeeswhosenamesareonfilewiththedivision
inaformacceptabletothedivisionbeforethedateofthe
writtennoticerequiredinsub-subparagraphb.Anin-
kindcontributiontoacountypoliticalpartymaybe
acceptedonlybythechairpersonofthecountypolitical
partyorbythecountychairperson’sdesigneeor
designeeswhosenamesareonfilewiththesupervisor
ofelectionsoftherespectivecountybeforethedateof
thewrittennoticerequiredinsub-subparagraphb.Anin-
kindcontributiontoanaffiliatedpartycommitteemaybe
acceptedonlybytheleaderoftheaffiliatedparty
committeeasdefinedins.103.092orbytheleader’s
designeeordesigneeswhosenamesareonfilewiththe
divisioninaformacceptabletothedivisionbeforethe
dateofthewrittennoticerequiredinsub-subparagraph
b.
b.Apersonmakinganin-kindcontributiontoa
stateorcountypoliticalpartyoraffiliatedpartycommit-
teemustprovidepriorwrittennoticeofthecontribution
toapersondescribedinsub-subparagrapha.Theprior
writtennoticemustbesignedanddatedandmaybe
providedbyanelectronicorfacsimilemessage.How-
ever,priorwrittennoticeisnotrequiredforanin-kind
contributionthatconsistsoffoodandbeverageinan
aggregateamountnotexceeding$1,500whichis
consumedatasinglesittingoreventifsuchin-kind
contributionisacceptedinadvancebyaperson
specifiedinsub-subparagrapha.
c.Apersondescribedinsub-subparagrapha.may
acceptanin-kindcontributionrequiringpriorwritten
noticeonlyinawritingthatisdatedbeforethein-kind
contributionismade.Failuretoobtaintherequired
writtenacceptanceofanin-kindcontributiontoastate
orcountypoliticalpartyoraffiliatedpartycommittee
constitutesarefusalofthecontribution.
d.Acopyofeachpriorwrittenacceptancerequired
undersub-subparagraphc.mustbefiledatthetimethe
regularreportsofcontributionsandexpendituresre-
quiredunders.106.29arefiledbythestateexecutive
committee,countyexecutivecommittee,andaffiliated
partycommittee.Astateexecutivecommitteeandan
affiliatedpartycommitteemustfilewiththedivision.A
countyexecutivecommitteemustfilewiththecounty’s
supervisorofelections.
e.Anin-kindcontributionmaynotbegiventoa
stateorcountypoliticalpartyoraffiliatedpartycommit-
teeunlessthein-kindcontributionismadeasprovided
inthissubparagraph.
(7)(a)Anypersonwhoknowinglyandwillfullymakes
oracceptsnomorethanonecontributioninviolationof
subsection(1)orsubsection(5),oranypersonwho
knowinglyandwillfullyfailsorrefusestoreturnany
contributionasrequiredinsubsection(3),commitsa
misdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishableaspro-
videdins.775.082ors.775.083.Ifanycorporation,
partnership,orotherbusinessentityoranypolitical
party,affiliatedpartycommittee,politicalcommittee,or
electioneeringcommunicationsorganizationiscon-
victedofknowinglyandwillfullyviolatinganyprovision
punishableunderthisparagraph,itshallbefinednot
lessthan$1,000andnotmorethan$10,000.Ifitisa
domesticentity,itmaybeordereddissolvedbyacourt
ofcompetentjurisdiction;ifitisaforeignornonresident
businessentity,itsrighttodobusinessinthisstatemay
beforfeited.Anyofficer,partner,agent,attorney,or
otherrepresentativeofacorporation,partnership,or
otherbusinessentity,orofapoliticalparty,affiliated
partycommittee,politicalcommittee,electioneering
communicationsorganization,ororganizationexempt
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
121
fromtaxationunders.527ors.501(c)(4)oftheInternal
RevenueCode,whoaids,abets,advises,orpartici-
patesinaviolationofanyprovisionpunishableunder
thisparagraphcommitsamisdemeanorofthefirst
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.
775.083.
(b)Anypersonwhoknowinglyandwillfullymakesor
acceptstwoormorecontributionsinviolationof
subsection(1)orsubsection(5)commitsafelonyof
thethirddegree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,
s.775.083,ors.775.084.Ifanycorporation,partner-
ship,orotherbusinessentityoranypoliticalparty,
affiliatedpartycommittee,politicalcommittee,orelec-
tioneeringcommunicationsorganizationisconvictedof
knowinglyandwillfullyviolatinganyprovisionpunish-
ableunderthisparagraph,itshallbefinednotlessthan
$10,000andnotmorethan$50,000.Ifitisadomestic
entity,itmaybeordereddissolvedbyacourtof
competentjurisdiction;ifitisaforeignornonresident
businessentity,itsrighttodobusinessinthisstatemay
beforfeited.Anyofficer,partner,agent,attorney,or
otherrepresentativeofacorporation,partnership,or
otherbusinessentity,orofapoliticalcommittee,
politicalparty,affiliatedpartycommittee,orelectioneer-
ingcommunicationsorganization,ororganizationex-
emptfromtaxationunders.527ors.501(c)(4)ofthe
InternalRevenueCode,whoaids,abets,advises,or
participatesinaviolationofanyprovisionpunishable
underthisparagraphcommitsafelonyofthethird
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.
775.083,ors.775.084.
(8)Exceptwhenotherwiseprovidedinsubsection
(7),anypersonwhoknowinglyandwillfullyviolatesany
provisionofthissectionshall,inadditiontoanyother
penaltyprescribedbythischapter,paytothestatea
sumequaltotwicetheamountcontributedinviolationof
thischapter.Eachcampaigntreasurershallpayall
amountscontributedinviolationofthissectiontothe
statefordepositintheGeneralRevenueFund.
(9)Thissectiondoesnotapplytothetransferof
fundsbetweenaprimarycampaigndepositoryanda
savingsaccountorcertificateofdepositortoany
interestearnedonsuchaccountorcertificate.
(10)Contributionstoapoliticalcommitteemaybe
receivedbyanaffiliatedorganizationandtransferredto
thebankaccountofthepoliticalcommitteeviacheck
writtenfromtheaffiliatedorganizationifsuchcontribu-
tionsarespecificallyidentifiedasintendedtobe
contributedtothepoliticalcommittee.Allcontributions
receivedinthismannershallbereportedpursuanttos.
106.07bythepoliticalcommitteeashavingbeenmade
bytheoriginalcontributor.
History.—s.8,ch.73-128;s.6,ch.74-200;s.1,ch.77-174;s.48,ch.77-175;s.
1,ch.78-403;s.9,ch.79-365;s.5,ch.79-378;s.7,ch.85-226;s.4,ch.86-134;s.
12,ch.89-256;ss.33,46,ch.90-315;s.9,ch.90-338;s.11,ch.91-107;s.642,ch.
95-147;s.3,ch.97-13;s.8,ch.99-355;s.27,ch.2002-17;s.3,ch.2002-197;s.1,
ch.2002-281;s.68,ch.2005-277;s.46,ch.2005-278;s.25,ch.2005-286;s.1,ch.
2005-360;s.9,ch.2006-300;s.44,ch.2007-30;s.26,ch.2010-167;ss.14,30,ch.
2011-6;s.62,ch.2011-40;HJR7105,2011RegularSession;s.8,ch.2012-5;s.13,
ch.2013-37.
106.087Independentexpenditures;contribu-
tionlimits;restrictionsonpoliticalpartiesand
politicalcommittees.—
(1)(a)Asaconditionofreceivingarebateoffiling
feesandpartyassessmentfundspursuanttos.
99.061(2),s.99.092(1),s.99.103,ors.
103.121(1)(b),thechairortreasurerofastateorcounty
executivecommitteeshalltakeandsubscribetoanoath
oraffirmationinwriting.Duringthequalifyingperiodfor
statecandidatesandpriortodistributionofsuchfunds,
aprintedcopyoftheoathoraffirmationshallbefiled
withtheSecretaryofStateandshallbesubstantiallyin
thefollowingform:
StateofFlorida
Countyof__
Beforeme,anofficerauthorizedtoadministeroaths,
personallyappeared (name),tomewellknown,who,
beingsworn,saysthatheorsheisthe (title)ofthe
(nameofparty)(stateorspecifiedcounty)executivecommittee;
thattheexecutivecommitteehasnotmade,either
directlyorindirectly,anindependentexpenditurein
supportoforoppositiontoacandidateorelectedpublic
officialintheprior6months;thattheexecutive
committeewillnotmake,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,
anindependentexpenditureinsupportoforopposition
toacandidateorelectedpublicofficial,throughand
includingtheupcominggeneralelection;andthatthe
executivecommitteewillnotviolatethecontribution
limitsapplicabletocandidatesunders.106.08(2),
FloridaStatutes.
(Signatureofcommitteeofficer)
(Address)
Sworntoandsubscribedbeforemethis __dayof
__,(year),at __County,Florida.
(Signatureandtitleofofficeradministeringoath)
(b)Anyexecutivecommitteefoundtohaveviolated
theprovisionsoftheoathoraffirmationinthissection
priortoreceivingfundsshallbeineligibletoreceivethe
rebateforthatgeneralelectionyear.
(c)Anyexecutivecommitteefoundtohaveviolated
theprovisionsoftheoathoraffirmationinthissection
afterreceivingfundsshallbeineligibletoreceivethe
rebatefromcandidatesqualifyingforthefollowing
generalelectioncycle.
(d)Anyfundsnotdistributedtothestateorcounty
executivecommitteepursuanttothissectionshallbe
depositedintotheGeneralRevenueFundofthestate.
(2)(a)Anypoliticalcommitteethatacceptstheuseof
publicfunds,equipment,personnel,orotherresources
tocollectduesfromitsmembersagreesnottomake
independentexpendituresinsupportoforoppositionto
acandidateorelectedpublicofficial.However,expen-
dituresmaybemadeforthesolepurposeofjointly
endorsingthreeormorecandidates.
(b)Anypoliticalcommitteethatviolatesthissub-
sectionisliableforacivilfineofupto$5,000tobe
determinedbytheFloridaElectionsCommissionorthe
entireamountoftheexpenditures,whicheverisgreater.
History.—s.5,ch.97-13;s.14,ch.99-6;s.19,ch.2013-37.
106.088Independentexpenditures;contribu-
tionlimits;restrictionsonaffiliatedpartycommit-
tees.—
(1)Asaconditionofreceivingarebateofparty
assessmentsunders.103.121(1)(b),theleaderor
treasurerofanaffiliatedpartycommitteeasdefinedin
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
122
s.103.092shalltakeandsubscribetoanoathor
affirmationinwriting.Duringthequalifyingperiodfor
statecandidatesandpriortodistributionofsuchfunds,
aprintedcopyoftheoathoraffirmationshallbefiled
withtheSecretaryofStateandshallbesubstantiallyin
thefollowingform:
StateofFlorida
Countyof __
Beforeme,anofficerauthorizedtoadministeroaths,
personallyappeared (name),tomewellknown,who,
beingsworn,saysthatheorsheisthe (title)ofthe
(nameofparty)(nameofchamber)affiliatedpartycommittee;
thattheaffiliatedpartycommitteehasnotmade,either
directlyorindirectly,anindependentexpenditurein
supportoforoppositiontoacandidateorelectedpublic
officialintheprior6months;thattheaffiliatedparty
committeewillnotmake,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,an
independentexpenditureinsupportoforoppositiontoa
candidateorelectedpublicofficial,throughandinclud-
ingtheupcominggeneralelection;andthattheaffiliated
partycommitteewillnotviolatethecontributionlimits
applicabletocandidatesunders.106.08(2),Florida
Statutes.
(Signatureofcommitteeofficer)
(Address)
Sworntoandsubscribedbeforemethis__dayof
__,(year),at __County,Florida.
(Signatureandtitleofofficeradministeringoath)
(2)(a)Anyaffiliatedpartycommitteefoundtohave
violatedtheprovisionsoftheoathoraffirmationpriorto
receivingfundsshallbeineligibletoreceivetherebate
forthatgeneralelectionyear.
(b)Anyaffiliatedpartycommitteefoundtohave
violatedtheprovisionsoftheoathoraffirmationafter
receivingfundsshallbeineligibletoreceivetherebate
fromcandidatesqualifyingforthefollowinggeneral
electioncycle.
(3)Anyfundsnotdistributedtotheaffiliatedparty
committeepursuanttothissectionshallbedeposited
intotheGeneralRevenueFundofthestate.
History.—ss.15,30,ch.2011-6;HJR7105,2011RegularSession.
106.09Cashcontributionsandcontributionby
cashier’schecks.—
(1)(a)Apersonmaynotmakeanaggregatecash
contributionorcontributionbymeansofacashier’s
checktothesamecandidateorcommitteeinexcessof
$50perelection.
(b)Apersonmaynotacceptanaggregatecash
contributionorcontributionbymeansofacashier’s
checkfromthesamecontributorinexcessof$50per
election.
(2)(a)Anypersonwhomakesoracceptsacontribu-
tioninviolationofsubsection(1)commitsamisdemea-
norofthefirstdegree,punishableasprovidedins.
775.082ors.775.083.
(b)Anypersonwhoknowinglyandwillfullymakesor
acceptsacontributioninexcessof$5,000inviolationof
subsection(1)commitsafelonyofthethirddegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.775.083,ors.
775.084.
History.—s.9,ch.73-128;s.48,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.2002-281;s.45,ch.
2007-30;s.63,ch.2011-40.
106.11Expensesofandexpendituresbycandi-
datesandpoliticalcommittees.—Eachcandidateand
eachpoliticalcommitteewhichdesignatesaprimary
campaigndepositorypursuanttos.106.021(1)shall
makeexpendituresfromfundsondepositinsuch
primarycampaigndepositoryonlyinthefollowing
manner,withtheexceptionofexpendituresmade
frompettycashfundsprovidedbys.106.12:
(1)(a)Thecampaigntreasurerordeputycampaign
treasurerofacandidateorpoliticalcommitteeshall
makeexpendituresfromfundsondepositintheprimary
campaigndepositoryonlybymeansofabankcheck
drawnuponthecampaignaccountofthecandidateor
politicalcommittee.Thecampaignaccountshallbe
separatefromanypersonalorotheraccountandshall
beusedonlyforthepurposeofdepositingcontributions
andmakingexpendituresforthecandidateorpolitical
committee.
(b)Thechecksforsuchaccountshallcontain,asa
minimum,thefollowinginformation:
1.Thenameofthecampaignaccountofthe
candidateorpoliticalcommittee.
2.Theaccountnumberandthenameofthebank.
3.Theexactamountoftheexpenditure.
4.Thesignatureofthecampaigntreasureror
deputytreasurer.
5.Theexactpurposeforwhichtheexpenditureis
authorized.
6.Thenameofthepayee.
(2)(a)Forpurposesofthissection,debitcardsare
consideredbankchecks,if:
1.Debitcardsareobtainedfromthesamebank
thathasbeendesignatedasthecandidate’sorpolitical
committee’sprimarycampaigndepository.
2.Debitcardsareissuedinthenameofthe
treasurer,deputytreasurer,orauthorizeduserand
containthenameofthecampaignaccountofthe
candidateorpoliticalcommittee.
3.Nomorethanthreedebitcardsarerequested
andissued.
4.Thepersonusingthedebitcarddoesnotreceive
cashaspartof,orindependentof,anytransactionfor
goodsorservices.
5.Allreceiptsfordebitcardtransactionscontain:
a.Thelastfourdigitsofthedebitcardnumber.
b.Theexactamountoftheexpenditure.
c.Thenameofthepayee.
d.Thesignatureofthecampaigntreasurer,deputy
treasurer,orauthorizeduser.
e.Theexactpurposeforwhichtheexpenditureis
authorized.
Anyinformationrequiredbythissubparagraphbutnot
includedonthedebitcardtransactionreceiptmaybe
handwrittenon,orattachedto,thereceiptbythe
authorizeduserbeforesubmissiontothetreasurer.
(b)Debitcardsarenotsubjecttotherequirements
ofparagraph(1)(b).
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
123
(3)Thecampaigntreasurer,deputytreasurer,or
authorizeduserwhosignsthecheckshallberespon-
sibleforthecompletenessandaccuracyoftheinforma-
tiononsuchcheckandforinsuringthatsuchexpendi-
tureisanauthorizedexpenditure.
(4)Nocandidate,campaignmanager,treasurer,
deputytreasurer,orpoliticalcommitteeoranyofficeror
agentthereof,oranypersonactingonbehalfofanyof
theforegoing,shallauthorizeanyexpenses,norshall
anycampaigntreasurerordeputytreasurersigna
checkdrawnontheprimarycampaignaccountforany
purpose,unlesstherearesufficientfundsondepositin
theprimarydepositoryaccountofthecandidateor
politicalcommitteetopaythefullamountofthe
authorizedexpense,tohonorallotherchecksdrawn
onsuchaccount,whichchecksareoutstanding,andto
meetallexpensespreviouslyauthorizedbutnotyet
paid.However,anexpensemaybeincurredforthe
purchaseofgoodsorservicesiftherearesufficient
fundsondepositintheprimarydepositoryaccountto
paythefullamountoftheincurredexpense,tohonorall
checksdrawnonsuchaccount,whichchecksare
outstanding,andtomeetallotherexpensespreviously
authorizedbutnotyetpaid,providedthatpaymentfor
suchgoodsorservicesismadeuponfinaldeliveryand
acceptanceofthegoodsorservices;andanexpendi-
turefrompettycashpursuanttotheprovisionsofs.
106.12maybeauthorized,ifthereisasufficientamount
ofmoneyinthepettycashfundtopayforsuch
expenditure.Paymentforcreditcardpurchasesshall
bemadepursuanttos.106.125.Anyexpenseincurred
orauthorizedinexcessofsuchfundsondepositshall,in
additiontootherpenaltiesprovidedbylaw,constitutea
violationofthischapter.Asusedinthissubsection,the
term“sufficientfundsondepositintheprimarydeposi-
toryaccountofthecandidateorpoliticalcommittee”
meansthatthefundsatissuehavebeendeliveredfor
deposittothefinancialinstitutionatwhichsuchaccount
ismaintained.Thetermshallnotbeconstruedtomean
thatsuchfundsareavailableforwithdrawalinaccor-
dancewiththedepositrulesorthefundsavailability
policiesofsuchfinancialinstitution.
(5)Acandidatewhowithdrawshisorhercandidacy,
becomesanunopposedcandidate,oriseliminatedasa
candidateorelectedtoofficemayexpendfundsfrom
thecampaignaccountto:
(a)Purchase“thankyou”advertisingforupto75
daysafterheorshewithdraws,becomesunopposed,or
iseliminatedorelected.
(b)Payforitemswhichwereobligatedbeforeheor
shewithdrew,becameunopposed,orwaseliminatedor
elected.
(c)Payforexpendituresnecessarytoclosedown
thecampaignofficeandtopreparefinalcampaign
reports.
(d)Disposeofsurplusfundsasprovidedins.
106.141.
(6)Acandidatewhomakesaloantohisorher
campaignandreportstheloanasrequiredbys.106.07
maybereimbursedfortheloanatanytimethe
campaignaccounthassufficientfundstorepaythe
loanandsatisfyitsotherobligations.
History.—s.11,ch.73-128;s.8,ch.74-200;s.48,ch.77-175;s.2,ch.78-403;
s.10,ch.79-365;s.8,ch.85-226;s.13,ch.89-256;s.14,ch.91-107;s.643,ch.
95-147;s.25,ch.2002-17;s.4,ch.2002-197;s.64,ch.2011-40;s.14,ch.2013-37.
106.113Expendituresbylocalgovernments.—
(1)Asusedinthissection,theterm:
(a)“Localgovernment”means:
1.Acounty,municipality,schooldistrict,orother
politicalsubdivisioninthisstate;and
2.Anydepartment,agency,board,bureau,district,
commission,authority,orsimilarbodyofacounty,
municipality,schooldistrict,orotherpoliticalsubdivision
ofthisstate.
(b)“Publicfunds”meansallmoneysunderthe
jurisdictionorcontrolofthelocalgovernment.
(2)Alocalgovernmentorapersonactingonbehalf
oflocalgovernmentmaynotexpendorauthorizethe
expenditureof,andapersonorgroupmaynotaccept,
publicfundsforapoliticaladvertisementorelectioneer-
ingcommunicationconcerninganissue,referendum,or
amendment,includinganystatequestion,thatissubject
toavoteoftheelectors.Thissubsectiondoesnotapply
toanelectioneeringcommunicationfromalocalgov-
ernmentorapersonactingonbehalfofalocal
governmentwhichislimitedtofactualinformation.
(3)Withtheexceptionoftheprohibitionsspecified
insubsection(2),thissectiondoesnotprecludean
electedofficialofthelocalgovernmentfromexpressing
anopiniononanyissueatanytime.
History.—s.1,ch.2009-125.
106.12Pettycashfundsallowed.—
(1)Eachcampaigntreasurerdesignatedpursuant
tos.106.021(1)foracandidateorpoliticalcommitteeis
authorizedtowithdrawfromtheprimarycampaign
account,untilthecloseofthelastdayforqualifying
foroffice,theamountof$500percalendarquarter
reportingperiodforthepurposeofprovidingapetty
cashfundforthecandidateorpoliticalcommittee.
(2)Followingthecloseofthelastdayforqualifying
anduntilthelastelectioninagivenelectionperiodin
whichthepoliticalcommitteeparticipates,thecampaign
treasurerofeachpoliticalcommitteeisauthorizedto
withdrawthefollowingamounteachweekfromthe
primarydepositorycampaignaccountforthepurposeof
providingapettycashfundforthepoliticalcommittee,
and,followingthecloseofthelastdayforqualifyingand
untiltheelectionatwhichsuchcandidateiseliminated
orelectedtooffice,orthetimeatwhichthecandidate
becomesunopposed,thecampaigntreasurerofeach
candidateisauthorizedtowithdrawthefollowing
amounteachweekfromtheprimarydepositorycam-
paignaccountforthepurposeofprovidingapettycash
fundforthecandidate:
(a)Forallcandidatesfornominationorelectionona
statewidebasis,$500perweek.
(b)Forallothercandidatesandallpoliticalcommit-
tees,$100perweek.
(3)Thepettycashfundsoprovidedmaybespent
onlyinamountslessthan$100andonlyforoffice
supplies,transportationexpenses,andothernecessi-
ties.Pettycashmaynotbeusedforthepurchaseof
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
124
time,space,orservicesfromcommunicationsmediaas
definedins.106.011.
History.—s.12,ch.73-128;s.48,ch.77-175;s.9,ch.85-226;s.5,ch.
2002-197;s.20,ch.2013-37.
106.125Creditcards;conditionsonuse.—Any
candidateforstatewideofficeoranypoliticalcommittee
createdtosupportoropposeanycandidateforstate-
wideofficeortosupportoropposeanystatewideissue
mayobtain,anduseinmakingtravel-relatedcampaign
expenditures,creditcards.Theobtentionanduseof
creditcardsbyanysuchcandidateorpoliticalcommit-
teeshallbesubjecttothefollowingconditions:
(1)Creditcardsmaybeobtainedonlyfromthe
samebankwhichhasbeendesignatedasthecandi-
date’sorpoliticalcommittee’sprimarycampaignde-
pository.
(2)Creditcardsshallbeinthenameofthe
candidateorpoliticalcommitteeandshallreflectthat
theaccountisacampaignaccount.
(3)Beforeacreditcardmaybeused,acopyofthe
agreementorcontractbetweenthecandidateandthe
bank,orthepoliticalcommitteeandthebank,andalist
ofallpersonswhohavebeenauthorizedtousethecard
shallbefiledwiththeSecretaryofState.
(4)Allcreditcardsissuedtocandidatesorpolitical
committeesshallexpirenolaterthanmidnightofthelast
dayofthemonthofthegeneralelection.
(5)Eachstatementrenderedbytheissuerofa
creditcardshallbepaiduponreceipt.
(6)Campaigntravel-relatedexpendituresshallin-
cludetransportation,lodging,meals,andotherex-
pensesincurredinconnectionwithtravelingforcam-
paignpurposes.
Thissectionshallnotbedeemedtoprecludetheuseof
advancepaymentsbyacheckdrawnontheprimary
depositoryaccountfortravel-relatedexpenses.The
treasurershallrequireanaccountingofactualexpenses
andreconcileanyoverpaymentorunderpaymenttothe
originalpayee.
History.—s.11,ch.79-365;s.2,ch.86-134.
106.14Utilities;deposits;priorauthorization.
(1)Utilitycompaniesprovidingutilitiesservicestoa
candidateorpoliticalcommitteeshallchargeadeposit
sufficienttomeetallanticipatedchargesduringabilling
period.
(2)Authorizationandpaymentforutilitiesused
duringthebillingperiodmustbemadebythecandidate
orpoliticalcommitteewhenthebillisreceivedfroma
utilitycompany.
History.—s.14,ch.73-128;s.48,ch.77-175;s.5,ch.78-403;s.59,ch.79-400;
s.2,ch.85-63;s.14,ch.89-256.
106.1405Useofcampaignfunds.—Acandidate
orthespouseofacandidatemaynotusefundson
depositinacampaignaccountofsuchcandidateto
defraynormallivingexpensesforthecandidateorthe
candidate’sfamily,otherthanexpensesactuallyin-
curredfortransportation,meals,andlodgingbythe
candidateorafamilymemberduringtravelinthecourse
ofthecampaign.
History.—s.49,ch.77-175;s.53,ch.81-259;s.644,ch.95-147;s.10,ch.
97-13.
106.141Dispositionofsurplusfundsbycandi-
dates.—
(1)Exceptasprovidedinsubsection(6),each
candidatewhowithdrawshisorhercandidacy,be-
comesanunopposedcandidate,oriseliminatedasa
candidateorelectedtoofficeshall,within90days,
disposeofthefundsondepositinhisorhercampaign
accountandfileareportreflectingthedispositionofall
remainingfunds.Suchcandidatemaynotacceptany
contributions,normayanypersonacceptcontributions
onbehalfofsuchcandidate,afterthecandidatewith-
drawshisorhercandidacy,becomesunopposed,oris
eliminatedorelected.However,ifacandidatereceives
arefundcheckafterallsurplusfundshavebeen
disposedof,thecheckmaybeendorsedbythe
candidateandtherefunddisposedofunderthissection.
Anamendedreportmustbefiledshowingtherefund
andsubsequentdisposition.
(2)Anycandidaterequiredtodisposeoffunds
pursuanttothissectionmay,beforesuchdisposition,
bereimbursedbythecampaign,infullorinpart,forany
reportedcontributionsbythecandidatetothecam-
paign.
(3)Thecampaigntreasurerofacandidatewho
withdrawshisorhercandidacy,becomesunopposed,
oriseliminatedasacandidateorelectedtoofficeand
whohasfundsondepositinaseparateinterest-bearing
accountorcertificateofdepositshall,within7daysafter
thedateofbecomingunopposedorthedateofsuch
withdrawal,elimination,orelection,transfersuchfunds
andtheaccumulatedinterestearnedthereontothe
campaignaccountofthecandidatefordisposalunder
thissection.However,ifthefundsareinanaccountin
whichpenaltieswillapplyforwithdrawalwithinthe7-day
period,thecampaigntreasurershalltransfersuchfunds
andtheaccumulatedinterestearnedthereonassoon
asthefundscanbewithdrawnwithoutpenalty,orwithin
90daysafterthecandidatebecomesunopposed,
withdrawshisorhercandidacy,oriseliminatedor
elected,whichevercomesfirst.
(4)(a)Exceptasprovidedinparagraph(b),any
candidaterequiredtodisposeoffundspursuantto
thissectionshall,attheoptionofthecandidate,dispose
ofsuchfundsbyanyofthefollowingmeans,orany
combinationthereof:
1.Returnproratatoeachcontributorthefundsthat
havenotbeenspentorobligated.
2.Donatethefundsthathavenotbeenspentor
obligatedtoacharitableorganizationororganizations
thatmeetthequalificationsofs.501(c)(3)oftheInternal
RevenueCode.
3.Givenotmorethan$25,000ofthefundsthat
havenotbeenspentorobligatedtotheaffiliatedparty
committeeorpoliticalpartyofwhichsuchcandidateisa
member.
4.Givethefundsthathavenotbeenspentor
obligated:
a.Inthecaseofacandidateforstateoffice,tothe
state,tobedepositedineitherthe 1ElectionCampaign
FinancingTrustFundortheGeneralRevenueFund,as
designatedbythecandidate;or
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
125
b.Inthecaseofacandidateforanofficeofa
politicalsubdivision,tosuchpoliticalsubdivision,tobe
depositedinthegeneralfundthereof.
(b)Anycandidaterequiredtodisposeoffunds
pursuanttothissectionwhohasreceivedcontributions
pursuanttotheFloridaElectionCampaignFinancing
Actshall,afterallmonetarycommitmentspursuanttos.
106.11(5)(b)and(c)havebeenmet,returnallsurplus
campaignfundstotheGeneralRevenueFund.
(5)Acandidateelectedtoofficeoracandidatewho
willbeelectedtoofficebyvirtueofhisorherbeing
unopposedmay,inadditiontothedispositionmethods
providedinsubsection(4),transferfromthecampaign
accounttoanofficeaccountanyamountofthefundson
depositinsuchcampaignaccountupto:
(a)Fiftythousanddollars,foracandidateforstate-
wideoffice.TheGovernorandLieutenantGovernor
shallbeconsideredseparatecandidatesforthepur-
poseofthissection.
(b)Tenthousanddollars,foracandidateformulti-
countyoffice.
(c)Tenthousanddollarsmultipliedbythenumberof
yearsinthetermofofficeforwhichelected,fora
candidateforlegislativeoffice.
(d)Fivethousanddollarsmultipliedbythenumber
ofyearsinthetermofofficeforwhichelected,fora
candidateforcountyofficeorforacandidateinany
electionconductedonlessthanacountywidebasis.
(e)Sixthousanddollars,foracandidateforreten-
tionasajusticeoftheSupremeCourt.
(f)Threethousanddollars,foracandidatefor
retentionasajudgeofadistrictcourtofappeal.
(g)Threethousanddollars,foracandidatefor
countycourtjudgeorcircuitjudge.
Theofficeaccountestablishedpursuanttothissubsec-
tionshallbeseparatefromanypersonalorother
account.Anyfundssotransferredbyacandidate
shallbeusedonlyforlegitimateexpensesinconnection
withthecandidate’spublicoffice.Suchexpensesmay
includetravelexpensesincurredbytheofficerorastaff
member;personaltaxespayableonofficeaccount
fundsbythecandidateorelectedpublicofficial;
professionalservicesprovidedbyacertifiedpublic
accountantorattorneyforpreparationoftheelected
publicofficial’sfinancialdisclosurefilingpursuanttos.
112.3144ors.112.3145;coststoprepare,print,
produce,andmailholidaycardsornewslettersabout
theelectedpublicofficial’spublicbusinesstoconstitu-
entsifsuchcorrespondencedoesnotconstitutea
politicaladvertisement,independentexpenditure,or
electioneeringcommunicationasprovidedins.
106.011;feesorduestoreligious,civic,orcharitable
organizationsofwhichtheelectedpublicofficialisa
member;itemsofmodestvaluesuchasflowers,
greetingcards,orpersonalnotesgivenasasubstitute
for,orinassociationwith,anelectedpublicofficial’s
personalattendanceataconstituent’sspecialeventor
familyoccasion,suchasthebirthofachild,graduation,
wedding,orfuneral;personalexpensesincurredbythe
electedpublicofficialinconnectionwithattendinga
constituentmeetingoreventwherepublicpolicyis
discussed,ifsuchmeetingsoreventsarelimitedtono
morethanonceaweek;orexpensesincurredinthe
operationoftheelectedpublicofficial’soffice,including
theemploymentofadditionalstaff.Thefundsmaybe
depositedinasavingsaccount;however,alldeposits,
withdrawals,andinterestearnedthereonshallbe
reportedattheappropriatereportingperiod.Ifa
candidateisreelectedtoofficeorelectedtoanother
officeandhasfundsremaininginhisorheroffice
account,heorshemaytransfersurpluscampaignfunds
totheofficeaccount.Atnotimemaythefundsinthe
officeaccountexceedthelimitationimposedbythis
subsection.Uponleavingpublicoffice,anypersonwho
hasfundsinanofficeaccountpursuanttothissubsec-
tionremainingondepositshallusesuchfundstopayfor
professionalservicesprovidedbyacertifiedpublic
accountantorattorneyforpreparationoftheelected
publicofficial’sfinalfinancialdisclosurefilingpursuantto
s.112.3144ors.112.3145,orgivesuchfundstoa
charitableorganizationthatmeetstherequirementsof
s.501(c)(3)oftheInternalRevenueCodeor,inthecase
ofastateofficer,tothestatetobedepositedinthe
GeneralRevenueFundor,inthecaseofanofficerofa
politicalsubdivision,tothepoliticalsubdivisiontobe
depositedinthegeneralfundthereof.
(6)(a)Forpurposesofthissubsection,theterm
“sameoffice”withrespecttolegislativeofficemeans
anofficeinthesamelegislativebody,irrespectiveof
districtnumberordesignationorgeographicboundary.
(b)Acandidateelectedtostateofficeoracandidate
whowillbeelectedtostateofficebyvirtueofhisorher
beingunopposedaftercandidatequalifyingends,may
retainupto$20,000inhisorhercampaignaccount,or
inaninterest-bearingaccountorcertificateofdeposit,
foruseinhisorhernextcampaignforthesameoffice,in
additiontothedispositionmethodsprovidedinsubsec-
tions(4)and(5).Allrequirementsapplicabletocandi-
datecampaignaccountsunderthischapter,including
disclosurerequirementsapplicabletocandidatecam-
paignaccounts,limitationsonexpenditures,andlimita-
tionsoncontributions,applytoanyretainedfunds.
(c)Ifacandidatewhohasretainedfundsunderthis
subsectiondoesnotqualifyasacandidateforreelection
tothesameoffice,allretainedfundsshallbedisposed
ofasotherwiserequiredbythissectionors.106.11(5)
within90daysafterthelastdayofcandidatequalifying
forthatoffice.Requirementsinthissectionapplicableto
thedisposalofsurplusfunds,includingreporting
requirements,areapplicabletothedisposalofretained
funds.
(7)Beforedisposingoffundspursuanttosubsec-
tion(4),transferringfundsintoanofficeaccount
pursuanttosubsection(5),orretainingfundsfor
reelectionpursuanttosubsection(6),anycandidate
whofiledanoathstatingthatheorshewasunableto
paythefeeforverificationofpetitionsignatureswithout
imposinganundueburdenonhisorherpersonal
resourcesoronresourcesotherwiseavailabletohimor
hershallreimbursethestateorlocalgovernmental
entity,whicheverisapplicable,forsuchwaivedfee.If
thereareinsufficientfundsintheaccounttopaythefull
amountofthefee,theremainingfundsshallbe
disbursedintheabovemanneruntilnofundsremain.
Allfundsdisbursedpursuanttothissubsectionshallbe
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
126
remittedtothequalifyingofficer.Anyreimbursementfor
petitionverificationcostswhicharereimbursablebythe
stateshallbeforwardedbythequalifyingofficertothe
statefordepositintheGeneralRevenueFund.
(8)(a)Anycandidaterequiredtodisposeofcampaign
fundspursuanttothissectionshalldosowithinthetime
requiredbythissectionand,onorbeforethedateby
whichsuchdispositionistohavebeenmade,shallfile
withtheofficerwithwhomreportsarerequiredtobe
filedpursuanttos.106.07aformprescribedbythe
DivisionofElectionslisting:
1.Thenameandaddressofeachpersonorunitof
governmenttowhomanyofthefundsweredistributed
andtheamountsthereof;
2.Thenameandaddressofeachpersontowhom
anexpenditurewasmade,togetherwiththeamount
thereofandpurposetherefor;
3.Theamountofsuchfundstransferredtoan
officeaccountbythecandidate,togetherwiththename
andaddressofthebank,savingsandloanassociation,
orcreditunioninwhichtheofficeaccountislocated;and
4.Theamountofsuchfundsretainedpursuantto
subsection(6),togetherwiththenameandaddressof
thebank,savingsandloanassociation,orcreditunion
inwhichtheretainedfundsarelocated.
Suchreportshallbesignedbythecandidateandthe
campaigntreasurerandcertifiedastrueandcorrect
pursuanttos.106.07.
(b)Thefilingofficershallnotifyeachcandidateat
least14daysbeforethedatethereportisdue.
(c)Anycandidatefailingtofileareportonthe
designatedduedateshallbesubjecttoafineas
providedins.106.07forsubmittinglatetermination
reports.
(9)Anycandidateelectedtoofficewhotransfers
surpluscampaignfundsintoanofficeaccountpursuant
tosubsection(5)shallfileareportonthe10thday
followingtheendofeachcalendarquarteruntilthe
accountisclosed.Suchreportsshallcontainthename
andaddressofeachpersontowhomanydisbursement
offundswasmade,togetherwiththeamountthereof
andthepurposetherefor,andthenameandaddressof
anypersonfromwhomtheelectedcandidatereceived
anyrefundorreimbursementandtheamountthereof.
Suchreportsshallbeonformsprescribedbythe
DivisionofElections,signedbytheelectedcandidate,
certifiedastrueandcorrect,andfiledwiththeofficer
withwhomcampaignreportswerefiledpursuanttos.
106.07(2).
(10)Anycandidate,oranypersononbehalfofa
candidate,whoacceptscontributionsaftersuchcandi-
datehaswithdrawnhisorhercandidacy,afterthe
candidatehasbecomeanunopposedcandidate,or
afterthecandidatehasbeeneliminatedasacandidate
orelectedtoofficecommitsamisdemeanorofthefirst
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.
775.083.
(11)Anycandidatewhoisrequiredbytheprovisions
ofthissectiontodisposeoffundsinhisorhercampaign
accountandwhofailstodisposeofthefundsinthe
mannerprovidedinthissectioncommitsa
misdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishableaspro-
videdins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.50,ch.77-175;s.6,ch.79-378;s.60,ch.79-400;s.2,ch.80-292;
s.54,ch.81-259;s.28,ch.81-304;s.1,ch.82-404;s.38,ch.84-302;s.10,ch.
85-226;s.2,ch.86-7;s.2,ch.86-276;s.11,ch.87-363;s.15,ch.89-256;s.34,ch.
90-315;s.15,ch.91-107;s.645,ch.95-147;ss.15,16,53,ch.97-13;s.6,ch.
2002-197;s.20,ch.2004-252;s.70,ch.2005-277;ss.16,30,ch.2011-6;s.65,ch.
2011-40;HJR7105,2011RegularSession;s.15,ch.2013-37.
1Note.—Thetrustfundexpired,effectiveNovember4,1996,byoperationofs.
19(f),Art.IIIoftheStateConstitution.
106.143Politicaladvertisementscirculated
priortoelection;requirements.—
(1)(a)Anypoliticaladvertisementthatispaidforbya
candidate,exceptawrite-incandidate,andthatis
published,displayed,orcirculatedbefore,oronthe
dayof,anyelectionmustprominentlystate:
1.“Politicaladvertisementpaidforandapproved
by (nameofcandidate),(partyaffiliation),for (officesought)”;
or
2.“Paidby (nameofcandidate),(partyaffiliation),for
(officesought).”
(b)Anypoliticaladvertisementthatispaidforbya
write-incandidateandthatispublished,displayed,or
circulatedbefore,oronthedayof,anyelectionmust
prominentlystate:
1.“Politicaladvertisementpaidforandapproved
by (nameofcandidate),write-incandidate,for (office
sought)”;or
2.“Paidby (nameofcandidate),write-incandidate,for
(officesought).”
(c)Anyotherpoliticaladvertisementpublished,
displayed,orcirculatedbefore,oronthedayof,any
electionmustprominently:
1.Bemarked“paidpoliticaladvertisement”orwith
theabbreviation“pd.pol.adv.”
2.Statethenameandaddressofthepersons
payingfortheadvertisement.
3.Statewhethertheadvertisementandthecostof
productionispaidfororprovidedinkindbyoratthe
expenseoftheentitypublishing,displaying,broad-
casting,orcirculatingthepoliticaladvertisement.
(d)Anypoliticaladvertisementmadepursuanttos.
106.021(3)(d)mustprominentlystatethenameand
addressofthepoliticalcommitteeorpoliticalparty
payingfortheadvertisement.
(2)Politicaladvertisementsmadeasin-kindcon-
tributionsfromapoliticalpartymustprominentlystate:
“Paidpoliticaladvertisementpaidforin-kindby (nameof
politicalparty).Approvedby (nameofperson,partyaffiliation,andoffice
soughtinthepoliticaladvertisement).”
(3)Anypoliticaladvertisementofacandidaterun-
ningforpartisanofficeshallexpressthenameofthe
politicalpartyofwhichthecandidateisseekingnomina-
tionoristhenominee.Ifthecandidateforpartisanoffice
isrunningasacandidatewithnopartyaffiliation,any
politicaladvertisementofthecandidatemuststatethat
thecandidatehasnopartyaffiliation.Apoliticaladver-
tisementofacandidaterunningfornonpartisanoffice
maynotstatethecandidate’spoliticalpartyaffiliation.
Thissectiondoesnotprohibitapoliticaladvertisement
fromstatingthecandidate’spartisan-relatedexperi-
ence.Acandidatefornonpartisanofficeisprohibited
fromcampaigningbasedonpartyaffiliation.
(4)Itisunlawfulforanycandidateorpersonon
behalfofacandidatetorepresentthatanypersonor
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
127
organizationsupportssuchcandidate,unlesstheper-
sonororganizationsorepresentedhasgivenspecific
approvalinwritingtothecandidatetomakesuch
representation.However,thissubsectiondoesnot
applyto:
(a)Editorialendorsementbyanynewspaper,radio
ortelevisionstation,orotherrecognizednewsmedium.
(b)Publicationbyapartycommitteeadvocatingthe
candidacyofitsnominees.
(5)(a)Anypoliticaladvertisementnotpaidforbya
candidate,includingthosepaidforbyapoliticalpartyor
affiliatedpartycommittee,otherthananindependent
expenditure,offeredonbehalfofacandidatemustbe
approvedinadvancebythecandidate.Suchpolitical
advertisementmustexpresslystatethatthecontentof
theadvertisementwasapprovedbythecandidate,
unlessthepoliticaladvertisementispublished,dis-
played,orcirculatedincompliancewithsubparagraph
(1)(a)2.,andmuststatewhopaidfortheadvertisement.
Thecandidateshallprovideawrittenstatementof
authorizationtothenewspaper,radiostation,television
station,orothermediumforeachsuchadvertisement
submittedforpublication,display,broadcast,orother
distribution.
(b)Anypersonwhomakesanindependentexpen-
ditureforapoliticaladvertisementshallprovideawritten
statementthatnocandidatehasapprovedtheadver-
tisementtothenewspaper,radiostation,television
station,orothermediumforeachsuchadvertisement
submittedforpublication,display,broadcast,orother
distribution.Theadvertisementmustalsocontaina
statementthatnocandidatehasapprovedtheadver-
tisement.
(6)Nopoliticaladvertisementofacandidatewhois
notanincumbentoftheofficeforwhichthecandidateis
runningshallusetheword“re-elect.”Additionally,such
advertisementmustincludetheword“for”betweenthe
candidate’snameandtheofficeforwhichthecandidate
isrunning,inorderthatincumbencyisnotimplied.This
subsectiondoesnotapplytobumperstickersoritems
designedtobewornbyaperson.
(7)Politicaladvertisementspaidforbyapolitical
partyoranaffiliatedpartycommitteemayusenames
andabbreviationsasregisteredunders.103.081inthe
disclaimer.
(8)Thissectiondoesnotapplytonoveltyitems
havingaretailvalueof$10orlesswhichsupport,butdo
notoppose,acandidateorissue.
(9)Anypoliticaladvertisementwhichispublished,
displayed,orproducedinalanguageotherthanEnglish
mayprovidetheinformationrequiredbythissectionin
thelanguageusedintheadvertisement.
(10)Thissectiondoesnotapplytoanycampaign
messageorpoliticaladvertisementusedbyacandidate
andthecandidate’ssupportersorbyapoliticalcom-
mitteeifthemessageoradvertisementis:
(a)Designedtobewornbyaperson.
(b)PlacedasapaidlinkonanInternetwebsite,
providedthemessageoradvertisementisnomorethan
200charactersinlengthandthelinkdirectstheuserto
anotherInternetwebsitethatcomplieswithsubsection
(1).
(c)Placedasagraphicorpicturelinkwhere
compliancewiththerequirementsofthissectionis
notreasonablypracticalduetothesizeofthegraphicor
picturelinkandthelinkdirectstheusertoanother
Internetwebsitethatcomplieswithsubsection(1).
(d)PlacedatnocostonanInternetwebsitefor
whichthereisnocosttopostcontentforpublicusers.
(e)Placedordistributedonanunpaidprofileor
accountwhichisavailabletothepublicwithoutcharge
oronasocialnetworkingInternetwebsite,aslongas
thesourceofthemessageoradvertisementispatently
clearfromthecontentorformatofthemessageor
advertisement.Acandidateorpoliticalcommitteemay
prominentlydisplayastatementindicatingthatthe
websiteoraccountisanofficialwebsiteoraccountof
thecandidateorpoliticalcommitteeandisapprovedby
thecandidateorpoliticalcommittee.Awebsiteor
accountmaynotbemarkedasofficialwithoutprior
approvalbythecandidateorpoliticalcommittee.
(f)Distributedasatextmessageorothermessage
viaShortMessageService,providedthemessageisno
morethan200charactersinlengthorrequiresthe
recipienttosignuporoptintoreceiveit.
(g)Connectedwithorincludedinanysoftware
applicationoraccompanyingfunction,providedthat
theusersignsup,optsin,downloads,orotherwise
accessestheapplicationfromorthroughawebsitethat
complieswithsubsection(1).
(h)Sentbyathird-partyuserfromorthrougha
campaignorcommittee’swebsite,providedthewebsite
complieswithsubsection(1).
(i)Containedinordistributedthroughanyother
technology-relateditem,service,ordeviceforwhich
compliancewithsubsection(1)isnotreasonably
practicalduetothesizeornatureofsuchitem,service,
ordeviceasavailable,orthemeansofdisplayingthe
messageoradvertisementmakescompliancewith
subsection(1)impracticable.
(11)Anypersonwhowillfullyviolatesanyprovisionof
thissectionissubjecttothecivilpenaltiesprescribedin
s.106.265.
History.—s.8,ch.26870,1951;s.1,ch.61-145;s.21,ch.65-379;s.57,ch.
71-136;s.30,ch.73-128;s.52,ch.77-175;s.30,ch.81-304;s.16,ch.89-256;s.
35,ch.90-315;s.16,ch.91-107;s.646,ch.95-147;s.17,ch.97-13;s.18,ch.
99-318;s.5,ch.2004-252;s.46,ch.2007-30;s.18,ch.2010-167;ss.17,30,ch.
2011-6;s.66,ch.2011-40;HJR7105,2011RegularSession;s.9,ch.2012-5.
Note.—Formers.104.37.
106.1435Usageandremovalofpoliticalcam-
paignadvertisements.—
(1)Eachcandidate,whetherforafederal,state,
county,ordistrictoffice,shallmakeagoodfaitheffortto
removeallofhisorherpoliticalcampaignadvertise-
mentswithin30daysafter:
(a)Withdrawalofhisorhercandidacy;
(b)Havingbeeneliminatedasacandidate;or
(c)Beingelectedtooffice.
However,acandidateisnotexpectedtoremovethose
politicalcampaignadvertisementswhichareintheform
ofsignsusedbyanoutdooradvertisingbusinessas
providedinchapter479.Theprovisionshereindonot
applytopoliticalcampaignadvertisementsplacedon
motorvehiclesortocampaignmessagesdesignedto
bewornbypersons.
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
128
(2)Ifpoliticalcampaignadvertisementsarenot
removedwithinthespecifiedperiod,thepoliticalsub-
divisionorgovernmentalentityhastheauthorityto
removesuchadvertisementsandmaychargethe
candidatetheactualcostforsuchremoval.Funds
collectedforremovingsuchadvertisementsshallbe
depositedtothegeneralrevenueofthepolitical
subdivision.
(3)Pursuanttochapter479,nopoliticalcampaign
advertisementsshallbeerected,posted,painted,
tacked,nailed,orotherwisedisplayed,placed,or
locatedonoraboveanystateorcountyroadright-of-
way.
(4)Theofficerbeforewhomacandidatequalifiesfor
officeshallnotifythecandidate,inwriting,ofthe
provisionsinthissection.
(5)Thisprovisiondoesnotprecludemunicipalities
fromimposingadditionalormorestringentrequirements
ontheusageandremovalofpoliticalcampaignadver-
tisements.
History.—s.1,ch.84-221;s.20,ch.84-302;s.14,ch.87-224;s.647,ch.
95-147.
106.1437Miscellaneousadvertisements.—Any
advertisement,otherthanapoliticaladvertisement,
independentexpenditure,orelectioneeringcommuni-
cation,onbillboards,bumperstickers,radio,ortelevi-
sion,orinanewspaper,amagazine,oraperiodical,
intendedtoinfluencepublicpolicyorthevoteofapublic
official,shallclearlydesignatethesponsorofsuch
advertisementbyincludingaclearlyreadablestatement
ofsponsorship.Iftheadvertisementisbroadcaston
television,theadvertisementshallalsocontainaverbal
statementofsponsorship.Thissectiondoesnotapply
toaneditorialendorsement.Forpurposesofthis
chapter,anexpendituremadefor,orinfurtherance
of,amiscellaneousadvertisementisnotconsideredto
beacontributiontooronbehalfofacandidate,and
doesnotconstituteanindependentexpenditure.Such
expendituresarenotsubjecttothelimitationsapplicable
toindependentexpenditures.
History.—s.36,ch.90-315;s.6,ch.2004-252;s.27,ch.2010-167;ss.18,30,
ch.2011-6;s.67,ch.2011-40;HJR7105,2011RegularSession.
106.1439Electioneeringcommunications;dis-
claimers.—
(1)Anyelectioneeringcommunication,otherthana
telephonecall,shallprominentlystate:“Paidelectio-
neeringcommunicationpaidforby (Nameandaddressof
personpayingforthecommunication).”
(2)Anyelectioneeringcommunicationtelephone
callshallidentifythepersonsororganizationssponsor-
ingthecallbystatingeither:“Paidforby (insertnameof
personsororganizationssponsoringthecall).”or“Paidforonbehalf
of (insertnameofpersonsororganizationsauthorizingcall).”This
subsectiondoesnotapplytoanytelephonecallinwhich
theindividualmakingthecallisnotbeingpaidandthe
individualsparticipatinginthecallknoweachotherprior
tothecall.
(3)Anypersonwhofailstoincludethedisclaimer
prescribedinthissectioninanyelectioneeringcommu-
nicationthatisrequiredtocontainsuchdisclaimer
commitsamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishable
asprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.7,ch.2004-252;s.28,ch.2010-167;ss.19,30,ch.2011-6;HJR
7105,2011RegularSession.
106.147Telephonesolicitation;disclosurere-
quirements;prohibitions;exemptions;penalties.
(1)(a)Anytelephonecallsupportingoropposinga
candidate,electedpublicofficial,orballotproposalmust
identifythepersonsororganizationssponsoringthecall
bystatingeither:“paidforby __”(insertnameof
personsororganizationssponsoringthecall)or“paid
foronbehalfof __”(insertnameofpersonsor
organizationsauthorizingcall).Thisparagraphdoes
notapplytoanytelephonecallinwhichboththe
individualmakingthecallisnotbeingpaidandthe
individualsparticipatinginthecallknoweachotherprior
tothecall.
(b)Anytelephonecallconductedforthepurposeof
pollingrespondentsconcerningacandidateorelected
publicofficialwhichisapartofaseriesofliketelephone
callsthatconsistsoffewerthan1,000completedcalls
andaveragesmorethan2minutesindurationis
presumedtobeapoliticalpollandnotsubjecttothe
provisionsofparagraph(a).
(c)Notelephonecallshallstateorimplythatthe
callerrepresentsanypersonororganizationunlessthe
personororganizationsorepresentedhasgiven
specificapprovalinwritingtomakesuchrepresentation.
(d)Notelephonecallshallstateorimplythatthe
callerrepresentsanonexistentpersonororganization.
(2)Anytelephonecall,notconductedbyindepen-
dentexpenditure,whichexpresslyadvocatesforor
againstacandidateorballotproposalrequiresprior
writtenauthorizationbythecandidateorsponsorofthe
ballotproposalthatthecallsupports.Acopyofsuch
writtenauthorizationmustbeplacedonfilewiththe
qualifyingofficerbythecandidateorsponsorofthe
ballotproposalpriortothetimethecallscommence.
(3)(a)Anypersonwhowillfullyviolatesanyprovision
ofthissectioncommitsamisdemeanorofthefirst
degree,punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.
775.083.
(b)Forpurposesofparagraph(a),theterm“person”
includesanycandidate;anyofficerofanypolitical
committee,affiliatedpartycommittee,orpoliticalparty
executivecommittee;anyofficer,partner,attorney,or
otherrepresentativeofacorporation,partnership,or
otherbusinessentity;andanyagentorotherperson
actingonbehalfofanycandidate,politicalcommittee,
affiliatedpartycommittee,politicalpartyexecutive
committee,orcorporation,partnership,orotherbusi-
nessentity.
History.—s.18,ch.97-13;s.31,ch.2008-95;s.29,ch.2010-167;ss.20,30,ch.
2011-6;HJR7105,2011RegularSession;s.21,ch.2013-37.
106.1475Telephonesolicitation;registered
agentrequirements;penalty.—
(1)Anypersonororganizationthatconductsany
businessinthisstatewhichconsistsofmakingpaid
telephonecallssupportingoropposinganycandidateor
electedpublicofficialmust,priortoconductingsuch
business,haveandcontinuouslymaintain,foratleast
180daysfollowingthecessationofsuchbusiness
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
129
activitiesinthestate,aregisteredagentforthepurpose
ofanyserviceofprocess,notice,ordemandrequiredor
authorizedbylawandmustfilewiththedivisionanotice
ofsuchregisteredagent.Suchregisteredagentmustbe
anindividualwhoisaresidentofthisstate,adomestic
corporation,oraforeigncorporationauthorizedtodo
businessinthisstate.However,thissubsectiondoes
notapplytoanypersonororganizationalreadylawfully
registeredtoconductbusinessinthisstate.
(2)Forpurposesofthissection,conductingbusi-
nessinthisstateasspecifiedinsubsection(1)includes
bothplacingtelephonecallsfromalocationinthisstate
andplacingtelephonecallsfromalocationoutsidethis
statetoindividualslocatedinthisstate.
(3)(a)Thedivisionshallcreateandmaintainformsfor
thenoticerequiredbysubsection(1),which,ata
minimum,mustelicitallofthefollowinginformation:
1.Thename,address,andtelephonenumberof
theregisteredagent.
2.Thename,address,andtelephonenumberof
thepersonororganizationconductingbusinessinthis
stateasspecifiedinsubsection(1).
(b)Thepersonororganizationconductingbusiness
inthisstateasspecifiedinsubsection(1)must
immediatelynotifythedivisionofanychangesinthe
informationrequiredinparagraph(a).
(4)Anypersonororganizationthatviolatesthis
sectioncommitsamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.19,ch.97-13.
106.15Certainactsprohibited.—
(1)Nopersonshallpaymoneyorgiveanythingof
valuefortheprivilegeofspeakingatapoliticalmeeting
inthefurtheranceofhisorhercandidacy,norshall
anyonespeakingforsuchapersonpaymoneyorgive
anythingofvalueforsuchprivilege.
(2)Nocandidate,inthefurtheranceofhisorher
candidacyfornominationorelectiontopublicofficein
anyelection,shalluseanystate-ownedaircraftormotor
vehicle,asprovidedinchapter287,solelyforthe
purposeoffurtheringhisorhercandidacy.However,
intheeventacandidateusesanystate-ownedaircraft
ormotorvehicletoconductofficialstatebusinessand
whileonsuchtripperformsanyfunctioninthe
furtheranceofhisorhercandidacyfornominationor
electiontopublicofficeinanyelection,thecandidate
shallproratetheexpensesincurredandreimbursethe
appropriateagencyforanytripnotexclusivelyforstate
businessandshallpayeitheraproratedshareofall
fixedandvariableexpensesrelatedtotheownership,
operation,anduseofsuchaircraftorone-halfofthe
totalfixedandvariableexpensesrelatedtotheowner-
ship,operation,anduseofsuchaircraft,whicheveris
greater.Thereimbursementshallbemadefromthe
campaignaccountofthecandidate.
(3)Acandidatemaynot,inthefurtheranceofhisor
hercandidacyfornominationorelectiontopublicoffice
inanyelection,usetheservicesofanystate,county,
municipal,ordistrictofficeroremployeeduringworking
hours.
(4)Nopersonshallmakeandnopersonshallsolicit
orknowinglyacceptanypoliticalcontributionina
buildingownedbyagovernmentalentity.Forpurposes
ofthissubsection,“accept”meanstoreceiveacon-
tributionbypersonalhanddeliveryfromacontributoror
thecontributor’sagent.Thissubsectionshallnotapply
whenagovernment-ownedbuildingoranyportion
thereofisrentedforthespecificpurposeofholdinga
campaignfundraiser.
(5)Anypersonviolatingtheprovisionsofthis
sectioncommitsamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
History.—s.15,ch.73-128;s.9,ch.74-200;s.1,ch.77-174;s.54,ch.77-175;
s.61,ch.79-400;s.31,ch.81-304;s.28,ch.83-217;s.2,ch.83-304;s.16,ch.
91-45;s.17,ch.91-107;s.648,ch.95-147;s.2,ch.97-223;s.7,ch.2002-197.
106.16Limitationoncertainratesandcharges.
Nopersonorcorporationwithinthestatepublishinga
newspaperorotherperiodicaloroperatingaradioor
televisionstationornetworkofstationsinFloridashall
chargeonecandidateforstateorcountypublicofficefor
politicaladvertisinginacounty,orforpoliticalbroad-
castsinacounty,atarateinexcessofthatcharged
anotherpoliticalcandidate.
History.—s.16,ch.73-128;s.55,ch.77-175;s.18,ch.89-256.
106.161Airtimeavailableatthelowestunitrate.
Totheextentpermittedbyfederallaw,allbroadcast
radioandtelevisionstationsandallcabletelevision
stationsshallmakeairtimeavailabletocandidatesfor
publicofficeatthelowestunitrate.
History.—s.35,ch.91-107.
106.165Useofclosedcaptioninganddescrip-
tivenarrativeinalltelevisionbroadcasts.—Each
candidate,politicalparty,affiliatedpartycommittee,and
politicalcommitteemustuseclosedcaptioningand
descriptivenarrativeinalltelevisionbroadcastsregu-
latedbytheFederalCommunicationsCommissionthat
areonbehalfof,orsponsoredby,acandidate,political
party,affiliatedpartycommittee,orpoliticalcommittee
ormustfileawrittenstatementwiththequalifyingofficer
settingforththereasonsfornotdoingso.Failuretofile
thisstatementwiththeappropriatequalifyingofficer
constitutesaviolationoftheFloridaElectionCodeand
isunderthejurisdictionoftheFloridaElectionsCom-
mission.
History.—s.7,ch.2002-281;s.71,ch.2005-277;ss.21,30,ch.2011-6;HJR
7105,2011RegularSession;s.29,ch.2012-116.
Note.—Formers.98.122.
106.17Pollsandsurveysrelatingtocandida-
cies.—Anycandidate,politicalcommittee,electioneer-
ingcommunicationorganization,affiliatedpartycom-
mittee,orstateorcountyexecutivecommitteeofa
politicalpartymayauthorizeorconductapoliticalpoll,
survey,index,ormeasurementofanykindrelatingto
candidacyforpublicofficesolongasthecandidate,
politicalcommittee,electioneeringcommunicationor-
ganization,affiliatedpartycommittee,orpoliticalparty
maintainscompletejurisdictionoverthepollinallits
aspects.Stateandcountyexecutivecommitteesofa
politicalpartyoranaffiliatedpartycommitteemay
authorizeandconductpoliticalpollsforthepurposeof
determiningtheviabilityofpotentialcandidates.Such
pollresultsmaybesharedwithpotentialcandidates,
andexpendituresincurredbystateandcounty
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
130
executivecommitteesoranaffiliatedpartycommittee
forpotentialcandidatepollsarenotcontributionstothe
potentialcandidates.
History.—s.17,ch.73-128;s.1,ch.77-174;s.56,ch.77-175;s.32,ch.81-304;
s.47,ch.2007-30;s.30,ch.2010-167;ss.22,30,ch.2011-6;s.68,ch.2011-40;
HJR7105,2011RegularSession;s.22,ch.2013-37.
106.18Whenacandidate’snametobeomitted
fromballot.—
(1)Thenameofacandidateshallnotbeprintedon
theballotforanelectionifthecandidateisconvictedof
violatings.106.19.
(2)Anycandidatewhosenameisremovedfromthe
ballotpursuanttosubsection(1)isdisqualifiedasa
candidateforoffice.Ifthedisqualificationofsuch
candidateresultsinavacancyinnomination,such
vacancyshallbefilledbyapersonotherthansuch
candidateinthemannerprovidedbylaw.
(3)Nocertificateofelectionshallbegrantedtoany
candidateuntilallpreelectionreportsrequiredbys.
106.07havebeenfiledinaccordancewiththeprovi-
sionsofsuchsection.However,nocandidateshallbe
preventedfromreceivingacertificateofelectionfor
failuretofileanycopyofareportrequiredbythis
chapter.
History.—s.18,ch.73-128;s.57,ch.77-175;s.11,ch.85-226;s.37,ch.
90-315;s.3,ch.90-338.
106.19Violationsbycandidates,personscon-
nectedwithcampaigns,andpoliticalcommittees.
(1)Anycandidate;campaignmanager,campaign
treasurer,ordeputytreasurerofanycandidate;com-
mitteechair,vicechair,campaigntreasurer,deputy
treasurer,orotherofficerofanypoliticalcommittee;
agentorpersonactingonbehalfofanycandidateor
politicalcommittee;orotherpersonwhoknowinglyand
willfully:
(a)Acceptsacontributioninexcessofthelimits
prescribedbys.106.08;
(b)Failstoreportanycontributionrequiredtobe
reportedbythischapter;
(c)Falselyreportsordeliberatelyfailstoincludeany
informationrequiredbythischapter;or
(d)Makesorauthorizesanyexpenditureinviolation
ofs.106.11(4)oranyotherexpenditureprohibitedby
thischapter;
isguiltyofamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punish-
ableasprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.
(2)Anycandidate,campaigntreasurer,ordeputy
treasurer;anychair,vicechair,orotherofficerofany
politicalcommittee;anyagentorpersonactingon
behalfofanycandidateorpoliticalcommittee;orany
otherpersonwhoviolatesparagraph(1)(a),paragraph
(1)(b),orparagraph(1)(d)shallbesubjecttoacivil
penaltyequaltothreetimestheamountinvolvedinthe
illegalact.Suchpenaltymaybeinadditiontothe
penaltiesprovidedbysubsection(1)andshallbepaid
intotheGeneralRevenueFundofthisstate.
(3)Apoliticalcommitteesponsoringaconstitutional
amendmentproposedbyinitiativewhichsubmitsa
petitionformgatheredbyapaidpetitioncirculator
whichdoesnotprovidethenameandaddressofthe
paidpetitioncirculatorontheformissubjecttothecivil
penaltiesprescribedins.106.265.
(4)Exceptasotherwiseexpresslystated,thefailure
byacandidatetocomplywiththerequirementsofthis
chapterhasnoeffectuponwhetherthecandidatehas
qualifiedfortheofficethecandidateisseeking.
History.—s.19,ch.73-128;s.57,ch.77-175;s.62,ch.79-400;s.12,ch.
91-107;s.649,ch.95-147;ss.24,45,ch.97-13;s.8,ch.2002-197;s.11,ch.
2006-300;s.69,ch.2011-40;s.35,ch.2013-37.
106.191Signaturesgatheredforinitiativepeti-
tion;effectofch.97-13.—Anysignaturegatheredon
anauthorizedformforaninitiativepetitionbyapaid
petitioncirculatorwhichhasbeensubmittedpriortothe
effectivedateofthisactmaybekeptandcounted,if
otherwisevalid,andthatformisnotrequiredtohavethe
nameandaddressofthepaidpetitioncirculator,noris
anysuchsignatureaffectedbytheprohibitionagainst
filinganundueburdenoathinlieuofpayingthefeeto
havesignaturesverified,asprovidedbythisact.
However,anysignaturegatheredonorafterthe
effectivedateofthisactissubjecttotheprovisionsof
thisactand,ifpaymentismadetoanypersontosolicit
signaturesaftertheeffectivedateofthisact,anundue
burdenoathmaynotbefiledinlieuofpayingthefeeto
havesignaturesverified.Inaddition,anyinitiative
petitionformapprovedbytheSecretaryofStateprior
totheeffectivedateofthisactmaycontinuetobe
circulated.
History.—s.25,ch.97-13.
106.21Certificatesofelectionnottobeissued
uponconviction.—
(1)Ifasuccessfulcandidateisconvictedofviolating
s.106.19(1)priortotheissuanceofhisorhercertificate
ofelection,suchcertificateshallnotbeissued,anda
vacancyshallbedeclaredandfilledasprovidedbylaw.
(2)Ifasuccessfulcandidateisconvictedofviolating
s.106.19(1)subsequenttotheissuanceofacertificate
ofelectionbutpriortotakingoffice,suchcertificateshall
berescindedbytheissuingbodyanddeclaredvoid,and
avacancyinofficeshallexistandbefilledasprovided
bylaw.
History.—s.21,ch.73-128;s.57,ch.77-175;s.650,ch.95-147.
106.22DutiesoftheDivisionofElections.—Itis
thedutyoftheDivisionofElectionsto:
(1)Prescribeformsforstatementsandotherin-
formationrequiredtobefiledbythischapter.Such
formsshallbefurnishedbytheDepartmentofStateor
officeofthesupervisorofelectionstopersonsrequired
tofilesuchstatementsandinformationwithsuch
agency.
(2)Prepareandpublishmanualsorbrochures
settingforthrecommendeduniformmethodsofbook-
keepingandreporting,andincludingappropriatepor-
tionsoftheelectioncode,forusebypersonsrequired
bythischaptertofilestatements.
(3)Developafiling,coding,andcross-indexing
systemconsonantwiththepurposesofthischapter.
(4)Preservestatementsandotherinformationre-
quiredtobefiledwiththedivisionpursuanttothis
chapterforaperiodof10yearsfromdateofreceipt.
(5)Prepareandpublishsuchreportsasitmay
deemappropriate.
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
131
(6)Make,fromtimetotime,auditsandfield
investigationswithrespecttoreportsandstatements
filedundertheprovisionsofthischapterandwith
respecttoallegedfailurestofileanyreportorstatement
requiredundertheprovisionsofthischapter.The
divisionshallconductapostelectionauditofthe
campaignaccountsofallcandidatesreceivingcontribu-
tionsfromthe 1ElectionCampaignFinancingTrust
Fund.
(7)ReporttotheFloridaElectionsCommissionany
failuretofileareportorinformationrequiredbythis
chapteroranyapparentviolationofthischapter.
(8)Employsuchpersonnelorcontractforsuch
servicesasarenecessarytoadequatelycarryoutthe
intentofthischapter.
(9)Prescriberulesandregulationstocarryoutthe
provisionsofthischapter.Suchrulesshallbepre-
scribedpursuanttochapter120.
(10)Conductrandomauditswithrespecttoreports
andstatementsfiledunderthischapterandwithrespect
toallegedfailuretofileanyreportsandstatements
requiredunderthischapter.
History.—s.22,ch.73-128;s.57,ch.77-175;s.13,ch.79-365;s.4,ch.84-254;
s.3,ch.86-276;s.9,ch.90-338;s.46,ch.97-13;s.7,ch.2001-75;s.72,ch.
2005-277.
1Note.—Thetrustfundexpired,effectiveNovember4,1996,byoperationofs.
19(f),Art.IIIoftheStateConstitution.
106.23PowersoftheDivisionofElections.—
(1)Inordertocarryouttheresponsibilitiespre-
scribedbys.106.22,theDivisionofElectionsis
empoweredtosubpoenaandbringbeforeitsduly
authorizedrepresentativesanypersoninthestate,or
anypersondoingbusinessinthestate,oranyperson
whohasfiledorisrequiredtohavefiledanyapplication,
document,papers,orotherinformationwithanofficeor
agencyofthisstateorapoliticalsubdivisionthereofand
torequiretheproductionofanypapers,books,orother
recordsrelevanttoanyinvestigation,includingthe
recordsandaccountsofanybankortrustcompany
doingbusinessinthisstate.Dulyauthorizedrepresen-
tativesofthedivisionareempoweredtoadministerall
oathsandaffirmationsinthemannerprescribedbylaw
towitnesseswhoshallappearbeforethemconcerning
anyrelevantmatter.Shouldanywitnessfailtorespond
tothelawfulsubpoenaofthedivisionor,having
responded,failtoansweralllawfulinquiriesortoturn
overevidencethathasbeensubpoenaed,thedivision
mayfileacomplaintbeforeanycircuitcourtofthestate
settingupsuchfailureonthepartofthewitness.Onthe
filingofsuchcomplaint,thecourtshalltakejurisdiction
ofthewitnessandthesubjectmatterofsaidcomplaint
andshalldirectthewitnesstorespondtoalllawful
questionsandtoproducealldocumentaryevidencein
thewitness’spossessionwhichislawfullydemanded.
Thefailureofanywitnesstocomplywithsuchorderof
thecourtshallconstituteadirectandcriminalcontempt
ofcourt,andthecourtshallpunishsaidwitness
accordingly.However,therefusalbyawitnessto
answerinquiriesorturnoverevidenceonthebasis
thatsuchtestimonyormaterialwilltendtoincriminate
suchwitnessshallnotbedeemedrefusaltocomplywith
theprovisionsofthischapter.
(2)TheDivisionofElectionsshallprovideadvisory
opinionswhenrequestedbyanysupervisorofelections,
candidate,localofficerhavingelection-relatedduties,
politicalparty,affiliatedpartycommittee,politicalcom-
mittee,orotherpersonororganizationengagedin
politicalactivity,relatingtoanyprovisionsorpossible
violationsofFloridaelectionlawswithrespecttoactions
suchsupervisor,candidate,localofficerhavingelection-
relatedduties,politicalparty,affiliatedpartycommittee,
committee,person,ororganizationhastakenorpro-
posestotake.Requestsforadvisoryopinionsmustbe
submittedinaccordancewithrulesadoptedbythe
DepartmentofState.Awrittenrecordofallsuch
opinionsissuedbythedivision,sequentiallynumbered,
dated,andindexedbysubjectmatter,shallberetained.
Acopyshallbesenttosaidpersonororganizationupon
request.Anysuchpersonororganization,actingin
goodfaithuponsuchanadvisoryopinion,shallnotbe
subjecttoanycriminalpenaltyprovidedforinthis
chapter.Theopinion,untilamendedorrevoked,shallbe
bindingonanypersonororganizationwhosoughtthe
opinionorwithreferencetowhomtheopinionwas
sought,unlessmaterialfactswereomittedormisstated
intherequestfortheadvisoryopinion.
History.—s.23,ch.73-128;s.3,ch.76-233;s.58,ch.77-175;s.651,ch.
95-147;s.47,ch.97-13;s.8,ch.2001-75;ss.23,30,ch.2011-6;HJR7105,2011
RegularSession;s.23,ch.2013-37.
106.24FloridaElectionsCommission;member-
ship;powers;duties.—
(1)(a)ThereiscreatedwithintheDepartmentof
LegalAffairs,OfficeoftheAttorneyGeneral,aFlorida
ElectionsCommission,hereinafterreferredtoasthe
commission.Thecommissionshallbeaseparate
budgetentityandtheagencyheadforallpurposes.
Thecommissionshallnotbesubjecttocontrol,super-
vision,ordirectionbytheDepartmentofLegalAffairsor
theAttorneyGeneralintheperformanceofitsduties,
including,butnotlimitedto,personnel,purchasing
transactionsinvolvingrealorpersonalproperty,and
budgetarymatters.
(b)Thecommissionshallbecomposedofnine
members.ThePresidentoftheSenate,theSpeakerof
theHouseofRepresentatives,theminorityleaderofthe
Senate,andtheminorityleaderoftheHouseof
Representativesshalleachprovidealistofsixnomi-
neestotheGovernorforinitialappointmenttothe
commission.TheGovernormayappointtwomembers
tothecommissionfromeachlist.IftheGovernor
refusestoappointtwomembersfromanyofthe
respectivelists,theGovernorshallsoinformthe
nominatingofficerandthenominatingofficershall
submitanewlistofsixnomineeswithin30days.The
newlistmustcontainatleastthreenomineesnot
includedonthepriornominatinglist.Theninthcommis-
sionmember,whoshallserveaschairofthecommis-
sion,shallbeappointedbytheGovernor.Eachmember
ofthecommissionissubjecttoconfirmationbythe
Senate.Thechairofthecommissionshallservefora
maximumtermof4years,suchtermtorunconcurrently
withthetermoftheappointingGovernoranduntila
futuresuccessorisappointed.Othermembersofthe
commissionshallservefor4-yeartermsanduntiltheir
successorsareappointed.Anindividualwhoisa
lobbyistatthestateorlocalgovernmentlevelmaynot
serveasamemberofthecommission,exceptthatthis
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
132
prohibitionshallnotapplytoanindividualwhoisa
memberofthecommissiononJuly1,2002,untilthe
expirationofhisorhercurrentterm.Amemberofthe
commissionisprohibitedfromlobbyingstateorlocal
governmentwhileheorsheisamemberofthe
commission,exceptthatthisprohibitionshallnot
applytoanindividualwhoisamemberofthecommis-
siononJuly1,2002,untiltheexpirationofhisorher
currentterm.
(c)Asthetermsofmembersexpire,excludingthe
chair,successorsshallbeappointedto4-yearterms
andshallserveuntiltheirsuccessorsareappointed.Six
monthspriortotheexpirationofacommissionmem-
ber’sterm,therankingofficerofthepoliticalpartyinthe
respectivehouseoriginallynominatingthecommission
membershallsubmitalistofthreenomineestothe
Governor.TheGovernormayappointoneofthelisted
nomineestothecommission.Ifnonomineeisselected
fromthelist,theGovernorshallsoinformthenominat-
ingofficer,whoshallsubmitalistofthreedifferent
nomineestotheGovernorwithin30days.Vacancieson
thecommissionshallexpeditiouslybefilledforthe
unexpiredtermsinthesamemanner.
(d)Asthetermofthechairofthecommission
expiresorbecomesvacant,asuccessorshallbe
appointedinthemanneroftheoriginalappointment,
andshallserveforamaximumof4years,suchtermto
runconcurrentlywiththetermoftheappointing
Governoranduntilafuturesuccessorisappointed.
(e)Innoeventmayanymemberofthecommission
servemorethantwofullterms.Membersofthe
commissionshallbepaidtravelandperdiemas
providedins.112.061whileinperformanceoftheir
dutiesandintravelingto,from,anduponsame.Ofthe
ninemembersofthecommission,nomorethanfive
membersshallbefromthesamepoliticalpartyatany
onetime.
(2)Nomemberofthecommissionshallbea
memberofanycounty,state,ornationalcommitteeof
apoliticalparty;beanofficerinanypartisanpolitical
clubororganization;orhold,orbeacandidatefor,any
otherpublicoffice.Nopersonshallbeappointedasa
memberofthecommissionwhohasheldanelective
publicofficeorofficeinapoliticalpartywithintheyear
immediatelyprecedinghisorherappointment.
(3)Thecommissionshallconveneatthecallofits
chairorattherequestofamajorityofthemembersof
thecommission.Thepresenceoffivemembersis
requiredtoconstituteaquorum,andtheaffirmative
voteofthemajorityofthememberspresentisrequired
foranyactionorrecommendationbythecommission.
Thecommissionmaymeetinanycityofthestate.
(4)Thecommissionshallappointanexecutive
director,whoshallserveunderthedirection,super-
vision,andcontrolofthecommission.Theexecutive
director,withtheconsentofthecommission,shall
employsuchstaffasarenecessarytoadequately
performthefunctionsofthecommission,withinbudget-
arylimitations.Allemployees,excepttheexecutive
directorandattorneys,aresubjecttopartIIofchapter
110.Theexecutivedirectorshallserveatthepleasure
ofthecommissionandbesubjecttopartIIIofchapter
110,exceptthatthecommissionshallhavecomplete
authorityforsettingtheexecutivedirector’ssalary.
Attorneysemployedbythecommissionshallbesubject
topartVofchapter110.
(5)Hearingsshallbeheldbeforethecommission,
exceptthatthechairmaydirectthatanyhearingbeheld
beforeonememberofthecommissionorapanelofless
thanthefullcommission.Thecommissionshalladopt
rulestoprovideforthefilingofareportwhenhearings
areheldbyasinglecommissionerorapanel,which
rulesshallprescribethetimeforfilingthereportandthe
contentsofthereport.
(6)ThereisestablishedintheStateTreasuryan
ElectionsCommissionTrustFundtobeusedbythe
FloridaElectionsCommissioninordertocarryoutits
dutiespursuanttoss.106.24-106.28.Thetrustfund
mayalsobeusedbytheSecretaryofState,pursuantto
hisorherauthorityunders.97.012(14),toprovide
rewardsforinformationleadingtocriminalconvictions
relatedtovoterregistrationfraud,voterfraud,andvote
scams.
(7)Thecommissionshalldevelopabudgetrequest
pursuanttochapter216annually.Thebudgetisnot
subjecttochangebytheDepartmentofLegalAffairsor
theAttorneyGeneral,butitshallbesubmittedbythe
DepartmentofLegalAffairstotheGovernorfor
transmittaltotheLegislature.
(8)Thecommissionisauthorizedtocontractor
consultwithappropriateagenciesofstategovernment
forsuchprofessionalassistanceasmaybeneededin
thedischargeofitsduties.
History.—s.24,ch.73-128;s.10,ch.74-200;s.59,ch.77-175;s.63,ch.
79-400;s.1,ch.82-46;s.2,ch.83-265;s.19,ch.89-256;s.36,ch.89-338;s.38,
ch.90-315;ss.4,14,15,ch.90-338;s.5,ch.91-429;s.1,ch.93-262;s.652,ch.
95-147;s.48,ch.97-13;s.3,ch.2002-281;s.69,ch.2005-277;s.32,ch.2008-95;
s.5,ch.2010-16.
106.25ReportsofallegedviolationstoFlorida
ElectionsCommission;dispositionoffindings.—
(1)Jurisdictiontoinvestigateanddetermineviola-
tionsofthischapterandchapter104isvestedinthe
FloridaElectionsCommission;however,nothinginthis
sectionlimitsthejurisdictionofanyotherofficersor
agenciesofgovernmentempoweredbylawtoinvesti-
gate,actupon,ordisposeofallegedviolationsofthis
code.
(2)Thecommissionshallinvestigateallviolationsof
thischapterandchapter104,butonlyafterhaving
receivedeitherasworncomplaintorinformation
reportedtoitunderthissubsectionbytheDivisionof
Elections.Suchsworncomplaintmustbebasedupon
personalinformationorinformationotherthanhearsay.
Anyperson,otherthanthedivision,havinginformation
ofanyviolationofthischapterorchapter104shallfilea
sworncomplaintwiththecommission.Thecommission
shallinvestigateonlythoseallegedviolationsspecifi-
callycontainedwithinthesworncomplaint.Ifany
complainantfailstoallegeallviolationsthatarisefrom
thefactsorallegationsallegedinacomplaint,the
commissionshallbebarredfrominvestigatingasub-
sequentcomplaintfromsuchcomplainantthatisbased
uponsuchfactsorallegationsthatwereraisedorcould
havebeenraisedinthefirstcomplaint.Ifthecomplaint
includesallegationsofviolationsrelatingtoexpense
itemsreimbursedbyacandidate,committee,ororga-
nizationtothecampaignaccountbeforeasworn
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
133
complaintisfiled,thecommissionshallbebarredfrom
investigatingsuchallegations.Suchsworncomplaint
shallstatewhetheracomplaintofthesameviolation
hasbeenmadetoanystateattorney.Within5daysafter
receiptofasworncomplaint,thecommissionshall
transmitacopyofthecomplainttotheallegedviolator.
Therespondentshallhave14daysafterreceiptofthe
complainttofileaninitialresponse,andtheexecutive
directormaynotdeterminethelegalsufficiencyofthe
complaintduringthattimeperiod.Iftheexecutive
directorfindsthatthecomplaintislegallysufficient,
therespondentshallbenotifiedofsuchfindingbyletter,
whichsetsforththestatutoryprovisionsallegedtohave
beenviolatedandtheallegedfactualbasisthatsupports
thefinding.Allsworncomplaintsallegingviolationsof
theFloridaElectionCodeoverwhichthecommission
hasjurisdictionshallbefiledwiththecommissionwithin
2yearsaftertheallegedviolations.Theperiodof
limitationsistolledonthedayasworncomplaintis
filedwiththecommission.Thecomplainantmaywith-
drawthesworncomplaintatanytimepriortoaprobable
causehearingifgoodcauseisshown.Withdrawalshall
berequestedinwriting,signedbythecomplainant,and
witnessedbyanotarypublic,statingthefactsand
circumstancesconstitutinggoodcause.Theexecutive
directorshallprepareawrittenrecommendationregard-
ingdispositionoftherequestwhichshallbegiventothe
commissiontogetherwiththerequest.“Goodcause”
shallbedeterminedbaseduponthelegalsufficiencyor
insufficiencyofthecomplainttoallegeaviolationand
thereasonsgivenbythecomplainantforwishingto
withdrawthecomplaint.Ifwithdrawalispermitted,the
commissionmustclosetheinvestigationandthecase.
Nofurtheractionmaybetaken.Thecomplaintwill
becomeapublicrecordatthetimeofwithdrawal.
(3)Forthepurposesofcommissionjurisdiction,a
violationshallmeanthewillfulperformanceofanact
prohibitedbythischapterorchapter104orthewillful
failuretoperformanactrequiredbythischapteror
chapter104.Thecommissionmaynotbyruledeter-
minewhatconstituteswillfulnessorfurtherdefinethe
term“willful”forpurposesofthischapterorchapter104.
Willfulnessisadeterminationoffact;however,atthe
requestoftherespondentatanytimeafterprobable
causeisfound,willfulnessmaybeconsideredand
determinedinaninformalhearingbeforethecommis-
sion.
(4)Thecommissionshallundertakeapreliminary
investigationtodetermineifthefactsallegedinasworn
complaintoramatterinitiatedbythedivisionconstitute
probablecausetobelievethataviolationhasoccurred.
(a)Whentheinvestigator’sreportiscompleted,the
executivedirectorshallnotifytherespondentthatthe
reportiscompletedandshallsendtotherespondenta
copyoftheinvestigator’sreport.Theinvestigatoryfile
andmaincomplaintfileshallbeopenforinspectionby
therespondentandtherespondent’scounselatthat
time,andcopiesmaybeobtainedatnomorethancost.
(b)Therespondentshallbegivennotlessthan14
daysfromthedateofmailingoftheinvestigator’sreport
tofilewiththecommissionawrittenresponsetothe
investigator’sreport.Thistimeperiodmaybeshortened
withtheconsentoftherespondent,orwithoutthe
consentoftherespondentwhenthepassageoftime
couldreasonablybeexpectedtorendermootthe
ultimatedispositionofthematterbythecommission
solongasreasonablenoticeunderthecircumstancesis
given.
(c)Counselforthecommissionshallreviewthe
investigator’sreportandshallmakeawrittenrecom-
mendationtothecommissionforthedispositionofthe
complaint.Ifthecounselforthecommissionrecom-
mendsthatthecommissionfindprobablecause,the
recommendationshallincludeastatementofwhat
chargesshallbeatissue.Acopyoftherecommenda-
tionshallbefurnishedtotherespondent.Therespon-
dentshallbegivennotlessthan14daysfromthedate
ofmailingoftherecommendationofcounselforthe
commissiontofilewiththecommissionawritten
responsetotherecommendation.Thistimeperiod
maybeshortenedwiththeconsentoftherespondent,
orwithouttheconsentoftherespondentwhenthe
passageoftimecouldreasonablybeexpectedtorender
moottheultimatedispositionofthematterbythe
commission,solongastherecommendationisfurn-
ishedtotherespondentwithinareasonableperiodof
timeunderthecircumstances.
(d)Therespondentandeachcomplainant,their
counsel,andthecounselforthecommissionshallbe
permittedtoattendthehearingatwhichtheprobable
causedeterminationismade.Noticeofthehearingshall
besenttotherespondent,eachcomplainant,and
counselforthecommissionatleast14daysbefore
thehearing.Thistimeperiodmaybeshortenedwiththe
consentoftherespondent,orwithouttheconsentofthe
respondentwhenthepassageoftimecouldreasonably
beexpectedtorendermoottheultimatedispositionof
thematterbythecommission,solongasthenoticeis
furnishedwithinareasonableperiodoftimeunderthe
circumstances.
(e)Theprobablecausedeterminationisthecon-
clusionofthepreliminaryinvestigation.Therespondent
andthecounselforthecommissionshallbepermittedto
makebrieforalstatementsinthenatureoforal
argumenttothecommission,basedontheinvestiga-
tor’sreport,beforetheprobablecausedetermination.
Thecommission’sdeterminationshallbebasedupon
theinvestigator’sreport,therecommendationofcoun-
selforthecommission,thecomplaint,andstaff
recommendations,aswellasanywrittenstatements
submittedbytherespondentandanyoralstatements
madeatthehearing.Notestimonyorotherevidencewill
beacceptedatthehearing.
(f)Atitsmeetingtodetermineprobablecause,the
commissionmaycontinueitsdeterminationtoallow
furtherinvestigation;mayordertheissuanceofapublic
reportofitsinvestigationifitfindsnoprobablecauseto
believethattherehasbeenaviolationofthischapteror
chapter104,concludingthematterbeforeit;mayorder
afinal,publichearingofthecomplaintifitfindsprobable
causetobelievethattherehasbeenaviolationofthis
chapterorchapter104;ormaytakesuchotheractionas
itdeemsnecessarytoresolvethecomplaint,consistent
withdueprocessoflaw.Inmakingitsdetermination,the
commissionmayconsider:
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
134
1.Thesufficiencyoftheevidenceagainstthe
respondent,ascontainedintheinvestigator’sreport;
2.Theadmissionsandotherstipulationsofthe
respondent,ifany;
3.Thenatureandcircumstancesoftherespon-
dent’sactions;
4.Theexpenseoffurtherproceedings;and
5.Suchotherfactorsasitdeemsmaterialtoits
decision.
Ifthecommissionfindsprobablecause,thecommission
shalldeterminewhatchargesshallbeatissue.
(g)Ifnoprobablecauseisfound,thecommission
shalldismissthecaseandthecaseshallbecomea
matterofpublicrecord,exceptasotherwiseprovidedin
thissection,togetherwithawrittenstatementofthe
findingsofthepreliminaryinvestigationandasummary
ofthefactswhichthecommissionshallsendtothe
complainantandtheallegedviolator.Afindingofno
probablecausebythecommissionisafulladjudication
ofallsuchmatters.Thecommissionmaynotchargea
respondentinasubsequentcomplaintallegingviola-
tionsbaseduponthesameactions,nonactions,or
circumstanceswhereinthecommissionfoundnoprob-
ablecause.
(h)Ifprobablecauseisfound,thecommissionshall
sonotifythecomplainantandtheallegedviolatorin
writing.Alldocumentsmadeorreceivedinthedisposi-
tionofthecomplaintshallbecomepublicrecordsupona
findingbythecommission.
(i)1.Uponacommissionfindingofprobablecause,
thecounselforthecommissionshallattempttoreacha
consentagreementwiththerespondent.Atanytime,
thecommissionmayenterintoaconsentorderwitha
respondentwithoutrequiringtherespondenttoadmitto
aviolationoflawwithinthejurisdictionofthecommis-
sion.
2.Aconsentagreementisnotbindinguponeither
partyunlessanduntilitissignedbytherespondentand
bycounselforthecommissionuponapprovalbythe
commission.
3.Nothinghereinshallbeconstruedtopreventthe
commissionfromenteringintoaconsentagreement
witharespondentpriortoacommissionfindingof
probablecauseifarespondentindicatesinwritinga
desiretoenterintonegotiationsdirectedtowardsreach-
ingsuchaconsentagreement.Anyconsentagreement
reachedunderthissubparagraphissubjecttothe
provisionsofsubparagraph2.andshallhavethe
sameforceandeffectasaconsentagreementreached
afterthecommissionfindingofprobablecause.
(j)Ifaconsentagreementisreachedbetweenthe
commissionandtherespondent,counselforthe
commissionshallsendacopyofthesignedagreement
tobothcomplainantandrespondent.
Inacasewhereprobablecauseisfound,thecommis-
sionshallmakeapreliminarydeterminationtoconsider
thematterortoreferthemattertothestateattorneyfor
thejudicialcircuitinwhichtheallegedviolationoc-
curred.Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionsofthis
section,thecommissionmay,atitsdiscretion,dismiss
anycomplaintatanystageofdispositionifitdetermines
thatthepublicinterestwouldnotbeservedby
proceedingfurther,inwhichcasethecommission
shallissueapublicreportstatingwithparticularityits
reasonsforthedismissal.
(5)ApersonallegedbytheElectionsCommission
tohavecommittedaviolationofthischapterorchapter
104mayelect,asamatterofright,within30daysafter
thedateofthefilingofthecommission’sallegations,to
haveaformaladministrativehearingconductedbyan
administrativelawjudgeintheDivisionofAdministrative
Hearings.Theadministrativelawjudgeinsuchpro-
ceedingsshallenterafinalorder,whichmayincludethe
impositionofcivilpenalties,subjecttoappealas
providedins.120.68.Ifthepersondoesnotelectto
haveahearingbyanadministrativelawjudgeanddoes
notelecttoresolvethecomplaintbyaconsentorder,
thepersonisentitledtoaformalorinformalhearing
conductedbeforethecommission.
(6)Itisthedutyofastateattorneyreceivinga
complaintreferredbythecommissiontoinvestigatethe
complaintpromptlyandthoroughly;toundertakesuch
criminalorcivilactionsasarejustifiedbylaw;andto
reporttothecommissiontheresultsofsuchinvestiga-
tion,theactiontaken,andthedispositionthereof.The
failureorrefusalofastateattorneytoprosecuteorto
initiateactionuponacomplaintorareferralbythe
commissionshallnotbarfurtheractionbythecommis-
sionunderthischapter.
(7)Everysworncomplaintfiledpursuanttothis
chapterwiththecommission,everyinvestigationand
investigativereportorotherpaperofthecommission
withrespecttoaviolationofthischapterorchapter104,
andeveryproceedingofthecommissionwithrespectto
aviolationofthischapterorchapter104isconfidential,
isexemptfromtheprovisionsofss.119.07(1)and
286.011,andisexemptfrompublicationintheFlorida
AdministrativeRegisterofanynoticeoragendawith
respecttoanyproceedingrelatingtosuchviolation,
exceptunderthefollowingcircumstances:
(a)Asprovidedinsubsection(6);
(b)Uponadeterminationofprobablecauseorno
probablecausebythecommission;or
(c)Forproceedingsconductedwithrespectto
appealsoffinesleviedbyfilingofficersforthelatefiling
ofreportsrequiredbythischapter.
However,acomplainantisnotboundbytheconfidenti-
alityprovisionsofthissection.Inaddition,confidentiality
maybewaivedinwritingbythepersonagainstwhom
thecomplainthasbeenfiledortheinvestigationhas
beeninitiated.Ifafindingofprobablecauseinacaseis
enteredwithin30dayspriortothedateoftheelection
withrespecttowhichtheallegedviolationoccurred,
suchfindingandtheproceedingsandrecordsrelatingto
suchcaseshallnotbecomepublicuntilnoonoftheday
followingsuchelection.Whentwoormorepersonsare
beinginvestigatedbythecommissionwithrespecttoan
allegedviolationofthischapterorchapter104,the
commissionmaynotpubliclyenterafindingofprobable
causeornoprobablecauseinthecaseuntilafindingof
probablecauseornoprobablecausefortheentirecase
hasbeendetermined.However,oncetheconfidentiality
ofanycasehasbeenbreached,thepersonorpersons
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
135
underinvestigationhavetherighttowaivethecon-
fidentialityofthecase,therebyopeninguptheproceed-
ingsandrecordstothepublic.Anypersonwho
disclosesanyinformationormattermadeconfidential
bytheprovisionsofthissubsectioncommitsamis-
demeanorofthefirstdegree,punishableasprovidedin
s.775.082ors.775.083.
(8)Anypersonwhofilesacomplaintpursuantto
thissectionwhileknowingthattheallegationscontained
insuchcomplaintarefalseorwithoutmeritcommitsa
misdemeanorofthefirstdegree,punishableaspro-
videdins.775.082ors.775.083.
(9)Thecommissionshallmaintainadatabaseofall
finalordersandagencyactions.Suchdatabaseshallbe
availabletothepublicandshallbemaintainedinsucha
mannerastobesearchable,ataminimum,byissue,
statutes,individuals,orentitiesreferenced.
History.—s.25,ch.73-128;s.11,ch.74-200;s.60,ch.77-175;s.3,ch.78-403;
s.1,ch.82-46;s.2,ch.83-265;s.39,ch.84-302;s.20,ch.89-256;ss.5,14,15,ch.
90-338;s.21,ch.90-360;s.18,ch.91-107;s.5,ch.91-429;s.26,ch.96-406;s.49,
ch.97-13;s.34,ch.98-129;s.21,ch.2004-252;s.48,ch.2007-30;s.16,ch.
2010-167;s.70,ch.2011-40;s.1,ch.2013-14.
106.26Powersofcommission;rightsandre-
sponsibilitiesofparties;findingsbycommission.
(1)Thecommissionshall,pursuanttorulesadopted
andpublishedinaccordancewithchapter120,consider
allsworncomplaintsfiledwithitandallmattersreported
toitbytheDivisionofElections.Inordertocarryoutthe
responsibilitiesprescribedbythischapter,thecommis-
sionisempoweredtosubpoenaandbringbeforeit,or
itsdulyauthorizedrepresentatives,anypersoninthe
state,oranypersondoingbusinessinthestate,orany
personwhohasfiledorisrequiredtohavefiledany
application,document,papers,orotherinformationwith
anofficeoragencyofthisstateorapoliticalsubdivision
thereofandtorequiretheproductionofanypapers,
books,orotherrecordsrelevanttoanyinvestigation,
includingtherecordsandaccountsofanybankortrust
companydoingbusinessinthisstate.Dulyauthorized
representativesofthecommissionareempoweredto
administeralloathsandaffirmationsinthemanner
prescribedbylawtowitnesseswhoshallappearbefore
themconcerninganyrelevantmatter.Shouldany
witnessfailtorespondtothelawfulsubpoenaofthe
commissionor,havingresponded,failtoanswerall
lawfulinquiriesortoturnoverevidencethathasbeen
subpoenaed,thecommissionmayfileacomplaintinthe
circuitcourtwherethewitnessresidessettingupsuch
failureonthepartofthewitness.Onthefilingofsuch
complaint,thecourtshalltakejurisdictionofthewitness
andthesubjectmatterofsaidcomplaintandshalldirect
thewitnesstorespondtoalllawfulquestionsandto
producealldocumentaryevidenceinthewitness’s
possessionwhichislawfullydemanded.Thefailureof
anywitnesstocomplywithsuchorderofthecourtshall
constituteadirectandcriminalcontemptofcourt,and
thecourtshallpunishsaidwitnessaccordingly.How-
ever,therefusalbyawitnesstoanswerinquiriesorturn
overevidenceonthebasisthatsuchtestimonyor
materialwilltendtoincriminatesuchwitnessshallnot
bedeemedrefusaltocomplywiththeprovisionsofthis
chapter.Thesheriffsintheseveralcountiesshallmake
suchserviceandexecuteallprocessororderswhen
requiredbythecommission.Sheriffsshallbepaidfor
theseservicesbythecommissionasprovidedforins.
30.231.Anypersonwhoisservedwithasubpoenato
attendahearingofthecommissionalsoshallbeserved
withageneralstatementinforminghimorherofthe
subjectmatterofthecommission’sinvestigationor
inquiryandanoticethatheorshemaybeaccompanied
atthehearingbycounselofhisorherownchoosing.
(2)Allwitnessessummonedbeforethecommis-
sion,otherthanontherequestofthesubjectofa
hearing,shallreceivereimbursementfortravelex-
pensesandperdiemattheratesprovidedins.
112.061.However,thefactthatsuchreimbursement
isnottenderedatthetimethesubpoenaisservedshall
notexcusethewitnessfromappearingasdirected
therein.
(3)Uponrequestofanypersonhavingbusiness
beforethecommission,andwiththeapprovalofa
majorityofthecommission,thechairor,inthechair’s
absence,thevicechairshallinstructallwitnessesto
leavethehearingroomandretiretoadesignatedplace.
Thewitnesswillbeinstructedbythechairor,inthe
chair’sabsence,thevicechairnottodiscusshisorher
testimonyorthetestimonyofanyotherpersonwith
anyoneuntilthehearinghasbeenadjournedandthe
witnessdischargedbythechair.Thewitnessshallbe
furtherinstructedthatshouldanypersondiscussor
attempttodiscussthematterunderinvestigationwith
himorherafterreceivingsuchinstructionsthewitness
shallbringsuchmattertotheattentionofthecommis-
sion.Nomemberofthecommissionorrepresentative
thereofmaydiscussanymatterormatterspertinentto
thesubjectmatterunderinvestigationwithwitnessesto
becalledbeforethecommissionfromthetimethat
theseinstructionsaregivenuntilthehearinghasbeen
adjournedandthewitnessdischargedbythechair.
(4)Thecommission,wheninterrogatingwitnesses
asprovidedherein,shallcausearecordtobemadeof
allproceedingsinwhichtestimonyorotherevidenceis
demandedoradduced.Thisrecordshallincluderulings
ofthechair,questionsofthecommissionandits
counsel,testimonyorresponsesofwitnesses,sworn
writtenstatementssubmittedtothecommission,andall
otherpertinentmatters.Awitnessatahearing,uponhis
orheradvancerequestandathisorherownexpense,
shallbefurnishedacertifiedtranscriptofalltestimony
takenatthehearing.
(5)Beforeorduringahearing,anypersonnoticedto
appearbeforethecommission,ortheperson’scounsel,
mayfilewiththecommission,forincorporationintothe
recordofthehearing,swornwrittenstatementsrelevant
tothepurpose,subjectmatter,andscopeofthe
commission’sinvestigationorinquiry.Anysuchperson
shall,however,priortofilingsuchstatement,consentto
answerquestionsfromthecommissionregardingthe
contentsofthestatement.
(6)Anypersonwhosenameismentionedorwhois
otherwiseidentifiedduringahearingbeingconducted
bythecommissionandwho,intheopinionofthe
commission,maybeadverselyaffectedtherebymay,
uponhisorherrequestorupontherequestofany
memberofthecommission,appearpersonallybefore
thecommissionandtestifyonhisorherownbehalfor,
withthecommission’sconsent,fileaswornwritten
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
136
statementoffactsorotherdocumentaryevidencefor
incorporationintotherecordofthehearing.Anysuch
personshall,however,priortofilingsuchstatement,
consenttoanswerquestionsfromthecommission
regardingthecontentsofthestatement.
(7)Upontheconsentofamajorityofitsmembers,
thecommissionmaypermitanyotherpersontoappear
andtestifyatahearingorsubmitaswornwritten
statementoffactsorotherdocumentaryevidencefor
incorporationintotherecordthereof.Norequestto
appear,appearance,orsubmissionshalllimitinany
waythecommission’spowerofsubpoena.Anysuch
personshall,however,priortofilingsuchstatement,
consenttoanswerquestionsfromthecommission
regardingthecontentsofthestatement.
(8)Anypersonwhoappearsbeforethecommission
pursuanttothissectionshallhavealltherights,
privileges,andresponsibilitiesofawitnessappearing
beforeacourtofcompetentjurisdiction.
(9)Ifthecommissionfailsinanymaterialrespectto
complywiththerequirementsofthissection,anyperson
subjecttosubpoenaorsubpoenaducestecumwhois
injuredbysuchfailureshallberelievedofanyrequire-
menttoattendthehearingforwhichthesubpoenawas
issuedor,ifpresent,totestifyorproduceevidence
therein;andsuchfailureshallbeacompletedefensein
anyproceedingagainstsuchpersonforcontemptor
otherpunishment.
(10)Whoeverwillfullyaffirmsorswearsfalselyin
regardtoanymaterialmatterorthingbeforethe
commissionshallbeguiltyofafelonyofthethird
degreeandpunishedasprovidedbys.775.082,s.
775.083,ors.775.084.
(11)Attheconclusionofitshearingsconcerningan
allegedviolation,thecommissionshallimmediately
begindeliberationsontheevidencepresentedatsuch
hearingsandshallproceedtodeterminebyaffirmative
voteofamajorityofthememberspresentwhethera
violationofthischapterorchapter104hasoccurred.
Suchdeterminationshallpromptlybemadepublic.The
ordershallcontainafindingofviolationornoviolation,
togetherwithbrieffindingsofpertinentfacts,andthe
assessmentofsuchcivilpenaltiesasarepermittedby
thischapterornosuchassessmentandshallbearthe
signatureorfacsimilesignatureofthechairorvicechair.
(12)Thecommissionbyrulemaydetermineviola-
tionswhichconstituteminoroffensesthatcanbe
resolvedwithoutfurtherinvestigationbymeansofa
pleaofnolocontendereandpaymentofafine.
(13)Thecommissionmaynotissueadvisoryopi-
nionsandmust,inallitsdeliberationsanddecisions,
adheretostatutorylawandadvisoryopinionsofthe
division.
History.—s.26,ch.73-128;s.12,ch.74-200;s.60,ch.77-175;s.4,ch.78-403;
s.64,ch.79-400;s.1,ch.82-46;s.2,ch.83-265;s.21,ch.89-256;ss.6,14,15,ch.
90-338;s.74,ch.91-45;s.5,ch.91-429;s.2,ch.94-170;s.1396,ch.95-147;s.50,
ch.97-13;s.35,ch.98-129;s.71,ch.2011-40.
106.265Civilpenalties.—
(1)Thecommissionor,incasesreferredtothe
DivisionofAdministrativeHearingspursuanttos.
106.25(5),theadministrativelawjudgeisauthorized
uponthefindingofaviolationofthischapterorchapter
104toimposecivilpenaltiesintheformoffinesnotto
exceed$1,000percount,or,ifapplicable,toimposea
civilpenaltyasprovidedins.104.271ors.106.19.
(2)Indeterminingtheamountofsuchcivilpenalties,
thecommissionoradministrativelawjudgeshallcon-
sider,amongothermitigatingandaggravatingcircum-
stances:
(a)Thegravityoftheactoromission;
(b)Anyprevioushistoryofsimilaractsoromissions;
(c)Theappropriatenessofsuchpenaltytothe
financialresourcesoftheperson,politicalcommittee,
affiliatedpartycommittee,electioneeringcommunica-
tionsorganization,orpoliticalparty;and
(d)Whethertheperson,politicalcommittee,af-
filiatedpartycommittee,electioneeringcommunications
organization,orpoliticalpartyhasshowngoodfaithin
attemptingtocomplywiththeprovisionsofthischapter
orchapter104.
(3)Ifanyperson,politicalcommittee,affiliatedparty
committee,electioneeringcommunicationsorganiza-
tion,orpoliticalpartyfailsorrefusestopaytothe
commissionanycivilpenaltiesassessedpursuanttothe
provisionsofthissection,thecommissionshallbe
responsibleforcollectingthecivilpenaltiesresulting
fromsuchaction.
(4)Anycivilpenaltycollectedpursuanttothe
provisionsofthissectionshallbedepositedintothe
GeneralRevenueFund.
(5)Anyfineassessedpursuanttothischaptershall
bedepositedintotheGeneralRevenueFund.
(6)Inanycaseinwhichthecommissiondetermines
thatapersonhasfiledacomplaintagainstanother
personwithamaliciousintenttoinjurethereputationof
thepersoncomplainedagainstbyfilingthecomplaint
withknowledgethatthecomplaintcontainsoneormore
falseallegationsorwithrecklessdisregardforwhether
thecomplaintcontainsfalseallegationsoffactmaterial
toaviolationofthischapterorchapter104,the
complainantshallbeliableforcostsandreasonable
attorney’sfeesincurredinthedefenseoftheperson
complainedagainst,includingthecostsandreasonable
attorney’sfeesincurredinprovingentitlementtoandthe
amountofcostsandfees.Ifthecomplainantfailstopay
suchcostsandfeesvoluntarilywithin30daysfollowing
suchfindingbythecommission,thecommissionshall
forwardsuchinformationtotheDepartmentofLegal
Affairs,whichshallbringacivilactioninacourtof
competentjurisdictiontorecovertheamountofsuch
costsandfeesawardedbythecommission.
History.—s.61,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.82-46;s.2,ch.83-265;s.4,ch.86-276;ss.
7,14,15,ch.90-338;s.5,ch.91-429;s.51,ch.97-13;s.36,ch.98-129;s.3,ch.
2000-355;s.22,ch.2004-252;ss.24,30,ch.2011-6;s.72,ch.2011-40;HJR7105,
2011RegularSession;s.24,ch.2013-37.
106.27Determinationsbycommission;legal
disposition.—
(1)Criminalproceedingsforviolationsofthischap-
terorchapter104maybebroughtintheappropriate
courtofcompetentjurisdiction.Anysuchactionbrought
underthischapterorchapter104shallbeadvancedon
thedocketofthecourtinwhichfiledandputaheadofall
otheractions.
(2)Civilactionsmaybebroughtbythecommission
forrelief,includingpermanentortemporaryinjunctions,
restrainingorders,oranyotherappropriateorderforthe
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
137
impositionofcivilpenaltiesprovidedbythischapter.
Suchcivilactionsshallbebroughtbythecommissionin
theappropriatecourtofcompetentjurisdiction,andthe
venueshallbeinthecountyinwhichthealleged
violationoccurredorinwhichtheallegedviolatoror
violatorsarefound,reside,ortransactbusiness.Upona
propershowingthatsuchperson,politicalcommittee,
affiliatedpartycommittee,orpoliticalpartyhasen-
gaged,orisabouttoengage,inprohibitedactsor
practices,apermanentortemporaryinjunction,re-
strainingorder,orotherordershallbegrantedwithout
bondbysuchcourt,andthecivilfinesprovidedbythis
chaptermaybeimposed.
(3)Civilactionsmaybebroughttoenjointempora-
rilytheissuanceofcertificatesofelectiontosuccessful
candidateswhoareallegedtohaveviolatedthe
provisionsofthischapterorchapter104.Suchinjunc-
tionsshallissueuponashowingofprobablecausethat
suchviolationhasoccurred.Suchactionsshallbe
broughtinthecircuitcourtforthecircuitinwhichis
locatedtheofficerbeforewhomthecandidatequalified
foroffice.
History.—s.27,ch.73-128;s.13,ch.74-200;s.62,ch.77-175;s.1,ch.82-46;
s.2,ch.83-265;ss.8,14,15,ch.90-338;s.5,ch.91-429;s.37,ch.98-129;ss.25,
30,ch.2011-6;HJR7105,2011RegularSession;s.25,ch.2013-37.
106.28Limitationofactions.—Actionsforviola-
tionofthischaptermustbecommencedbefore2years
haveelapsedfromthedateoftheviolation.
History.—s.28,ch.73-128;s.1,ch.82-46;s.2,ch.83-265;s.22,ch.89-256;s.
14,ch.90-338.
106.29Reportsbypoliticalpartiesandaffiliated
partycommittees;restrictionsoncontributionsand
expenditures;penalties.—
(1)Thestateexecutivecommitteeandeachcounty
executivecommitteeofeachpoliticalpartyandany
affiliatedpartycommitteeregulatedbychapter103shall
fileregularreportsofallcontributionsreceivedandall
expendituresmadebysuchcommittee.However,the
reportsshallnotincludecontributionsandexpenditures
thatarereportedtotheFederalElectionCommission.In
addition,whenaspecialelectioniscalledtofilla
vacancyinoffice,eachstateexecutivecommittee,each
affiliatedpartycommittee,andeachcountyexecutive
committeemakingcontributionsorexpendituresto
influencetheresultsofthespecialelectionorthe
precedingspecialprimaryelectionmustfilecampaign
treasurers’reportsonthedatessetbytheDepartment
ofStatepursuanttos.100.111.Suchreportsshall
containthesameinformationasdoreportsrequiredof
candidatesbys.106.07andshallbefiledonthe10th
dayfollowingtheendofeachcalendarquarter,except
that,duringtheperiodfromthelastdayforcandidate
qualifyinguntilthegeneralelection,suchreportsshall
befiledontheFridayimmediatelyprecedingeach
specialprimaryelection,specialelection,primaryelec-
tion,andgeneralelection.Inadditiontothereportsfiled
underthissection,thestateexecutivecommittee,each
countyexecutivecommittee,andeachaffiliatedparty
committeeshallfileacopyofeachpriorwritten
acceptanceofanin-kindcontributiongivenbythe
committeeduringtheprecedingcalendarquarteras
requiredunders.106.08(6).Eachstateexecutive
committeeandaffiliatedpartycommitteeshallfileits
reportswiththeDivisionofElections.Eachcounty
executivecommitteeshallfileitsreportswiththe
supervisorofelectionsinthecountyinwhichsuch
committeeexists.Anystateorcountyexecutivecom-
mitteeoraffiliatedpartycommitteefailingtofileareport
onthedesignatedduedateshallbesubjecttoafineas
providedinsubsection(3).Noseparatefineshallbe
assessedforfailuretofileacopyofanyreportrequired
bythissection.
(2)Thechairandtreasurerofeachstateorcounty
executivecommitteeshallcertifyastothecorrectness
ofeachreportfiledbythemonbehalfofsuch
committee.Theleaderandtreasurerofeachaffiliated
partycommitteeunders.103.092shallcertifyastothe
correctnessofeachreportfiledbythemonbehalfof
suchcommittee.Anycommitteechair,leader,or
treasurerwhocertifiesthecorrectnessofanyreport
whileknowingthatsuchreportisincorrect,false,or
incompletecommitsafelonyofthethirddegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082,s.775.083,or
s.775.084.
(3)(a)Anystateorcountyexecutivecommitteeor
affiliatedpartycommitteefailingtofileareportonthe
designatedduedateshallbesubjecttoafineas
providedinparagraph(b)foreachlateday.Thefine
shallbeassessedbythefilingofficer,andthemoneys
collectedshallbedepositedintheGeneralRevenue
Fund.
(b)Upondeterminingthatareportislate,thefiling
officershallimmediatelynotifythechairoftheexecutive
committeeortheleaderoftheaffiliatedpartycommittee
asdefinedins.103.092astothefailuretofileareport
bythedesignatedduedateandthatafineisbeing
assessedforeachlateday.Thefineshallbe$1,000for
astateexecutivecommittee,$1,000foranaffiliated
partycommittee,and$50foracountyexecutive
committee,perdayforeachlateday,nottoexceed
25percentofthetotalreceiptsorexpenditures,which-
everisgreater,fortheperiodcoveredbythelatereport.
However,ifanexecutivecommitteeoranaffiliatedparty
committeefailstofileareportontheFridayimmediately
precedingthespecialelectionorgeneralelection,the
fineshallbe$10,000perdayforeachdayastate
executivecommitteeislate,$10,000perdayforeach
dayanaffiliatedpartycommitteeislate,and$500per
dayforeachdayacountyexecutivecommitteeislate.
Uponreceiptofthereport,thefilingofficershall
determinetheamountofthefinewhichisdueand
shallnotifythechairorleaderasdefinedins.103.092.
Noticeisdeemedcompleteuponproofofdeliveryof
writtennoticetothemailingorstreetaddressonrecord
withthefilingofficer.Thefilingofficershalldetermine
theamountofthefineduebasedupontheearliestofthe
following:
1.Whenthereportisactuallyreceivedbysuch
officer.
2.Whenthereportispostmarked.
3.Whenthecertificateofmailingisdated.
4.Whenthereceiptfromanestablishedcourier
companyisdated.
5.Whentheelectronicreceiptissuedpursuanttos.
106.0705isdated.
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
138
Suchfineshallbepaidtothefilingofficerwithin20days
afterreceiptofthenoticeofpaymentdue,unlessappeal
ismadetotheFloridaElectionsCommissionpursuant
toparagraph(c).Anofficerormemberofanexecutive
committeeshallnotbepersonallyliableforsuchfine.
(c)Thechairofanexecutivecommitteeorthe
leaderofanaffiliatedpartycommitteeasdefinedins.
103.092mayappealordisputethefine,basedupon
unusualcircumstancessurroundingthefailuretofileon
thedesignatedduedate,andmayrequestandshallbe
entitledtoahearingbeforetheFloridaElections
Commission,whichshallhavetheauthoritytowaive
thefineinwholeorinpart.Anysuchrequestshallbe
madewithin20daysafterreceiptofthenoticeof
paymentdue.Insuchcase,thechairoftheexecutive
committeeortheleaderoftheaffiliatedpartycommittee
asdefinedins.103.092shall,withinthe20-dayperiod,
notifythefilingofficerinwritingofhisorherintentionto
bringthematterbeforethecommission.
(d)Theappropriatefilingofficershallnotifythe
FloridaElectionsCommissionoftherepeatedlatefiling
byanexecutivecommitteeoraffiliatedpartycommittee,
thefailureofanexecutivecommitteeoraffiliatedparty
committeetofileareportafternotice,orthefailureto
paythefineimposed.
(4)Anycontributionreceivedbyastateorcounty
executivecommitteeoraffiliatedpartycommitteeless
than5daysbeforeanelectionshallnotbeusedor
expendedinbehalfofanycandidate,issue,affiliated
partycommittee,orpoliticalpartyparticipatinginsuch
election.
(5)Nostateorcountyexecutivecommitteeor
affiliatedpartycommittee,inthefurtheranceofany
candidateorpoliticalparty,directlyorindirectly,shall
give,pay,orexpendanymoney,giveorpayanythingof
value,authorizeanyexpenditure,orbecomepecuniarily
liableforanyexpenditureprohibitedbythischapter.
However,thecontributionoffundsbyoneexecutive
committeetoanotherortoestablishedpartyorganiza-
tionsforlegitimatepartyorcampaignpurposesisnot
prohibited,butallsuchcontributionsshallberecorded
andaccountedforinthereportsofthecontributorand
recipient.
(6)(a)Thenational,state,andcountyexecutive
committeesofapoliticalpartyandaffiliatedparty
committeesmaynotcontributetoanycandidateany
amountinexcessofthelimitscontainedins.106.08(2),
andallcontributionsrequiredtobereportedunders.
106.08(2)bythenationalexecutivecommitteeofa
politicalpartyshallbereportedbythestateexecutive
committeeofthatpoliticalparty.
(b)Aviolationofthecontributionlimitscontainedin
s.106.08(2)isamisdemeanorofthefirstdegree,
punishableasprovidedins.775.082ors.775.083.A
civilpenaltyequaltothreetimestheamountinexcessof
thelimitscontainedins.106.08(2)shallbeassessed
againstanyexecutivecommitteefoundinviolation
thereof.
History.—s.29,ch.73-128;s.14,ch.74-200;s.62,ch.77-175;s.65,ch.
79-400;ss.14,33,ch.81-304;s.1,ch.82-46;s.13,ch.82-143;s.2,ch.83-265;s.
40,ch.84-302;s.23,ch.89-256;s.39,ch.90-315;ss.10,14,ch.90-338;ss.8,12,
ch.91-107;s.3,ch.95-140;s.653,ch.95-147;s.8,ch.97-13;ss.23,24,ch.
2004-252;s.26,ch.2005-286;s.2,ch.2005-360;ss.26,30,ch.2011-6;s.73,ch.
2011-40;HJR7105,2011RegularSession.
106.295Leadershipfund.—
(1)Forpurposesofthissection:
(a)“Leadershipfund”meansaccountscomprisedof
anymoneyscontributedtoapoliticalparty,directlyor
indirectly,whicharedesignatedtobeusedatthepartial
ortotaldiscretionofaleader.
(b)“Leader”meansthePresidentoftheSenate,the
SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,themajority
leaderandtheminorityleaderofeachhouse,andany
persondesignatedbyapoliticalcaucusofmembersof
eitherhousetosucceedtoanysuchposition.
(2)Leadershipfundsareprohibitedinthisstate.No
leadershallacceptanyleadershipfunds.
(3)Thissectionappliestoleadershipfundsin
existenceonorafterJanuary1,1990.
History.—s.24,ch.89-256.
106.30Shorttitle.—Sections106.30-106.36may
becitedasthe“FloridaElectionCampaignFinancing
Act.”
History.—s.1,ch.86-276.
106.31Legislativeintent.—TheLegislaturefinds
thatthecostsofrunninganeffectivecampaignfor
statewideofficehavereachedalevelwhichtendsto
discouragepersonsfrombecomingcandidatesandto
limitthepersonswhorunforsuchofficetothosewho
areindependentlywealthy,whoaresupportedby
politicalcommitteesrepresentingspecialinterests
whichareabletogeneratesubstantialcampaign
contributions,orwhomustappealtospecialinterest
groupsforcampaigncontributions.TheLegislature
furtherfindsthatcampaigncontributionsgeneratedby
suchpoliticalcommitteesarehavingadisproportionate
impactvis-a-viscontributionsfromunaffiliatedindivi-
duals,whichleadstothemisperceptionofgovernment
officialsundulyinfluencedbythosespecialintereststo
thedetrimentofthepublicinterest.Furthermore,itisthe
intentoftheLegislaturethatthepurposeofpublic
campaignfinancingistomakecandidatesmorere-
sponsivetothevotersoftheStateofFloridaandas
insulatedaspossiblefromspecialinterestgroups.The
Legislatureintendsss.106.30-106.36toalleviatethese
factors,dispelthemisperception,andencouragequa-
lifiedpersonstoseekstatewideelectiveofficewho
wouldnot,orcouldnototherwisedosoandtoprotect
theeffectivecompetitionbyacandidatewhousespublic
funding.
History.—s.1,ch.86-276;s.67,ch.2001-40.
106.32 1ElectionCampaignFinancingTrust
Fund.—
(1)ThereisherebyestablishedintheStateTreas-
uryan 1ElectionCampaignFinancingTrustFundtobe
utilizedbytheDepartmentofStateasprovidedinss.
106.30-106.36.Ifnecessary,eachyearinwhicha
generalelectionistobeheldfortheelectionofthe
GovernorandCabinet,additionalfundsshallbetrans-
ferredtothe 1ElectionCampaignFinancingTrustFund
fromgeneralrevenueinanamountsufficienttofund
qualifyingcandidatespursuanttotheprovisionsofss.
106.30-106.36.
(2)Proceedsfromfilingfeespursuanttoss.99.092,
99.093,and105.031shallbedepositedintothe
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
139
1ElectionCampaignFinancingTrustFundasdesig-
natedinthosesections.
(3)Proceedsfromassessmentspursuanttoss.
106.07and106.29shallbedepositedintothe 1Election
CampaignFinancingTrustFundasdesignatedinthose
sections.
History.—s.1,ch.86-276;s.19,ch.91-107;s.26,ch.2013-37.
1Note.—Thetrustfundexpired,effectiveNovember4,1996,byoperationofs.
19(f),Art.IIIoftheStateConstitution.
106.33Electioncampaignfinancing;eligibility.
EachcandidatefortheofficeofGovernorormemberof
theCabinetwhodesirestoreceivecontributionsfrom
the 1ElectionCampaignFinancingTrustFund,upon
qualifyingforoffice,shallfilearequestforsuch
contributionswiththefilingofficeronformsprovided
bytheDivisionofElections.Ifacandidaterequesting
contributionsfromthefunddesirestohavesuchfunds
distributedbyelectronicfundtransfers,therequestshall
includeinformationnecessarytoimplementthatproce-
dure.Forthepurposesofss.106.30-106.36,the
respectivecandidatesrunningforGovernorandLieu-
tenantGovernoronthesameticketshallbeconsidered
asasinglecandidate.Tobeeligibletoreceive
contributionsfromthefund,acandidatemaynotbe
anunopposedcandidateasdefinedins.106.011and
must:
(1)Agreetoabidebytheexpenditurelimitspro-
videdins.106.34.
(2)(a)Raisecontributionsasfollows:
1.Onehundredfiftythousanddollarsforacandi-
dateforGovernor.
2.Onehundredthousanddollarsforacandidate
forCabinetoffice.
(b)Contributionsfromindividualswhoatthetimeof
contributingarenotstateresidentsmaynotbeusedto
meetthethresholdamountsinparagraph(a).For
purposesofthisparagraph,anypersonvalidlyregis-
teredtovoteinthisstateshallbeconsideredastate
resident.
(3)Limitloansorcontributionsfromthecandidate’s
personalfundsto$25,000andcontributionsfrom
national,state,andcountyexecutivecommitteesofa
politicalpartyto$250,000intheaggregate,whichloans
orcontributionsdonotqualifyformeetingthethreshold
amountsinsubsection(2).
(4)Submittoapostelectionauditofthecampaign
accountbythedivision.
History.—s.1,ch.86-276;s.40,ch.90-315;s.20,ch.91-107;s.68,ch.
2001-40;s.47,ch.2005-278;s.27,ch.2013-37.
1Note.—Thetrustfundexpired,effectiveNovember4,1996,byoperationofs.
19(f),Art.IIIoftheStateConstitution.
106.34Expenditurelimits.—
(1)AnycandidateforGovernorandLieutenant
GovernororCabinetofficerwhorequestscontributions
fromthe 1ElectionCampaignFinancingTrustFundshall
limithisorhertotalexpendituresasfollows:
(a)GovernorandLieutenantGovernor:$2.00for
eachFlorida-registeredvoter.
(b)Cabinetofficer:$1.00foreachFlorida-regis-
teredvoter.
(2)Theexpenditurelimitforanycandidatewith
primaryelectionoppositiononlyshallbe60percentof
thelimitprovidedinsubsection(1).
(3)Forpurposesofthissection,“Florida-registered
voter”meansavoterwhoisregisteredtovoteinFlorida
asofJune30ofeachodd-numberedyear.TheDivision
ofElectionsshallcertifythetotalnumberofFlorida-
registeredvotersnolaterthanJuly31ofeachodd-
numberedyear.Suchtotalnumbershallbecalculated
byaddingthenumberofregisteredvotersineach
countyasofJune30intheyearofthecertificationdate.
Forthe2006generalelection,theDivisionofElections
shallcertifythetotalnumberofFlorida-registeredvoters
byJuly31,2005.
(4)Forthepurposesofthissection,theterm
“expenditure”doesnotincludethepaymentofcom-
pensationforlegalandaccountingservicesrenderedon
behalfofacandidate.
History.—s.1,ch.86-276;s.41,ch.90-315;s.21,ch.91-107;s.654,ch.
95-147;s.48,ch.2005-278.
1Note.—Thetrustfundexpired,effectiveNovember4,1996,byoperationofs.
19(f),Art.IIIoftheStateConstitution.
106.35Distributionoffunds.—
(1)Thedivisionshallrevieweachrequestfor
contributionsfromthe 1ElectionCampaignFinancing
TrustFundandcertifywhetherthecandidateiseligible
forsuchcontributions.Noticeofthecertificationdeci-
sionshallbeprovidedtothecandidate.Anadverse
decisionmaybeappealedtotheFloridaElections
Commission.Thedivisionshalladoptrulesproviding
aprocedureforsuchappeals.
(2)(a)Eachcandidatewhohasbeencertifiedto
receivecontributionsfromthe 1ElectionCampaign
FinancingTrustFundshallbeentitledtodistribution
offundsasfollows:
1.Forqualifyingmatchingcontributionsmakingup
alloranyportionofthethresholdamountsspecifiedins.
106.33(2),distributionshallbeonatwo-to-onebasis.
2.Forallotherqualifyingmatchingcontributions,
distributionshallbeonaone-to-onebasis.
(b)Qualifyingmatchingcontributionsarethoseof
$250orlessfromanindividual,madeafterSeptember1
ofthecalendaryearpriortotheelection.Anycontribu-
tionreceivedfromanindividualwhoisnotastate
residentatthetimethecontributionismadeshallnotbe
consideredaqualifyingmatchingcontribution.For
purposesofthisparagraph,anypersonvalidlyregis-
teredtovoteinthisstateshallbeconsideredastate
resident.Aggregatecontributionsfromanindividualin
excessof$250willbematchedonlyupto$250.A
contributionfromanindividual,ifmadebycheck,must
bedrawnonthepersonalbankaccountoftheindividual
makingthecontribution,asopposedtoanyformof
businessaccount,regardlessofwhetherthebusiness
accountisforacorporation,partnership,soleproprie-
torship,trust,orotherformofbusinessarrangement.
Forcontributionsmadebycheckfromapersonaljoint
account,thematchshallonlybefortheindividualwho
actuallysignsthecheck.
(3)(a)Certificationanddistributionoffundsshallbe
basedoncontributionstothecandidatereportedtothe
divisionforsuchpurpose.Thedivisionshallrevieweach
reportandverifytheamountoffundstobedistributed
priortoauthorizingthereleaseoffunds.Thedivision
mayprescribeseparatereportingformsforcandidates
forGovernorandCabinetofficer.
Ch.106 CAMPAIGNFINANCING F.S.2014
140
(b)Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofs.106.11,a
candidatewhoiseligibleforadistributionoffunds
baseduponqualifyingmatchingcontributionsreceived
andcertifiedtothedivisiononthereportdueonthe4th
daypriortotheelection,mayobligatefundsnotto
exceedtheamountwhichthecampaigntreasurer’s
reportshowsthecandidateiseligibletoreceivefromthe
1ElectionCampaignFinancingTrustFundwithoutthe
fundsactuallybeingondepositinthecampaign
account.
(4)Distributionoffundsshallbemadebeginningon
the32nddaypriortotheprimaryandevery7days
thereafter.
(5)Thedivisionshalladoptrulesprovidingforthe
weeklyreportsandcertificationanddistributionoffunds
pursuanttheretorequiredbythissection.Suchrules
shall,ataminimum,providespecificationsforelectro-
nicallytransmittedcampaigntreasurer’sreportsout-
liningcommunicationparametersandprotocol,data
recordformats,andprovisionsforensuringsecurityof
dataandtransmission.
History.—s.1,ch.86-276;s.25,ch.89-256;s.42,ch.90-315;s.22,ch.91-107;
s.69,ch.2001-40;s.49,ch.2007-30;s.74,ch.2011-40.
1Note.—Thetrustfundexpired,effectiveNovember4,1996,byoperationofs.
19(f),Art.IIIoftheStateConstitution.
106.353Candidatesvoluntarilyabidingbyelec-
tioncampaignfinancinglimitsbutnotrequesting
publicfunds;irrevocablestatementrequired;pen-
alty.—
(1)Notlaterthanqualifyingforoffice,eachcandi-
datefortheofficeofGovernorormemberoftheCabinet
whohasnotmadearequesttoreceivecontributions
fromthe 1ElectionCampaignFinancingTrustFund,but
whowishestovoluntarilyabidebytheapplicable
expenditurelimitsetforthins.106.34andthecontribu-
tionlimitsonpersonalandpartyfundssetforthins.
106.33,shallfileanirrevocablestatementtothateffect
withtheSecretaryofState.
(2)Anycandidatewhofilessuchastatementand
subsequentlyexceedssuchlimitsshallpaytothe
1ElectionCampaignFinancingTrustFundanamount
equaltotheamountoftheexcesscontributionsor
expenditures.Suchpenaltyshallnotbeanallowable
campaignexpenseandshallbepaidfrompersonal
fundsofthecandidate.However,ifanonparticipating
candidateexceedstheexpenditurelimitasdescribedin
s.106.355,acandidatesigningthestatementpursuant
tothissectionmayexceedtheapplicableexpenditure
limittotheextentthenonparticipatingcandidateex-
ceededthelimitwithoutbeingsubjecttoapenalty.
History.—s.23,ch.91-107.
1Note.—Thetrustfundexpired,effectiveNovember4,1996,byoperationofs.
19(f),Art.IIIoftheStateConstitution.
106.355Nonparticipatingcandidateexceeding
limits.—WheneveracandidatefortheofficeofGover-
norormemberoftheCabinetwhohaselectednotto
participateinelectioncampaignfinancingunderthe
provisionsofss.106.30-106.36exceedstheapplicable
expenditurelimitprovidedins.106.34,allopposing
candidatesparticipatinginsuchelectioncampaign
financingare,notwithstandingtheprovisionsofs.
106.33oranyotherprovisionrequiringadherenceto
suchlimit,releasedfromsuchexpenditurelimittothe
extentthenonparticipatingcandidateexceededthe
limit,arestilleligibleformatchingcontributionsupto
suchlimit,andshallnotberequiredtoreimburseany
matchingfundsprovidedpursuantthereto.Inaddition,
theDepartmentofStateshall,within7daysaftera
requestbyaparticipatingcandidate,providesuch
candidatewithfundsfromthe 1ElectionCampaign
FinancingTrustFundequaltotheamountbywhich
thenonparticipatingcandidateexceededtheexpendi-
turelimit,nottoexceedtwicetheamountofthe
maximumexpenditurelimitsspecifiedins.
106.34(1)(a)and(b),whichfundsshallnotbeconsid-
eredmatchingfunds.
History.—s.24,ch.91-107.
1Note.—Thetrustfundexpired,effectiveNovember4,1996,byoperationofs.
19(f),Art.IIIoftheStateConstitution.
106.36Penalties;fines.—Inadditiontoanyother
penaltieswhichmaybeapplicableundertheelection
code,anycandidatewhoreceivescontributionsfromthe
1ElectionCampaignFinancingTrustFundandwho
exceedstheapplicableexpenditurelimit,exceptas
authorizedinss.106.353and106.355,orfalselyreports
qualifyingmatchingcontributionsandtherebyreceives
contributionsfromthe 1ElectionCampaignFinancing
TrustFundtowhichthecandidatewasnotentitledshall
befinedanamountequaltothreetimestheamountat
issue,whichshallbedepositedinthe 1ElectionCam-
paignFinancingTrustFund.
History.—s.1,ch.86-276;s.11,ch.90-338;s.25,ch.91-107;s.655,ch.
95-147.
1Note.—Thetrustfundexpired,effectiveNovember4,1996,byoperationofs.
19(f),Art.IIIoftheStateConstitution.
F.S.2014 CAMPAIGNFINANCING Ch.106
141
INDEX
142
ACCOUNTANTS
Campaign financing reports, preparation, 106.141
ACCOUNTS
Election campaign treasurers, 106.06
ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS, DIVISION OF
Director
Candidates falsely claiming military service, appointment
of administrative law judge, 104.2715
ADVERTISEMENTS AND ADVERTISING
Public policy or vote of public official, advertisements intended
to influence, 106.1437
AGENTS
Electronic voting system vendors, 101.5605
AGRICULTURE, COMMISSIONER OF
Campaign financing, 106.08, 106.32, 106.33, 106.34, 106.35
Election, 100.041
Membership on
Political party state executive committee, 103.091
Term of office, 100.041
AIRCRAFT
Candidate travel on private aircraft, valuation for campaign
financing purposes, 106.055
State aircraft
Candidates for public office, use, 106.15
Charges, 106.15
Limitation on use, 106.15
ALIENS
Voter registration, ineligibility, 98.045
APPELLATE PROCEDURE
Campaign financing violation decisions, 106.03, 106.07,
106.0702, 106.0703, 106.29
Election violation decisions, 106.25
Elections laws enforcement actions, priority, 97.012
Voter registration, 97.012, 98.075, 98.0755
APPROPRIATIONS
Elections, campaign financing for statewide offices, 106.32
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
Administrators
Supervised voting for residents, requesting, 101.655
Personnel
Administrators, 101.655
Residents
Absent electors, 101.655
ATTORNEY FEES
Election complaints, false allegations, 106.265
Political party county executive committee members, wrongful
removal actions, 103.141
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Campaign financing, limitation on contributions, 106.08
Campaign financing, state funds, 106.32, 106.33, 106.34,
106.35
Constitutional amendments or revisions proposed by joint
resolutions, revised ballot title or summary, 101.161
Election, 100.041
Membership on
Political party state executive committee, 103.091
Term of office, 100.041
Third‐party voter registration organization violations, civil
actions, 97.0575
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Campaign financing reports, preparation, 106.141
Campaign financing violation hearings, right to counsel, 106.26
Elections Commission attorneys, 106.24, 106.25
Elections Commission hearings, right to counsel, 106.26
U.S. attorneys, 98.093
AUDITS
Campaign financing reports and statements, 106.22
Candidates for statewide office, public campaign funding,
106.22, 106.33
Political party executive committees, 103.121
Voting systems, 101.591
BADGES AND INSIGNIA
Poll watchers, 101.131
BIDS
Voting equipment purchases, 101.293
BILLS OF RIGHTS
Voters, 101.031
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS
Constitution Revision Commission, 101.161
Elections
Election Assistance Commission, 97.052, 97.057, 97.058,
98.212
Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, 101.161
BONDS
Validation
Intervention of parties, 100.321
Referendum, contesting validity of, 100.321
BOUNDARIES
Election precincts, 101.001
Polling places or early voting sites, no‐solicitation zones,
102.031
BRIBERY
Elections, 102.168, 104.061
Voter registration, interfering with or influencing, 104.012
BUDGETING (STATE)
Financial Impact Estimating Conference, 16.061, 100.371,
101.161
BUILDINGS (PUBLICLY OWNED)
County buildings
Solicitation of political contributions in, 106.15
Polling places, use as, 101.71
Solicitation of political contributions in, 106.15
State buildings and facilities
Solicitation of political contributions in, 106.15
CABINET
Campaign financing, state funds, 106.32, 106.33, 106.34,
106.35
Contributions solicited for certain charitable organizations,
reporting duties, 106.0701
Election of members, 100.041
Membership on
Elections Canvassing Commission, 102.111
Terms of members, 100.041
CAMPAIGN FINANCING
Accounting records, 106.06
Advisory opinions, 106.23
Appeals of violation decisions, 106.03, 106.07, 106.0702,
106.0703, 106.29
Audits, 106.22
Candidate's or spouse's living expenses, funds for, 106.1405
Certificates of deposit, 106.021, 106.06, 106.07, 106.0703,
106.141
Civil actions, relief from violations, 106.25, 106.27, 106.28
Complaints alleging violations, 106.25, 106.26
Confidential information, 106.25
Consent agreements involving violations, 106.25
INDEX
143
Contributions
Accounting records, 106.06
Affiliated party committees, 106.08
After candidate's election or elimination, 106.141
Assessments on, 106.32
Campaign account withdrawals, 106.021
Campaign treasurer, receipt through, 106.021
Candidate's own funds, 106.021, 106.08, 106.141, 106.33
Cash, 106.09
Certificate of deposit withdrawals, 106.021
Change in office sought, return offer; use of funds not
returned, 106.021
Charitable organization contributions, 106.08
Checks, 106.09, 106.35
Contributor identification, 106.05, 106.07
Day of election or less than 5 days before, return, 106.08
Definition, 106.011
Deposit procedures, 106.05
Electioneering communications organizations, 106.011,
106.022, 106.0703, 106.08
Fund raisers, 106.025
In‐kind contributions, 106.055, 106.08, 106.143
In name of another, 106.08
Independent expenditures, 106.011, 106.021, 106.087
Limitations, 106.08, 106.088, 106.29
Nonresidents, 106.33, 106.35
Other candidates, 104.071
Political party executive committees, 106.0702, 106.08,
106.29, 106.33
Qualifying by petition, reimbursement of signature
verification fees from contributions, 99.097
Records, 106.06
Reports
Affiliated party committee, 106.0705, 106.08, 106.29
Candidates, 106.07, 106.0701, 106.0705
Certificate of deposit or account withdrawals,
106.021
Charitable organization contributions, 106.08
Election campaign financing, 106.35, 106.36
Electioneering communications organizations,
106.0703, 106.0705
Loan repayments, 106.075
Political committees, 106.07, 106.0705, 106.08,
106.19
Political party executive committees, 106.0702,
106.0705, 106.29
Special election to fill vacancy, 100.111, 106.07
Return, 106.07, 106.0703, 106.08
Separate interest‐bearing accounts, deposits and
withdrawals, 106.021, 106.06
Solicitation, 102.031, 106.15
Surplus campaign funds, disposition, 106.141
Unlawful acts; penalties
After candidate's withdrawal, defeat, becoming
unopposed, or election, 106.08, 106.141
Cash or cashier's check exceeding $50, 106.09
Contribution restriction violations, 106.08
Contributions through or in name of another, 106.08
Day of election or less than 5 days before, failure to
return, 106.08
Exceeding limits, 106.08, 106.087, 106.09, 106.19,
106.21, 106.29
Matching contributions, false reporting, 106.36
Soliciting in public buildings, 106.15
Soliciting near polling places, 102.031
Unopposed candidacy, 106.08, 106.141
Withdrawn candidacy, 106.08, 106.141
Credit cards, 106.07, 106.0702, 106.0703, 106.11, 106.125
Criminal prosecution of violations, 106.27, 106.28
Definitions, 106.011
Depositories
Checks, 106.11
Deposit procedures, 106.05
Inspection of account records, 106.07, 106.0703
Petty cash withdrawals, 106.12
Political committees, national depositories, 106.021
Primary campaign depository, 106.021, 106.05, 106.11
Requirement, 106.021
Secondary campaign depositories, 106.021, 106.05
Withdrawal of funds, 106.11, 106.12
Elected officers' office accounts, transfer of surplus campaign
funds to, 106.141
Electioneering communications, 106.011, 106.071, 106.113,
106.1439
Electioneering communications organizations
Contributions, 106.011, 106.022, 106.0703, 106.08
Definitions, 106.011
Dissolution, 106.03
Expenditures, 106.011, 106.022, 106.0703
Polls and surveys, conducting, 106.17
Registered agent, 106.022, 106.0703
Registered office, 106.022
Registration, 106.03
Reports, 106.0703, 106.0705
Statements of organization, 106.03
Treasurer, 106.0703
Unlawful acts; penalties, 106.0703
Elections Commission investigations and hearings, alleged
violations, 106.07, 106.25, 106.26
Elections, Division of; powers and duties, generally, 106.22,
106.23, 106.35
Eliminated candidates, funds disposal, 106.141
Expenditures
Accounting records, 106.06
Affiliated party committees, 106.29
Campaign treasurer, making expenditures through,
106.021, 106.07
Candidate's or spouse's living expenses, 106.1405
Candidate's own funds, 106.021
Checks, 106.11
Communications media placements, campaign signs,
insurance, and related expenditures, 106.021, 106.07
Credit cards, 106.07, 106.0702, 106.0703, 106.11, 106.125
Debit cards, 106.11
Electioneering communications or electioneering
communications organizations, 106.011, 106.022,
106.0703, 106.071, 106.113
Exceeding limitations, 106.36
Fund raisers, 106.025
Independent expenditures, 106.011, 106.021, 106.071,
106.087, 106.088
Petty cash funds, 106.12
Political parties, purchases from, 106.08
Political party executive committees, 106.0702, 106.087,
106.29
Public utility services, 106.14
INDEX
144
Records, 106.06
Reimbursement, 106.021
Religious, civic, or charitable groups; purchases from,
106.08
Reports
Affiliated party committees, 106.0705, 106.29
Campaign treasurers, 106.07, 106.0705
Candidates, 100.111, 106.07, 106.0702
Certification, 106.07, 106.29
Electioneering communications organizations,
106.0703, 106.0705
Electronic filing, 106.0702, 106.0705
Filing deadlines, 106.07, 106.0702, 106.0703,
106.0705, 106.29
Incomplete or inaccurate reports, 106.07, 106.0702,
106.0703, 106.29
Independent expenditures for electioneering
communications, 106.071
Political committees, 106.07, 106.0705
Political party executive committees, 106.0702,
106.0705, 106.29
State funds, 106.32, 106.33, 106.34, 106.35
Unopposed, withdrawn, or eliminated candidates, 106.11
Forms, alternative formats and Internet availability, 97.026
Fund raisers, 106.025
Injunctive relief from violations, 106.27
Inspection of records, 106.06, 106.07, 106.0703
Interest‐bearing accounts, 106.021, 106.06, 106.07, 106.0702,
106.0703, 106.141
Investigations of alleged violations, 106.07, 106.23, 106.25,
106.26
Judicial office candidates, 105.071, 105.08
Limitation of enforcement actions, 106.25, 106.28
Loans by candidate, reimbursement, 106.11
Loans, reporting, 106.07, 106.0702, 106.0703, 106.075
Notices of violation investigations and hearings, 106.25
Petty cash funds, 106.07, 106.12
Political party executive committees, 106.08, 106.33
Public funding
Appropriations, 106.32
Audits, 106.22, 106.33
Denial, appeal, 106.35
Distributions, 106.35
Election Campaign Financing Act, 106.30
Election Campaign Financing Trust Fund
Audit of candidates receiving funds, 106.22
Deposits
Assessments, 106.32
Candidate filing fees, 106.32
Public financing for statewide office violations,
fines and penalties, 106.353, 106.36
State funds, 106.32
Surplus funds, 106.141
Disbursements, 106.32, 106.33, 106.34, 106.35,
106.355, 106.36
Establishment, 106.32
Eligibility, 106.33, 106.35
Expenditure limitations, 106.34, 106.35, 106.353, 106.355,
106.36
Legislative intent, 106.31
Local governments, restrictions on expending, 106.113
Matching contributions, 106.35, 106.36
Nonparticipating candidates exceeding limits, 106.355
Qualifications for funding, 106.33
Reporting requirements, 106.07, 106.35
Request for funding, procedure, 106.33
Surplus campaign funds, disposition, 106.141
Voluntary abiding by limits without accepting public funds,
irrevocable statement, 106.353
Reports
Affiliated party committees, 106.0705, 106.08, 106.29
Audits, 106.22
Campaign treasurers, 106.07, 106.0705
Certification of incorrect, false, or incomplete reports,
106.07, 106.29
Committees making contributions or expenditures to
influence results, 100.111, 106.07
Elected officers, 106.075, 106.141
Electioneering communications organizations, 106.0703,
106.0705
Elections, Division of, 106.22
Electronic filing, 106.07, 106.0705, 106.0706
Failure to submit reports
Audits, 106.22
Candidates and political committees, 106.07,
106.0701, 106.18, 106.19, 106.21
Contributions solicited for certain charitable
organizations, 106.0701
Electioneering communications organizations,
106.0703
Political parties and affiliated party committees,
106.29
Political party executive committees, 106.0702
Surplus funds, disposition, 106.141
Financial reports, content and filing, 106.07, 106.0703,
106.0705, 106.0706
Investigative findings, alleged violations, 106.25
Judicial office candidates, 105.08
Loans, 106.07, 106.0702, 106.0703, 106.075
Political committees, 106.07, 106.0705
Political party executive committees, 106.0705, 106.29
Reimbursement of campaign expenses, 106.021
Special elections or special primary elections, filing dates,
100.111, 106.07
Surplus campaign funds, disposal, 106.141
Transfers of funds, 106.07, 106.0703
Unopposed candidates, 106.07
School board candidates, 105.08
Separate interest‐bearing accounts, 106.021, 106.06, 106.07,
106.0702, 106.0703, 106.141
State‐owned aircraft and vehicles, payment for use, 106.15
Surplus funds, disposition, 106.141
Travel by candidate upon private aircraft, valuation, 106.055
Treasurers
Accounting records, 106.06
Affiliated party committees, 103.092, 106.0705, 106.088,
106.29
Appointment, 106.021
Candidates, surplus funds disposition, 106.141
Deputy campaign treasurers, 106.021
Duties, generally, 106.021
Electioneering communications organizations, 106.0703
Removal or resignation, 106.021
Replacement, 106.021
Reports, 106.07, 106.0703, 106.0705
Unlawful acts; penalties, 106.07, 106.0703, 106.19, 106.29
INDEX
145
Unlawful acts; penalties
Administrative penalties
Electioneering communications organizations,
violations, 106.0703
Fines
Constitutional amendment initiative sponsor
violations, 106.19, 106.265
Contribution limits, violations, 106.19, 106.29
Electioneering communications organizations,
106.0703
Expenditure violations, 106.087, 106.19, 106.36
Generally, 106.265
Judicial office candidates, violations, 105.071
Political party executive committees, 106.0702
Reporting violations, 106.07, 106.0701,
106.0702, 106.0703, 106.0705, 106.19,
106.29, 106.36
Generally, 106.25, 106.265
Rebates, ineligibility to receive, 106.087
Certificate of election, denial or rescission, 106.18, 106.21
Criminal activities
Campaign treasurers, 106.07, 106.0703, 106.19,
106.29
Candidates, failure to file statement of understanding
of campaign financing provisions, 106.023
Complaints containing false allegations, 106.25
Confidential investigative information, disclosing,
106.25
Electioneering communications organizations,
106.0703
Expenditure violations, 106.19
Financial reports, failure to submit, 106.18, 106.19,
106.21
Fund raisers, violations, 106.025
Generally, 106.08, 106.19
Incorrect, false, or incomplete reports; certification,
106.07, 106.0702, 106.0703, 106.29
Political party executive committees, 106.0702,
106.29
Speaking at political meetings, paying for privilege of,
106.15
Surplus campaign funds, failure to dispose of, 106.141
Witnesses before Elections Commission, false
swearing, 106.26
Expenditure violations, 106.087, 106.19, 106.353, 106.36
False allegations with intent to injure reputation, 106.265
Generally, 106.19, 106.265
Public funding for statewide office, violations, 106.353,
106.36
Removal of candidate from ballot and disqualification,
106.18
Unopposed candidates, funds disposal or retention, 106.141
Withdrawal of candidate, funds disposal, 106.141
CANDIDATES
Advisory opinions, Division of Elections, 106.23
Campaign expenses, reimbursement for, 106.021
Campaign financing provisions, filing of statement of
understanding, 106.023
Campaign fund raisers, 106.025
Change of office sought, 106.021
Complaints against, 104.271, 104.2715
Contest of election by unsuccessful candidate, 102.168
Deadline for qualifying, 99.061
Death, 99.092, 100.111
Defeated candidates, return of contributions, 106.08
Definitions, 97.021, 105.011, 106.011
Delegates to national convention, 103.101
Designation of office sought, 106.021
Disclosures
Financial interests, 99.061, 99.063, 105.031
Disqualification, 100.111, 106.18
Donations to political parties or religious, charitable, or civic
groups, 106.08
Election Code pamphlets, distribution, 97.025
Endorsements
Joint endorsements, 106.021, 106.087
Judicial office candidates, 105.09
News media, 106.143
Political advertisements, 106.021, 106.143
Political party executive committees, 103.121
Unlawful acts; penalties, 103.121, 105.09, 106.143
False or malicious charges by opponents, complaint
procedures, 104.271
False representations of military service, 104.2715
Federal office candidates, 99.021, 99.061, 99.095, 101.6952
Gifts in memory of deceased persons, 106.08
Gubernatorial, 99.063, 101.6952, 106.0701
Independent (no party affiliation) candidates
Absent uniformed services voters or overseas voters,
absentee ballot designation, 101.6952
Apportionment year, signature requirements, 99.09651
Ballots, placing names on, 99.0955, 101.151, 101.2512,
103.021
Generally, 99.0955
Petitioning for qualification, 99.0955, 103.021
Presidential elections, 103.021
Qualification, 99.021
Qualifying fees, 99.0955
Judicial office
Ballot format, 105.041
Campaign contributions and expenses, 105.071, 105.08
Conflicting statutory provisions, 105.10
Definitions, 105.011
Endorsement or support by political party, 105.09
Nonpartisan office, 105.011
Oaths, 105.031
Party affiliation, 105.011, 105.041, 105.071
Petition for qualification, 105.035
Political activity by candidates, limitation, 105.071
Political party or organization activity on behalf of, 105.09
Qualifying dates and fees, 105.031, 105.035
Write‐in candidates, 105.031, 105.041
Lieutenant Governor, 99.063, 100.111, 101.6952, 106.0701
Living expenses, defrayal from campaign funds, 106.1405
Loans by candidates, reimbursement, 106.11
Minor party candidates
Apportionment year, signature requirements, 99.09651
Ballots, placing names on, 101.151, 101.2512, 103.021
Generally, 99.096
Petitioning for qualification, 99.096, 103.021, 104.185
Presidential elections, 103.021
Qualifying fees, 99.096
National convention delegates, 103.101
Nomination
Certification, 99.121
Contesting, 102.168
INDEX
146
County commissioners, 100.081
County executive committees, endorsements or
recommendations, 103.121
President, 103.101
Presidential electors, 103.021, 103.091
Primary elections, 100.061
Special primary elections, 100.102, 100.111
Vacancies in nomination or office, 100.101, 100.111,
100.141
Nonpartisan candidates, placing names on ballots, 101.2512
Oaths
Form of oath, 99.021, 105.031
Generally, 99.021
Judicial office, 105.031
Presidential and Vice Presidential write‐in candidates,
103.022
Qualifying for nomination or election, 99.021, 99.097,
105.031
School board candidates, 105.031
Officeholders, resign‐to‐run requirement, 99.012
Opposition by party committees, 103.091
Party assessments
Amount, 99.092, 103.121
Distribution, 103.121
Exemptions, 99.061, 99.095
Payment, 99.061, 99.092
Refund, 106.087
Remission to party executive committees, 99.103,
100.111, 103.121
Vacancy in nomination or office, filling, 100.111
Write‐in candidates, 99.061
Petitioning for qualification
Apportionment year, signature requirements, 99.09651
Campaign depositories, designation and filing of name and
address, 106.021
Campaign treasurer, appointment, 106.021
Contesting signatures verification, 99.097
Dates, 99.061, 100.111, 105.035
Fraud, investigation and prosecution, 97.012
Generally, 99.095
Groups or districts, candidates in, 99.095, 101.254,
105.035, 106.021
Independent (no party affiliation) candidates, 99.0955,
103.021
Judicial office, 105.031, 105.035
Minor party candidates, 99.096, 103.021
School board candidates, 105.035
Signatures verification, 99.095, 99.097, 106.141
Signing more than once, 104.185
Special district office candidates, 99.061, 99.095
Special election to fill vacancy in office, 100.111
Vacancy in office, 100.111, 100.141
Political meetings, paying for speaking privilege, 106.15
Political party contributions, 106.08
Poll watchers, designation, 101.131
Polls and surveys, 106.17
President and Vice President, 101.6952, 103.021, 103.022,
103.101
Presidential electors, 103.021, 103.091
Public employees, 99.012, 110.233
Qualifying fees
Amount, 99.092, 99.093, 105.031
Disposition, 99.061, 99.092, 99.093, 99.103
Election assessments, 99.061, 99.092, 99.093, 105.031
Exemptions, 99.095
Filing fee, 99.061, 99.092, 105.031
Independent (no party affiliation) candidates, 99.0955
Judicial office, 105.031
Minor party candidates, 99.096
Municipal elections, 99.093
Party assessments, 99.061, 99.092
Payment, 99.061, 99.092
Refund, 99.092, 106.087
School board candidates, 105.031
Signature verification fees, 99.097, 106.141
State executive committees, remission to, 99.061, 99.103
Vacancy in nomination or office, filling, 100.111
Write‐in candidates, 99.061
Qualifying for nomination or election
Campaign depositories, designation, 106.021
Campaign treasurer, appointment, 106.021
Dates, 99.061, 100.111, 101.75, 105.031, 105.035
Federal office candidates, 99.021, 99.061, 99.095
Generally, 99.061
Independent (no party affiliation) candidates, 99.021,
99.0955
Judicial office, 105.031, 105.035
Minor party candidates, 99.096
National convention delegates, 103.101
Noncompliance with campaign financing law, not
disqualifying candidate, 106.19
Nonpartisan candidates, 105.031
Oath, 99.021, 99.097, 105.031
Office of candidacy, designation, 106.021
Political party office, 103.091
Restrictions, 99.012
Review of qualifying papers, 99.061
School board candidates, 105.031, 105.035
Special district office candidates, 99.061, 99.095
Vacancies in nomination, 100.111, 106.18
Vacancies in office, 100.111
Write‐in candidates, 99.021, 99.061, 99.0615, 103.022,
105.031
Removal, 100.111
Resign‐to‐run requirement, public officers, 99.012
School board, 105.031, 105.035, 105.041, 105.051, 105.08
Solicitation of charitable contributions, 106.08
State, county, municipal, or district employees and officers;
using services during working hours, 106.15
State‐owned aircraft and vehicles, use, 106.15
Surplus campaign funds, disposition, 106.141
Telephone solicitation, 106.147
Travel on private aircraft, valuation for campaign financing
purposes, 106.055
Unlawful acts; penalties
Communications media, unauthorized remuneration,
104.071
Contributions to charitable or civic organizations, 106.08
Gubernatorial candidates, failure to designate running
mate, 99.063
Judicial office candidates, 105.071, 105.09
Military service, false representations, 104.2715
News media, unauthorized payments or gifts to, 104.071
Opposing candidates, false or malicious charges of election
violations against, 104.271
Other candidates, unauthorized remuneration, 104.071
INDEX
147
Petitions, signature violations, 104.185
Political meetings, paying for speaking privilege, 106.15
Poll‐taking or publishing concerns, advocating or opposing
candidate for pay, 104.071
Promises to appoint or secure appointment for another,
104.071
State, county, municipal, or district officers or employees;
using services to further candidacy, 106.15
State‐owned aircraft and vehicles, unauthorized use,
106.15
Support by persons or organizations, unauthorized
representation of, 106.143
Unopposed candidates, 101.151, 101.252, 106.08
Voting systems and automatic tabulating equipment,
preelection inspection and testing, 101.5612
Withdrawal, 99.092, 100.111, 106.08, 106.141
Write‐in candidates
Judicial office, 105.031, 105.041
Oath, requirement, 99.021
Political advertisements, 106.143
President and Vice President, 103.022
Qualification, 99.021, 99.061, 99.0615, 103.022, 105.031
Qualifying fees, 99.061
Residency requirement, 99.0615
School board candidates, 105.031, 105.041
Voting procedure, 101.5608, 104.19
CAREER SERVICE SYSTEM
Exempt positions
Elections Commission, executive director and attorneys,
106.24
CERTIFICATES
Elections
Certificates of results, 102.071, 102.121, 102.151
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
State officers or candidates, acceptance of contributions on
behalf of charitable organizations, 106.0701
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS
Candidate surplus campaign funds, donation to, 106.141
CHECKS
Candidates for office, payment of filing fees, 99.061, 105.031
Political campaign contributions, 106.09, 106.35
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Campaign financing, 106.32, 106.33, 106.34, 106.35
Candidate petition signature verification, reimbursement of
supervisor of elections for fees waived, 99.097
Election, 100.041
Membership on
Political party state executive committee, 103.091
Term of office, 100.041
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES
Campaign financing, limitation on contributions, 106.08
Chief judge
Appointments
County canvassing board, substitute members,
102.141
Recall of municipal or charter county officers, calling
special election to fill vacancies, 100.361
Election contests, powers, 102.168
Merit selection and retention, local option, 101.161, 105.036,
105.102
CIRCUIT COURTS
Appellate review
Voter registration, voter ineligibility determinations,
98.0755
CITIZENSHIP
Electors, 97.041
Voter registration, 97.041, 97.052, 98.075
CIVIL ACTIONS
Campaign financing violations, 106.25, 106.27, 106.28
Constitutional amendments or revisions proposed by joint
resolutions, challenges, 101.161
Political party county executive committee members, wrongful
removal, 103.141
Voter registration, 97.012, 97.023, 97.0575
CIVIL RIGHTS
Voting rights, 104.0515
CLEMENCY
Notice to Department of State for voter registration purposes,
98.093
Offender Review, Commission on, 98.093
CLERKS OF CIRCUIT COURTS
Election, 98.093, 100.041
Reports
Voters, mental incapacity, 98.093
Terms of office, 100.041
Voter registration, duties, 98.093
COERCION OR DURESS
Elections, interference with voter, 104.061
Public officers and employees, political pressure, 104.31,
110.233
Voting rights, interference with, 104.0515, 104.061
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (INDEPENDENT)
Students
Voter registration, 97.052, 97.0583
Voter registration, 97.052, 97.0583
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS
Election costs, payment, 100.011, 190.016
COMPUTERS
Internet
Canvassing board meetings, notice, 102.141
Charitable solicitations, 106.0701
Election absentee ballot affidavit on website, 101.68
Election forms, availability on, 97.026
Election preparation report on website, 100.032
Initiative financial information statements, 100.371
Political advertisements, 106.143
Polling places, change notice, 101.71
Voting equipment testing, notice, 101.5612
State systems
Elections Commission, final orders and agency actions
database, 106.25
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Absentee ballots, record of requests and delivery information,
101.62
Campaign financing information, 106.0706, 106.25
Election violation complaints and investigative information,
106.25
Voter identification information, 97.0585
CONGRESS
Candidates' oath, 99.021
Political party state executive committees, at‐large
membership, 103.091
Representatives
General election, 99.091
New offices, election for, 99.091
INDEX
148
Political party assessments, 103.121
Qualification for election, 99.061
Vacancy in office, 100.101, 100.111
Senators
General election, 99.081, 100.161
Political party assessments, 103.121
Qualification for election, 99.061
Temporary appointment, 100.161
Vacancy in office, 100.161
CONSPIRACY
Election Code violations, 104.091
CONSTITUTION (FLORIDA)
Amendment procedure
Elections, 101.161, 101.171
Revision commission, 101.161
Oath to uphold, 97.051
Revision Commission, 101.161
CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION, 101.161
CONSTITUTION (UNITED STATES)
Oath to uphold, 97.051
Presidential electors, 103.051
CONTEMPT
Election investigations, subpoena violations, 106.23, 106.26
CONVENTIONS
Political parties, national convention delegates, 103.091,
103.101
CORRECTIONS, DEPARTMENT OF
Voter registration system maintenance, duties, 98.093
COUNTERFEITING
Voter information cards, 104.013
COUNTIES
Ordinances
Charter county governing board members, terms of office
commencement, 100.041
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Appointments
Canvassing board, substitute or alternate members,
102.141
Election, 100.041
Memberships on
Canvassing boards, 102.141
Nomination, 100.081
Recall petitions and elections (charter counties), 100.361
Term of office, 100.041
COUNTY COURT JUDGES
Campaign financing, limitation on contributions, 106.08
Canvassing board, chair or alternate member, 102.141
Merit selection and retention, local option, 101.161, 105.036,
105.101
COUNTY FINANCES
Electioneering communications, restriction on expending for,
106.113
Political advertisements, restriction on expending for, 106.113
COUNTY OFFICERS
Candidates for another office, resignation, 99.012
Election, 100.041
Terms of office, 100.041
COURT COSTS
Voter registration ineligibility determination proceedings,
98.0755
CREDIT CARDS
Electioneering communications organization use, 106.0703
Political campaign use, 106.07, 106.0702, 106.0703, 106.11,
106.125
CRIMES
Election violations
Political party officers, violations by, 103.121, 106.29
Employers, acts against employees, 104.081
Political advertising violations, 106.071
Political party officers, violations by, 103.121, 106.29
Political telephone solicitation violations, 106.1439, 106.147,
106.1475
CRIMINAL PROSECUTION
Campaign financing violations, 106.27
Election violations, 106.27
Failure to prosecute, 106.25
Voter registration violations, 106.27
CUSTODIANS
Voting systems, 101.34, 101.341
DEATH
Candidate for office, filing fee refund, 99.092
Electors; effect on absentee ballots, early voted ballots, or mail
ballot election ballots, 101.6103, 101.657, 101.68
Voter lists, purging, 98.045, 98.065, 98.075, 98.093
DEBIT CARDS
Campaign finance expenditures, using, 106.11
DISABILITIES, PERSONS WITH
Absentee ballots, 101.65, 101.661, 101.662, 101.6923
Buildings and facilities accessibility
Polling places, 101.56063, 101.715
Poll worker training program on etiquette and sensitivity issues,
102.014
Voter registration
Offices serving persons with disabilities, 97.021, 97.023,
97.052, 97.053, 97.058
Voting assistance eligibility, notation on voter information
card, 97.061
DISCRIMINATION
Voting rights, deprivation of or interference with, 104.0515
DISTRICT COURTS OF APPEAL
Judges
Campaign financing, limitation on contributions, 106.08
DRIVER LICENSES
Address change, 97.057
Application
Voter registration information, transfer to voter
registration application, 97.057
Examiners, 97.057
Motor voter law, 97.053, 97.057
Offices, voter registration, 97.053, 97.057
Renewal
Voter registration at time of renewal, 97.057
Voter identification, 97.0585
Voter registration, 97.053, 97.057, 97.0585, 98.045
EDUCATION FINANCE
District school fund
Electioneering communications, restriction on expending
for, 106.113
Political advertisements, restriction on expending for,
106.113
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Voter registration, 97.052, 97.0583
ELECTION CODE
Citation, 97.011
Definitions, 97.021
INDEX
149
Municipal elections, conduct governed by, 100.3605
Pamphlet, distribution, 97.025
ELECTIONS
Absentee ballots and voting
Affidavit to cure signature issue, 101.68
Assistance in casting ballot, 101.051, 101.655, 101.661,
104.047
Assisted living facility residents, 101.655
Cancellation, elector voting in person, 101.69
Canvass of ballots, 101.5614, 101.68, 101.6925, 101.6952,
102.141
Challenge, 101.6104, 101.68
Change of residence to another state, 101.663
Custody of marked ballot envelopes, 101.67, 101.68
Deadline, 101.67
Death of elector, effect, 101.6103, 101.68
Delivery of ballots, 101.62, 101.64, 101.6921, 104.0616
Disabilities, persons with, 101.65, 101.661, 101.662,
101.6923
Duplicate ballots, 101.5614, 102.166
Electronic voting systems, 101.5612, 101.5614, 101.68
Envelopes, 101.6103, 101.64, 101.6921, 101.694
Federal postcard application, 101.694
Federal write‐in absentee ballots, 101.5614, 101.6952,
102.166
Forms, alternative formats, 97.026
Identification or certification, voters failing to provide,
101.6921, 101.6923, 101.6925
Inspection of ballots by public, 101.572
Instructions, form, 101.65, 101.6923
Mail ballot elections, 101.6103, 101.6105
Mailing or transmission of ballots, 101.6103, 101.62,
101.694, 101.6952, 101.697
Marksense absentee ballots, 101.151
Nursing home residents, supervised voting, 101.655
Overseas residing citizens
Absentee envelopes, 101.694
Electronic transmission of absentee ballot requests
and absentee ballots, 101.62, 101.6952, 101.697
Emergency situations, absentee voting in, 101.698
Mail ballot elections, 101.6103
Mailing date of ballot, 101.6952
Mailing of ballots, 101.62
Notice of elections, 100.025
Oath in lieu of voter's certificate, 101.64
Requests for absentee ballots, 101.62, 101.6952,
101.697
Responsible office, 97.012
Voter's instructions, 101.65, 101.6923
Write‐in absentee ballots, 101.6951, 101.6952
Overvoted or undervoted races, treatment, 101.5614
Pecuniary or other benefits, offering or receiving in
connection with, 104.0616
Possession of multiple ballots, 104.0616
Precinct‐level returns, 98.0981
Precincts of absent electors, tracking, 101.64
Receipt by supervisor, deadline, 101.6103, 101.67
Rejection of ballots, 101.68, 101.69
Requests for ballots, 101.62, 101.6951, 101.697, 104.0616
Signature comparison, review in contest, 102.168
Signature updates for use in verifying, deadline for receipt,
98.077
Solicitation of voters where absentee ballots are
requested, 102.031
Uniformed services voters, 97.012, 101.62, 101.64,
101.694, 101.6952
Uploading results on day before election, 102.141
Voter's certificate, 101.64, 101.68, 101.6921
Voting absentee ballots, 101.661
Voting in person after casting, 101.69, 104.17
Write‐in absentee ballots, 101.5614, 101.6951, 101.6952,
102.166
Advisory opinions, Division of Elections, 106.23
Agriculture, Commissioner of, 100.041
Attorney General, 100.041
Ballots
Ballot box
Certificates of results, placement in, 102.071
Concealing, prohibition, 100.011
Defacing, destroying, or removing, 104.22
Opening to count ballots, 101.5614
Placement at polling places, 101.24, 101.5608
Ballot‐on‐demand technology, 101.151, 101.5612
Candidates' names
Arrangement, 101.151, 103.021
Certification of nominees' names, 99.121
Change of name, 99.061, 105.031
Districts or groups, placement of candidates in,
101.254
General elections, 100.051, 101.151, 101.2512,
103.021
Independent (no party affiliation) candidates,
99.0955, 101.151, 101.2512, 103.021
Judicial office candidates, 105.041
Minor party candidates, 101.151, 101.2512, 103.021
National convention delegates, 103.101
Nonpartisan candidates, 101.2512, 105.041
Political party executive committee candidates,
101.252
Presidential candidates, 103.021, 103.101
Primary elections, 99.063, 101.151, 101.252, 103.101
Removal, campaign finance violations, 106.18
Removal, resign‐to‐run violations, 99.012
Replacement nominee, 100.111
Unopposed candidates, 101.151, 101.252
Write‐in candidates, 99.061
Changing elector's ballot, 104.21
Constitutional amendments or revisions, 100.371, 101.161
Copies, printing or possession, 104.20
Cost of printing, 101.21
Counting, 101.5614, 101.6103
Destruction or defacing, 104.0615, 104.26
Display or exposure by elector, 104.20
Elector instructions, 101.031, 101.6103
Financial impact statements, 100.371, 101.161
Forms, 101.048, 101.151, 153.53
Fraudulent ballot, voting or soliciting use, 101.5611,
101.64, 101.6921, 104.16
General elections
Candidates' names, printing on ballot, 100.051,
101.151, 103.021, 105.041
Independent (no party affiliation) candidates,
99.0955, 101.151, 103.021
Judicial office, 101.161, 105.036, 105.041
Minor party candidates, 101.151, 103.021
INDEX
150
Nonpartisan offices, 105.041
President and Vice President, 101.151, 103.021
Unopposed candidates, 101.151
Grouping candidates for office, 101.254
Identifying marks, placing on ballots, 104.20
Initiatives, 100.371, 101.161
Instructions for obtaining and using, 101.031, 101.6103
Intermingling improper with proper ballots, 104.13
Lost, stolen, destroyed, or misdelivered, 101.43, 101.6103
Marksense ballots, 101.151, 101.5612
Minor party candidates, 101.151, 103.021
Minority languages, single‐language ballot requests,
101.151
Nonpartisan offices and nonpartisan candidates, 105.041
Number required, 101.21
Paper ballots, 101.21, 101.24
President and Vice President, 101.151, 103.021, 103.022,
103.101
Primary elections
Candidates' names, printing on ballot, 101.252,
103.101
Electors, political party affiliation, 101.021
Grouping candidates for office, 101.254
Nonpartisan offices, 105.041
Presidential preference primary, 103.101
Specifications and format, 101.151
Unopposed candidates, 101.252
Printing errors or supply problems, reports, 102.141
Provisional ballots
Canvass of returns, 101.049, 101.5614, 102.141
Challenged voters, 101.048, 101.111
County of residence, change, 101.045
Disabilities, persons with, 101.048, 101.049
Free access system to determine if ballot was
counted, 101.048
Generally, 101.048
Marksense ballots, printing at early voting sites,
101.151
Poll‐closing time, voting after, 101.049
Recounts, 102.166
Signature of prospective voter, person refusing to
execute or file affidavit, 101.49
Signature updates for use in verifying, deadline for
receipt, 98.077
Voters without identification or with unverified
identification numbers, 97.053, 101.043,
101.6925
Voting in person by person requesting absentee
ballot, 101.69
Public measures, 101.161
Recall elections, municipalities and charter counties,
100.361
Rejected ballots, 101.048, 101.5608
Removal from polling place, 104.20
Sample ballots, publication and transmission, 101.20
Secret ballots, 101.041, 101.6103
Specifications, content, and format, 101.151
Spoil ballots, replacement limit, 101.5608
Substitute ballots, 101.43
Test ballots, 101.5612
Translation for language minority groups, statewide ballot
issues, 101.2515
Unopposed candidates, 101.151, 101.252
Unused, void, or defective ballots, 101.5614
Write‐in candidates
Blank space provided for, 101.151
Casting, handwritten, 104.19
Electronic voting systems, 101.5608
Judicial office, 105.041
Name, printing on ballots, 99.061
President and Vice President, 103.022
School board candidates, 105.041
Canvass of returns
Absentee ballots, 101.5614, 101.68, 101.6925, 101.6952,
102.141
Early voting, 102.141
Electronic voting systems, 101.5614
Federal officers, 102.111, 102.121, 102.131
Generally, 102.141, 102.151
Location, 101.5614, 102.141
Mail ballot elections, 101.6103, 101.6104
Multi‐county officers, 102.111
Notice requirement, 102.141
Overvotes and undervotes, 101.5614, 102.166
Preliminary returns, 102.141
Provisional ballots, 101.049, 101.5614, 102.141
Special elections, 100.111
State officers, 102.111, 102.121, 102.131
Canvassing boards (county)
Absentee ballots, canvass procedure, 101.5614, 101.68,
102.141
Absentee ballots, review of signature in contest, 102.168
Audits of voting systems, duties, 101.591
Canvass procedure, 101.5614, 101.68, 102.141
Certificate of results, 102.151
Contests of elections, indispensable party defendant,
102.168
Early voting, duties, 101.657, 102.141
Electronic voting systems, duties, 101.5612, 101.5614
Errors in returns, certification of corrected returns,
102.111
Filing returns, 102.112, 102.141
Mail ballot elections, duties, 101.6103, 101.6104
Malfunction or error reports, 102.141
Membership, 102.141
Misconduct of member as grounds for contesting election,
102.168
Provisional ballots, duties, 101.043, 101.048, 101.049
Recounts or retabulations, 101.591, 102.141, 102.166
Release of results before closing of polls, 101.5614, 101.68
Special election returns, 100.111
Unofficial returns containing counting errors, duties,
102.141
Certificates of election
Campaign violations, withholding or rescission, 106.18,
106.21
Contest, 102.168
Injunction to enjoin issuance, 106.27
Issuance, 102.155
Preelection reports, granting prior to filing, 106.18
Prima facie evidence of election, 102.155
Recording, 102.121
Certificates of results, 102.071, 102.121, 102.151
Chief elections officer, 97.012, 98.035
Chief Financial Officer, 100.041
Civil actions
INDEX
151
Campaign finance violations, 106.27, 106.28
Enforcement actions, 97.012
Injunction actions, 97.012, 106.27
Mandamus actions, 97.012
Petition signatures verification, contest, 99.097
Political party county executive committee members,
wrongful removal, 103.141
Relief from violations, actions for, 106.25, 106.27
Clerks of circuit courts, 98.093, 100.041
Community development districts, 100.011, 190.006, 190.012
Complaints alleging violations, 106.25
Confidential information, 106.25
Consent agreements involving violations, 106.25
Constitutional amendments, 101.161, 101.171
Contesting election
Electronic voting systems, procedure, 102.166
Generally, 102.168
Inspection of absentee ballots by public, 101.572
Judgment of ouster, 102.1682
Legislative elections, 102.171
Petition signatures, contest of verification, 99.097
Pleadings, 102.168
Quo warranto, remedy by, 102.169
Venue, 102.1685
County commissioners
Appropriation to investigate election violations, 104.42
Canvassing board, membership, 102.141
Election and term of office, 100.041
Election districts, approval, 103.091
Nomination, 100.081
Recall petitions and elections (charter counties), 100.361
Special elections, call by commissioners, 100.151
Voting precincts, creation and alteration, 101.001, 101.002
County officers, 99.061, 100.041
Criminal prosecution of violations, 97.012, 106.27
Definitions
Campaign financing, 106.011
Election emergencies, 101.732
Electronic voting systems, 101.5603
Generally, 97.021
Judicial officer elections, 105.011
Voting equipment purchasing, 101.292
Early voting, 98.0981, 101.5613, 101.657, 101.69, 102.031,
102.141
Election boards
Appointment, 102.012, 102.014
Canvass of returns, 101.5614, 101.68
Maintenance of order at polls, 102.031
Members, qualifications, 102.012
Release of results before closing of polls, 101.5614, 101.68
Results, posting at polls, 102.071
Vacancies, filling, 102.014
Election Code, 97.011
Election emergencies
Absentee ballot delivery on day of election, 101.62
Absentee voting by overseas voters, 101.698
Change of polling place, 101.71, 101.74
Definitions, 101.732
Elections Emergency Act, 101.731
Emergency contingency plan, 101.733
Notices, 101.71, 101.733
Rescheduling election, 101.733
Returns filing deadline, determination, 102.112
Suspension or delay of elections, 101.733
Election officials
Assisting electors, 101.051, 101.655
Challenging voters, 101.048, 101.111
Clerks
Appointment, qualifications, and duties, 102.014
Certification of precinct results, 102.071
Challenged voters, duties, 101.111
Election boards, membership, 102.012
Identification of voters, 101.043
Oath of office, 102.012
Persons assisting electors in voting, requirement of
oath, 101.051
Recruitment, 102.014
Solicitation at polling places or early voting sites,
duties, 102.031
Substitute ballots, 101.43
Training, 102.014
Voter identification, 101.49, 101.5608
Compensation, 102.021, 107.06
Disclosure of elector's vote, 104.23
Elector signature identification, duties, 101.5608
Elector voting in person after receiving absentee ballot,
duties, 101.69
Electronic voting systems, duties, 101.5610, 101.5613,
101.5614
Eligibility for appointment, 102.012
Influencing or interfering with ballot voting, 104.051
Inspection of ballots, 101.5610
Inspectors
Appointment, qualifications, and duties, 102.014
Ballots, 101.5608, 102.071
Certification of precinct results, 102.071
Challenged voters, duties, 101.111
Election boards, membership, 102.012
Identification of voters, 101.043
List of electors voting, 101.23
Oath of office, 102.012
Persons assisting electors in voting, requirement of
oath, 101.051
Recruitment, 102.014
Training, 102.014
Voter identification, 101.49, 101.5608
Instruction to voters, provision, 101.5608, 101.5611
Maintaining order at polls, 102.031
Misconduct as grounds for election contest, 102.168
Neglect of duty or corrupt practices, 102.168, 104.051
Oath of office, 102.012
Poll opening and closing procedures, 100.011
Poll watchers, 101.111, 101.131, 104.0615, 104.29
Polling place management, 101.71
Qualifications, 102.012
Rejected ballots, duties, 101.5608
Signature of prospective voter in question, 101.49
Staffing shortages or procedural violations by employees
or precinct workers, reports, 102.141
Supervised voting teams, 101.655
Training, 102.014
Travel expenses, 102.021
Unlawful acts; penalties
Disclosing how elector votes, 104.23
Intimidation or suppression of voters, 104.0615
Neglect of duty or corrupt practices by, 104.051
INDEX
152
Registration books, refusal by supervisor to deliver to
successor, 104.32
Release of results before closing of polls, 101.5614,
101.68
Voting system custodians, prohibited activities,
101.341
Watchers while ballots are counted, refusal to allow,
104.29
Vacancy on election day, filling, 102.014
Voting system vendors, employment by, 101.341
Voting systems, 101.34, 101.341
Electors
Age, 97.041, 98.075
Assumed name, use, 104.24
Blind persons, 101.051
Bribery, menace, threat, or corrupt influence of electors,
102.168, 104.061, 104.081, 104.31
Challenge procedure, 101.111
Change of name or legal residence, 97.1031, 101.045,
101.111, 101.663
Citizenship, 97.041, 98.075
Contesting election, 102.168
Death, effect on ballots, 101.6103, 101.657
Disabilities, electors with, 97.061, 101.048, 101.049,
101.051
Display or exposure of ballot, 104.20
Disqualification, 97.041, 98.075
Failure to vote, registration status, 98.065
Felons, 97.041, 98.045, 98.075, 98.093
Freeholders, 100.241
Illiterate electors, 97.061, 101.051
Judicial elections, eligibility to vote in, 105.061
Mental incapacity, 97.041, 98.075, 98.093
Minor political parties, elector's rights, 103.095
Oath, 97.051, 101.051, 101.49, 101.64
Overseas residing citizens, notice of elections, 100.025
Qualifications, 97.041, 104.0515
Residency, 97.041, 98.075, 101.111
Right to vote, 104.0515
School board elections, eligibility to vote in, 105.061
Signature on file, updating, 98.077
Total number, certification, 106.34
Electronic voting systems
Absentee ballots, 101.5612, 101.5614, 101.68
Adoption by county commissioners, 101.5604
Audits; manual, automated, or independent, 101.591
Ballots
Absentee ballots, 101.5614, 101.68
Canvassing and counting, 101.5614
Damage or error by voter, 101.5606, 101.5608,
101.5614
Inspection before polls open, 101.5610
Instruction for use, 101.5608, 101.5611
Marksense ballots, 101.151, 101.5606, 101.56075,
101.5608, 102.141
Overvotes or undervotes, treatment, 101.5606
Provisional ballots, 101.048, 101.5614
Rejected ballots, 101.5606, 101.5608
Specifications, 101.151
Spoil ballots, replacement limit, 101.5608
Tabulator, placement in, 101.5608
Touchscreen ballots, 102.141
Unused, void, or defective ballots, 101.5614
Write‐in candidates, 101.5608
Canvassing board, duties, 101.5612, 101.5614
Computer hardware, 101.015, 102.141, 102.166
Computer software, 101.015, 101.5607, 102.141, 102.166
Contest and recount procedures, 102.166
Defects in systems, disclosure and corrective measures,
101.56065
Definitions, 101.5603
Disapproval of system use, 101.56065
Election officials, 101.5610, 101.5613, 101.5614
Electronic Voting Systems Act, 101.5601
Equipment
Approval, 101.015, 101.5604, 101.5605
Computer hardware, 101.015, 102.141, 102.166
Construction standards, 101.5606
Examination, 101.5605, 101.5613
Inspection and testing prior to election or recount,
101.5612, 102.141
Malfunctions, reports, 102.141
Instructions to voters, 101.5608, 101.5611
Investigation of defects, 101.56065
Legislative intent, 101.5602
Political party computer expert, presence at testing and
vote counting, 101.5612
Polling place, 101.71
Preelection or prerecount inspection and testing,
101.5612, 102.141
Programs and ballots used in testing, custody, 101.5612
Provisionally approved system, 101.015
Punch card type systems, prohibition, 101.56042
Purchase, procurement, and use, 101.5604
Registered agent of vendor, 101.5605
Requirement, 101.5604
Requirements for approval, 101.5606
Returns, canvass and post results, 101.5614
Review of system, 101.5607
Secret voting, 101.5606
Security guidelines, 101.015, 101.5614
Standards and certification, 101.015, 101.017, 102.166
Tabulation, 101.5604, 101.5606, 101.5612, 101.5614
Transmission of returns, 101.5614
Voting procedure, 101.5608
Write‐in candidates, 101.5608
Enforcement of statutory provisions, 97.012
Expenses
Community development districts, 100.011, 190.016
County and state offices, payment, 100.011
Freeholder elections, generally, 100.241
Mail ballot elections, 101.6102
Petition signature challenge, 99.097
Special districts, generally, 100.011, 125.01
Special election or special primary election, 100.102
Forms
Absentee voter's certificate, 101.64, 101.6921
Absentee voting instructions, 101.65, 101.6923
Alternative formats and Internet availability, 97.026
Campaign financing requests, statewide elections, 106.33
Candidate oath, 99.021, 105.031
Change of name or legal residence of registered elector,
101.045
Declaration to secure assistance, 101.051
Elector affidavit, 101.49
Initiative petitions, 100.371
INDEX
153
Precinct register, 98.461
Provisional ballot voter's certificate and affirmation,
101.048
Uniform ballot forms, 101.151
Voter challengers, oath, 101.111
Fraud
Assumed name, use, 104.24
Contest of election, 102.168
Investigations or examinations, 97.012
Records, fraudulent entries, 104.22
Freeholders, 100.241
General elections
Bond referendum combined with, 100.261
Cabinet officer, 100.041
Dates for holding, 100.031
Governor, 100.041
Holding, 100.031
Initiatives, 100.371
Judgment of ouster, 102.1682
Judicial office, 105.051
Legislators, 100.041
Notice, 100.021
Polls, opening and closing time, 100.011
Precinct‐level results, 98.0981
President and Vice President, 103.011
State and county officers, 100.041
Tie votes, 100.181
United States Representatives, 99.091
United States Senators, 99.081
Winner, determination, 100.181
Write‐in candidates, 101.151
Governor
Absent uniformed services voters or overseas voters,
absentee ballot designation, 101.6952
Election and term of office, 100.041, 101.595
Election emergencies, powers, 101.733
Elections Canvassing Commission, member, 102.111
Lieutenant Governor, running jointly, 101.151
Presidential electors, duties, 103.021, 103.051, 103.061
Protested election, revocation of ousted officer's
commission, 102.1682
Special elections, 100.111, 100.141
Special investigation officers, appointment, 102.091
United States Senate vacancies, calling election and
temporary appointment, 100.161
Grand jury investigation, alleged violations, 104.43
House of Representatives (state), 100.041, 100.101, 100.111
Initiatives
Financial impact statements, 100.371, 101.161
Financial information statements, 100.371
Judicial selection initiatives, 101.161, 105.036
Petitions
Forms and signatures, validity and verification,
100.371, 105.036, 1001.362, 1001.364
Judicial selection initiatives, 105.036
Paid circulators, use, 106.19
Signatures gathered for, effect of ch. 97‐13, Laws of
Florida, 106.191
Political committee sponsors, 100.371, 105.036, 106.19
Private property, initiative activity on, 100.371
Procedure for placement on ballot, 100.371
Validity, Supreme Court advisory opinion, 100.371
Investigations, 97.012, 101.58, 102.091, 104.42, 104.43, 106.07,
106.25
Judges
Ballots, 101.161, 105.036, 105.041
Circuit courts and county courts
Direct election or merit selection and retention, local
option, 101.161, 105.036
Generally, 105.051
Initiatives for judicial selection, 105.036
Transition provisions, 105.101, 105.102
Unopposed candidates, 105.051
Conflicting statutory provisions, 105.10
Definitions, 105.011
Electors qualified to vote for judges, 105.061
General election, 105.051
Nonpartisan office, 105.011
Primary election, 105.051
Retention elections, 105.041, 105.051
Supreme Court justices, 105.041, 105.051
Law enforcement officers, duties, 102.031, 102.101, 104.11
Legislators, 100.041, 100.101, 100.111
Lieutenant Governor, 101.151, 101.595
National convention delegates, 103.101
Notices
Ballot, publishing, 101.20
Candidates endorsed for nomination by county executive
committees, 103.121
Election emergencies, 101.71, 101.733
General election, 100.021
Overseas residing citizens, notice of elections, 100.025
Poll opening time, 100.011
Polling place, change, 101.71
Public officeholders, resignation to qualify for another
office, 99.012
Registration, 97.073, 97.1031, 98.065, 98.0655, 98.075,
98.077
Rejection of elector's absentee ballot as illegal, 101.68
Special election, 100.141, 100.151
Violation investigations and hearings, 106.25
Voter fraud, penalties, 101.5611
Voting equipment preparation and testing, 101.5612
Voting precincts, change, 101.001
Voting system audits, 101.591
Oaths
Administration and attestation, 101.665
Assistance to electors, persons providing, 101.051
Clerks and inspectors, 102.012
Election board members, 102.012
Elections, Division of; authority of representatives to
administer, 106.23
Electors, 97.051, 101.051, 101.49, 101.64
False swearing, 104.011
Military personnel voting absentee ballots, 101.64
Overseas residing citizens voting absentee ballots, 101.64
Voter challengers, 101.111
Petitions, recall elections; municipalities and charter counties,
100.361
Petitions, signature violations, 100.361, 104.185
Poll list, 101.23, 102.071
Poll watchers, 101.111, 101.131, 104.0615, 104.29
Polling places
Accessibility, 101.56063, 101.71, 101.715
Ballot box, 100.011, 101.24, 101.5608, 104.22
INDEX
154
Change of location, 97.071, 101.001, 101.71, 101.74
Closing procedure, 100.011
Closing time, voting after, 101.049
Constitutional amendments, availability of copies, 101.171
Distributing political or campaign material near polls,
102.031
Early voting areas or early voting sites
Constitutional amendments, availability at, 101.171
Generally, 101.657
Marksense ballots, printing at, 101.151
Poll watchers, 101.131
Soliciting voters at, 101.051, 102.031
Election board preopening duties, 102.012
Emergency relocation, 101.71, 101.74
Law enforcement officers, presence, 102.031, 102.101
Location and physical accommodations, 101.71, 101.715
Maintenance of order, 102.031
Opening and closing hours, 100.011
Persons allowed to vote, 102.031
Polling procedures manual, availability, 102.014
Polling rooms, admission and photography, 102.031
Results posted at polls, 102.071
Sample ballots, 101.20
Sign denoting location, 101.71
Site selection standards, 101.715
Soliciting votes, voters, opinions, contributions, or petition
signatures at or near polls, 101.051, 102.031
Voter interface devices for persons with disabilities,
accessibility, 101.56062, 101.56075
Precincts
Audits of voting systems, 101.591
Boundaries and boundary changes, 101.001
Change of legal residence, directing elector to another
precinct, 101.111
Collocated precincts, 101.71, 102.012
Consolidation of smaller precincts, 101.001
Early voted ballots, tracking, 101.657
Early voting results, reporting, 101.657
Elections results on precinct level, compilation, 98.0981
Electors voting absentee ballots, tracking, 101.64
Mapping, 101.001
Municipal, boundaries, 101.002
Numbering, 101.001
Poll watchers, 101.131
Registration records
Furnishing to precincts, 102.012
Precinct registers, 97.061, 98.461, 101.043, 101.49
Return after polls close, 102.071
Statistical data compilation on precinct level, 98.0981
Preemption by state of election regulations, 97.0115
Preparation reports, 100.032
President and Vice President
Absent uniformed services voters or overseas voters,
absentee ballot designation, 101.6952
Ballots, 101.151, 103.021, 103.022, 103.101
Canvass of election returns, 102.131
Change of residence to another state, effect on voting,
101.663
Date for general election, 103.011
Date for primary election, 103.101
Independent (no party affiliation) candidates, 103.021
Minor political party candidates, 103.021
National convention delegates and alternates, 103.101
Overvotes and undervotes, 101.595
Primary election, 98.0981, 103.101
Vacancies in offices, special election, 100.101
Write‐in candidates, 103.022
Presidential electors
Absence from meeting place, 103.061
Canvass of election returns, 102.131
Certification of election, 103.011
Date of election, 103.011
General election ballot, appearance on, 103.021
Meeting, 103.051
Minor political parties, 103.021
Nomination, 103.021, 103.091
Notice of readiness to perform duties, 103.061
Qualifications, 103.021
Special election, 100.101
Travel expenses, 103.071
Vacancy, 100.101, 103.021, 103.061, 103.062
Presidential preference primary, 98.0981, 101.62, 103.101
Primary elections
Absentee ballots, 101.62
Ballot specifications and format, 101.151
County commissioners, nomination, 100.081
Date, 100.061
Electors, political party affiliation, 101.021
Grouping of candidates on ballot, 101.254
Gubernatorial candidates, running without Lieutenant
Governor candidates, 99.063
Judicial office, 105.051
National convention delegates, congressional district level,
103.101
Polls, hours of operation, 100.011
Precinct‐level results, 98.0981
Presidential preference, 98.0981, 101.62, 103.101
Returns, filing deadline, 102.112
School board members, 105.051
Special primary elections, 100.101, 100.102, 100.111,
100.141
Tie vote, 100.061
Time, 100.061
Unopposed candidate, 101.252
Vacancies in nomination, 100.111
Property appraisers, 100.041
Public defenders, 100.111
Recall elections, municipalities and charter counties, 100.361
Records
Contributions and expenses, 106.06
Elections Commission hearings, 106.26
Electronic tabulation devices, preelection testing records,
101.5612
Retention period, 98.015
Stealing, destroying, or making fraudulent entries, 104.22
Reports on preparations, 100.032
Representatives (state), 100.041, 100.101, 100.111
Resign‐to‐run requirement, public officers, 99.012
Results
Absentee ballots, 101.68, 102.141
Canvassing Commission, duties, 100.111, 100.191,
102.111, 102.121, 102.131, 102.141
Certificates, 102.071, 102.121, 102.151
Certification by county canvassing boards, 102.141,
102.151
INDEX
155
Certification by federal and state officers, 102.121,
102.131
Count watchers, denial of privilege or interference with,
104.29
Early release, 101.6103, 101.657, 101.68
False or irregular returns, certification, 102.131
Filing deadlines, 102.112, 102.141
Fraudulent entry or alteration of record tally sheets,
104.22
Judicial nonpartisan elections, 105.051
Posting results, 101.5614, 102.071
Precinct‐level results, 98.0981
Recounts or retabulations, 101.591, 102.141, 102.166
Release before closing of polls, 101.5614, 101.68
State, Department of; duties, 100.351, 102.112, 102.151
Supervisor of elections, transmission by, 102.151
Tabulation of votes, 101.5614, 102.071
Right to vote, 104.0515
Senators (state), 100.041, 100.101, 100.111
Sheriffs
Compensation of deputies, 102.021
Duties, generally, 102.091
Election and term of office, 100.041
Entry to polling places or polling rooms, limitation,
102.101
Maintenance of order, 102.031
Neglect of duties, 104.11
Notice of general election, posting, 100.021
Refusal to assist sheriff or deputy at polls, 104.101
Training for deputies, 102.014
Special elections
Applicable statutory provisions, 100.191
Bond issue combined with special election, 100.261
Campaign financing reports, 106.29
Canvass of returns and declaration of nominees, 100.111
County commissioners, call by, 100.151
Date, 100.101, 100.111, 100.141
Governor, call by, 100.111, 100.141
Municipal governing authority, call by, 100.151
Notice, 100.141, 100.151
Polls, hours of operation, 100.011
Precinct‐level results, 98.0981
Recall elections, municipalities and charter counties,
100.361
Registration books, availability, 100.151
Return of results, 100.111
State reimbursement of counties, 100.102
Vacancies, filling, 100.101, 100.102, 100.111, 100.141
State attorneys, 100.111
State, Department of
Absentee ballots, alternative formats, 101.662
Ballot specifications, 101.151, 103.101
Candidate filing fees, disposition, 99.103, 105.031
Candidates qualifying for election, report, 99.092
Certificates of election, recording, 102.121
Constitutional amendments or revisions, 101.161, 101.171
Deputies to examine registration and election processes,
101.58
Election Code pamphlets, distribution, 97.025
Electronic voting systems
Approval, 101.5605, 101.5606
County voting systems, compliance review, 101.5607
Defect proceedings, 101.56065
Examination, 101.5605
Performance report, preparation, 101.595
Rulemaking authority, 101.015, 101.5608, 102.166
Software development, 101.5607
Unofficial returns containing counting errors,
tabulation software verification, 102.141
Voting system information, maintenance, 101.5607
Examination of election and registration processes,
deputies for, 101.58
Forms, Internet availability, 97.026
Minor political parties, duties, 103.095
Nominees, certification, 99.061, 99.121
Notice of elections, publication, 100.021, 100.141
Overvote and undervote identification and sorting
hardware and software, certification, 102.166
Political party executive committee filings, 103.101,
103.121
Poll worker training program, development, 102.014
Precinct‐level election results and book closing statistics,
public availability, 98.0981
Premises, records, equipment, and staff of supervisor of
elections; access by employees, 101.58
Presidential electors, certification, 103.011
Results of election, duties, 100.351, 102.112, 102.151
Special elections, duties, 100.102, 100.111, 100.141
Statistical information, furnishing, 98.212
Uniform polling place procedures manual, duties, 102.014
Voting equipment, certification for use, 101.294
Voting history information reports, 98.0981
Voting system performance reports, preparation, 101.595
State preemption of election regulations, 97.0115
State, Secretary of
Circuit and county court judges, method of selection,
105.036
Directions and opinions to supervisors of elections, 97.012
Elections Commission Trust Fund, provision of rewards,
106.24
Generally, 97.012
Precincts altered or established, waiver of boundary
requirements, 101.001
Premises, records, equipment, and staff of supervisors of
elections; access, 101.58
Presidential preference primaries, 103.101
Recounts in federal, state, or multicounty races, 102.141,
102.166
Voter registration, 97.012, 97.0575, 98.035, 106.24
Statistical information, furnishing, 98.212
Supreme Court justices, 105.041, 105.051
Tax collectors, 100.041
Time limitation for filing complaints of violations, 106.25
Unlawful acts; penalties
Aiding, abetting, advising, or conspiring violations, 104.091
Ballots
Absentee ballots, 104.0616, 104.17
Ballot boxes; defacing, destroying, or removing,
104.22
Casting more than one ballot, 101.5611, 101.64,
101.6921, 104.17, 104.18
Changing elector's ballot, 104.21
Copies prepared to be voted, printing or possessing,
104.20
Counting, refusal to allow watchers, 104.29
Defacing or destroying ballot, 104.0615, 104.26
INDEX
156
Delaying or obstructing delivery, 104.0615
Display or exposure by elector, 104.20
Fraudulent ballot, voting or attempting to vote,
101.5611, 101.64, 101.6921, 104.16
Identifying marks, placing on ballots, 104.20
Improper ballots, placing in ballot box or
intermingling with proper ballots, 104.13
Record tally sheets and returns; altering, destroying,
or stealing, 104.22
Removal from polling place, 104.20
Write‐in ballots, casting other than in handwriting,
104.19
Challenges to right to vote, frivolous filing, 101.111
Community development districts, failure to pay election
expenses, 100.011
Complaints containing false allegations, 106.25
Confidential investigative information, disclosure, 106.25
Electronic voting systems; suspension of sales or lease,
civil penalties, and disapproval of use, 101.56065
False allegations with intent to injure reputation, 106.265
Generally, 104.41, 106.265
Law enforcement officers, neglect of duty, 104.11
Law enforcement officers, refusal to assist, 104.101
Mail ballot election results, early release, 101.6103
Municipal recall elections, 100.361
Oath, false swearing to, 104.011
Petitions, signature violations, 100.361, 104.185
Political party officers, 103.121, 106.29
Poll‐taking or publishing concerns, advocating or opposing
candidate for pay, 104.071
Public officers and employees, political activities, 104.31,
110.233
Results, release before closing of polls, 101.5614,
101.6103, 101.68
Soliciting votes, voters, opinions, contributions, or petition
signatures at or near polling places or early voting
sites, 101.051, 102.031
Special districts, failure to pay election expenses, 100.011
Supervisors of elections, 104.051, 104.32
Voter information card; destruction, sale, or unauthorized
use, 104.013
Voting
Absentee and in‐person ballots by same elector,
104.17
Assistance, false declaration for, 104.031
Assisting elector in voting booth, unauthorized
persons, 101.051
Assumed name, use, 104.24
Buying votes, 104.061
Carrying items into voting booth, 104.19
Casting more than one ballot, 101.5611, 101.64,
101.6921, 104.17, 104.18
Changing elector's vote, 104.21
Denial of right to vote, 104.0515, 104.0615
Disclosure of elector's vote, 104.20, 104.23
Employers, discharging or threatening to discharge
employees for voting, 104.081
Fraud in casting vote, 101.5611, 101.64, 104.041,
104.16, 104.24
Freeholder elections, 100.241
Interference with free exercise of right to vote,
104.0515, 104.061, 104.0615
Selling vote, 104.045
Soliciting voters at or near polling places or early
voting sites, 101.051, 102.031
Stickers or rubber stamps, use on ballot, 104.19
Threats to influence voter, 104.061, 104.0615,
104.081, 104.31
Unqualified elector, voting by, 104.15
Write‐in ballot in other than handwriting, 104.19
Voting booths or compartments; defacing, destroying, or
removal, 104.26
Voting equipment or voting systems, 101.295, 101.341,
104.30
Vacancies in office
Elective offices not filled by appointment, 100.111
Legislature, 100.101, 100.111
Presidential electors, 100.101, 103.021, 103.061, 103.062
Recall elections, municipalities and charter counties,
100.361
Special elections, 100.101, 100.102, 100.111, 100.141
U.S. House of Representatives, 100.101, 100.111
U.S. Senate, 100.161
Voting
Assistance, 97.061, 101.051, 101.655, 104.031
Buying votes, 104.061
Carrying mechanical devices, memoranda, or papers into
voting booth, 104.19
Casting more than one ballot
Notice of prohibition to absentee voters, 101.64,
101.6921
Notice of prohibition to voters, 101.5611
Notice to elections supervisor when multiple
absentee ballots are submitted, 101.6952
Prohibition, generally, 104.18
Voting in person and by absentee ballot, 104.17
Challenging voters, 101.048, 101.111, 104.0615
Changing elector's vote, 104.21
Deprivation of voting rights, 104.0515
Disabilities, persons with
Provisional ballots, 101.048, 101.049
Voting assistance, 101.051, 101.715
Voting systems, voter interface devices, and polling
places accessibility, 101.56062, 101.56063,
101.56064, 101.56075, 101.5612, 101.715
Disclosure of elector's vote, 104.23
District, 101.045
Early voting, 98.0981, 101.5613, 101.657, 101.69, 102.031,
102.141
Educational programs, 98.255
Employers, discharging or threatening to discharge
employees for voting, 104.081
Fraud
Absentee ballots, 101.64, 101.6921
Assumed name, use, 104.24
Criminal prosecution of violations, 97.012
Election fraud education, 97.012
Fraudulent ballot, voting, 104.16
Investigations, 97.012
Notice to voters, 101.5611, 101.64
Penalties, 101.5611, 101.64, 104.041, 104.16, 104.24
Reward for information leading to conviction, 106.24
State, Secretary of; duties, 97.012
Voter fraud hotline, 97.012
Freeholder, 100.241
INDEX
157
Help America Vote Act of 2002, procedures on complaints
of violations, 97.028
History of voting, 98.0981
Identification of electors
Absentee voters, 101.6925
Confidentiality of identifying information, 97.0585
Early voting, 101.657
Generally, 101.043
Mail‐registered first‐time voters, 97.052, 97.0535
Signature of voter, 97.0585, 101.043, 101.49
Instructions to elector, 101.031, 101.048, 101.6103
Interference with voting, 101.71, 104.0515, 104.061,
104.0615
Legal residence change, procedure, 101.045, 101.111,
101.663
Marksense ballots, use of marking devices, 101.56075
Name change, procedure, 101.045
Overvotes and undervotes, 101.5606, 101.5614, 101.595,
102.166
Poll list of electors, 101.23, 102.071
Poll watchers, 101.131
Precincts, 101.045
Provisional ballots, 101.045, 101.048, 101.69
Right to vote, 104.0515
Secret vote, 101.041, 101.5606
Selling votes, 104.045
Signature identification, 101.5608
Soliciting votes near polls, 102.031
Stickers or rubber stamps, use in casting ballot, 104.19
Supervision, 101.58
Threats to influence voter, use, 104.061, 104.0615,
104.081, 104.31
Time polls open and close, 100.011
Unqualified elector, voting by, 104.15
Voter Protection Act, 104.0615
Write‐in candidates, 101.5608, 104.19
Voting booths, 101.051, 101.51, 101.71, 104.19, 104.26
Voting systems and equipment
Acquisition, 101.293, 101.294, 101.295
Audits, 101.5911
Custodians, 101.34, 101.341
Definitions, 101.292
Disabilities, persons with; voting systems and accessibility,
101.56062, 101.56075
Election officials, 101.34, 101.341
Inspection and testing, 101.5612, 101.58, 102.141
Keys, 104.30
Malfunctions, reports, 102.141
Possession, unauthorized, 104.30
Purchase, use, and sale standards, 101.293, 101.294
Standards and certification, 101.017, 101.294
Tampering, 104.30
Uncertified voting systems, 101.294, 101.295
Vendors, 101.294, 101.295, 101.341
Witnesses, election violations, 104.39
ELECTIONS CANVASSING COMMISSION
Certifying election results, 102.111, 102.121
Contests of elections, indispensable party defendant, 102.168
Deadline for filing returns, setting, 102.112
False or irregular returns, duties, 102.131
Membership, 102.111
Recounts, duties, 102.141
Rulemaking authority, 101.698
Special election returns, 100.111, 100.191
ELECTIONS COMMISSION
Budget, 106.24
Campaign financing contributions denial, appeal, 106.35
Campaign financing violations, duties, 106.07, 106.0702,
106.0703, 106.25, 106.26, 106.265, 106.29
Campaign treasurers' accounts, inspection, 106.06
Complaints, 104.271, 104.2715, 106.25
Confidentiality of complaints and proceedings, waiver, 106.25
Consent orders, 106.25
Creation, 106.24
Election violations, duties, 106.25, 106.26, 106.265
Executive director, 106.24, 106.25
Final orders and agency actions database, maintenance, 106.25
Hearings
Campaign financing violations, 106.07, 106.0702,
106.0703, 106.25, 106.26, 106.29
Election violations, 106.25, 106.26
False or malicious charges against opponents, 104.271
False representation of military service by candidates,
expedited hearings, 104.2715
Single commissioner or partial panel, hearings before,
106.24
Voter registration violations, 106.25, 106.26
Jurisdiction, 106.165, 106.25
Meetings, 106.24
Membership, 106.24
Oaths, authority to administer, 106.26
Penalties, assessment, 104.2715, 106.26, 106.265
Powers and duties, 106.25, 106.26
Quorum and voting, 106.24
Rulemaking authority, 104.271, 104.2715, 106.24, 106.26
Service of process and orders, 106.26
Staff, 106.24
Subpoena power, 106.26
Trust Fund, 99.092, 99.093, 105.031, 106.24
Voter registration violations, duties, 106.25, 106.26, 106.265
ELECTIONS, DIVISION OF
Campaign depository records, inspection, 106.07, 106.0703
Campaign financing, powers and duties; generally, 106.22,
106.23, 106.33, 106.35
Campaign reports, electronic filing system, 106.0705
Campaign treasurers' accounts, inspection, 106.06
Candidate petitions for qualification, duties, 99.095
County canvassing boards, reports to, 102.141
Elections Canvassing Commission, staff services for, 102.111
Initiative petition duties, 100.371
Investigations, 106.23
Judicial office candidates, duties, 105.031, 105.035
Oaths, authority to administer, 106.23
Poll watcher forms, duties, 101.131
Poll worker training curriculum, development, 102.014
Registered voters, certification of total number, 106.34
Rulemaking authority
Audits, independent, 101.591
Campaign financing, 106.35
Campaign reports, electronic filing, 106.0705
Elections emergency contingency plan, 101.733
Generally, 106.22
Political committees or electioneering communications
organizations, dissolution, 106.03
Political parties and minor political parties, filings
cancellation, 103.095
INDEX
158
Voter registration by third‐party organizations, 97.0575
Voting equipment, 101.294
School board candidates, duties, 105.035
Subpoena power, 106.23
Telephone solicitor registered agent forms, duties, 106.1475
Third‐party voter registration organizations, duties, 97.0575
Voter registration applications or changes, acceptance, 97.053
Voting equipment purchase, use, and sale; duties, 101.293,
101.294
Voting Systems Certification, Bureau of, 101.017
Voting systems, duties, 101.015
ELECTIONS, SUPERVISORS OF
Absentee ballots, 101.62, 101.64, 101.6921, 101.6925,
101.6952, 101.697
Ballots
Absentee ballots, duties, 101.62, 101.64, 101.68,
101.6921, 101.6925, 101.6952, 101.697, 102.141
Box, duty to furnish, 101.24, 101.5608
Box, sealing and delivery to counting location, 101.5614
Candidates' names, placement, 101.2512
Illegal absentee ballots, notice to electors, 101.68
Inspection by public, duties, 101.572, 119.07
Mail ballot elections, duties, 101.6103
Printing, 100.051, 101.21
Provisional ballots, duties, 101.048, 101.049
Sample ballot, publishing and transmitting, 101.20
Candidate filing fees, duties, 105.031
Candidate list, submission to Department of State, 99.092
Certificates of election, issuance, 102.155
Challenging voters, duties, 101.111
Community development district elections, duties, 100.011,
190.006
Compensation
Payment by county, 98.015
Constitutional amendments, availability at polling rooms or
early voting areas, 101.171
County canvassing boards, members, 102.141
County voting system filings, duties, 102.141
Delivery of registration books to successor, refusal, 104.32
Deputy supervisors, 98.015, 101.5614, 101.665, 101.68
Duties, generally, 98.015
Early voting, duties, 101.657, 102.141
Election, 98.015
Election boards, appointment, 102.012, 102.014
Election clerks, inspectors, and deputy sheriffs; training and
certification, 102.014
Election Code pamphlets, distribution, 97.025
Election districts, provision, 103.091
Election preparation report on website, 100.032
Electronic voting systems, defect proceedings, 101.56065
Electronic voting systems, use of provisionally approved
system, 101.015
Independent (no party affiliation) candidates, duties, 99.0955
Influencing or interfering with ballot voting, 104.051
Initiative petitions, duties, 100.371, 105.036
Judicial office candidates, duties, 105.035
Mail ballot elections, duties, 101.6102, 101.6103
Mail‐registered voters, notification of identification
requirements, 97.0535
Malfunction or error reports, 102.141
Materials retention or destruction, 101.545
Municipal elections, duties, 101.002
Nominees, certification from Department of State, 99.121
Oath, 98.015
Oaths, authority to administer, 101.665
Office hours, 98.015
Overvotes and undervotes, reports, 101.595
Petition signatures, verification, 99.095, 99.097, 103.021,
105.035
Petitions, retention period, 99.097
Poll watchers, 101.131
Pollworker recruitment and training, duties, 102.014
Precinct boundary changes, 101.001
Precinct collocation duties, 101.71, 102.012
Recall petitions in municipalities and charter counties, signature
verification, 100.361
Results, release before closing of polls, 101.5614, 101.68
Results, transmission, 102.151
School board elections, duties, 105.035, 1001.362, 1001.364
Seal, 98.015
Security procedures, 101.015
Solicitation at polling places or early voting sites, duties,
102.031
Special district elections, duties, 100.011
Special elections, notice, 100.141, 100.151
State, Secretary of; directions and opinions from, 97.012
Statistical information, furnishing, 98.212
Supervised voting for assisted living facility and nursing home
residents, duties, 101.655
Third‐party voter registration organizations, duties, 97.0575
Uniform polling place procedures manual, availability to
precincts, 102.014
Unlawful acts; penalties
Interfering with or influencing voter, 104.051
Release of election results before closing of polls,
101.5614, 101.68
Voter registration records, refusal to deliver to successor,
104.32
Voter educational programs, duties, 98.255
Voter's Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, posting at each
polling place, 101.031
Voting equipment testing, notices, 101.5612
Voting systems, custodian, 101.34
Write‐in voting, duties, 101.5608
ELECTRONIC MAIL
Elections, absentee ballot requests for uniformed services
voters and overseas voters, 101.62, 101.6952
Elections, sample ballots, 101.20
EMERGENCIES
Voting equipment purchases, 101.293
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Definitions, 101.732
Governor
Elections; suspension, delay, or rescheduling, 101.733
ESTIMATING CONFERENCES
Financial Impact Estimating Conference, 100.371, 101.161
ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT
Candidates for public office
Financial interests, disclosure, 99.061, 99.063, 105.031,
112.3144, 112.3145
Disclosure
Financial interests, generally, 99.061
EVIDENCE
Bond referenda results, 100.291
Presumptions
INDEX
159
Absentee ballots from absent uniformed services and
overseas voters, date of mailing, 101.6952
Voter registration, 92.295, 97.0575
FACSIMILE TRANSMISSIONS (FAX)
Absentee ballots and ballot requests for uniformed services
voters and overseas voters, 101.62, 101.697
FALSE PERSONATION
Elector, 104.24
FEDERAL COURTS
Felony convictions, notice to Department of State, 98.093
FEDERAL FUNDS
Voting systems and polling place accessibility for persons with
disabilities, state eligibility for, 101.56063, 101.56064
FELONS
Public office, recall in municipalities and charter counties,
100.361
Voting
Disqualification, 97.041
Registration application, felons with civil rights restored,
97.052
Registration system, removal of name from, 98.045,
98.075, 98.093
FINANCIAL IMPACT ESTIMATING CONFERENCE
Initiatives, financial impact statements and financial
information statements, 100.371, 101.161
FINES AND PENALTIES
Candidates, 104.271, 104.2715
Third‐party voter registration organizations, 97.0575
FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Voter registration duties, 97.05831
FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM INSTITUTIONS
Voter registration, 97.052, 97.0583
FORGERY
Voter information cards, 104.013
FRAUD
Candidates, 97.012
Voter registration, 97.012, 97.052, 104.42, 106.24
FREEHOLDERS
Elections, generally, 100.241
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
Deposits
Campaign financing violation penalties, 106.08, 106.19,
106.265
Candidates
False or malicious charge, penalties, 104.271
False representations of military service, penalties,
104.2715
Filing fees, 99.0955, 99.103, 106.087
Reporting violations, fines, 106.07
Surplus campaign funds, 106.141
Electioneering communications organizations, fines,
106.0703
Political committees, fines, 106.07
Political party affiliated committees, fines or withheld
funds, 106.088, 106.29
Political party candidate assessments, 106.087
Political party executive committees, fines, 106.0702,
106.29
GIFTS
Political candidates; donations to political parties or religious,
charitable, or civic groups, 106.08
Voting, influencing with gifts, 104.061
GOVERNOR
Appointments
Elections Canvassing Commission, 102.111
Elections Commission, 106.24
Political party state executive committee, at‐large
members, 103.091
Presidential electors, 103.021
United States Senate, temporary appointment, 100.161
Voter registration or removal complaint dispute
mediators, 97.023
Campaign financing, limitation on contributions, 106.08
Campaign financing, state funds, 106.32, 106.33, 106.34,
106.35
Contributions solicited for certain charitable organizations,
reporting requirements, 106.0701
Election, 100.041, 101.595
Emergency powers
Election emergencies, 101.733
Gubernatorial candidates, 99.063, 101.6952, 106.0701
Membership on
Elections Canvassing Commission, 102.111
Political party state executive committee, 103.091
Presidential electors, nomination, 103.021
Term of office, 100.041
Vacancies in public offices
Election to fill, calling, 100.111, 100.141, 100.161
GOVERNOR, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF
Estimating conferences, participation, 100.371
GRAND JURIES
Elections, special investigations, 104.43
GUARDIANS
Absentee ballots for electors, requests for, 101.62
HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF
Deceased voters, list compilation, 98.093
Voter registration system maintenance, provision of death
information, 98.075, 98.093
HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES, DEPARTMENT OF
Records
Voter registration information and declinations, 97.057
Voter registration, 97.023, 97.052, 97.057
HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES
Voter registration, 97.055
IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Voter registration, generally, 97.053, 97.057, 98.045
Voters, confidentiality of identification numbers, 97.0585
IMMUNITY
Voter challengers, 101.111
INCOME
Financial disclosure; candidates, public officers, and public
employees, 99.061
INCOMPETENT OR INCAPACITATED PERSONS
Legal disabilities
Voting or registering to vote, disqualification, 97.041,
98.045, 98.093
Voter registration, 97.052
INDIGENT AND LOW‐INCOME PERSONS
Voter registration ineligibility determination appeals, waiver of
court costs, 98.0755
INJUNCTIONS
Campaign financing, 106.27
Elections, 97.012, 106.27
Voter registration, 97.012, 97.023, 97.0575, 106.27
Voting violations, enforcement of hearing officer orders, 97.028
INDEX
160
INTEREST AND INTEREST RATES
Community development districts, failure to pay election
expenses; interest penalty, 100.011
Special districts, failure to pay election expenses; interest
penalty, 100.011
JAILS
Prisoners
Absentee ballots, mailing to, 101.62
JUDGMENTS
Election contest, ouster, 102.1682
JURISDICTION
Elections Commission, 106.165, 106.25
Legislative election contests, 102.171
Voter registration or removal complaints, 97.023
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
Discharge from employment
Voting, 104.081
Voting, employer coercion, 104.081
LAW ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF
Voter registration system maintenance, furnishing names of
felons, 98.093
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Political candidates, resign‐to‐run requirement, 99.012
Polling places, entry into, 102.101
LEGAL AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF
Election complaints, false allegations; actions to recover costs
and fees, 106.265
LEGISLATURE
Appointments
Political party state executive committee, at‐large
members, 103.091
Apportionment
Candidates seeking ballot position in apportionment year,
signature requirements, 99.09651
Candidates for legislative office, contributions solicited for
certain charitable organizations; reporting duties,
106.0701
Candidates for legislative office, limitation on campaign
contributions, 106.08
Constitution of Florida
Amendment or revision, 101.161
Economic and Demographic Research, Office of
Estimating conferences, participation, 100.371
Initiative financial information statements, publication on
website, 100.371
House of Representatives
Estimating conferences, participation, 100.371
Majority leader, leadership funds, 106.295
Minority leader, 103.091, 103.092, 106.24, 106.295
Speaker
Affiliated party committee, duties, 103.092
Elections Commission, nomination of members,
106.24
Leadership funds, 106.295
Political party state executive committee, at‐large
member, 103.091
Members
Contributions solicited for certain charitable organizations,
reporting duties, 106.0701
Election, 100.041, 100.101, 100.111, 102.171
Political party executive committees, at‐large membership,
103.091
Term of office, 100.041
Vacancy in office, 100.111
Resolutions
Constitutional amendment or revision, 101.161
Joint resolutions, 101.161
Senate
Confirmation of appointments
Elections Commission, 106.24
Estimating conferences, participation, 100.371Majority
leader, leadership funds, 106.295
Minority leader, 103.091, 103.092, 106.24, 106.295
President
Affiliated party committee, duties, 103.092
Elections Commission, nomination of members,
106.24
Leadership funds, 106.295
Political party state executive committee, at‐large
member, 103.091
LIBRARIES
Voter registration agency status and duties, 97.021, 97.023,
97.052, 97.053, 97.058
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Campaign financing, limitation on contributions, 106.08
Campaign financing, state funds, 106.33, 106.34
Candidates for office, 99.063, 100.111, 101.6952, 106.0701
Contributions solicited for certain charitable organizations,
reporting duties, 106.0701
Election, 101.151, 101.595
Political party state executive committee, member, 103.091
LIMITATION OF ACTIONS
Constitutional amendments or revisions proposed by joint
resolutions, challenges, 101.161
Criminal prosecutions
Campaign finance violations, 106.28
Elections
Bond referendum, testing validity, 100.321
Campaign finance violations, 106.25, 106.28
Contesting election, generally, 102.168
Election Code violation complaints, 106.25
Voter registration violation complaints, 106.25
LOANS
Election campaign financing, 106.07, 106.0702, 106.0703,
106.075, 106.11
LOBBYISTS
Elections Commission, membership restrictions, 106.24
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Elections, statistical information, 98.212
Funds
Electioneering communications, restrictions on
expenditure, 106.113
Political advertisements, restriction on expending for,
106.113
Ordinances
Candidates and officers, electronic filing of reports, 106.07
Voter registration records, duties, 98.093
LOCAL OPTION
Circuit court judges, direct election or merit selection and
retention, 101.161, 105.036
County court judges, direct election or merit selection and
retention, 101.161, 105.036
MAGAZINES
Advertisements intended to influence public policy or vote of
public official, sponsorship designation, 106.1437
Political advertising, rates and charges, 106.16
INDEX
161
MAIL
Absentee ballots, 101.6103, 101.62
Voter registration by mail, 97.052, 97.0535
MALFEASANCE AND MISFEASANCE
Public officers and employees, generally
Municipal officers, 100.361
MANDAMUS
Election laws, enforcement, 97.012
Voting violations, enforcement of hearing officer orders, 97.028
MARRIED PERSONS
Absentee ballot request by spouse, 101.62
MEDIATION
Mediators
Voter registration disputes, 97.023
Voter registration or removal complaints, 97.023
Voting violation proceedings, 97.028
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
Election precincts, 101.001
MILITARY PERSONNEL
Candidates for office, false representation of service; penalty,
104.2715
Oaths, administration, 92.51, 101.665
Recruitment offices, voter registration, 97.012, 97.023, 97.052,
97.053
Reservists
Candidates for office, false representation of service;
penalty, 104.2715
Voting, 97.012, 97.0555, 101.62, 101.64, 101.665, 101.694,
101.6952
MINORITY GROUPS
Voting rights, deprivation or interference with, 104.0515
MINORS
Voting, preregistration for, 97.041
MOTOR VEHICLES
State vehicles
Candidates for public office, use of vehicles, 106.15
Charges for use of vehicles, 106.15, 287.16
Limitation on use of vehicles, 106.15, 287.17
MOTOR VOTER LAW, 97.053, 97.057
MUNICIPALITIES
Annexation or contraction
Mail ballot elections, 101.6102
Referenda, 101.6102
Elections
Annexation or contraction, 101.6102
Ballot printing costs, 101.21
Candidates, qualifying fees, 99.093
Conduct, governing, 97.0115, 100.3605
Dates, change of, 100.3605, 101.75
Early voting, 101.657
Election Code, conduct governed by, 100.3605
Permanent single registration system, 97.105, 101.002
Precinct boundaries, 101.001, 101.002
Recall, governing body members, 100.361
Registered persons with no permanent address, voting,
101.045
Special elections, call, 100.151
Employees
Political candidates, resignation from employment, 99.012
Finances
Electioneering communications, restriction on expending
for, 106.113
Political advertisements, restriction on expending for,
106.113
Governing bodies
Recall petitions and elections, 100.361
Officers
Candidates for another office, resignation, 99.012
Terms of office, 101.75
Ordinances
Elections, 100.3605, 101.75
Political advertising, restrictions on, 106.1435
NAMES
Fictitious or false names
Candidate petitions, signing with fictitious name, 104.185
Elections, fraudulently assuming name, 104.24
Recall petitions, signing with fictitious name, 100.361
Political parties, use restrictions, 103.081
NATIONAL GUARD
Candidates for office, false representation of service; penalty,
104.2715
NEWSPAPERS
Elections
Absentee ballots, notice of canvass of returns, 102.141
Ballot, publishing, 101.20
Candidate support or opposition, remuneration, 104.071
Electronic tabulating equipment testing, notice, 101.5612
Emergencies, rescheduled elections, 101.733
General election, notice, 100.021
Special election, notice, 100.141
Emergencies, public service messages, 101.733Political
advertising, rates and charges, 106.16
NONRESIDENTS
Campaign contributions from, 106.33, 106.35
NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATORS
Supervised voting for residents, request for, 101.655
NURSING HOMES
Residents
Absent electors, 101.655
OATHS
Authority to administer
Deputy supervisors of elections, 101.665
Elections Commission, 106.26
Elections, supervisors of, 101.665
Military officers,101.665
Public officers and employees, 101.665
Voting violation hearing officers, 97.028
Public officers and employees, generally
Authority to administer, generally, 101.665
Vacancy in office, nominees and appointees, 100.111,
114.05
OFFENDER REVIEW, COMMISSION ON
Clemency, 98.093
Voter registration system maintenance, provision of clemency
information, 98.093
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
Exemptions from statutory provisions, 106.1435
Local government regulation
Political signs, 106.1435
Political signs, 106.1435, 106.1437
Public policy or vote of official, advertisements intended to
influence; sponsorship designation, 106.1437
Removal
Political signs, 106.1435
INDEX
162
PARKING AND PARKING FACILITIES
Disabilities, persons with
Election polling places, 101.715
PERJURY
Elections, false swearing to oath, 104.011
PHOTOGRAPHS
Polling rooms or early voting areas, prohibition, 102.031
PLANNING (STATE)
Elections emergency contingency plan, 101.733
Financial Impact Estimating Conference, 16.061, 100.371,
101.161
PLEADINGS
Constitutional amendments or revisions proposed by joint
resolutions, challenges, 101.161
Election contest, 102.168
Voter registration or removal violations, complaints, 97.023
POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS
Affiliated party committees, 106.143
Campaign fund raisers, 106.025
Candidate approval, 106.143
Candidates; purchasing from political parties or religious,
charitable, or civic groups, 106.08
Content, 106.143
Definitions, 106.011
Disclaimers, 106.071, 106.143, 106.1439
Distribution near polling places, 102.031
Electioneering communications, 106.011, 106.071, 106.113,
106.1439
Endorsements, 106.021, 106.143
In‐kind contributions, 106.143
Independent expenditures for, 106.011, 106.071
Independent (no party affiliation) candidates, 106.143
Internet advertisements, 106.143
Language other than English, 106.143
Nonincumbent candidates, 106.143
Nonpartisan offices, 106.143
Party name or symbol, use, 103.081, 106.143
Petty cash funds, purchases from, 106.12
Political committees, 106.143
Political parties, 106.143
Public funds, restrictions on expenditure or acceptance,
106.113
Public policy or vote of public official, advertisements intended
to influence; sponsorship designation, 106.1437
Rates and charges, limitation, 106.16, 106.161
Removal, 106.1435
Required statements, 106.071, 106.143, 106.1439, 106.147
Signs, displaying, 106.1435
Telephone calls, 106.1439, 106.147, 106.1475
Televised broadcasts, closed captioning and descriptive
narrative requirements, 106.165
"Thank you" advertisements, 106.11
Unlawful acts; penalties
Civil penalties, 106.265
Criminal penalties, 106.071, 106.1439, 106.147, 106.1475
Distribution near polling places, 102.031
Independent expenditure violations, 106.071
Rates and charges, excessive, 106.16
Required contents, failure to include, 106.071, 106.143,
106.1439
Telephone solicitation violations, 106.1439, 106.147,
106.1475
Televised broadcasts, violations, 106.165
Write‐in candidates, 106.143
POLITICAL COMMITTEES
Accounting records, 106.06
Advisory opinions, Division of Elections, 106.23
Campaign depositories, 106.021, 106.05, 106.07, 106.11
Campaign treasurer, appointment, 106.021
Civil actions involving, 106.27
Constitutional amendment initiative petition sponsors,
100.371, 106.19
Contesting verification of signatures on candidate's petition for
qualification, 99.097
Contributions
Affiliated organizations, receipt and transfer by, 106.08
Campaign treasurer, receipt through, 106.021
Deposit procedure, 106.05
Legislative intent, 106.31
Limitations, 106.08, 106.19
National depository, deposit in, 106.021, 106.07
Registered agent requirement, 106.022
Reports, 106.07, 106.0705, 106.08, 106.19
Definitions, 106.011
Deputy campaign treasurers, 106.021
Disbanding, notice, 106.03
Expenditures
Campaign treasurer, making through, 106.021
Checks, 106.11
Credit card purchases, 106.07, 106.11, 106.125
Debit cards, 106.11
Donations to religious, charitable, or civic organizations,
106.08
Independent expenditures, 106.011, 106.087
Joint endorsements of candidates, advertising
expenditures, 106.021
Petty cash funds, 106.12
Public utility services, 106.14
Registered agent requirement, 106.022
Reports, 106.07
Unauthorized expenditures, 106.19
Financial reports, content and filing, 106.07, 106.08, 106.19
Gifts in memory of deceased persons, 106.08
Injunctions, 106.27
Judicial selection initiative sponsors, 105.036
Petty cash funds, 106.11, 106.12
Political advertisements, 106.143
Poll watchers, designation, 101.131
Polls and surveys, conducting, 106.17
Registered agent and registered office, 106.022
Registration, 106.03
Statement of organization, content and filing, 106.03
Telephone solicitation, 106.147
Television broadcasts, closed captioning and descriptive
narrative requirements, 106.165
POLITICAL PARTIES
Advisory opinions, Division of Elections, 106.23
Affiliated party committees
Advisory opinions, Division of Elections, 106.23
Campaign financing reporting provisions, applicability,
103.092
Candidate surplus campaign funds, distribution, 106.141
Civil actions, 106.27
Contributions, 106.011, 106.08, 106.29
Donations to religious, civic, or charitable organizations,
106.08
INDEX
163
Duties, generally, 103.092
Establishment, 103.092
Expenditures, 106.011, 106.021, 106.29
Gifts in memory of deceased persons, 106.08
Injunctions, 106.27
Leaders, 103.092, 106.0705, 106.088, 106.29
Name, abbreviation, or symbol of political party; use,
103.081
Party assessments, receipt, 103.121, 106.088
Political advertisements, 106.143
Polls and surveys, 106.17
Reports, 106.0705, 106.08, 106.29
Telephone solicitation, 106.147
Television broadcasts, closed captioning and descriptive
narrative requirements, 106.165
Treasurers, 103.092, 106.0705, 106.088, 106.29
Unlawful acts; penalties, 106.08, 106.088, 106.165,
106.265, 106.29
Candidate contributions or purchases, 106.08
Candidate qualifying fees, remission, 99.061, 99.103
Candidate surplus campaign funds, distribution, 106.141
Civil actions, 106.27
Constitution and bylaws, 103.091, 103.121
Contesting verification of signatures on candidate's petition for
qualification, 99.097
Contributions received, reporting, 106.08, 106.29
County executive committees
At‐large members, 103.091
Audits, 103.121
Campaign contributions, limitation, 106.08, 106.087,
106.29, 106.33
Campaign finance reports, 106.0702, 106.08, 106.29
Contributions received, reporting, 106.08, 106.29
District unit of representation, 103.091
Election, 101.252, 103.091
Endorsement or recommendation of candidates for
nomination, 103.121
Establishment, 103.091
Expenditures, 106.011, 106.0702, 106.087
False or incomplete campaign finance reports,
certification, 106.29
Filing requirements, 103.091
Gifts in memory of deceased persons, 106.08
Membership, 103.091
Misuse of funds by chair or treasurer, 103.121
Organizational meetings, 103.091
Poll watchers, designation by chair, 101.131
Polls, conducting, 106.17
Powers and duties, generally, 103.121
Removal of members, 103.141
Term of office, 103.091
Vacancies in nomination to elective office, filling, 100.111
Vacancies on committees, filling, 103.091, 103.131
Election boards, membership, 102.012
Election statistical information, access to, 98.212
Electronic voting systems, testing and vote‐counting
representatives, 101.5612
Expenditures, 106.011, 106.08, 106.29
Financial records, 103.121
Fund raisers, 106.025
In‐kind contributions, limitations, 106.08
Injunctions, 106.27
Joint endorsements of candidates, advertising expenditures,
106.021
Judicial candidates, endorsement or support, 105.09
Leadership funds, 106.295
Minor parties, formation, 103.095
Name or abbreviation, use restrictions, 103.081
Names of groups or committees associated with, filing, 103.081
National committees, 103.091, 106.011, 106.08, 106.29
National convention delegates, election, 103.091, 103.101
Political advertisements, 106.143
Poll watchers, designation, 101.131
Polls and surveys, 106.17
Presidential electors, nomination, 103.021, 103.091
Presidential preference primary, 103.101
Primary elections, voting, 101.021
Rulemaking authority, 103.091, 103.101
State executive committees
At‐large members, 103.091
Audits, 103.121
Campaign contributions, limitation, 106.08, 106.087,
106.29, 106.33
Campaign finance reports, 106.0702, 106.0705, 106.08,
106.29
Chair, 103.081
Elections, 101.252, 103.091
Endorsement or recommendation of candidates for
nomination, 103.121
Expenditures, 106.011, 106.0702, 106.087
False or incomplete campaign finance reports,
certification, 106.29
Filing requirements, 103.091
Gifts in memory of deceased persons, 106.08
Governing bodies, membership, 103.091
Membership, 103.091
Minor parties, 103.095
Misuse of funds by chair or treasurer, 103.121
National convention delegates, selection, 103.101
Organizational meetings, 103.091
Party name or symbol use, authorization, 103.081
Polls, conducting, 106.17
Powers and duties, generally, 103.121
Presidential electors, recommendation of candidates for
nomination, 103.021
Requirement, 103.091
Rulemaking authority, 103.101, 103.121
Terms of office, 103.091
Vacancies, events creating, 103.131
Vacancies in nomination to elective office, filling, 100.111
Voting, 103.091
Supervised voting teams, representation on, 101.655
Symbols, use restrictions, 103.081
Television broadcasts, closed captioning and descriptive
narrative requirements, 106.165
Unlawful acts; penalties, 103.121, 106.087, 106.088, 106.165,
106.29
Vacancies in nominations to elective offices, filling, 100.111
Vacancies in party offices, 103.091, 103.131
Voting systems and equipment, preelection inspection and
testing, 101.5612
PRINTING
Voter registration application forms, 97.052
Voting ballots, 101.21
INDEX
164
PROPERTY APPRAISERS
Election, 100.041
PROSECUTIONS
Failure to prosecute, 106.25
PUBLIC DEFENDERS
Election, 100.111
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
Political activities
Candidacy for office, 99.012
Coercion or influence, 104.31
Judicial office candidates, 105.071
Participation restrictions, 104.31
Services to candidates during working hours, 106.15
Unlawful acts; penalties, 104.31
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Exemptions from open government provisions
Campaign finances, investigatory proceedings, 106.25
Election violation investigatory proceedings, 106.25
Voter registration, investigatory proceedings, 106.25
Financial Impact Estimating Conference, 100.371
PUBLIC OFFICERS
Campaign fund raisers, candidates for office, 106.025
Candidates for another office, resignation, 99.012
Candidates for office, qualification, 99.061, 99.063, 105.031
Office accounts, transfer of surplus campaign funds to, 106.141
Services to candidates during working hours, 106.15
Suspension and removal
Deputy supervisors of elections, 98.015
Travel expenses, 106.141, 112.061
PUBLIC RECORDS
Campaign finance reports, 106.07, 106.0703
Campaign finance violation proceedings, 106.25
Election violation proceedings, 106.25
Electioneering communications organization reports, 106.0703
Exemptions from disclosure
Absentee ballots, record of requests and delivery
information, 101.62
Campaign finance reports, 106.0706, 106.25
Election violation complaints and investigative reports,
106.25
Stalking victims, identifying information, 97.0585
Voter or voter registration information, 97.0585, 98.045,
106.25
Voting systems software, 101.5607
Voter registration, 106.25
Voting systems software, 101.5607
PUBLISHING AND PUBLICATIONS
Uniform polling place procedures manual, 102.014
QUO WARRANTO
Election contest, 102.169
RADIO
Advertisements intended to influence public policy or vote of
official, sponsor designation statement, 106.1437
Emergencies, public service messages, 101.733
Political advertising, 106.1437, 106.16, 106.161
RECALL
Municipal and charter county elections, 100.361
RECORDS MANAGEMENT (LOCAL GOVERNMENTS)
Elections, supervisors of, 98.045
Voter registration information, 98.081, 98.461
RECORDS MANAGEMENT (STATE)
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Department of, 97.057
REFERENDA
Ballot, 101.161
Bond issues
Applicable statutory provisions, 100.221
Approval of issuance, 100.281
Ballot format, 100.341
Calling, 100.211
Canvass of returns, 100.271
Contesting, 100.321
Costs, 100.201, 100.261
Defeat, waiting period before new election, 100.331
Evidence of result, 100.291
Failure to achieve majority vote, 100.281
Holding with other elections, 100.261
Inspectors and clerks, 100.271
Municipalities, generally, 100.311
Notice, 100.211
Polling place, 100.221
Recording results, 100.271, 100.291
Refunding bonds, 100.301
Requirement, generally, 100.201
Resolution ordering, 100.211
Returns, canvassing and recording, 100.271
Validity, contesting, 100.321
Charter county governing board members, terms of office
commencement, 100.041
Constitutional amendment or revision, 101.161
Contesting, 102.168, 102.1682, 102.1685
County commissioners, 100.041, 124.011
Freeholders, 100.241
Judicial selection initiatives, 101.161
Legislatively mandated election, certification of results, 100.351
Mail ballot elections
Absentee voting, 101.6103, 101.6105
Applicability of election laws, generally, 101.6106
Canvass of returns, 101.6103, 101.6104
Challenge, defect on voter's certificate, 101.6104
Costs, 101.6102
Limitations, 101.6102
Mail Ballot Election Act, 101.6101
Procedure, generally, 101.6103
Voter's certificate, 101.6103, 101.6104
Municipal annexation or contraction, 101.6102
Notices, 100.342
Special or local laws, 100.351
Telephone solicitation, ballot proposals, 106.147
REFUNDING BONDS
Election for issuance approval, 100.301
RELATIVES
Absentee ballots for electors, requests for, 101.62
REPORTS TO GOVERNOR
Voting system performance reports, 101.595
REPORTS TO LEGISLATURE
Voting history information, 98.0981
Voting system performance reports, 101.595
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
Electors, 97.041, 98.075, 101.111
Political party county executive committees, 103.091
Voter registration, 97.041, 98.045, 98.075
Write‐in candidates, 99.0615
REWARDS
Information leading to arrest and conviction
Voter registration or voter fraud, 106.24
INDEX
165
ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Rights‐of‐way
Political signs, 106.1435
SCHOOL BOARDS
Candidates for election, 105.031, 105.035, 105.041, 105.051,
105.08
Terms of office, 100.041
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Elections
Bond elections
Holding with other elections, 100.261
School board members
Candidates, 105.031, 105.035, 105.041, 105.051,
105.08
Electors qualified to vote, 105.061
Generally, 100.041
Unopposed candidates, 105.051
Superintendents, 100.041
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS
Election, 100.041
Term of office, 100.041
SEALS
Elections, supervisors of, 98.015
SERVICE OF PROCESS
Agents
Political telephone solicitors, 106.1475
Election contest complaints, 102.168
Elections Commission subpoenas and orders, 106.26
Sheriffs
Elections Commission subpoenas or orders, 106.26
SETTLEMENTS
Campaign financing violation complaints, consent agreements,
106.25
Election violation complaints, consent agreements, 106.25
SHERIFFS
Deputies
Candidates for office of sheriff, resign‐to‐run, 99.012
Election official duties and responsibilities, training,
102.014
Election of sheriffs, 100.041
Legal notices, publication, 100.021
Term of office, 100.041
SHORT TITLES
Election Campaign Financing Act, 106.30
Election Code, 97.011
Elections Emergency Act, 101.731
Electronic Voting Systems Act, 101.5601
Mail Ballot Election Act, 101.6101
Voter Protection Act, 104.0615
Voter Registration Act, 97.032
SIGNATURES
Voters or voter registration applicants, 97.052, 97.055,
97.0585, 98.077, 101.49
SOCIAL SECURITY
Numbers
Voter registration, 97.052, 97.053, 97.057, 97.0585,
98.045
Voters, confidentiality, 97.0585
Social Security Administration, provision of death information
for voter registration system maintenance, 98.075
SOCIAL SERVICES
Voter registration at offices providing public assistance, 97.021,
97.023, 97.052, 97.053, 97.058
SOLICITATION
Campaign contributions, 102.031, 106.15, 420.512
Constitutional amendment initiative petition signatures, paid
petition circulators, 106.191
Contributions
Campaign contributions, 102.031, 106.15Political
candidates, charitable contributions, 106.08
State officers or candidates, solicitations by, 106.0701
Political telephone solicitation, 106.1439, 106.147, 106.1475
Polling places, solicitation at, 102.031
Voter registrations for compensation, 104.012
Voters at or near polling places or early voting sites, 101.051,
102.031
SPECIAL DISTRICTS
Elections
Candidate qualifications, 99.061, 99.095
Early voting, 101.657
Payment of costs, 100.011
Employees and officers
Candidate for another office, resignation, 99.012
STALKING
Aggravated stalking
Victim identifying information, public records exemption,
97.0585
Victim identifying information, public records exemption,
97.0585
STATE AGENCIES
Voter registration records, duties, 98.093
STATE ATTORNEYS
Campaign finance violations, duties, 106.25
Election, 100.111
Election violations, duties, 106.25
Voter registration violations, duties, 106.25
STATE CONTRACTS
Voter registration, 97.058
STATE, DEPARTMENT OF
Constitutional amendments or revisions proposed by joint
resolutions, duties, 101.161
Official records
Electronic voting system vendors, registered agents,
101.5605
Initiative petition financial impact statements, 100.371
Minor political parties, 103.095
Political party executive committee rules, 103.101
Rulemaking authority
Elections
Absent uniformed services voters and absentee ballot
delivery on day of election, 101.62
Ballots, 101.151, 101.62
Campaign treasurers' reports, 106.07
Candidate qualifications, 99.061
Counting of votes, 101.5614
County voting system filings, 102.141
Electronic or electromechanical voting systems,
101.015, 101.5608, 102.166
Fraud complaints, 97.012
Initiatives, 100.371
Interpretation and implementation of elections laws,
uniform standards, 97.012
Judicial selection initiatives, 105.036
Mail ballot elections, 101.6107
Overseas voters, 101.62, 101.697
Petitions, verification of signatures, 99.097
INDEX
166
Polling places, accessibility for persons with
disabilities, 101.715
Precinct‐level results and book closing statistics,
98.0981
Recounts, 102.141, 102.166
Uniform polling place procedures manual, adoption,
102.014
Voter education programs, 98.255
Voting history information, 98.0981
Voting systems, audit procedures, 101.5911
Write‐in absentee ballots, 101.6951, 102.166
Voter registration, 97.012, 97.052, 98.035, 98.045, 98.075
STATE EMPLOYEES
Political candidates, resignation from employment, 99.012
Selected Exempt Service
Elections Commission attorneys, 106.24
Senior Management Service
Elections Commission, executive director, 106.24
STATE FUNDS
Election campaign financing, 106.32, 106.33, 106.34, 106.35
STATE OFFICERS
Candidates for another office, resign‐to‐run, 99.012
STATE, SECRETARY OF
Constitutional amendments or revisions proposed by joint
resolutions, duties, 101.161
Initiative financial information statements, publication on
website, 100.371
Initiatives, duties, 100.371, 101.161
Rulemaking authority, 100.371, 105.036
Voter registration, duties, 97.012, 97.0575, 98.035
STATE UNIVERSITIES
Students
Voter registration, 97.052, 97.0583
Voter registration, 97.052, 97.0583
STATEWIDE PROSECUTOR
Election irregularities or fraud, prosecution, 97.012
SUBPOENAS
Elections Commission, 106.26
Elections, Division of, 106.23
Voting violation hearing officers, 97.028
SUPERSEDEAS
Voter registration ineligibility determination appeals, 98.0755
SUPREME COURT
Advisory opinions, 100.371
Decisions and opinions
Advisory opinions, 100.371
Initiative petitions, review, 100.371
Justices
Campaign financing, limitation on contributions, 106.08
Retention election, 105.041, 105.051
TAX COLLECTORS
Election, 100.041
Terms of office, 100.041
TAXATION AND BUDGET REFORM COMMISSION, 101.161
TELEPHONES
Electioneering communications calls, 106.1439
Solicitation
Political campaigns, 106.1439, 106.147, 106.1475
Toll‐free numbers and hotlines
Voter fraud hotline, 97.012
Voter registration services, 97.058
TELEVISION
Advertisements intended to influence public policy or vote of
public official, sponsorship designation statement,
106.1437
Emergencies, public service messages, 101.733
Political advertising, 106.16, 106.161, 106.165
THEFT
Election records, ballot boxes, or returns, 104.22
THREATS
Employer's threats to control votes of employees, 104.081
Voter registration, interference with or influencing, 104.012
Voters, influencing, 104.061, 104.0615, 104.081, 104.31
Voting rights, interference with, 104.0515, 104.061, 104.0615
TRAVEL EXPENSES
Candidates for statewide office, credit card use, 106.125
Elected officers, payment from surplus campaign funds,
106.141
Political committees, credit card use, 106.125
TRUST FUNDS (PUBLIC)
Elections Commission Trust Fund, 99.092, 99.093, 105.031,
106.24
UNITED STATES
Election Assistance Commission voter registration application
form, acceptance, 97.052
Help America Vote Act of 2002, 97.028
U.S. attorneys, 98.093
VACANCY IN OFFICE
Congress, members of, 100.101, 100.111
County officers, generally, 100.361
Legislators, 100.101, 100.111
Municipal officers
Malfeasance or misfeasance, removal for, 100.361
Recall elections, 100.361
Presidential electors, 100.101, 103.021, 103.061, 103.062
Resignation to qualify for another office, 99.012, 100.111
United States Senators, 100.161
VENUE
Campaign finance violations, 106.26, 106.27
Election contests, 102.1685
Election proceedings, 97.012, 106.27
Voter registration proceedings, 97.012, 106.27
VETERANS
Political candidates, false representation of veteran status,
104.2715
Voter registration date, recently discharged service personnel,
97.0555
VICTIMS OF CRIME
Identity or identifying information, confidentiality
Stalking victims, 97.0585VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS
Absentee ballots for blind persons, assistance in casting,
101.65, 101.661, 101.6923
Voting assistance, 101.051
Voting systems and voter interface devices, 101.56062
VITAL STATISTICS
Voters, notice of death, 98.093
VOTER REGISTRATION
Absentee registration, 101.665
Address confirmation requests, 98.065, 98.0655
Administration of statutory provisions, 97.012, 98.045
Age requirement, 97.041, 98.045, 98.075
Applications
Acceptance, 97.052, 97.053, 97.055
INDEX
167
Altering another person's application without consent,
104.012
Approval, 97.073
Change of name or legal residence, 97.1031, 101.045
Denial, 97.073, 98.045
Disposition, 97.073
Electors removed from registration system, retention,
98.081
Federal law, compliance with, 97.012
Federal postcard application, 97.052, 101.694
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and subagents,
duties, 97.05831
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Department of;
duties, 97.057
Identification information on applicants, confidentiality,
97.0585
Incomplete applications, 97.052, 97.058, 97.073, 98.045
Microfilming, 98.081, 98.461
Oath as part of, 97.052, 97.053
Processing, 98.045
Signature updates, 98.077
Uniform statewide application, 97.052, 97.057, 97.058
Verification of driver's license number, identification card
number, or social security number, 97.053
Voter registration agencies, powers and duties, 97.058
Automated processing, 92.295, 98.081, 98.461
Change of name or legal residence
Address change and confirmation notices, 98.065, 98.0655
Application for, acceptance, 97.053, 97.055
County of residence, change, 101.045
Forms, 101.045
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Department of;
authority, 97.057
Notices, 97.1031, 98.065, 98.0655
Registration list maintenance, 98.065, 98.0655, 98.075
Statewide registration application, use for, 97.052
Temporary residence outside of county, 101.045
Voter information cards, 97.071, 97.1031
Citizenship, 97.041, 97.052, 98.075
Civil actions, 97.012, 97.023, 106.25, 106.27
Complaints of violations, 97.023, 97.058, 106.25
Confidential information
Complaints of violations and investigative information,
106.25
Declining to register, 97.052, 97.057, 97.058, 97.0585
Driver license or identification card numbers, 97.0585
Registration list maintenance programs and activities
information, 98.045
Registration office location, 97.052, 97.057, 97.058,
97.0585
Signatures, 97.0585
Social security numbers, 97.0585
Unauthorized disclosure, 106.25
Criminal prosecution of violations, 97.012, 106.27
Date of registration, 97.053, 97.0575
Deceased persons, 98.045, 98.065, 98.075, 98.093, 101.68
Declining to register, 97.052, 97.057, 97.058, 97.0585
Disqualification, 97.041, 98.045
Driver license application, renewal, or address change;
opportunity to register, 97.057
Duplicate or multiple registrations, 98.075
Educational institutions, services at, 97.052, 97.0583
Elections Commission investigations and hearings, alleged
violations, 106.25, 106.26
Eligibility of applicants, 98.045
Enforcement of statutory provisions, 97.012, 97.0575
False swearing, 97.052, 97.053, 104.011
Federal law, compliance with, 97.012, 97.057, 97.058, 98.015,
98.035, 98.065, 98.075
Felons, 97.041, 97.052, 98.045, 98.075, 98.093
Fictitious persons, 98.045, 98.075
Forms
Alternative formats and Internet availability, 97.026
Precinct register, 98.461
Printing, 97.052
Registration, 97.012, 97.052
Registration list maintenance, 98.0655
Third‐party voter registration organizations, 97.0575
Voter registration agencies, 97.058
Fraud, 97.012, 97.052, 104.42, 106.24
Freeholder, determination of status, 100.241
Help America Vote Act of 2002, procedures on complaints of
violations, 97.028
Identification cards, 97.053, 97.057, 98.045
Illiterate persons requiring voting assistance, 97.061
Inactive status, 98.065, 98.0655
Incompetent or incapacitated persons, 97.052, 98.045, 98.065,
98.075, 98.093
Ineligible persons, 98.045, 98.075
Information maintained on electronic or other media, 98.081,
98.461
Injunctions, 97.012, 97.023, 106.27
Inspection of records, 98.045
Interference with registration, 97.057, 97.058, 104.012,
104.0615
Investigations, 97.012, 104.42, 106.25
Late registration, 97.0555
Mail registration, first‐time voters, 97.052, 97.0535
Mandamus actions, enforcement of laws, 97.012
Motor voter law, 97.053, 97.057
Notices, 97.073, 97.1031, 98.065, 98.0655, 98.075, 98.077
Oath, 97.051, 97.052, 97.053, 101.665
Overseas voters, 97.012
Party affiliation
Change, 97.052, 97.053, 97.055, 97.071, 97.1031
Influencing registration applicant, 97.057, 97.058
Registration without, 97.053
Permanent single registration system, 97.105, 101.002
Precinct registers, 97.061, 98.461, 101.043, 101.49
Preregistration, minors, 97.041
Prior registration, cancellation, 97.073, 98.045
Qualifications, 97.041, 98.045
Records
Addresses of voters, list maintenance, 98.015, 98.045
Closing for elections, 97.055, 97.071
Completed registration applications, status as official
registration records, 97.053
Custody, 98.015
Deceased voters who cast absentee ballots, 101.68
Inspection, 98.045
Legal residence change, 97.055, 97.1031, 98.045, 98.065
Microfilming, 98.081, 98.461
Name change, 97.055, 97.1031, 101.045
Party affiliation change, 97.055, 97.1031
Placement of voter's name on, 97.053
INDEX
168
Refusal by supervisor to deliver to successor, 104.32
Registration list maintenance programs and activities,
98.045, 98.065, 98.0655, 98.075, 98.093
Removal of elector's name
Appeal of removal decision, 98.075, 98.0755
Complaints of violations, 97.023
Deceased persons, 98.045, 98.065, 98.075, 98.093
Felons, 98.045, 98.075, 98.093
Fictitious persons, 98.075
Hearings, 98.075
Inactive status registrants, basis for removal, 98.065
Incompetent or incapacitated persons, 98.045,
98.075, 98.093
Nonresidents, 98.045, 98.075
Notices, 98.075
Procedure, 98.075
Recordkeeping, 98.081
Registration list maintenance, basis for removal,
98.045, 98.065, 98.075, 98.093
Underaged persons, 98.075
Restoration of elector's name, 98.065, 98.075, 98.081
Special election, availability for, 100.151
Updating
Absentee ballot applicants, 101.694
Applications, 97.052, 101.694
Confidentiality, 97.0585
Declinations, 97.057, 97.058
Duplicate registrations, 98.075
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Department of;
duties, 97.057
Inactive voters, restoration, 98.065
Signature of voter, 97.052, 98.077
Statewide voter registration system, 98.035
Supervisors of elections, duties, 98.015, 98.065
Voter registration agencies, duties, 97.058
Registration agents, 97.0575
Residency, 97.041, 98.045, 98.075
Solicitation for compensation, 104.012
State, Secretary of; duties as chief election officer, 97.012,
98.035
Statewide voter registration system
Applications, 97.052, 97.053, 97.057
Creation, 97.012, 98.035
Declining to register, 97.057
List of valid addresses, provision by supervisor of elections,
98.015
Mail registration, notations on records, 97.0535
Maintenance, 98.035, 98.045, 98.065, 98.0655
New registrations, entry into, 97.053, 98.015
Removal or restoration of voters' names, 98.045, 98.065,
98.075, 98.081, 98.093
Updating voter information, 98.065
Updating voter signature, 98.077
Temporary residence outside of county, 101.045
Third‐party voter registration organizations, 97.0575
Time limitation for filing complaints of violations, 106.25
Uniformed services personnel, 97.012, 101.665
Unlawful acts; penalties
Altering another person's application without consent,
104.012
Complaints containing false allegations, 106.25
Confidential investigative information, disclosing, 106.25
Consideration for registration, payment of, 104.012
Delivery of registration books, refusal, 104.32
Delivery of registration forms, obstructing or delaying,
104.0615
Denial of right to vote, 104.0515
Destruction or defacing registration forms, 104.0615
Deterring registration, 104.012, 104.0615
False registration information, submission, 104.011
False swearing, 97.052, 104.011
Generally, 106.265
Interference with registration, 104.012, 104.0615
Removal of elector's name from registration records,
violations involving, 98.075
Solicitation of registration for compensation, 104.012
Third‐party voter registration organization violations,
97.0575
Voter information card, use or possession, 104.013
Verification, 101.045
Voter information cards
Change of name, legal residence, polling place address, or
party affiliation, 97.071, 97.1031
Contents, 97.071
Registration approval, notice of, 97.073
Replacement, 97.052, 97.053, 97.071
Unlawful use, possession, or destruction, 104.013
Voting assistance eligibility, notation, 97.061
Voter Protection Act, 104.0615
Voter Registration Act, 97.032
Voter registration agencies, 97.021, 97.023, 97.052, 97.053,
97.058
Voter registration officials, 97.0535, 97.061, 97.1031, 97.105,
98.035, 98.081
WITNESSES
Compensation
Municipal recall election petition witnesses, 100.361
Elections Commission hearings, 106.26
Elections law violators, compelled testimony, 104.39
Immunity from prosecution
Elections law violators, 104.39
Municipal recall election petitions, 100.361
Florida Department of State
Division of Elections
Room 316, R. A. Gray Building
500 S. Bronough St. Tallahassee,
Florida 32399-0250
Phone: 850-245-6200
Web Site: http://election.myflorida.com
Candidate
& Campaign
Treasurer
Handbook November 2013
Florida Department of State Division of Elections
R. A. Gray Building, Room 316
500 South Bronough Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250
(850) 245-6240
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................................ 1
CHAPTER 2: THE CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT .................................................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER 3: OFFICES TO BE ELECTED IN 2014 ..................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 4: GLOSSARY OF TERMS ..................................................................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER 5: BECOMING A CANDIDATE .............................................................................................................................. 7
What to File ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Filing Officer ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Resign-to-Run ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Federal Hatch Act for State and Local Employees ................................................................................................................. 8
Federal Hatch Act for Federal Employees .............................................................................................................................. 9
Changing Parties for Partisan Offices ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Changing the Designation of Office ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Pro Rata Refund Example .................................................................................................................................................... 10
CHAPTER 6: STATEMENT OF SOLICITATION ..................................................................................................................... 11
Who Must File Form DS-DE 102, Statement of Solicitation ................................................................................................. 11
When to File ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Penalty for Late Filing .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Public Website and Mission Statement ............................................................................................................................... 11
Additional Reporting ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
CHAPTER 7: PROHIBITED ACTS ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Speaking at Political Meetings ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Using State-Owned Aircraft or Motor Vehicle ..................................................................................................................... 12
Using Services of State, County, Municipal, or District Officers or Employees ................................................................... 12
Making Contributions in the Name of Another ................................................................................................................... 12
Solicitation from Religious, Charitable and Civic Organizations .......................................................................................... 12
Accepting Contributions in a Government-Owned Building ................................................................................................ 13
Making Malicious Statements ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Making False Representation of Military Service ................................................................................................................ 13
Certifying a False Report ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
Limitations on Political Activity for Judicial Candidates ....................................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER 8: CAMPAIGN TREASURERS .............................................................................................................................. 15
Appointing Campaign Treasurers and Deputy Treasurers ................................................................................................... 15
Duties and Responsibilities .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Resignation or Removal ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
CHAPTER 9: CAMPAIGN DEPOSITORIES ........................................................................................................................... 18
Primary Campaign Depository ............................................................................................................................................. 18
Secondary Campaign Depository ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Separate Interest-Bearing Accounts and Certificates of Deposit ........................................................................................ 18
Campaign Checks ................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Debit Cards .......................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Credit Cards ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 10: CONTRIBUTIONS......................................................................................................................................... 21
Unauthorized Contributions ................................................................................................................................................ 21
Anonymous Contributions ................................................................................................................................................... 21
In-Kind Contributions ........................................................................................................................................................... 21
Loans .................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Cash Contributions............................................................................................................................................................... 22
Debit and Credit Card Contributions ................................................................................................................................... 22
Contribution Limits for Candidates ...................................................................................................................................... 23
Foreign Contributions .......................................................................................................................................................... 23
Violations ............................................................................................................................................................................. 24
2014 Deadlines for Accepting Contributions ....................................................................................................................... 24
CHAPTER 11: EXPENDITURES ........................................................................................................................................... 25
Definition ............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
General Requirements ......................................................................................................................................................... 25
Checks .................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Living Expenses .................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Petty Cash Funds .................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Limits on Petty Cash Fund Amounts .................................................................................................................................... 26
Independent Expenditures .................................................................................................................................................. 26
Credit Cards ......................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Debit Cards .......................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Electioneering Communications .......................................................................................................................................... 28
Expenditures for Electioneering Communications .............................................................................................................. 29
CHAPTER 12: POLITICAL ADVERTISING ............................................................................................................................. 31
Candidate Disclaimers ......................................................................................................................................................... 31
Exceptions to Disclaimer Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 31
Disclaimer for Write-in Candidates ...................................................................................................................................... 35
Non-incumbent Advertisements ......................................................................................................................................... 35
Advertisement Provided In-kind .......................................................................................................................................... 36
CHAPTER 13: OTHER DISCLAIMERS .................................................................................................................................. 37
Endorsements in Political Advertisements .......................................................................................................................... 37
Independent Expenditure Disclaimers ................................................................................................................................. 38
Disclaimers for Other than Independent Expenditures ....................................................................................................... 39
Disclaimers on Novelty Items .............................................................................................................................................. 40
Language Other Than English .............................................................................................................................................. 40
Electioneering Communications Disclaimers ....................................................................................................................... 40
Other Political Disclaimer Examples .................................................................................................................................... 40
Miscellaneous Advertisements ............................................................................................................................................ 42
Use of Closed Captioning and Descriptive Narrative in all Television Broadcasts ............................................................... 42
CHAPTER 14: FUND RAISERS ............................................................................................................................................ 43
Contributions from Fund Raisers ......................................................................................................................................... 43
Expenditures for Fund Raisers ............................................................................................................................................. 43
Tickets .................................................................................................................................................................................. 43
CHAPTER 15: TELEPHONE SOLICITATION ......................................................................................................................... 44
Telephone Solicitation ......................................................................................................................................................... 44
Registered Agent ................................................................................................................................................................. 44
CHAPTER 16: FILING CAMPAIGN REPORTS ....................................................................................................................... 46
Where to File ....................................................................................................................................................................... 46
When to File ......................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Penalty for Late Filing .......................................................................................................................................................... 47
Waiver of Report.................................................................................................................................................................. 47
Incomplete Reports ............................................................................................................................................................. 47
Reporting Total Sums ........................................................................................................................................................... 47
Reporting Contributions ...................................................................................................................................................... 48
Returning Contributions ...................................................................................................................................................... 48
Reporting Expenditures ....................................................................................................................................................... 48
Special Requirements for Judicial Candidates ..................................................................................................................... 49
CHAPTER 17: TERMINATION REPORTS ............................................................................................................................. 50
Prior to Disposing of Surplus Funds ..................................................................................................................................... 50
Disposing of Surplus Funds .................................................................................................................................................. 50
Money from Separate Interest-Bearing Account or Certificate of Deposit ......................................................................... 51
Campaign Loans Report ....................................................................................................................................................... 51
CHAPTER 18: REPORTING FOR INDIVIDUALS SEEKING A PUBLICLY ELECTED POSITION ON A PARTY
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE .................................................................................................................................................. 52
Where to File ....................................................................................................................................................................... 52
When to File ......................................................................................................................................................................... 52
Termination Reports ............................................................................................................................................................ 52
Penalty for Late Filing .......................................................................................................................................................... 52
Incomplete Reports ............................................................................................................................................................. 52
Reporting Requirements ...................................................................................................................................................... 53
CHAPTER 19: ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN REPORTS ............................................................................................. 54
Accessing the EFS ................................................................................................................................................................. 54
Creating Reports .................................................................................................................................................................. 54
Submitting Reports .............................................................................................................................................................. 54
Electronic Receipts ............................................................................................................................................................... 54
CHAPTER 20: OFFICE ACCOUNTS ...................................................................................................................................... 55
Using the Office Account ..................................................................................................................................................... 55
Reporting Office Account Funds .......................................................................................................................................... 56
CHAPTER 21: CARRYOVER CAMPAIGN FUNDS ................................................................................................................. 57
CHAPTER 22: RECORDKEEPING ........................................................................................................................................ 58
Contributions ....................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Expenditures ........................................................................................................................................................................ 58
Preservation of Accounts ..................................................................................................................................................... 59
Inspections ........................................................................................................................................................................... 59
CHAPTER 23: BOOKKEEPING SUGGESTIONS ..................................................................................................................... 60
CHAPTER 24: FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION ............................................................................................................. 61
Automatic Fine Appeal Process ........................................................................................................................................... 61
Complaint Process ............................................................................................................................................................... 61
APPENDIX ........................................................................................................................................................................ 62
APPENDIX A: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ................................................................................................................ 63
APPENDIX B: 2014 DEADLINES FOR ACCEPTING CONTRIBUTIONS ................................................................................... 69
This publication is available in alternate format upon request by contacting the Division of Elections at 850.245.6240.
1
Chapter 1: Background
The information contained in this publication is
intended as a quick reference guide only and is
current upon publication. To the extent that
this handbook covers material beyond that
contained in law or rule, the Division of
Elections (Division) offers such material to
candidates as guidelines. Chapters 97-106,
Florida Statutes, the Constitution of the State of
Florida, Division of Elections’ opinions and
rules, Attorney General opinions, county
charters, city charters and ordinances, and
other sources should be reviewed in their
entirety for complete information regarding
campaign financing and qualifying.
In addition, the following publications produced
by the Division should be reviewed for further
information:
• State Qualifying Handbook
• Candidate Petition Handbook
• Candidate Electronic Filing System User’s
Guide
• Calendar of Reporting Dates
All forms and publications mentioned in this
handbook are available on the Division’s
website at:
http://election.myflorida.com
Other helpful websites are:
Florida Elections Commission:
http://www.fec.state.fl.us
Florida Elected Officials:
http://election.dos.state.fl.us/contact-
us/contact-elected-officials.shtml
Florida Supervisors of Elections:
https://doe.dos.state.fl.us/SOE/supervisor_elec
tions.asp
Florida Association of City Clerks:
http://www.floridaclerks.org
Florida Attorney General:
http://myfloridalegal.com
Federal Election Commission:
http://www.fec.gov
2
Chapter 2: The Campaign Financing Act
Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, regulates
campaign financing for all candidates, including
judicial candidates, political committees,
electioneering communication organizations,
affiliated party committees, and political
parties. It does not regulate campaign
financing for candidates for federal office or
individuals seeking a publicly elected position
on a political party executive committee.
The Division of Elections:
• Oversees the interpretation of and provides
guidance on the election laws.
• Provides advisory opinions to supervisors of
elections, candidates, local officers having
election related duties, political parties,
political committees, or other persons or
organizations engaged in political activity,
relating to any provisions or possible
violations of Florida election laws with
respect to actions such person or entity has
taken or proposes to take.
• Conducts audits with respect to reports and
statements filed under chapter 106.
• Reports to the Florida Elections Commission
any apparent violations of Chapter 106.
• Prescribes rules and regulations to carry out
the provisions of Chapter 106, Florida
Statutes.
(Sections 106.22 and 106.23, F.S.)
3
Chapter 3: Offices to be Elected in 2014
Federal Offices
• Representative in Congress (all districts)
State Offices
• Governor
• Attorney General
• Chief Financial Office
• Commissioner of Agriculture
• State Attorney (Circuit 20)
• Public Defender (Circuit 20)
• State Senator (even numbered districts)
• State Representative (all districts)
County Offices
• These vary from county to county, however,
most will elect:
o Board of County Commissioners
o School Board
o Other offices depending on county.
• Information for a particular county can be
obtained from the county supervisor of
elections.
Judicial (Nonpartisan) – those whose terms
expire January 2015
• Justice of the Supreme Court
• Judge, District Court of Appeal
• Circuit Court Judges
• County Court Judges
4
Chapter 4: Glossary of Terms
Campaign Fund Raiser: Any affair held to raise
funds to be used in a campaign for public office.
(Section 106.011(1), F.S.)
Campaign Treasurer: An individual appointed
by a candidate or political committee as
provided in Chapter 106, F.S.
(Section 106.011(2), F.S.)
Candidate: A person to whom any of the
following applies:
• person who seeks to qualify for nomination
or election by means of the petitioning
process;
• person who seeks to qualify for election as
a write-in candidate;
• person who receives contributions or makes
expenditures, or gives his or her consent for
any other person to receive contributions or
make expenditures, with a view to bringing
about his or her nomination or election to,
or retention in, public office;
• person who appoints a campaign treasurer
and designates a primary depository; or
• person who files qualification papers and
subscribes to a candidate’s oath as required
by law.
This definition does not include an individual
seeking a publically elected position on a
political party executive committee.
(Sections 97.021(5)
and 106.011(3), F.S.)
Contribution: (See Section 106.011(5), F.S. and
Chapter 10, Contributions.)
Election: Primary election, special primary
election, general election, special election, or
municipal election held in this state for the
purpose of nominating or electing candidates
to public office, choosing delegates to the
national nominating conventions of political
parties, selecting a member of a political party
Executive Committee, or submitting an issue to
the electors for their approval or rejection.
(Section 106.011(7), F.S.)
Electioneering Communication: Communication
publicly distributed by a television station,
radio station, cable television system, satellite
system, newspaper, magazine, direct mail, or
telephone that (1) refers to or depicts a clearly
identified candidate for office without expressly
advocating the election or defeat of a candidate
but that is susceptible of no reasonable
interpretation other than an appeal to vote for
or against a specific candidate; (2) is made
within 30 days before a primary or special
primary election or 60 days before any other
election for the office sought by the candidate;
and (3) is targeted to the relevant electorate in
the geographical area the candidate would
represent if elected.
(Section 106.011(8), F.S.)
Expenditure: (See Section 106.011(10), F.S. and
Chapter 11, Expenditures.)
Filing Officer: The person before whom a
candidate qualifies the agency or officer with
whom a political committee registers
(Section 106.011(11), F.S.)
General Election: An election held on the first
Tuesday after the first Monday in November in
the even-numbered years, for the purpose of
filling national, state, county, and district
5
offices and for voting on constitutional
amendments not otherwise provided for by
law.
(Section 97.021(15), F.S.)
Independent Expenditure: (See Section
106.011(12), F.S. and Chapter 11,
Expenditures.)
In-Kind Contribution: In-kind contributions are
anything of value made for the purpose of
influencing the results of an election except
money, personal services provided without
compensation by individual volunteers,
independent expenditures, as defined in
Section 106.011(12), F.S., or endorsements of
three or more candidates by affiliated party
committees or political parties. (See Division of
Elections Opinion 04-06)
Judicial Office: Includes the office of Justice of
the Supreme Court, judge of a district court of
appeal, judge of a circuit court, and county
court judge. A judicial office is a nonpartisan
office and a candidate for election or retention
thereto is prohibited from campaigning or
qualifying for such an office based on party
affiliation.
(Section 105.011, F.S.)
Minor Political Party: Any group which on
January 1 preceding a primary election does
not have registered as members five percent of
the total registered electors of the state.
(Section 97.021(18), F.S.)
Nominal Value: Having a retail value of $10 or
less.
(Section 97.021(20), F.S.)
Nonpartisan Office: An office for which a
candidate is prohibited from campaigning or
qualifying for election or retention in office
based on party affiliation.
(Section 97.021(21), F.S.)
Office Account: A candidate elected to office or
a candidate who will be elected to office by
virtue of his or her being unopposed may
transfer funds from the campaign account to an
office account up to limits listed under Section
106.141(5), F.S. This fund must be used only for
legitimate expenses in connection with the
candidate’s public office.
(Section 106.141, F.S.)
Person: An individual or a corporation,
association, firm, partnership, joint venture,
joint stock company, club, organization, estate,
trust, business trust, syndicate, or other
combination of individuals having collective
capacity. The term includes a political party,
affiliated party committee, or political
committee.
(Section 106.011(14), F.S.)
Petty Cash: Cash accumulated pursuant to
statutory limits and spent in amounts of less
than $100 to be used only for office supplies,
transportation expenses, and other necessities
by the candidate.
(Sections 106.07 and 106.12, F.S.)
Political Advertisement: (See Section
106.011(15), F.S. and Chapter 12, Political
Advertising.)
Primary Election: An election held preceding
the general election for the purpose of
nominating a party nominee to be voted for in
the general election to fill a national, state,
county, or district office.
(Section 97.021(28), F.S.)
6
Public Office: A state, county, municipal, or
school or other district office or position that is
filled by vote of the electors.
(Section 106.011(17), F.S.)
Special Election: Called for the purpose of
voting on a party nominee to fill a vacancy in
the national, state, county, or district office.
(Section 97.021(33), F.S.)
Special Primary Election: A special nomination
election designated by the Governor, called for
the purpose of nominating a party nominee to
be voted on in a general or special election.
(Section 97.021(34), F.S.)
Statewide Office: Governor, Cabinet, and
Supreme Court Justice.
Unopposed Candidate: A candidate for
nomination or election to an office, who, after
the last day on which a person, including a
write-in candidate, may qualify, is without
opposition in the election at which the office is
to be filled or who is without such opposition
after such date as a result of a primary election
or of withdrawal by other candidates seeking
the same office. A candidate is not an
unopposed candidate if there is a vacancy to be
filled under Section 100.111(4), F.S., if there is a
legal proceeding pending regarding the right to
a ballot position for the office sought by the
candidate, or if the candidate is seeking
retention as a justice or judge.
(Section 106.011(18), F.S.)
7
Chapter 5: Becoming a Candidate
A candidate is a person who:
1. Seeks to qualify for nomination or election
by means of the petition process;
2. Seeks to qualify for election as a write-in
candidate;
3. Receives contributions or makes
expenditures, or consents for any other
person to receive contributions or make
expenditures, with a view to bring about his
or her nomination or election to, or
retention in, public office;
4. Appoints a treasurer and designates a
primary depository; or
5. Files qualification papers and subscribes to
a candidate’s oath as required by law.
6. This definition does not include an
individual seeking a publically elected
position for a political party executive
committee.
(Section 106.011(3), F.S.)
What to File
Form DS-DE 9, Appointment of Campaign
Treasurer and Designation of Campaign
Depository for Candidates, is the first
document that must be filed with the filing
officer to become a candidate. At the same
time, the candidate must designate the office
for which he or she is running. A candidate can
appoint a campaign treasurer and designate a
campaign depository at any time, but no later
than the date the candidate qualifies for office,
and before any contributions are received, any
expenditures are made, and any signatures are
obtained on a candidate petition. Nothing
prohibits a person from announcing their
intention to become a candidate prior to filing
Form DS-DE 9, as long as no contributions are
received, no expenditures are made, and no
signatures are obtained on a candidate
petition. Individuals seeking a publically elected
position on a political party executive
committee are also required to file Form DS-DE
9. (See Chapter 8, Campaign Treasurers.)
Form DS-DE 9:
• Shall be filed with the filing officer prior to
opening the campaign account.
• Is not effective until the campaign treasurer
signs it and it is filed with the filing officer.
• Is considered “filed” only when the filing
officer receives the form, not upon mailing.
• Shall be on file with the filing officer prior to
the candidate accepting any contributions
or making any expenditures, or authorizing
another to accept contributions or make
expenditures on the person’s behalf.
• Shall be on file with the filing officer prior to
obtaining signatures on a DS-DE 104,
Candidate Petition.
Form DS-DE 84, Statement of Candidate, must
be filed with the filing officer within 10 days
after filing Form DS-DE 9. This form states that
the candidate has been provided access to read
and understand the requirements of Chapter
106, F.S. The execution and filing of the
statement of candidate does not in and of itself
create a presumption that any violation of
Chapter 106, F.S., or Chapter 104, F.S., is a
willful violation as defined in Section 106.37,
F.S. An individual seeking election to a political
8
party Executive Committee is NOT required to
file Form DS-DE 84.
Form DS-DE 83, Statement of Candidate for
Judicial Office, must be filed by each candidate
for judicial office, including an incumbent
judge, within 10 days after filing Form DS-DE 9.
This form states that the judicial candidate has
received, read, and understands the
requirements of the Florida Code of Judicial
Conduct.
(Sections 105.031, 106.021
and 106.023, F.S.)
Filing Officer
The filing officer is the person before whom a
candidate qualifies:
• Division of Elections
o State, multicounty district, and judicial
offices (except county court judge)
• Supervisor of Elections
o County court judge, countywide, and
district offices (except multicounty
offices)
• Municipal Clerk
o Municipal offices
(Section 106.011(11), F.S.)
Resign-to-Run
No officer may qualify as a candidate for
another state, district, county, or municipal
public office if the terms or any part thereof
run concurrently with each other, without
resigning from the office he or she presently
holds. The resignation is irrevocable.
The written resignation must be submitted at
least ten days prior to the first day of qualifying
for the office. The resignation must be effective
no later than the earlier of the following dates:
• The date the officer would take office, if
elected; or
• The date the officer’s successor is required
to take office.
(Section 99.012(3), F.S.)
A person who is a subordinate officer, deputy
sheriff, or police officer must resign effective
upon qualifying pursuant to this chapter if the
person is seeking to qualify for a public office
that is currently held by an officer who has
authority to appoint, employ, promote, or
otherwise supervise that person and who has
qualified as a candidate for reelection to that
office.
(Section 99.012(4), F.S.)
The resign-to-run law does not apply to political
party offices, persons serving without salary as
members of an appointive board or authority,
and persons holding federal office or seeking
the office of President or Vice President.
(Section 99.012(6) and (7), F.S.)
For additional information regarding resign-to-
run, see the Division’s Frequently Asked
Questions page:
http://elections.myflorida.com/gen-faq.shtml
Federal Hatch Act for State and Local
Employees
Although a person may not be someone who
would have to resign under Florida’s resign-to
run law, the person may be precluded by the
federal Hatch Act (5 USC § 1501 – 1508) from
holding his or her current job and becoming a
9
candidate in a partisan election. The Hatch Act
restricts the political activity of individuals
employed by the state, county, or municipality
if the employee’s salary is paid for completely
by federal funds. With local governments
making increasing use of federal grants, state
and local government employees must be
cognizant of the Hatch Act as it relates to their
political activities.
Please note, however, that pursuant to 5 USC §
1502(c), governors, lieutenant governors,
mayors, elected heads of executive
departments, and individuals holding elective
office are exempt from the prohibition against
being a candidate for public office. The Hatch
Act prohibits state, county and municipal
employees seeking public office in a partisan
election, not an elected officer seeking re-
election or election to another office.
The Division has no authority to advise
individuals on the applicability of the Hatch Act;
however, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel
provides advisory opinions to potential
candidates. Inquiries about the Hatch Act
should be directed to the Special Counsel’s
“Hatch Act Unit.” The contact may be in writing
or by telephone at:
Hatch Act Unit
U.S. Office of Special Counsel
1730 M Street, N.W., Suite 218
Washington, D.C. 20036-4505
Tel: (800) 85-HATCH or (800) 854-2824
(202) 254-3650
Requests for Hatch Act advisory opinions may
be made by e-mail to:
hatchact@osc.gov
Information about the Hatch Act as it pertains
to state and local employees may be found at:
http://www.osc.gov/hatchact.htm
Federal Hatch Act for Federal Employees
All civilian employees in the executive branch of
the federal government, except the President
and the Vice President, are covered by the
provisions of the Hatch Act. Employees of the
U.S. Postal Service and the District of Columbia,
except for the Mayor of the District of
Columbia, the District of Columbia’s City
Council and the District’s Recorder of the
Deeds, are also covered by the Act. Part-time
federal employees are covered by the Act. If
covered by the act, a federal employee may not
be a candidate in a partisan election. For more
information about the Hatch Act as it relates to
federal employees, see:
http://www.osc.gov/hatchact.htm
Changing Parties for Partisan Offices
A candidate seeking to qualify as a political
party candidate may not have been a registered
member of any other political party for 365
days before the beginning of qualifying
preceding the general election for which the
person seeks to qualify. This provision also
applies to individuals seeking election to a
political party executive committee office.
(Section 99.021, F.S.)
Changing the Designation of Office
A candidate may change the designation of
office by filing a new Form DS-DE 9 and a
written statement indicating the change with
the filing officer. However, the candidate must
notify each contributor in writing and offer to
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return their contribution using the following
procedure:
• Within fifteen days after filing the change
with the filing officer the candidate must
send a written notice to all contributors.
• The candidate must offer (in the notice) to
return to the contributor on a pro rata basis
all contributions given in support of the
original office.
• The candidate must include (with the
notice) a copy of Form DS-DE 86, Request
for Return of Contribution.
• If the contributor returns Form DS-DE 86
within 30 days of receiving the notice, the
candidate must return a pro rata share of all
contributions given in support of the
original office.
• If the contributor does not return Form DS-
DE 86 within 30 days of receiving the notice,
the candidate may use the contribution for
the newly designated office up to the
maximum of the contribution limits allowed
by law. The full amount of the contribution
for the original office shall count toward the
contribution limits for the new office. Any
amount that exceeds the contribution limits
for the new office must be properly
disposed of pursuant to law. See Section
106.021 (1)(a), F.S.
If the candidate is changing the numerical
designation of the office that has resulted
solely from redistricting the above notice
requirement is unnecessary.
The following formula is used to determine the
pro rata share:
The amount of contributions contributed to the
campaign that remain in the campaign account
on the date the candidate filed the change of
designation
MINUS
The amount already obligated for goods or
services
DIVIDED BY
The total amount of contributions contributed
to the campaign
MULTIPLIED BY
The amount of the contribution contributed by
the individual contributor
Pro Rata Refund Example
The candidate received a total of $5,000 from
all contributors. Of this amount, the candidate
has $2,500 remaining in the campaign account
with an outstanding amount of $500 owed for
goods and services. This leaves $2,000 in the
account to be used for pro rata refunds. One
contributor gave a $500 original contribution
and wishes to have it returned.
$2,500 — $500 = $2,000 ÷ $5,000 = 40% x $500
= $200 pro rata refund to the contributor
(Section 106.021(1), F.S.)
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Chapter 6: Statement of Solicitation
Who Must File Form DS-DE 102, Statement of
Solicitation
The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, members
of the Cabinet, state legislators, or candidates
for such offices who directly or indirectly solicit,
cause to be solicited, or accept any contribution
on behalf of an organization that is exempt
from taxation under s. 527 or s. 501(c)(4) of the
Internal Revenue Code, which such individuals,
in whole or in part, establish, maintain, or
control, must file Form DS-DE 102.
When to File
Each office holder or candidate must file form
DS-DE 102 within 5 days after he or she directly
or indirectly solicits, causes to be solicited, or
accepts any contribution on behalf of a 527 or
501(c)(4) organization. An office holder or
candidate is required to file this form only once
for each organization.
Form DS-DE 102, Statement of Solicitation
shall be filed with the Division and, at a
minimum, must contain the following
information:
• The name of the person acting on behalf
of the organization.
• The name and type of the organization.
• A description of the relationship
between the person and the
organization.
Penalty for Late Filing
Failure to timely file Form DS-DE 102 shall
subject the person to a civil penalty of $50 per
day for each late day, payable from the
personal funds of the violator.
Public Website and Mission Statement
Upon filing Form DS-DE 102 with the Division, a
public website must be created that contains
the mission statement and the names of
persons associated with the organization. The
address of the website shall be reported to the
Division within 5 business days after the
website is created.
Additional Reporting
All contributions received shall be disclosed on
the website within 5 business days after
deposit, together with the name, address, and
occupation of the donor. All expenditures by
the organization shall be individually disclosed
on the website within 5 business days after
being made.
Important: An individual acting on behalf of his
or her own campaign, a political party, or an
affiliated party committee of which the
individual is a member is not required to file
Form DS-DE 102.
(Section 106.0701, F.S.)
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Chapter 7: Prohibited Acts
Speaking at Political Meetings
No person shall pay money or give anything of
value for the privilege of speaking at a political
meeting in the furtherance of his or her
candidacy, nor shall anyone speaking for such a
person pay money or give anything of value for
such privilege.
(Section 106.15(1), F.S.)
Using State-Owned Aircraft or Motor Vehicle
No candidate, in the furtherance of his or her
candidacy for nomination or election to public
office in any election, shall use any state-owned
aircraft or motor vehicle, as provided in
Chapter 287, F.S., solely for the purpose of
furthering his or her candidacy. However, in the
event a candidate uses any state-owned
aircraft or motor vehicle to conduct official
state business and while on such trip performs
any function in the furtherance of his or her
candidacy for nomination or election to public
office in any election, the candidate shall
prorate the expenses incurred and reimburse
the appropriate agency for any trip not
exclusively for state business and shall pay
either a prorated share of all fixed and variable
expenses related to the ownership, operation,
and use of such aircraft or one-half of the total
fixed and variable expenses related to the
ownership, operation, and use of such aircraft,
whichever is greater. The reimbursement shall
be made from the campaign account of the
candidate.
(Section 106.15(2), F.S.)
Using Services of State, County, Municipal, or
District Officers or Employees
A candidate may not, in the furtherance of his
or her candidacy for nomination or election to
public office in any election, use the services of
any state, county, municipal, or district officer
or employee of the state during working hours.
(Section 106.15(3), F.S.)
Making Contributions in the Name of Another
A person may not make any contribution
through or in the name of another, directly or
indirectly, in any election.
(Section 106.08(5), F.S.)
Solicitation from Religious, Charitable and
Civic Organizations
Candidates may not:
• Solicit contributions from any religious,
charitable, civic, or other causes or
organizations established primarily for the
public good.
• Make contributions, in exchange for
political support, to any religious,
charitable, civic, or other cause or
organizations established primarily for the
public good.
It is not a violation:
• To make gifts of money in lieu of flowers in
memory of a deceased person.
• For a candidate to continue membership in,
or make regular donations from personal or
business funds to, religious, political party,
civic, or charitable groups of which the
candidate is a member or to which the
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candidate has been a regular donor for
more than six months.
• For a candidate to purchase, with campaign
funds, tickets, admission to events, or
advertisements from religious, civic,
political party, or charitable groups.
(Section 106.08(5), F.S.,
and Division of Elections Opinion 04-03)
Accepting Contributions in a Government-
Owned Building
No person shall make and no person shall solicit
or knowingly accept any political contribution
in a building owned by a governmental entity.
“Accept” means to receive a contribution by
personal hand delivery from a contributor or
the contributor’s agent. This prohibition does
not apply when a government-owned building
or any portion thereof is rented for the specific
purpose of holding a campaign fund raiser.
(Section 106.15(4), F.S.)
Making Malicious Statements
A candidate may not, with actual malice, make
any false statement about an opposing
candidate.
(Section 104.271, F.S.)
Making False Representation of Military
Service
A candidate may not falsely represent that he
or she served or is currently serving in the
military, whether active duty, Reserve or
National Guard.
(Section 104.2715, F.S.)
Certifying a False Report
Any candidate, campaign manager, campaign
treasurer, or deputy treasurer who willfully
certifies the correctness of any report while
knowing that such report is incorrect, false, or
incomplete commits a misdemeanor of the first
degree.
(Sections 106.07(5) and 106.19, F.S.)
Limitations on Political Activity for Judicial
Candidates
A candidate for judicial office shall not:
• Participate in any partisan political party
activities, except that such candidate may
register to vote as a member of any political
party and may vote in any party primary for
candidates for nomination of the party in
which he or she is registered to vote.
• Campaign as a member of any political
party.
• Publicly represent or advertise herself or
himself as a member of any political party.
• Endorse any candidate.
• Make political speeches other than in the
candidate’s own behalf.
• Make contributions to political party funds.
• Solicit contributions for any political party.
• Accept contributions from any political
party.
• Accept or retain a place on any political
party committee.
• Make any contribution to any person,
group, or organization for its endorsement
to judicial office.
14
• Agree to pay all or any part of an
advertisement sponsored by any person,
group, or organization wherein the
candidate may be endorsed for judicial
office by any such person, group or
organization.
A candidate for judicial office or retention
therein who violates the provisions of this
section is liable for a civil fine of up to $1,000 to
be determined by the Florida Elections
Commission.
A candidate for judicial office may attend and
speak on his or her own behalf at political party
meetings and other functions. However, care
must be exercised to insure compliance with
Chapter 105, F.S., and the Code of Judicial
Conduct.
(Section 105.071, F.S.,
and Division of Elections Opinion 78-34)
15
Chapter 8: Campaign Treasurers
Appointing Campaign Treasurers and Deputy
Treasurers
Each candidate and each individual seeking
election to a political party executive
committee shall appoint a campaign treasurer
by filing Form DS-DE 9, Appointment of
Campaign Treasurer and Designation of
Campaign Depository for Candidates with the
filing officer before whom the candidate
qualifies. The name and address of the
campaign treasurer must be included on the
form. A candidate may appoint a campaign
treasurer and designate a campaign depository
at any time, but no later than the date the
candidate qualifies for office, and before any
contributions are received, any expenditures
are made, and any signatures are obtained on a
candidate petition. Nothing prohibits a person
from announcing his or her intention to
become a candidate prior to filing Form DS-DE
9, as long as no contributions are received, no
expenditures are made, and no signatures are
obtained on a candidate petition.
• A candidate or individual seeking election to
a political party executive committee must
have a campaign treasurer.
• A candidate or individual seeking election to
a political party executive committee may
appoint herself or himself as campaign
treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer.
• A candidate for statewide office (Governor,
Cabinet and Supreme Court Justice) may
appoint no more than 15 deputy campaign
treasurers. Any other candidate may
appoint no more than three deputy
campaign treasurers.
• Deputy campaign treasurers are appointed
in the same manner as the campaign
treasurer by filing Form DS-DE 9 with the
filing officer.
Form DS-DE 9:
• Must be on file with the filing officer.
• Must be signed and dated by both the
candidate or individual seeking election to a
political party executive committee and the
treasurer.
• Is not effective until it is filed with the filing
officer.
• Is not considered “filed” upon mailing.
• Must be on file with the filing officer prior
to the candidate or individual seeking
election to a political party executive
committee accepting any contributions or
making any expenditures, authorizing
another to accept contributions or make
expenditures on the person’s behalf, or
obtaining signatures on DS-DE 104,
Candidate Petition.
(Sections 99.095 and 106.021, F.S.)
Duties and Responsibilities
No contribution or expenditure, including
contributions or expenditures of a candidate or
of the candidate’s family, shall be directly or
indirectly made or received in furtherance of
the candidacy of any person for nomination or
election to political office in the state except
through the duly appointed campaign treasurer
of the candidate, subject to the following
exceptions:
• Independent expenditures;
16
• Reimbursements to a candidate or any
other individual for expenses incurred in
connection with the campaign by a check
drawn upon the campaign account and
reported pursuant to Section 106.07(4), F.S.
The full name and address of each person
to whom the candidate or other individual
made payment for which reimbursement
was made by check drawn upon the
campaign account shall be reported
pursuant to Section 106.07(4), F.S.,
together with the purpose of such payment;
• Expenditures made indirectly through a
treasurer for goods or services, such as
communications media placement or
procurement services, campaign signs,
insurance, or other expenditures that
include multiple integral components as
part of the expenditure and reported
pursuant to Section 106.07(4)(a)13.; or
• Expenditures made directly by affiliated
party committee or political party regulated
by Chapter 103, F.S., for obtaining time,
space or services in or by any
communications medium for the purpose of
jointly endorsing three or more candidates,
and any such expenditure shall not be
considered a contribution or expenditure to
or on behalf of any such candidate for the
purposes of this chapter.
The campaign treasurer:
• Shall keep detailed accounts of all
contributions received and all expenditures
made by or on behalf of the candidate. Such
accounts must be kept current within not
more than two days after the date a
contribution is received or an expenditure is
made.
• Shall deposit all funds received by the end
of the 5th business day into the campaign
depository. All deposits shall be
accompanied by a bank deposit slip
containing the name of each contributor
and the amount of each contribution.
• Shall keep detailed accounts of all deposits
made in any separate interest-bearing
account or certificate of deposit and all
withdrawals made from these accounts to
the primary depository and all interest
earned.
• Shall preserve all accounts for a number of
years equal to the term of office to which
the candidate seeks election.
• Shall file regular reports of all contributions
received and expenditures made by or on
behalf of such candidate.
• May be fined $1,000 or more or be
subjected to criminal penalties for failing to
file a campaign report or filing an
incomplete or inaccurate report.
Deputy campaign treasurers may exercise any
of the powers and duties of the campaign
treasurer when specifically authorized to do so
by the campaign treasurer and candidate.
Accounts, including separate interest-bearing
accounts and certificates of deposit, kept by the
campaign treasurer of a candidate may be
inspected under reasonable circumstances
before, during, or after the election to which
the accounts refer by any authorized
representative of the Division or the Florida
Elections Commission.
(Sections 106.021, 106.06,
106.07, 106.19 and 106.265, F.S.)
17
Resignation or Removal
IMPORTANT: When a campaign treasurer
resigns or is removed by the candidate, a copy
of the letter of resignation or removal must be
filed with the filing officer.
A campaign treasurer or deputy treasurer can
resign by:
• Submitting his or her resignation to the
candidate in writing and filing a copy with
the filing officer;
• The resignation is not effective until a copy
of the written resignation is filed with the
filing officer.
A candidate may remove the campaign
treasurer or deputy treasurer by:
• Giving written notice to the campaign
treasurer or deputy treasurer and filing a
copy with the filing officer;
• The removal is not effective until a copy of
the written notice is filed with the filing
officer.
In the case of death, resignation, or removal of
a campaign treasurer or deputy treasurer, the
candidate shall appoint a successor by
certifying the name and address to the filing
officer on Form DS-DE 9, Appointment of
Campaign Treasurer and Designation of
Campaign Depository for Candidates.
(Section 106.021(2), F.S.)
18
Chapter 9: Campaign Depositories
Primary Campaign Depository
A candidate and each individual seeking
election to a political party executive
committee must designate a primary campaign
depository with a bank, savings and loan
association, or credit union authorized to do
business in the State of Florida. The campaign
depository is designated at the same time as a
treasurer is appointed on Form DS-DE 9
(Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and
Designation of Campaign Depository for
Candidates). A candidate who seeks to qualify
by the petition process shall designate a
campaign depository prior to obtaining
signatures on petitions.
IMPORTANT: All contributions must be
deposited into such account and all
expenditures must be drawn by a check on
such account, except when paid with petty
cash. (See Chapter 11, Expenditures).
A candidate and each individual seeking
election to a political party executive
committee must file the name and address of
the primary campaign depository with the
same officer with whom the candidate files the
name of his or her campaign treasurer on Form
DS-DE 9.
The campaign account must be separate from
any personal or other account and used only
for depositing campaign contributions and
making expenditures.
Designating a campaign depository does not
mean physically opening your account. It is
merely naming the financial institution where
your campaign funds will be deposited. This is
because most banks require an initial deposit to
open a campaign account and a contribution
cannot be accepted prior to the candidate filing
Form DS-DE 9.
All funds received by the campaign treasurer
shall, prior to the end of the fifth business day
following the receipt thereof, Saturdays,
Sundays, and legal holidays excluded, be
deposited in a campaign depository designated
pursuant to Section 106.021, F.S., in an account
that contains the name of the candidate.
IMPORTANT: All deposits must be
accompanied by a bank deposit slip containing
the name of each contributor and the amount
contributed by each.
(Sections 106.021(1) and 106.05, F.S.)
Secondary Campaign Depository
A candidate may designate one secondary
depository in each county where an election is
held in which the candidate participates for the
sole purpose of depositing contributions for
transfer into the primary depository.
A candidate must file the name and address of
each secondary campaign depository with the
same officer with whom the candidate files the
name of his or her campaign treasurer on Form
DS-DE 9.
If a contribution is deposited in a secondary
depository, the depository shall forward the full
amount of the deposit, along with a copy of the
deposit slip, to the primary depository prior to
the end of the first business day following the
deposit.
(Sections 106.021(1) and 106.05, F.S.)
Separate Interest-Bearing Accounts and
Certificates of Deposit
In the event funds are available in the primary
campaign depository that are not currently
19
needed for the disbursement of expenditures,
the campaign treasurer or deputy campaign
treasurer may deposit such funds into a
separate interest-bearing account designated
as "(Name of Candidate) Separate Interest-
Bearing Campaign Account" or may purchase a
certificate of deposit with the available funds.
Any bank, savings and loan association, or
credit union authorized to transact business in
Florida may be used for this purpose. The
separate interest-bearing account or certificate
of deposit shall be separate from any personal
or other separate interest-bearing account or
certificate of deposit.
Any withdrawal from a separate interest-
bearing account or certificate of deposit of the
principal or earned interest or any part thereof
shall be made only for the purpose of
transferring funds to the primary campaign
account.
(Section 106.021(1), F.S.)
Campaign Checks
IMPORTANT: When issuing checks from the
campaign account, the campaign treasurer or
deputy treasurer shall be responsible for the
completeness and accuracy of the information
on such check and for insuring that such
expenditure is an authorized expenditure.
Campaign checks must contain the following
information:
• The name of the campaign account of the
candidate
• Account number and name of bank,
• The exact amount of the expenditure,
• The signature of the campaign treasurer or
deputy treasurer,
• The exact purpose of the expenditure, and
• The name of the payee.
• This information may be typed or hand-
printed on starter checks provided by the
bank until printed checks arrive.
(Section 106.11(1), F.S.)
Example of Campaign Check:
Debit Cards
(See Chapter 11, Expenditures.)
A candidate may use a debit card to make
campaign expenditures.
• Must be obtained from the same bank that
has been designated as the primary
campaign depository.
• Must be issued in the name of the
treasurer, deputy treasurer, or authorized
user and state the name of the campaign
account of the candidate.
• No more than three debit cards shall be
issued.
(Section 106.11(2), F.S., and Division of
Elections Opinion 00-03)
20
Credit Cards
(See Chapter 11, Expenditures.)
Candidates for statewide office (Governor,
Cabinet, and Supreme Court Justice) may
obtain and use credit cards for travel-related
campaign expenditures if the following
conditions are met:
• Must be obtained from the bank which has
been designated as the primary campaign
depository.
• Shall be in the name of the candidate and
reflect that the account is a campaign
account.
• Prior to use, a copy of the agreement or
contract between the candidate and the
bank, and a list of all persons authorized to
use the card shall be filed with the Division.
• Must expire no later than midnight of the
last day of the month of the general
election.
• Billing statements shall be paid upon
receipt.
• Campaign travel-related expenditures shall
include transportation, lodging, meals, and
other expense incurred in connection with
traveling for campaign purposes.
21
Chapter 10: Contributions
A contribution is:
• A gift, subscription, conveyance, deposit,
loan, payment or distribution of money or
anything of value made for the purpose of
influencing the results of an election or
making an electioneering communication.
These include contributions in-kind, having
an attributable monetary value in any form;
• A transfer of funds between political
committees, between electioneering
communications organizations, or between
any combination of these groups;
• The payment, by any person other than a
candidate, of compensation for the
personal services of another person which
are rendered to a candidate without charge
to the candidate for such services; or
• The transfer of funds by a campaign
treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer
between a primary depository and a
separate interest-bearing account or
certificate of deposit. The term includes any
interest earned on such account or
certificate.
The exceptions are:
• Services provided without compensation by
individuals volunteering a portion or all of
their time on behalf of a candidate
including, but not limited to, legal and
accounting services;
• Editorial endorsements.
IMPORTANT: The law provides no exceptions
for reporting contribution information,
regardless of the size of the contribution (e.g.,
the reporting requirements would be the same
for a 50 cent contribution as for a $500
contribution).
(Section 106.011(5), F.S.)
Unauthorized Contributions
Any contribution received by a candidate with
opposition in an election or by the campaign
treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer on the
day of that election or less than five days prior
to the day of the election must be returned to
the contributor and may not be used or
expended by or on behalf of the candidate.
(Section 106.08(3), F.S.)
Anonymous Contributions
When a candidate receives an anonymous
contribution it must be reported on the
candidate's campaign treasurer's report as an
anonymous contribution. A letter should be
submitted to the filing officer explaining the
circumstances surrounding the acceptance of
the anonymous contribution.
The candidate cannot spend the anonymous
contribution, but at the end of the campaign
can donate the amount to an appropriate
entity under Section 106.141, F.S.
(Division of Elections Opinion 89-02)
In-Kind Contributions
In-kind contributions are anything of value
made for the purpose of influencing the results
of an election.
The exceptions are:
• Money;
22
• Personal services provided without
compensation by individual volunteers;
• Independent expenditures, as defined in
Section 106.011(5), F.S.; or
• Endorsements of three or more candidates
by affiliated party committees or political
parties.
(Section 106.011, F.S.; and
Division of Elections Opinion 04-06)
Any person who makes an in-kind contribution
shall, at the time of making the contribution,
place a fair market value on the contribution.
In-kind contributions are subject to
contribution limitations. Travel conveyed upon
private aircraft shall be valued at the actual
cost of per person commercial air travel for the
same or a substantially similar route.
(Section 106.055, F.S., and
Division of Elections Opinion 09-08)
Loans
Loans are considered contributions and are
subject to contribution limitations. Loans to or
from each person or political committee must
be reported together with names, addresses,
occupations, and principal places of business, if
any, of the lenders and endorsers, including the
date and amount of each loan on the campaign
treasurer’s report.
Loans made by a candidate to his or her own
campaign are not subject to contribution
limitations. A candidate who makes a loan to
his or her campaign and reports the loan as
required by Section 106.07, F.S. may be
reimbursed for the loan at any time the
campaign account has sufficient funds to repay
the loan and satisfy its other obligations.
All personal loans exceeding $500 in value,
made to a candidate and used for campaign
purposes and made in the twelve months
preceding his or her election to office, must be
reported on Forms DS-DE 73 and 73A,
Campaign Loans Report, and filed with the
filing officer within ten days after being elected
to office. Loan reports filed with the Division
must be filed using the Electronic Filing System
(EFS).
Any person who makes a contribution to pay all
or part of a loan incurred in the twelve months
preceding the election, to be used for the
campaign, may not contribute more than the
amount allowed in Section 106.08(1), F.S.
(Sections 106.011, 106.07
and 106.075, F.S.)
Cash Contributions
A candidate may not accept an aggregate cash
contribution or contribution by means of a
cashier’s check from the same contributor in
excess of $50 per election. A money order or
traveler’s check is not considered cash.
IMPORTANT: Cash contributions should be
reported on campaign treasurer’s reports to
include the full name and address of each
person who gave a cash contribution during the
reporting period, together with the amount and
date of such cash contribution.
(Sections 106.07(4) and 106.09, F.S., and
Division of Elections Opinion 90-15.)
Debit and Credit Card Contributions
A candidate may accept contributions via a
credit card or debit card. These contributions
are categorized as a "check" for reporting
purposes.
(Division of Elections Opinions
94-02 and 00-03)
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Contribution Limits for Candidates
IMPORTANT: Except for political parties or
affiliated party committees, no person or
political committee may make contributions in
excess of: (1) $3,000 to a candidate for
statewide office or for retention as a justice of
the Supreme Court. Candidates for the offices
of Governor and Lieutenant Governor on the
same ticket are considered a single candidate
for the purpose of this section; (2) $1,000 to a
candidate for retention as a judge of a district
court of appeal; a candidate for legislative
office; a candidate for multicounty office; a
candidate for county-wide office or in any
election conducted on less than a countywide
basis; or a candidate for county court judge or
circuit judge. The primary and general elections
are separate elections. (See Glossary for the
definition of “person.”)
(Section 106.08(1)(a) F.S.)
These limits do not apply to contributions
made by a state or county executive
committee of a political party or affiliated
party committee regulated by Chapter 103,
F.S., or to amounts contributed by a candidate
to his own campaign. The contribution limits
do not apply to individuals seeking election to
a political party executive committee because
they are not “candidates.”
A candidate may not:
• Accept contributions until Form DS-DE 9,
Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and
Designation of Campaign Depository for
Candidates, is filed with the filing officer;
• Accept a contribution in excess of the above
limits from any one person per election,
provided the candidate is an opposed
candidate and the contribution is received
within the timeframe applicable to each
election;
• Accept contributions from family members
in excess of the above limits per election;
• Accept contributions from a county
executive committee of a political party
whose contributions in the aggregate
exceed $50,000, or from the national or
state executive committees of a political
party, including any subordinate committee
of such political party or affiliated party
committees, who contributions in the
aggregate exceed $50,000. Polling services,
research services, cost for campaign staff,
professional consulting services, and
telephone calls are not contributions to be
counted toward the contribution limits, but
must still be reported by the candidate. All
other contributions are counted toward the
contribution limits;
• A candidate for statewide (Governor,
Cabinet and Supreme Court Justice) office
may not accept contributions from a
national, state, or county executive
committee of a political party, including any
subordinate committee of a national, state,
or county committee of a political party, or
affiliated party committee, which
contributions in the aggregate exceed
$250,000; or
• Accept contributions after the date he or
she withdraws his or her candidacy, is
defeated, becomes unopposed or is
elected.
(Sections 106.08 and 106.19, F.S.)
Foreign Contributions
Federal law prohibits contributions from
foreign nationals to any federal, state, or local
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candidate, unless the foreign national
possesses a green card. Further information
can be accessed by contacting the Federal
Election Commission at 1-800-424-9530 or on
their website at www.fec.gov.
Violations
Any candidate, campaign manager, campaign
treasurer, or deputy treasurer of any candidate,
agent or person acting on behalf of any
candidate, or other person who knowingly and
willfully:
• Accepts a contribution in excess of the
limits prescribed by Section 106.08, F.S.;
• Fails to report any contribution required to
be reported by Chapter 106, F.S.;
• Falsely reports or deliberately fails to
include any information required by
Chapter 106, F.S.; or
• Makes or authorizes any expenditure in
violation of Section 106.11(4), F.S., or any
other expenditure prohibited by Chapter
106, F.S.; is guilty of a misdemeanor of the
first degree, punishable as provided in
Section 775.082 or Section 775.083, F.S.
(Section 106.19, F.S.)
2014 Deadlines for Accepting Contributions
Any contribution received by a candidate with
opposition in an election, or the campaign
treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer, on the
day of that election or less than five days prior
to the day of that election must be returned to
the contributor. It may not be used or
expended by or on behalf of the candidate.
(See Appendix B for 2014 Deadlines)
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Chapter 11: Expenditures
Definition
An expenditure is a purchase, payment,
distribution, loan, advance, transfer of funds by
a campaign treasurer or deputy campaign
treasurer between a primary depository and a
separate interest-bearing account or certificate
of deposit, or gift of money or anything of value
made for the purpose of influencing the results
of an election or making an electioneering
communication.
General Requirements
A candidate shall:
• Pay all campaign expenditures by a check
drawn on the campaign account (except
petty cash);
• Pay the qualifying fee by a check drawn on
the campaign account;
• Pay for all expenses authorized or incurred
for the purchase of goods or services upon
final delivery and acceptance of the goods
or services; and
• Pay for public utilities such as telephone,
electric, gas, water and like services when
the bill is received. Utility companies
providing services to candidates must
charge a deposit sufficient to meet all
anticipated charges during a billing period.
IMPORTANT: No candidate, campaign
manager, treasurer, deputy treasurer, or any
person acting on behalf of the foregoing, shall
authorize any expenses, unless there are
sufficient funds on deposit in the primary
depository account of the candidate to pay the
full amount of the authorized expense, to
honor all other checks draw on such account,
which checks are outstanding, and to meet all
expenses previously authorized but not yet
paid.
Sufficient funds means that the funds at issue
have been delivered for deposit to the financial
institution at which such account is maintained
and not that such funds are available for
withdrawal in accordance with the deposit
rules or the funds availability policies of such
financial institution.
Checks
IMPORTANT: Only a campaign treasurer or
deputy campaign treasurer is allowed to sign
checks drawn on the campaign account. The
campaign treasurer or deputy campaign
treasurer who signs a check shall be responsible
for the completeness and accuracy of the
information on the check and for ensuring it is
an authorized expenditure. Candidates are
prohibited from signing campaign checks
unless they have appointed themselves
campaign treasurer or deputy treasurer.
A candidate or other individual may be
reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection
with the campaign by a check drawn on the
campaign account and reported pursuant to
Section 106.07(4), F.S. The full name and
address of each person to whom the candidate
or other individual made payment for which
reimbursement was made by check drawn
upon the campaign account shall be reported
pursuant to Section 106.07(4), F.S., together
with the purpose of such payment.
Living Expenses
A candidate or the spouse of a candidate may
not use campaign funds to defray normal living
26
expenses for the candidate or the candidate’s
immediate family other than expenses actually
incurred during the campaign for
transportation, meals and lodging.
(Sections 106.011(10), 106.021(3),
106.14 and 106.1405, F.S.)
Petty Cash Funds
A campaign treasurer may provide a petty cash
fund for the candidate. To establish a petty
cash fund, the campaign treasurer must write a
check drawn on the primary campaign account.
Petty cash may only be used for office supplies,
transportation expenses, and other necessities.
A candidate must:
• Spend petty cash in amounts of less than
$100;
• Report the total amount withdrawn and the
total amount spent for petty cash in each
reporting period;
• Keep complete records of petty cash
although each expenditure does not have to
be reported individually;
• Not mix cash contributions with petty cash;
and
• Not use petty cash for the purchase of time,
space, or services from any communications
media.
Limits on Petty Cash Fund Amounts
From the day a candidate appoints his or her
campaign treasurer until the last day a
candidate can qualify for office, the campaign
treasurer may withdraw from the campaign
account for the purpose of providing a petty
cash fund for the candidate:
• $500 per calendar quarter.
After qualifying is over and until the election in
which the candidate is eliminated or elected to
office or the time in which the candidate
becomes unopposed, the treasurer may
withdraw:
• $500 per week for all statewide (Governor,
Cabinet, and Supreme Court Justice)
candidates.
• $100 per week for all other candidates.
(Sections 106.07 and 106.12, F.S., and
Division of Elections Opinion 06-10)
Independent Expenditures
An independent expenditure means an
expenditure made by a person for the purpose
of expressly advocating the election or defeat
of a candidate, which expenditure is not
controlled by, coordinated with, or made upon
consultation with, any candidate or agent of
such candidate. An expenditure for such
purpose by a person having a contract with the
candidate or agent of such candidate in a given
election period is not an independent
expenditure.
Expressly advocates means any communication
which uses phrases including, but not limited
to: “vote for”, “elect,” “support,” “cast your
ballot for,” “Smith for Congress,” “vote
against,” “defeat,” “oppose,” and “reject.”
If the independent expenditure is, in the
aggregate, in the amount of $5000 or more, the
person must file reports with the candidate’s
filing officer in the same manner and time as a
political committee.
Political advertisements paid for by an
independent expenditure must contain the
following statement: “Paid political
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advertisement paid for by (name and address
of person paying for the advertisement)
independently of any (candidate or
committee).”
However, an expenditure for the purpose of
expressly advocating the election or defeat of a
candidate which is made by the national, state,
or county executive committee of a political
party, including any subordinate committee of
a national, state, or county committee of a
political party, an affiliated party committee, or
by any political committee, or any other
person, is not considered an independent
expenditure if the committee or person:
1. Communicates with the candidate, the
candidate's campaign, or an agent of the
candidate acting on behalf of the candidate,
including a pollster, media consultant,
advertising agency, vendor, advisor, or staff
member concerning the preparation of, use
of, or payment for, the specific expenditure
or advertising campaign at issue; or
2. Makes a payment in cooperation,
consultation, or concert with, at the request
or suggestion of, or pursuant to any general
or particular understanding with the
candidate, the candidate's campaign, a
political committee supporting the
candidate, or an agent of the candidate
relating to the specific expenditure or
advertising campaign at issue; or
3. Makes a payment for the dissemination,
distribution, or republication, in whole or in
part, of a broadcast or a written, graphic, or
other form of campaign material prepared
by the candidate, the candidate's campaign,
or an agent of the candidate, including a
pollster, media consultant, advertising
agency, vendor, advisor, or staff member;
or
4. Makes a payment based on information
about the candidate's plans, projects, or
needs communicated to a member of the
committee or person by the candidate or
any agent of the candidate, provided the
committee or person uses the information
in any way, in whole or in part, either
directly or indirectly, to design, prepare, or
pay for the specific expenditure or
advertising campaign at issue;
5. After the last day of the qualifying period
prescribed for the candidate, there is a
consultation about the candidate's plans,
projects, or needs in connection with the
candidate's pursuit of election to office and
the information is used in any way to plan,
create, design, or prepare an independent
expenditure or advertising campaign with:
o An officer, director, employee or agent
of a national, state or county executive
committee of a political party or an
affiliated party committee that has
made or intends to make expenditures
in connection with or contributions to
the candidate; or
o A person whose professional services
have been retained by a national, state
or county executive committee of a
political party that has made or intends
to make expenditures in connection
with or contributions to the candidate;
6. After the last day of the qualifying period
prescribed for the candidate, retains the
professional services of any person also
providing those services to the candidate in
connection with the candidate's pursuit of
election to office; or
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7. Arranges, coordinates, or directs the
expenditure, in any way, with the candidate
or an agent of the candidate.
(Sections 106.011(12),
and 106.071, F.S.)
Credit Cards
Candidates for statewide office (Governor,
Cabinet, and Supreme Court Justice) may
obtain a credit card under the following
conditions:
• For use in making travel-related campaign
expenditures to include transportation,
lodging, meals, and other travel expenses
incurred.
• It must be obtained from the same bank
designated as the primary campaign
depository.
• It must be in the name of the candidate and
reflect that it is a campaign account.
• A copy of the agreement or contract
between the candidate and bank, along
with a list of all persons authorized to use
the card, must be filed with the Division of
Elections prior to being used.
• The credit card must expire no later than
midnight of the last day of the month of the
general election.
• Each statement received from the issuer of
the credit card must be paid upon receipt.
(Section 106.125, F.S.)
Debit Cards
Debit cards may be used in lieu of campaign
checks and are considered bank checks if:
• Obtained from the same bank as the
primary campaign depository.
• Issued in the name of the treasurer, deputy
treasurer, or authorized user.
• Contains the name of the campaign account
of the candidate.
• No more than three are issued.
• The person using the card does not receive
cash as part of, or independent of, any
transaction for goods or services.
All debit card receipts must contain:
• Last four digits of the debit card number.
• Exact amount of expenditure.
• Name of payee.
• Signature of campaign treasurer, deputy
treasurer, or authorized user.
• Exact purpose of expenditure.
Any of the above listed information, if not
included on the receipt, may be handwritten
on, or attached to, the receipt by the
authorized user before submitting to the
campaign treasurer. The debit card user shall
be responsible for the completeness and
accuracy of the information and for insuring
that such expenditure is authorized.
(Section 106.11, F.S)
Electioneering Communications
Electioneering communication means a
communication publicly distributed by a
television station, radio station, cable television
29
system, satellite system, newspaper, magazine,
direct mail, or telephone that:
• Refers to or depicts a clearly identified
candidate for office without expressly
advocating the election or defeat of a
candidate but that is susceptible of no
reasonable interpretation other than an
appeal to vote for or against a specific
candidate;
• Is made within 30 days before a primary or
special primary election or 60 days before
any other election for the office sought by
the candidate; and
• Is targeted to the relevant electorate in the
geographical area the candidate would
represent if elected.
The exceptions are:
1. A communication disseminated through a
means of communication other than a
television station, radio station, cable
television system, satellite system,
newspaper, magazine, direct mail,
telephone, or statement or depiction by an
organization, in existence before the time
during which a candidate named or
depicted qualifies for that election, made in
that organization’s newsletter distributed
only to members of that organization;
2. A communication in a news story,
commentary or editorial distributed
through the facilities of any radio station,
television station, cable television system,
or satellite system unless the facilities are
owned or controlled by a political party,
political committee, or candidate. A news
story distributed through the facilities
owned or controlled by a political party,
political committee, or candidate may
nevertheless be exempt if it represents a
bona fide news account communicated
through a licensed broadcasting facility and
the communication is part of a general
pattern of campaign-related news accounts
that give reasonably equal coverage to all
opposing candidates in the area;
3. A communication that constitutes a public
debate or forum that includes at least two
opposing candidates for an office or one
advocate and one opponent of an issue, or
that solely promotes such a debate or
forum and is made by or on behalf of the
person sponsoring the debate or forum,
provided that the staging organization:
o Is either a charitable organization that
does not make other electioneering
communications and does not
otherwise support or oppose any
political candidate or political party; or a
newspaper, radio station, television
station, or other recognized news
medium; and
o Does not structure the debate to
promote or advance one candidate or
issue position over another.
Expenditures for Electioneering
Communications
An expenditure made for, or in furtherance of,
an electioneering communication shall not be
considered a contribution to or on behalf of any
candidate and shall not constitute an
independent expenditure, nor be subject to the
limitations applicable to independent
expenditures.
An expenditure for an electioneering
communication is made when the earliest of
the following occurs:
30
• A person executes a contract for applicable
goods or services;
• A person makes payment, in whole or in
part, for the production or public
dissemination of applicable goods or
services; or
• The electioneering communication is
publicly disseminated.
(Sections 106.011(10) and (8), F.S.)
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Chapter 12: Political Advertising
A political advertisement is a paid expression in
a communications medium prescribed in
section 106.011(4) F.S., whether radio,
television, newspaper, magazine, periodical,
campaign literature, direct mail, or display or by
means other than the spoken word in direct
conversation, which expressly advocates the
election or defeat of a candidate or the
approval or rejection of an issue.
(Section 106.011(15), F.S.)
Candidate Disclaimers
Except as noted below, any political
advertisement that is paid for by a candidate
(except a write-in candidate) and that is
published, displayed, or circulated before, or on
the day of, any election must prominently
state:
“Political advertisement paid for and approved
by (name of candidate), (party affiliation) for
(office sought)” or “Paid by (name of
candidate), (party affiliation), for (office
sought).”
Any political advertisement that is paid for by
a write-in candidate and that is published,
displayed, or circulated before, or on the day
of, any election must prominently state:
“Political advertisement paid for and approved
by (name of candidate), write-in candidate, for
(office sought)” or “Paid by (name of
candidate), write-in candidate, for (office
sought).”
(Section 106.143(1), F.S.)
Also, the disclaimer language alternatives
provided above must be verbatim as quoted in
s. 106.143, F.S. Variations are prohibited by
law.
Any political advertisement of a candidate
running for partisan office shall express the
name of the political party of which the
candidate is seeking nomination or is the
nominee.
If the candidate for partisan office is running
as a candidate with no party affiliation, any
advertisement of the candidate must state that
the candidate has no party affiliation. A
candidate who is registered in a political party
may run as a candidate with “no party
affiliation” without changing his or her
registration.
The candidate shall provide a written
statement of authorization to the newspaper,
radio station, television station, or other
medium for each advertisement submitted for
publication, display, broadcast, or other
distribution.
Candidates running for non-partisan office may
not state the candidate’s political party
affiliation in the disclaimer, or in the body of
the advertisement. Exception: The candidate is
not prohibited from stating the candidate’s
partisan related experience.
(Sections 106.143(3) and (5), F.S.)
Exceptions to Disclaimer Requirements
The disclaimer requirement in section
106.143(1), Florida Statutes, does not apply to
any campaign message or political
advertisement used by a candidate and the
candidate’s supporters or by a political
committee if the message or advertisement is:
(a) Designed to be worn by a person.
(b) Placed as a paid link on an Internet website
provided the message or advertisement is no
more than 200 characters in length and the link
32
directs the user to another Internet website
that complies with the disclaimer requirements
in section 106.143(1), Florida Statutes.
(c) Placed as a graphic or picture link where
compliance with the requirements of this
section is not reasonably practical due to the
size of the graphic or picture link and the link
directs the user to another Internet website
that complies with section 106.143(1), Florida
Statutes.
(d) Placed at no cost on an Internet website for
which there is no cost to post content for public
users.
(e) Placed or distributed on an unpaid profile or
account which is available to the public without
charge or on a social networking Internet
website, as long as the source of the message
or advertisement is patently clear from the
content or format of the message or
advertisement. A candidate or political
committee may prominently display a
statement indicating that the website or
account is an official website or account of the
candidate or political committee and is
approved by the candidate or political
committee. A website or account may not be
marked as official without prior approval by the
candidate or political committee.
(f) Distributed as a text message or other
message via Short Message Service, provided
the message is no more than 200 characters in
length or requires the recipient to sign up or
opt in to receive it.
(g) Connected with or included in any software
application or accompanying function, provided
that the user signs up, opts in, downloads, or
otherwise accesses the application from or
through a website that complies with section
106.143(1), Florida Statutes.
(h) Sent by a third-party user from or through a
campaign or committee's website, provided the
website complies with section 106.143(1),
Florida Statutes.
(i) Contained in or distributed through any
other technology-related item, service, or
device for which compliance with section
106.143(1), Florida Statutes, is not reasonably
practical due to the size or nature of such item,
service, or device as available, or the means of
displaying the message or advertisement makes
compliance with section 106.143(1), Florida
Statutes, impracticable
(Section 106.143(10), F.S.)
Disclaimer requirements do not apply to
individuals seeking a publicly elected position
on a political party executive committee.
33
Examples of advertisements with disclaimers:
Note: The word “elect” or “re-elect” is not required to be used in political advertisements. However,
the word "re-elect" may not be used if the candidate is not the incumbent for the office sought.
1. Non-incumbent, partisan candidate running for partisan office:
OR
2. Incumbent, partisan candidate running for partisan office:
OR
3. Non-incumbent, no party affiliation candidate running for partisan office:
OR
34
4. Non-incumbent candidate running for nonpartisan office:
OR
5. Incumbent candidate running for nonpartisan office:
OR
35
Disclaimer for Write-in Candidates
Any political advertisement that is paid for by a write-in candidate and that is published, or circulated
before, or on the day of, any election must prominently state: “political advertisement paid for and
approved by…(name of candidate)…, write-in candidate, for… (office sought)…” OR “Paid by… (name of
candidate)…, write-in candidate, for…(office sought)…”
Example:
OR
Non-incumbent Advertisements
Required:
The word "for" must be used in the body of such advertisement between the name of the candidate
and the office sought. This does not apply to bumper stickers, or if the advertisement satisfies one of
the exceptions in section 106.143(10), Florida Statutes.
Example:
OR
36
Advertisement Provided In-kind
Required:
Political advertisements made as in-kind contributions from a political party must prominently state:
“Paid political advertisement paid for by in-kind by (name of political party) Approved by (name of
person, party affiliation, and office sought in the political advertisement)”.
Example:
Note: A candidate running for an office that has a district,
group, or seat number does not have to indicate the district,
group, or seat number in the political advertisement or
disclaimer.
37
Chapter 13: Other Disclaimers
Any political advertisement not paid for by a candidate that is published, displayed, or circulated prior
to, or on the day of, any election must prominently be marked “paid political advertisement” or “pd.
pol. adv.” and must state the name and address of the persons paying for the advertisement.
The political advertisement must also state whether the advertisement and cost of production is paid
for or provided in-kind by or at the expense of the entity publishing, displaying, broadcasting, or
circulating the political advertisement.
(Section 106.143(1)(c), F.S.)
Endorsements in Political Advertisements
It is unlawful for any candidate or person on behalf of a candidate to represent that any person or
organization supports such candidate, unless the person or organization so represented has given
specific approval in writing to the candidate to make such representation. However, this paragraph
does not apply to editorial endorsement by any newspaper, radio or television station, or other
recognized news medium; and publication by a party committee advocating the candidacy of its
nominees.
(Section 106.143(4), F.S.)
Example:
1. Political advertisement for a candidate representing that an organization supports him, paid for
in-kind by the organization, with specific approval from the organization in writing:
38
Independent Expenditure Disclaimers
Any person who makes an independent expenditure for a political advertisement shall provide a
written statement that no candidate has approved the advertisement to the newspaper, radio station,
television station, or other medium for each such advertisement submitted for publication, display,
broadcast, or other distribution. The advertisement must also contain a statement that no candidate
has approved the advertisement. This paragraph does not apply to campaign messages used by a
candidate and his or her supporters if those messages are designed to be worn by a person.
(Sections 106.143(5)(b) and (10), F.S.)
Example:
1. Independent expenditure political advertisement supporting a partisan candidate running for a
partisan office:
39
Disclaimers for Other than Independent Expenditures
Any political advertisement, not paid for by a candidate, including those paid for by a political party or
affiliated party committee, other than an independent expenditure, offered on behalf of a candidate
must be approved in advance by the candidate. Such political advertisement must expressly state that
the content of the advertisement was approved by the candidate and must state who paid for the
advertisement. The candidate shall provide a written statement of authorization to the newspaper,
radio station, television station, or other medium for each such advertisement submitted for
publication, display, broadcast, or other distribution. This paragraph does not apply to messages used
by a candidate and his or her supporters if those messages are designed to be worn by a person.
(Section 106.143(5)(a) and (10), F.S.)
Example:
1. Political advertisement, not an independent expenditure, offered on behalf of a nonpartisan
candidate:
40
Disclaimers on Novelty Items
None of the requirements of Section 106.143, Florida Statutes, apply to novelty items having a retail
value of $10 or less which support, but do not oppose, a candidate or issue.
(Section 106.143(8), F.S.)
Examples:
Pens/Pencils Golf Balls Balloons
Language Other Than English
Any political advertisement which is published, displayed, or produced in a language other than English
may provide the information required by Section 106.143, Florida Statutes, in the language used in the
advertisement.
(Section 106.143(9), F.S.)
Electioneering Communications Disclaimers
Any electioneering communication, other than a telephone call, shall prominently state “Paid
electioneering communication paid for by… (Name and address of person paying for the
communication)….” For disclaimers on telephone calls, see Chapter 16, Solicitation. Any person who
fails to include the disclaimer in any electioneering communication that is required to contain such
disclaimer commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in Section 775.082 or
775.083, F.S.
(Section 106.1439, F.S.)
Other Political Disclaimer Examples
Billboards:
41
None of the requirements of Section 106.143, Florida Statutes, to include political disclaimers, apply to
campaign messages or political advertisements used by a candidate and the candidate’s supporters or
by a political committee if the message advertised is designed to be worn by a person.
(Section 106.143(10), F.S.)
Bumper stickers:
NOTE: On bumper stickers, there is no requirement to use the word “for” between the candidate’s
name and the office being sought in the body of the bumper sticker.
(Section 106.143(6), F.S.)
Jane Doe
State Senate, District 17
Paid by Jane Doe, Rep., for State Senate
42
Miscellaneous Advertisements
Any advertisement, other than a political advertisement, independent expenditure, or electioneering
communication, on billboards, bumper stickers, radio, or television, or in a newspaper, a magazine, or
a periodical, intended to influence public policy or the vote of a public official, shall clearly designate
the sponsor of such advertisement by including a clearly readable statement of sponsorship. If the
advertisement is broadcast on television, the advertisement shall also contain a verbal statement of
sponsorship. This section shall not apply to an editorial endorsement.
(Section 106.1437, F.S.)
Example of an advertisement to influence the vote of a public official:
An expenditure made for, or in furtherance of, a miscellaneous advertisement is not considered to be a
contribution to or on behalf of a candidate, and does not constitute an independent expenditure. Such
expenditures are not subject to the limitations applicable to independent expenditures.
Use of Closed Captioning and Descriptive Narrative in all Television Broadcasts
Each candidate, political party, and political committee must use closed captioning and descriptive
narrative in all television broadcasts regulated by the Federal Communications Commission that are on
behalf of, or sponsored by, a candidate, political party, affiliated party committee, or political
committee or must file a written statement with the qualifying officer setting forth the reasons for not
doing so. Failure to file this statement with the qualifying officer constitutes a violation of the Florida
Election Code and is under the jurisdiction of the Florida Elections Commission.
(Section 106.165, F.S.)
43
Chapter 14: Fund Raisers
A campaign fund raiser is any affair held to
raise funds to be used in a campaign for public
office. Campaign fund raisers may not be held
until the person becomes a candidate.
(Sections 106.011(1) and 106.025, F.S.)
Contributions from Fund Raisers
All monies and contributions received with
respect to a campaign fund raiser are campaign
contributions. All contributions are subject to
the contribution limits contained in Section
106.08, F.S., and are to be accounted for and
reported as any other contribution.
(Section 106.025, F.S.)
Expenditures for Fund Raisers
All expenditures with respect to a campaign
fund raiser which are made or reimbursed by a
check drawn on the campaign account of the
candidate are campaign expenditures. All
expenditures must be accounted for and are
subject to the same restrictions as other
campaign expenditures.
(Section 106.025, F.S.)
Tickets
Any tickets or advertising for a campaign fund
raiser must comply with the requirements of
section 106.143, Florida Statutes.
(Section 106.025, F.S.)
44
Chapter 15: Telephone Solicitation
Telephone Solicitation
Disclosure requirements:
1. Any telephone call, including an
electioneering communication telephone
call, shall identify the persons or
organizations sponsoring the call by stating
either: “Paid for by … (name or persons or
organizations sponsoring the call) … “ or
“Paid for on behalf of … (name of persons
or organizations authorizing call)….” This
telephone disclaimer does not apply to any
telephone call in which the individual
making the call is not being paid and the
individuals participating in the call know
each other prior to the call.
(Section 106.1439(2)
and 106.147(1)(a), F.S.)
2. Any telephone call conducted for the
purpose of polling respondents concerning
a candidate that is a part of a series of like
telephone calls that consists of fewer than
1,000 completed calls and averages more
than two minutes in duration is presumed
to be a political poll and not subject to the
provisions of the above paragraph.
3. Prohibitions:
a. No telephone call shall state or imply
that the caller represents any person or
organization unless the person or
organization so represented has given
specific approval in writing to make
such representation.
b. No telephone call shall state or imply
that the caller represents a nonexistent
person or organization.
4. Written Authorization Requirements: Any
telephone call, not conducted by
independent expenditure, which expressly
advocates for or against a candidate,
requires prior written authorization by the
candidate. A copy of such written
authorization must be placed on file with
the qualifying officer by the candidate prior
to the time the calls commence.
5. Penalties: Any person who willfully violates
any provision of this section commits a
misdemeanor of the first degree,
punishable as provided in Section 775.082
or Section 775.083, F.S.
The term “person” includes any candidate; any
officer of any political committee, affiliated
party committee, or political party executive
committee; any officer, partner, attorney, or
other representative of a corporation,
partnership, or other business entity; and any
agent or other person acting on behalf of any
candidate, political committee, affiliated party
committee, political party executive
committee, or corporation, partnership, or
other business entity.
(Section 106.147, F.S.)
Registered Agent
1. Disclosure requirements:
a. Any person or organization that
conducts any business in this state
which consists of making paid telephone
calls supporting or opposing any
candidate or elected public official
must, prior to conducting such business,
have and continuously maintain, for at
least 180 days following the cessation of
such business activities in the state, a
registered agent for the purpose of any
service of process, notice, or demand
45
required or authorized by law and must
file with the Division of Elections a
notice of such registered agent. Such
registered agent must be an individual
who is a resident of this state, a
domestic corporation, or a foreign
corporation authorized to do business in
this state. However, this section does
not apply to any person or organization
already lawfully registered to conduct
business in this state.
b. Conducting business in this state as
specified in the preceding paragraph
includes both placing telephone calls
from a location in this state and placing
telephone calls from a location outside
this state to individuals located in this
state.
c. Form DS-DE 100, Telephone
Solicitation, Registered Agent Notice,
shall be filed with the Division of
Elections and, at a minimum, must elicit
all of the following information:
i. The name, address, and
telephone number of the
registered agent.
ii. The name, address, and
telephone number of the person
or organization conducting
business in this state as
specified.
iii. The Division of Elections must be
notified immediately of any
changes in the information
required in a. above.
2. Violations: Any person or organization that
violates this section commits a
misdemeanor of the first degree,
punishable as provided in Section 775.082
or Section 775.083, F.S.
(Section 106.1475, F.S.)
46
Chapter 16: Filing Campaign Reports
Each campaign treasurer designated by a
candidate shall file regular reports of all
contributions received and all expenditures
made by or on behalf of such candidate.
The candidate and his or her campaign
treasurer shall certify as to the correctness of
each report. Each person so certifying shall
bear the responsibility for the accuracy and
veracity of each report. Any campaign treasurer
or candidate who willfully certifies the
correctness of any report while knowing that
such report is incorrect, false or incomplete
commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(Section 106.07, F.S.)
Where to File
A campaign treasurer is required to file campaign
treasurer’s reports with the officer with whom the
candidate registers.
Candidates filing reports with the Division are
required to file by means of the Electronic Filing
System. If the candidate’s filing officer is other than
the Division, contact the appropriate filing officer to
find out the requirements.
The web address for filing online with the Division
is: https://efs.dos.state.fl.us
(Section 106.07(2), F.S.)
When to File
Reports must be filed on the 10th day following
the end of each calendar month from the time
the candidate registers, except that if the 10th
day occurs on a Saturday, Sunday or legal
holiday, the report shall be filed on the next
business day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or
legal holiday.
A statewide candidate must file reports:
1. On the 60th day immediately preceding
the primary election, and each week
thereafter, with the last weekly report
being filed on the 4th day immediately
preceding the general election.
2. On the 10th day immediately preceding
the general election, and each day
thereafter, with the last daily report
being filed the 5th day immediately
preceding the general election.
All other candidates must file reports on the
60th day immediately preceding the primary
election and bi-weekly on each Friday
thereafter through and including the 4th day
immediately preceding the general election,
with additional reports due on the 25th and
11th days before the primary election and the
general election.
For candidates that file with the Division, see
the “Reporting Dates Calendar” at:
http://election.dos.state.fl.us/publications/publ
ications.shtml
An individual seeking a publicly elected position
on a political party executive committee who
receives a contribution or makes an
expenditure must file a single report of all
contributions and expenditures on the 4th day
immediately preceding the primary election.
(See Chapter 18, Reporting for Individuals
Seeking a Publicly Elected Position on a Party
Executive Committee.)
Unless the electronic filing requirements of
Section 106.0705, Florida Statutes, apply,
reports shall be filed no later than 5 p.m. of the
day designated. A report postmarked by the
U.S. Postal Service no later than midnight of the
47
day designated is deemed timely filed. A report
received by the filing officer within 5 days after
the designated due date that was delivered by
the U.S. Postal Service is deemed timely filed
unless it has a postmark indicating the report
was mailed after the designated due date. A
certificate of mailing obtained from and dated
by the U.S. Postal Service at the time of mailing
or a receipt from an established courier
company, which bears a date on or before the
date on which the report is due, is proof of
mailing in a timely manner. Reports filed with
the Division through the Electronic Filing
System (EFS) are due no later than midnight,
Eastern Time, of the due date.
(Sections 106.07, 106.0705
and 106.141, F.S.)
Penalty for Late Filing
Any candidate failing to file a report on the
designated due date shall be subject to a fine of
$50 per day for the first three days late and,
thereafter, $500 per day for each late day, not
to exceed 25 percent of the total receipts or
expenditures, whichever is greater, for the
period covered by the late report. However, for
the reports immediately preceding the primary
and general election, the fine shall be $500 per
day for each late day, not to exceed 25 percent
of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever
is greater, for the period covered by the late
report. For a candidate’s termination report,
the fine shall be $50 per day for each late day,
not to exceed 25 percent of the total receipts
or expenditures, whichever is greater for the
period covered by the late report. All fines must
be paid from the candidate’s personal funds –
not campaign funds.
(Section 106.07(2) and (8), F.S.)
Waiver of Report
In any reporting period during which a
candidate has not received funds or made any
expenditures, the filing of the required report
for that period is waived; however, the
candidate must indicate there is no activity by
filing a waiver of report on the prescribed due
date. (Waivers filed with the Division must be
filed using the EFS.) The next report filed must
specify that the report covers the entire period
between the last submitted report and the
report being filed.
(Section 106.07, F.S.)
Incomplete Reports
If a campaign treasurer files a report that is
deemed incomplete, it shall be accepted on a
conditional basis. The campaign treasurer will
be notified by the filing officer as to why the
report is incomplete. The campaign treasurer
must file an addendum to the incomplete
report within seven days of notification. The
addendum must include all necessary
information to complete the report.
(Section 106.07(2), F.S.)
Reporting Total Sums
Each campaign treasurer’s report required by
Chapter 106, F.S., shall contain the total sums
of all loans, in-kind contributions, and other
receipts by or for such candidate, and total
sums of all expenditures made by such
candidate during the reporting period. The
reporting forms shall be designed to elicit
separate totals for in-kind contributions, loans,
and other receipts.
(Section 106.07, F.S.)
48
Reporting Contributions
Each report must contain:
• Full name, address, specific occupation,
amount, and date of each person making a
contribution. Reports must provide as clear
a description as practicable of the principal
type of business conducted for corporations
contributing. The principal type of business
or the occupations are not required if the
contribution is $100 or less, or from a
relative provided the relationship is
reported.
• Name, address, amount, and date of each
political committee making any transfer of
funds.
• Full name, address, specific occupation,
principal place of business of the lender and
endorser, date and amount of each loan.
• Statement of each contribution, rebate,
refund, or other receipts not listed in 1.
through 3. above.
(Sections 106.07(4) and
112.312(21), F.S.)
Returning Contributions
Contributions must be returned to the
contributor if:
• A candidate receives a contribution in
excess of the limitations provided by law.
• A candidate with opposition in an election
receives a contribution on the day of that
election or less than five days prior to the
date of that election.
• A candidate receives a contribution once he
or she is elected, defeated, becomes
unopposed, or withdraws his or her
candidacy.
If the contribution to be returned has not been
deposited into the campaign account, report
the contribution as a contribution returned
using form DS-DE 02.
If the contribution has been deposited into the
campaign account:
• Report the contribution; and
• Write a check from the campaign account
to the contributor for the amount of the
contribution and report this on the itemized
contribution report using the contribution
type “Refund.” This amount is reported as a
negative. The candidate may also wish to
submit a written explanation to the filing
officer.
(Section 106.08, F.S.)
Reporting Expenditures
Each report must contain:
• Full name and address of each person to
whom expenditures have been made along
with the amount, date, and clear purpose of
the expenditure. Name, address, and office
sought by each candidate on whose behalf
such expenditure was made.
• Full name and address of each person to
whom an expenditure for personal services,
salary or reimbursed authorized expenses
was made along with the amount, date, and
clear purpose of the expenditure.
49
• Total amount withdrawn and the total
amount spent from the petty cash fund.
Each expenditure from the petty cash fund
need not be individually reported but
complete records of petty cash
expenditures must be kept.
• Transaction information for each credit card
purchase. Credit cards may be used by
statewide (Governor, Cabinet and Supreme
Court Justice) candidates only. (See Division
of Elections Opinion 05-07.)
• Amount and nature of debts and obligations
owed by or to the candidate, which relate
to the conduct of any political campaign.
• The amount and nature of any separate
interest-bearing accounts or certificates of
deposit. Identification of the financial
institution in which such accounts or
certificates of deposit are located must be
identified.
• The primary purposes of an expenditure
made indirectly through a campaign
treasurer for goods and services such as
communications media placement or
procurement services, campaign signs,
insurance, and other expenditures that
include multiple components as part of the
expenditure. The primary purpose of an
expenditure shall be that purpose, including
integral and directly related components,
that comprises 80 percent of such
expenditure.
• Total sum of expenditures during the
reporting period.
(Section 106.07, F.S.)
Special Requirements for Judicial Candidates
A candidate for retention as a Justice of the
Supreme Court or a Judge of a District Court of
Appeal who has not received any contributions
or made any expenditures, may file a sworn
statement on Form DS-DE 96, Affidavit of
Intention, at the time of qualifying that he or
she does not anticipate receiving contributions
or making expenditures in connection with his
or her candidacy for retention to office.
Such candidate must file a final report within 90
days following the general election for which
the candidate’s name appeared on the ballot
for retention. The candidate may use Form DS-
DE 97, Affidavit of Compliance, for this
purpose.
A candidate for retention to judicial office who,
after filing Form DS-DE 96 receives any
contributions or makes any expenditures in
connection with his or her candidacy for
retention must immediately file a statement to
that effect with the qualifying officer and must
begin filing reports as an opposed candidate
pursuant to Section 106.07, F.S.
(Sections 105.08(2)
and 106.141, F.S.)
50
Chapter 17: Termination Reports
Once a candidate withdraws, becomes
unopposed, is eliminated, or elected to office,
he or she may only expend funds from the
campaign account to:
• Purchase “thank you” advertising for up to
75 days after he or she withdraws, becomes
unopposed, is eliminated, or elected to
office.
• Pay for items which were obligated before
he or she withdrew, became unopposed,
was eliminated, or elected to office.
• Pay for expenditures necessary to close
down the campaign office and to prepare
final campaign reports.
• Dispose of surplus funds as provided in
Section 106.141, F.S.
(Section 106.11(5), F.S.)
Because individuals who seek election to a
political party executive committee are not
“candidates,” they do not file termination
reports.
Prior to Disposing of Surplus Funds
A candidate may be reimbursed by the
campaign for any previously reported
contributions by the candidate to the
campaign, in full or in part.
A candidate who filed an oath stating that he or
she was unable to pay the fee for verification of
petition signatures without imposing an undue
burden on his or her personal resources or on
resources otherwise available to him or her,
must reimburse the state or local government
entity, whichever is applicable, for such waived
fee prior to disposing of any funds under the
surplus provisions contained in Section
106.141(4), F.S.
(Section 106.141, F.S.)
Disposing of Surplus Funds
Once a candidate withdraws, becomes
unopposed, is eliminated, or elected to office,
the candidate must dispose of the funds on
deposit in his or her campaign account and file
a campaign treasurer’s report (termination
report) reflecting the disposition of funds.
A candidate required to dispose of surplus
funds must, at the option of the candidate,
dispose of such funds within 90 days by any of
the following means, or a combination thereof:
1. Return pro rata to each contributor the
funds that have not been spent or
obligated.
2. Donate the funds that have not been spent
or obligated to a charitable organization or
organizations that meet the qualifications
of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code.
3. Give not more than $25,000 of the funds
that have not been spent or obligated to
the political party of which such candidate
is a member.
4. Give the funds that have not been spent or
obligated:
a. In the case of a candidate for state
office, to the state to be deposited in
the General Revenue Fund; or
b. In the case of a candidate for office of a
political subdivision, to such political
51
subdivision, to be deposited in the
general fund thereof.
5. Transfer funds to an office account (See
Chapter 19, Office Accounts).
6. In the case of a candidate elected to state
office, retain up to $20,000 in the campaign
account for re-election to the same office.
(See Chapter 20, Carryover Campaign
Funds)
The termination report must include:
1. The name and address of each person or
unit of government to whom any of the
funds were distributed and the amounts
thereof;
2. The name and address of each person to
whom an expenditure was made together
with the amount and purpose; and
3. The amount of such funds transferred to an
office account together with the name and
address of the bank in which the office
account is located.
If a refund check is received after all surplus
funds have been disposed of, the check may be
endorsed by the candidate and the refund
disposed of pursuant to Section 106.141, F.S.
An amended termination report must be filed
with the filing officer.
All reports must be signed by the candidate and
the campaign treasurer and certified as true
and correct.
(Section 106.141, F.S.)
Money from Separate Interest-Bearing
Account or Certificate of Deposit
A campaign treasurer of any candidate who
withdraws, becomes unopposed, or is
eliminated, or elected to office, and who has
funds on deposit in any interest-bearing
account or certificate of deposit, must, within
seven days, transfer such funds and
accumulated interest earned thereon to the
primary campaign account for disposal.
However, when funds are in an account in
which penalties will apply for withdrawal within
the seven day period, the campaign treasurer
must transfer such funds and accumulated
interest earned thereon as soon as the funds
can be withdrawn without penalty, or within 90
days after the candidate becomes unopposed,
withdraws his or her candidacy, or is elected, or
eliminated, whichever comes first.
(Section 106.141, F.S.)
Campaign Loans Report
A person elected to office must report all loans,
exceeding $500 in value, made to him or her
and used for campaign purposes, and made in
the twelve months preceding his or her election
to office, to the filing officer. The report must
be made on Forms DS-DE 73 and 73A,
Campaign Loan Report within ten days after
being elected to office. Loan reports filed with
the Division must be filed using the EFS.
Any person who makes a contribution to an
individual to pay all or part of a loan incurred in
the twelve months preceding the election, to
be used for the individual’s campaign, may not
contribute more than the amount which is
allowed in Section 106.08(1), F.S.
(Section 106.075, F.S.)
52
Chapter 18: Reporting for Individuals
Seeking a Publicly Elected Position on a
Party Executive Committee
An individual seeking a publicly elected position
on a political party executive committee who
receives a contribution or makes an
expenditure shall file a report of all
contributions received and all expenditures
made.
(Section 106.0702(1), F.S.)
Where to File
The report shall be filed with the Supervisor of
Elections of the appropriate county.
When to File
The report shall be filed on the 4th day
immediately preceding the primary election.
(Reporting individuals are not required to file
termination reports.)
Reports shall be filed no later than 5 p.m. of the
day designated; however, any report
postmarked by the United States Postal Service
by the day designated shall be deemed to have
been filed in a timely manner. Any report
received by the filing officer within 5 days after
the designated due date shall be deemed
timely filed unless it has a postmark that
indicates that the report was mailed after the
designated due date. A certificate of mailing
obtained from and dated by the United States
Postal Service at the time of mailing, or a
receipt from an established courier company,
which bears a date on or before the date on
which the report is due is proof of mailing in a
timely manner.
The report filed must contain information of all
contributions received and expenditures made
as of the day preceding the designated due
date. All such reports must be open to public
inspection.
(Section 106.0702(2), F.S.)
A reporting individual may submit the report
required under this section through an
electronic filing system, if used by the
supervisor for other candidates, in order to
satisfy the filing requirement. Such reports shall
be completed and filed through the electronic
filing system not later than midnight on the 4th
day immediately preceding the primary
election.
(Sections 106.0702(1), F.S.)
Termination Reports
Because individuals seeking a publicly elected
position on a political party executive
committee are not “candidates,” such
individuals are not required to file termination
reports.
Penalty for Late Filing
Any reporting individual who fails to file a
report on the designated due date shall be
subject to a fine of $50 per day for the first
three days late and, thereafter, $500 per day
for each late day, not to exceed 25 percent of
the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is
greater.
(Section 106.0720(7), F.S.)
Incomplete Reports
A report that is deemed to be incomplete by
the supervisor shall be accepted on a
conditional basis. The reporting individual will
be notified by the supervisor as to why the
report is incomplete. The reporting individual
53
must file an addendum to the incomplete
report within seven days of notification. The
addendum must include all necessary
information to complete the report.
(Section 106.0702(3), F.S.)
Reporting Requirements
Each report must contain:
• Full name, address, specific occupation,
amount, and date of each person making a
contribution. Reports must provide as clear
a description as practicable of the principal
type of business conducted for corporations
contributing. The principal type of business
or the occupations are not required if the
contribution is $100 or less, or from a
relative provided the relationship is
reported.
• Name, address, amount, and date of each
political committee making any transfer of
funds.
• Full name, address, specific occupation,
principal place of business of the lender and
endorser, date and amount of each loan.
• Statement of each contribution, rebate,
refund, or other receipts not listed in
above.
• Full name and address of each person to
whom expenditures have been made along
with the amount, date, and clear purpose of
the expenditure. Name, address, and office
sought by the reporting individual on whose
behalf such expenditure was made.
• Transaction information for each credit card
purchase.
• Amount and nature of debts and obligations
owed by or to the reporting individual,
which relate to the conduct of any political
campaign.
• The amount and nature of any separate
interest-bearing accounts or certificates of
deposit. Identification of the financial
institution in which such accounts or
certificates of deposit are located must be
identified.
(Sections 106.0702(4), and
112.312(21), F.S.)
54
Chapter 19: Electronic Filing of
Campaign Reports
The Electronic Filing System (EFS) is an Internet
system for recording and reporting campaign
finance activity. Each candidate required to file
reports with the Division under Section 106.07,
F.S., must file such reports with the Division by
means of the EFS.
Reports filed pursuant to this section:
• Shall be completed and filed through the
EFS not later than 12:00 midnight, Eastern
Time, of the due date. Reports not filed by
this time are late filed and are subject to
the penalties under Sections 106.04(8),
106.07(8), or 106.29(3), F.S., as applicable.
• Are considered to be under oath by the
candidate and treasurer, and such persons
are subject to provisions of Sections
106.04(4)(d), 106.07(5), or 106.29(2), F.S.,
as applicable. Persons given a secure sign-
on to the EFS are responsible for protecting
such from disclosure and are responsible
for all filings using such credentials, unless
they have notified the Division that their
credentials have been compromised.
(Sections 106.0705
and 106.0706, F.S.)
Accessing the EFS
From Internet Explorer you can access the EFS
at https://efs.dos.state.fl.us. Each candidate is
provided an identification number and initial
password to gain entry. Once you log in using
the initial password, you will be prompted to
change it to a confidential one.
Creating Reports
Campaign reports must be entered, saved,
reviewed, and filed via the EFS either by
directly entering data into the web application
or by uploading data using an approved
vendor’s software. The Division maintains a list
of software vendors whose programs meet the
file specifications for filing campaign reports.
Instructions for uploading reports are provided
in the EFS User’s Guide.
Submitting Reports
Reports will be held in pending status until the
report is ready to be filed. Each person eligible
to file a report will receive a PIN (personal
identification number) that allows the person
to file reports via the EFS. A person’s PIN is
considered the same as that person’s
signature on a filed report.
Electronic Receipts
The person filing a report on the EFS may print
an electronic receipt verifying the report was
filed with the Division. Each report filed by
means of the EFS is considered to be under
oath and such persons filing the report are
subject to the provisions of Chapter 106, F.S.
EFS HELP LINE
(850) 245-6280
EFS HELP GUIDE
http://election.dos.state.fl.us/EFS/UserGuides.shtml
NOTE: For further information on the EFS, see
Rule 1S-2.017, Florida Administrative Code,
Reporting Requirements for Campaign
Treasurer’s Reports.
55
Chapter 20: Office Accounts
A candidate elected to office or a candidate
who will be elected to office by virtue of his or
her being unopposed may, in addition to
disposing of all the funds in the campaign
account in accordance with Section 106.141(4),
F.S., transfer funds from the campaign account
to an office account any amount up to the
limits listed below:
• $50,000 for a candidate for statewide
office;
• $10,000 for a candidate for multicounty
office;
• $10,000 multiplied by the number of years
in the term of office for which elected for a
candidate for legislative office;
• $5,000 multiplied by the number of years in
office for which elected for a candidate for
county office or for a candidate for any
election on less than a countywide basis;
• $6,000 for a candidate for retention as a
justice of the Supreme Court;
• $3,000 for a candidate for retention as a
judge of a district court of appeal;
• $3,000 for a candidate for county court
judge or circuit judge.
(Section 106.141(5), F.S.)
Using the Office Account
The office account must be separate and apart
from any other account, including any other
type of “office account” such as a legislative
account. Any funds so retained by a candidate
must be used only for legitimate expenses in
connection with the candidate’s public office,
which may include:
1. Travel expenses incurred by the officer
or staff member;
2. Personal taxes payable on office
account funds by the candidate or
elected public official;
3. Professional services provided by a
certified public accountant or attorney
for preparation of the election public
official’s financial disclosure filing
pursuant to s 112.3144 or s. 112.3145;
4. Costs to prepare, print, produce, and
mail holiday cards or newsletters about
the elected public official’s public
business to constituents if such
correspondence does not constitute a
political advertisement, independent
expenditure or electioneering
communication as provided in s.
106.011;
5. Fees or dues to religious, civic, or
charitable organizations of which the
elected public official is a member;
6. Items of modest value such as flowers,
greeting cards, or personal notes given
as a substitute for, or in association
with, an elected public official’s
personal attendance at a constituent’s
special event of family occasion, such as
the birth of a child, graduation,
wedding, or funeral;
7. Personal expenses incurred by the
elected public official in connection with
attending a constituent meeting or
event where public policy is discussed, if
56
such meetings or events are limited to
no more than once a week; or
8. Expenses incurred in the operation of
the elected public official’s office,
including the employment of additional
staff.
As the duties and responsibilities of each office
are different, what are considered “legitimate
expenses in connection with the candidate’s
public office” will vary. For additional
information, please contact the legal or
accounting department for your office.
If a candidate is re-elected to office or elected
to another office and has funds remaining in
the office account, the candidate may transfer
surplus campaign funds to the office account.
However, at no time may the total funds in the
office account exceed the limitation imposed
by Section 106.141(5), F.S.
(Section 106.141(5), F.S.)
Reporting Office Account Funds
A candidate is required to file a report on the
10th day following the end of each calendar
quarter following the 90-day termination report
until the office account is closed.
The officers required to file office account
reports with the Division must file reports
electronically using the office account
electronic filing system at:
https://doesecure.dos.state.fl.us/OfficeAccountsOnline/
Unless the county or city has a different
process, those candidates required to file with
county or city filing officers file reports using
the following forms:
• Form DS-DE 48, Office Account Report, and
• Form DS-DE 48A, Office Account
Disbursement or Deposit Information.
Upon leaving office, any person who has funds
in an office account shall give such funds to:
• A charitable organization or organizations
that meet the requirements of Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or,
• In the case of a state officer, to the state to
be deposited in the General Revenue Fund;
or,
• In the case of an officer of a political
subdivision, to the political subdivision to
be deposited in the general fund thereof.
Such reports shall be signed by the candidate,
certified as true and correct and filed with the
officer before whom campaign reports were
filed.
(Section 106.141(5) and (8), F.S.,
and Division of Elections Opinion 06-04)
57
Chapter 21: Carryover Campaign Funds
A candidate elected to state office or a
candidate who will be elected to state office by
virtue of his or her being unopposed after
candidate qualifying ends, may retain up to
$20,000 in her or her campaign account, or in
an interest-bearing account or certificate of
deposit, for use in her or her next campaign for
the same office, in addition to the disposition
methods provided in subsections 106.141 (4)
and (5). All requirements applicable to
candidate campaign accounts under this
chapter, including disclosure requirements
applicable to candidate campaign accounts,
limitations on expenditures, and limitations on
contributions, apply to any retained funds.
The term “state office” means Governor,
Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Chief
Financial Officer, Commissioner of Agriculture,
State Senator, State Representative, Justice of
the Supreme Court, District Court of Appeal
Judge, Circuit Court Judge, State Attorney, and
Public Defender.
The term “same office” with respect to
legislative office means an office in the same
legislative body, irrespective of district number
or designation or geographic boundary.
If a candidate who has retained funds under
this subsection does not qualify as a candidate
for reelection to the same office, all retained
funds shall be disposed of as otherwise
required by this section or 106.11(5) within 90
days after the last day of candidate qualifying
for that office. Requirements in this section
application to the disposal of surplus funds,
including reporting requirements, are
applicable to the disposal of retained funds.
(Section 106.141(6), F.S.)
58
Chapter 22: Recordkeeping
Contributions
• The campaign treasurer of each candidate
shall keep detailed accounts of all
contributions received, which shall be
current within not more than two days after
the date of receiving the contribution.
(Section 106.06, F.S.
• All funds received by the campaign
treasurer of any candidate shall be
deposited in the campaign depository prior
to the end of the fifth business day
following receipt (Saturdays, Sundays and
legal holidays excluded).
(Section 106.05, F.S.)
• All money and contributions received with
respect to a campaign fund raiser are
deemed campaign contributions and shall
be accounted for and subject to the same
restrictions as other campaign
contributions.
(Section 106.025, F.S.)
• All deposits shall be accompanied by a bank
deposit slip containing the name of each
contributor and the amount contributed by
each.
(Section 106.05, F.S.)
• The campaign treasurer shall keep detailed
accounts of all deposits made in any
separate interest-bearing account or
certificate of deposit and of all interest
earned.
(Section 106.06, F.S.)
• Contributions deposited in a secondary
campaign depository shall be forwarded to
the primary campaign depository prior to
the end of the first business day following
the deposit. A copy of the deposit slip shall
accompany the deposit.
(Section 106.05, F.S.)
Expenditures
1. The campaign treasurer of each candidate
shall keep detailed accounts of all
expenditures made, which shall be current
within not more than two days after the
making of the expenditure.
(Section 106.06, F.S.)
2. Credit Cards for Statewide (Governor,
Cabinet and Supreme Court Justice)
Candidates Only - Receipts for each credit
card purchase shall be retained by the
treasurer with the records for the campaign
account. The treasurer shall require an
accounting of actual expenses and reconcile
any overpayment or underpayment to the
original payee.
(Sections 106.07 and 106.125, F.S.)
3. Receipts for debit card transactions must
contain: (1) the last four digits of the debit
card number; (2) the exact amount of the
expenditure; (3) the name of the payee; (4)
the signature of the campaign treasurer,
deputy treasurer, or authorized user; and
(5) the exact purpose for which the
expenditure is authorized. Any information
required but not included on the debit card
transaction receipt may be handwritten on,
or attached to, the receipt by the
authorized user before submission to the
treasurer.
(Section 106.11, F.S.)
4. All expenditures made with respect to a
campaign fund raiser which are made or
reimbursed by a check drawn on the
59
campaign account shall be deemed to be
campaign expenditures to be accounted for
and subject to the same restrictions as
other campaign expenditures.
(Section 106.025, F.S.)
5. The campaign treasurer shall keep detailed
accounts of all withdrawals made from any
separate interest-bearing account or
certificate of deposit to the primary
depository and of all interest earned.
(Section 106.06, F.S.)
6. The campaign treasurer shall retain the
records pursuant to Section 106.06, F.S.
(Section 106.07, F.S.)
Preservation of Accounts
Accounts kept by the campaign treasurer of a
candidate shall be preserved by the campaign
treasurer for a number of years equal to the
term of the office to which the candidate seeks
election.
(Section 106.06, F.S.)
Inspections
• Accounts kept by the campaign treasurer of
a candidate, including separate interest-
bearing accounts and certificates of deposit,
may be inspected under reasonable
circumstances before, during, or after the
election to which the accounts refer by any
authorized representative of the Division or
the Florida Elections Commission. The right
of inspection may be enforced by
appropriate writ issued by any court of
competent jurisdiction.
(Section 106.06, F.S.)
• Records maintained by the campaign
depository shall be subject to inspection by
an agent of the Division or the Florida
Elections Commission at any time during
normal banking hours, and such depository
shall furnish certified copies of any such
records to the Division or Florida Elections
Commission upon request.
(Section 106.07, F.S.)
• It is the duty of the Division to make, from
time to time, audits and field investigations
with respect to reports and statements filed
under the provisions of Chapter 106, F.S.,
and with respect to alleged failures to file
any report or statement required under the
provisions of Chapter 106, F.S.
(Section 106.22(6), F.S.)
• It is the duty of the Division to conduct
random audits with respect to reports and
statements filed under Chapter 106, F.S.,
and with respect to alleged failure to file
any reports and statements required under
Chapter 106, F.S.
(Section 106.22(10), F.S.)
60
Chapter 23: Bookkeeping Suggestions
The Division has a few suggestions which may
be helpful to campaign treasurers in setting up
a system to record and maintain campaign
information.
• Keep a schedule of due dates for campaign
treasurer’s reports. The Division’s website
provides each candidate with a calendar of
election and reporting dates.
• Know what period of time each report
covers and only report activity occurring
during that reporting period.
• If filing with the Division, keep a copy of the
electronic receipt for each report filed for
your own records. If filing with the local
officers, keep the certificate of mailing.
• Record all contributions when received.
Make sure to include the name, address,
specific occupation, or principal type of
business if over $100, amount, and date of
each contribution. Keep contributions
itemized by monetary, in-kind, and loans.
• Record all expenditures when they occur.
List the name and address of each person to
whom the expenditure was made along
with the amount, date, and purpose.
• Keep a petty cash ledger of all expenditures.
These individual listings do not have to be
listed on campaign treasurer’s reports, only
the total amount withdrawn and total
amount spent per reporting period.
• Monitor the cash flow to know how much
money is available at all times in the
account to avoid any possibility of
authorizing an expenditure when money is
not available to pay for such expenditure.
• Maintain a listing of all funds currently in
the separate interest-bearing account,
certificate of deposit or money market
account.
• Make sure an authorization for advertising
has been obtained from the candidate.
61
Chapter 24: Florida Elections
Commission
The Florida Elections Commission is a separate
and independent entity from the Division.
Commissioners are appointed by the Governor
from lists of names submitted by legislative
leaders.
Automatic Fine Appeal Process
Any candidate may appeal or dispute a fine for
a late filed campaign treasurer’s report. The
appeal must be based upon, but not limited to,
unusual circumstances surrounding the failure
to file on the designated due date. The
candidate may request and is entitled to a
hearing before the Florida Elections
Commission, which has the authority to waive
the fine in whole or in part. The Florida
Elections Commission must consider the
mitigating and aggravating circumstances
contained in Section 106.265(1), F.S., when
determining the amount of a fine, if any, to be
waived. The appeal must be made within 20
days of the receipt of the notice of payment
due. The candidate must, within the 20 day
period, notify the filing officer in writing of his
or her intention to bring the matter before the
Commission.
(Section 106.07(8)(c), F.S.)
Complaint Process
Any person who has information of a violation
of Chapters 104 or 106, F.S., shall file a sworn
complaint with the Florida Elections
Commission, 107 West Gaines Street, Suite 224,
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1050 or call 850-
922-4539. A complaint form may be obtained
from the Florida Elections Commission or
downloaded from the Commission’s website at
www.fec.state.fl.us.
(Sections 106.25 and 106.28, F.S.)
62
Appendix
63
Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions
Candidates
Q1. If I want to be a no party affiliation candidate, can I still be registered to vote as a Republican or
Democrat?
Yes. Any registered elector who qualifies for office without party affiliation will have their name placed
on the ballot at the general election without party affiliation.
(Section 99.0955(1), F.S.)
Q2. Do I have to designate a campaign treasurer and depository before I make public my intention to
run for office?
No. A person must appoint a campaign treasurer and designate a depository prior to qualifying for
office, obtaining signatures on petitions, accepting contributions or making expenditures. Nothing in
the election laws prohibits a person from announcing their intention to become a candidate prior to
designating a treasurer or depository as long as no contributions are received and no expenditures are
made in connection with that announcement.
(Section 106.021, F.S.)
Q3. What if I want to change my campaign treasurer or other officers?
File a reappointment of campaign treasurer (Form DS-DE 9) with the filing officer along with a copy of
the letter of resignation or removal.
Q4. How are judges elected in Florida and what are their terms?
Merit Retention
Not all judges in Florida are elected to office. Supreme Court Justices and Judges of the District Court of
Appeal are always appointed by the Governor from a list of three to six candidates presented by the
Judicial Nominating Commission for that court. Once appointed, they must serve at least one year
before the next primary (i.e. both the primary and general elections must be one year away) election
and, thereafter, must face a "yes" or "no" vote every six years as to whether they will remain in office.
If a judge is not retained the appointment process starts again. Further information can be obtained
from the Florida State Courts website at www.flcourts.org.
Elected Judges
Elected circuit judges and county court judges have six year terms that begin on the first Tuesday after
the first Monday in January following the general election. They are on the primary and general
election ballots the year before the term ends in January. If a judicial candidate receives a majority of
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the votes at the primary election, the candidate's name will not appear on the general election ballot
unless a write-in candidate has qualified for the same office. If no candidate receives a majority of the
votes at the primary election, the names of the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes
will appear on the general election ballot. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes at the
general election is elected to office.
Q5. Can a judicial candidate speak at a political party function?
A judicial candidate may attend and speak in his own behalf at political party functions. However, care
must be exercised to insure compliance with the election laws and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
(Chapter 105, F.S. and Division of Elections Opinion 78-34.) For opinions of the Judicial Ethics Advisory
Commission, see:
http://www.jud6.org/LegalCommunity/LegalPractice/opinions/jeacopinions/jeac.html
Q6. I am a county court judge candidate. Where do I file and qualify?
You must file your appointment of campaign treasurer and designation of campaign depository and
qualify with the supervisor of elections office in the county where you reside.
(Section 105.031, F.S.)
Q7. When can I start collecting signatures to qualify as a petition candidate?
Before collecting any signatures, all candidates (except federal and special district candidates) must file
the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository (Form DS-DE 9) with
the filing officer. Each petition must be submitted before noon of the 28th day preceding the first day
of the qualifying period for the office sought to the Supervisor of Elections of the county in which such
petition was circulated.
Campaign Finance
Q8. Do persons running for a political party executive committee office (e.g. precinct
committeeperson) for precinct committeeperson have to file campaign reports?
Only if the person has received a contribution or made an expenditure; If applicable, the person files a
single report on the 4th day before the primary election. Although, persons seeking election to political
party executive committees are specifically exempt from the definition of "candidate,” the political
party executive office falls within the definition of “election.”
(Sections 103.091, 106.011(3), (7) and 106.0702 F.S.)
65
Q9. May a candidate appoint himself or herself as campaign treasurer?
Yes.
(Section 106.021(1)(c), F.S.)
Q10. Must a campaign treasurer be a registered voter in Florida?
No.
(Section 106.021(1)(c), F.S.)
Q11. How many deputy treasurers may a candidate have?
Candidates for statewide office may appoint up to 15 deputy treasurers. Other candidates may appoint
up to 3 deputy treasurers.
(Section 106.021(1)(a), F.S.)
Q12. Can a deputy treasurer file and submit campaign reports?
Yes. A deputy treasurer may perform all of the duties of a campaign treasurer when specifically
authorized to do so by the campaign treasurer.
(Section 106.021(4), F.S.)
Q13. Who is responsible for keeping tabs on aggregate totals of campaign contributions?
The campaign treasurer is responsible for receiving and reporting all contributions.
(Section 106.06, F.S.)
Q14. May a candidate accept a contribution from a trust fund?
Yes. Chapter 106, F.S., defines a "person" as an individual, corporation, association, firm, partnership,
joint venture, joint stock company, club, organization, estate, trust, business trust, syndicate, or other
combination of individuals having collective capacity. The term also includes a political party, affiliated
party committee, or political committee.
(Section 106.011(14), F.S.)
66
Q15. Do I have to itemize small contributions of $5, $10, $50, etc.?
Yes. The law provides no exceptions for the reporting of contribution information, regardless of the
size of the contribution. The full name and address of the contributor are also required.
(Section 106.07(4)(a), F.S.)
Q16. Are in-kind contributions subject to the same limitations as monetary contributions?
Yes. In Chapter 106, F.S., the definition of a "contribution" includes contributions in-kind having an
attributable monetary value in any form. Therefore, in-kind contributions are subject to the same
limitations set for monetary contributions.
(Section 106.011(5) and 106.08, F.S.)
Q17. How is the value of an in-kind contribution determined?
The contributor must inform the person receiving the contribution of the fair market value at the time
it is given.
(Section 106.055, F.S.)
Q18. Can a corporation give to a candidate, political committee or political party?
Yes. A corporation is under the definition of a "person" in Chapter 106, F.S.
(Section 106.011(14), F.S.)
Q19. I am opposed in the general election, but I have no opposition in the primary election,
therefore, my name will not be on the primary election ballot. Must I abide by the prohibition on
accepting contributions less than five days prior to the primary election?
No. Only candidates opposed in the primary election are required to comply. However, since you are
opposed and your name will appear on the general election ballot, you are required to abide by the
prohibition on accepting contributions less than 5 days prior to the general election.
(Section 106.08(3), F.S.)
Q20. Can I conduct a raffle to raise money for my campaign?
No. Pursuant to Section 849.09, Florida Statutes, it is unlawful for any person in this state to set up,
promote, or conduct any lottery for money or anything of value.
67
Q21. I was given cash at a rally and have no information on who it is from. What do I do?
Report this contribution on your campaign report but do not spend these funds on the campaign. After
the campaign is over, dispose of the funds pursuant to Section 106.141, F.S.
(Division of Elections Opinion 89-02)
Q22. What are considered “legitimate office expenses” for purposes of office accounts?
As the duties and responsibilities of each office are different, what are considered legitimate office
expenses will vary. For expenses not specifically listed in Section 106.141 (5), please contact your
office’s legal or accounting department.
Q23. Can I use my leftover campaign funds to help fund my future re-election?
No, unless you have been elected to a state office or will be elected to state office after being
unopposed after the end of the qualifying period and you seek re-election to the same office. If the
exception applies to you, you may retain up to $20,000 in your campaign account.
(Section 106.141 (6), F.S.)
Q24. I am an elected official and still have funds in my office account. I am now beginning my re-
election campaign. May I place the surplus funds in the office account into my campaign account for
re-election?
No. Funds retained by elected officials in their office accounts may only be used for legitimate
expenses in connection with their public office.
(Section 106.141(5), F.S.)
Q25. Do I have to file campaign reports on the Electronic Filing System (EFS)?
If the Division is your filing officer, you are required to file all campaign reports via the EFS. If your filing
officer is other than the Division, you must contact the filing officer to find out the requirements.
(Section 106.0705, F.S.)
Q26. If my treasurer is out of town, can I have an extension to file my report?
No. The election laws do not provide for an extension under these circumstances.
(Sections 106.04(4)(b)1., 106.07(2)(b) and (3), F.S.)
68
Q27. If I make a mistake on my report can I go back in and correct it on the EFS?
Once the report is submitted to the Division of Elections, the EFS will not permit you to go back and
make changes. In order to correct mistakes or add and delete information, you must submit an
"amendment."
Q28. If I am late submitting my report, how is my fine calculated?
$50 per day for the first 3 days late and, thereafter, $500 per day for each late day, not to exceed 25%
of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report.
However, for reports immediately preceding the primary and general election, the fine shall be $500
per day for each day, not to exceed 25%of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for
the period covered by the late report.
Q29. How long are campaign records kept at the Division of Elections or the supervisor of elections?
Ten years from the date of receipt.
(Sections 98.015(5) and 106.22(4), F.S.)
Q30. Does the prohibition against accepting contributions 5 days prior to an election for “candidates”
apply to individuals running for political party executive committee positions?
No, because s. 106.08(3)(a)’s prohibition applies only to a “contribution received by a candidate” and
persons running for party executive committee persons are not “candidates.”
Q31. How can I tell if a provision in Chapter 106 applies to individuals running for political party
executive committee positions?
Besides the provisions of s. 106.0702 expressly applying to these individuals, use this as a general rule:
Because individuals running for political party executive committee positions are not “candidates,” if
the Chapter 106 provision applies only to a “candidate” or “candidates,” the provision will not apply;
however, because selecting a member of a political party executive committee is included in the
definition of “election,” if the provision applies to an “election” without reference to “candidates,” the
provision will apply.
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Appendix B: 2014 Deadlines for Accepting Contributions
Governor &
Cabinet
Other Offices
(except Supreme
Court)
Justice of the
Supreme Court
Judge of a
District Court of
Appeal
Circuit Judge or
County Court
Judge
If opposed in the
primary election
the candidate may
accept:
$3,000 no later
than midnight
August 21, 2014
$1,000 no later
than midnight on
August 21, 2014
$1,000 no later
than midnight
on August 21,
2014
If opposed in the
primary and general
elections the
candidate may
accept:
• $3,000 no
later than
midnight on
August 21,
2014;
• $3,000
between
August 27 and
midnight on
October 30,
2014
• $1,000 no later
than midnight
on August 21,
2014;
• $1,000
between
August 27 and
midnight on
October 30,
2014
• $1,000 no
later than
midnight on
August 21,
2014;
• $1,000
between
August 27
and
midnight on
October 30,
2014
If opposed only in
the general
election, the
candidate may
accept:
• $3,000 no
later than
midnight on
August 26,
2014;
• $3,000
between
August 27 and
midnight on
October 30,
2014
• $1,000 no later
than midnight
on August 26,
2014;
• $1,000
between
August 27 and
midnight on
October 30,
2014
Considered an
opposed candidate
but only has one
election, the
general election,
may accept:
$3,000 no later
than midnight
on October 30,
2014 ***
$1,000 no later
than midnight
on October 30,
2014 ***
***Contributions may be accepted during the primary election, but must be applied toward the general election
limitation.
Atlantic Beach Code on
POLITICAL CAMPAIGN SIGNS
(Note: Candidates should also refer to F.S. Section 106.143 for more information.)
Chapter 17-26 provides that political campaign signs shall be permitted within all zoning
districts, shall be exempt from the requirement to obtain a sign permit, and are subject to
the following conditions:
Sec. 17-26(b)(7) “Temporary political campaign signs announcing the
candidacy of a qualified candidate for public office not exceeding four (4)
square feet in area may be placed wholly within the boundaries of any
property, at the discretion or consent of the legal owner and/or occupant of
the property, provided such signs conform with all traffic, electrical,
maintenance, fire and safety regulations of the city.
The placing of political campaign signs on city property, other public
property or on public rights-of-way shall be prohibited. Political
campaign signs displayed within motor vehicles conducting routine
business activities on city or other public property shall not be
prohibited, provided that no such vehicle shall be parked on city
property, other public property or on public rights-of-way for the sole
purpose of displaying political campaign signs.
Illegally placed political campaign signs shall be removed by the code
enforcement officer without notice to the candidate or abutting property
owner or occupant. Political campaign signs shall not be placed on
property prior to qualification of the candidate to run for office, and all
such signs shall be removed within seventy-two (72) hours after the last
election. If such signs are not removed within this period of time, the
city may remove such signs and may charge the candidate the actual cost
for such removal. Collected funds shall be deposited into the city general
revenue. Failure to remove signs is a violation of this Code and is
enforceable pursuant to F.S. Chapter 162, Code Enforcement.”
Candidates are advised to comply with the requirements of the sign ordinance and are
asked to inform campaign workers of the law and penalties regarding the posting of
political signs.
Precinct Polling Location Address City Zip Code
1306 Atlantic Beach City Hall 800 Seminole Rd Atlantic Beach 32233
1307 Adele Grage Cultural Center 716 Ocean Blvd Atlantic Beach 32233
1308 Community Presbyterian Church 150 Sherry Dr Atlantic Beach 32233
1312 Oceanside Church of Christ 1025 Snug Harbor Ct Atlantic Beach 32233
ATLANTIC BEACH POLLING SITES
Please Note: To find your precinct, click here.
APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER
AND DESIGNATION OF CAMPAIGN
DEPOSITORY FOR CANDIDATES
(Section 106.021(1), F.S.)
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE)
NOTE: This form must be on file with the qualifying
officer before opening the campaign account. OFFICE USE ONLY
1. CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX(ES):
Initial Filing of Form Re-filing to Change: Treasurer/Deputy Depository Office Party
2. Name of Candidate (in this order: First, Middle, Last)
3. Address (include post office box or street, city, state, zip
code)
4. Telephone
( )
5. E-mail address
6. Office sought (include district, circuit, group number)
7. If a candidate for a nonpartisan office, check if
applicable:
My intent is to run as a W rite-In candidate.
8. If a candidate for a partisan office, check block and fill in name of party as applicable: My intent is to run as a
Write-In No Party Affiliation _________________________________________ Party candidate.
9. I have appointed the following person to act as my Campaign Treasurer Deputy Treasurer
10. Name of Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer
11. Mailing Address 12. Telephone
( )
13. City 14. County 15. State 16. Zip Code 17. E-mail address
18. I have designated the following bank as my Primary Depository Secondary Depository
19. Name of Bank 20. Address
21. City 22. County 23. State 24. Zip Code
UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I DECLARE THAT I HAVE READ THE FOREGOING FORM FOR APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER AND
DESIGNATION OF CAMPAIGN DEPOSITORY AND THAT THE FACTS STATED IN IT ARE TRUE.
25. Date 26. Signature of Candidate
X
27. Treasurer’s Acceptance of Appointment (fill in the blanks and check the appropriate block)
I, , do hereby accept the appointment
(Please Print or Type Name)
designated above as: Campaign Treasurer Deputy Treasurer.
X
Date Signature of Campaign Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer
DS-DE 9 (Rev. 10/10) Rule 1S-2.0001, F.A.C.
STATEMENT OF
CANDIDATE
(Section 106.023, F.S.)
(Please print or type)
OFFICE USE ONLY
I, ,
candidate for the office of ;
have been provided access to read and understand the requirements of
Chapter 106, Florida Statutes.
X
Signature of Candidate Date
Each candidate must file a statement with the qualifying officer within 10 days after the
Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository is filed. Willful
failure to file this form is a first degree misdemeanor and a civil violation of the Campaign
Financing Act which may result in a fine of up to $1,000, (ss. 106.19(1)(c), 106.265(1), Florida
Statutes).
DS-DE 84 (05/11)
NOMINATION PETITION
We, the undersigned electors of the City of Atlantic Beach, hereby nominate
______________________________________, whose residence is
_______________________________________________________________,
for the office of City Commissioner, Seat No. __________, to be voted for at the
election to be held on the 25th day of August, 2015, A.D., and we individually
certify that our names appear on the rolls of registered voters, and that we are
qualified to vote for a candidate for election to the Atlantic Beach City
Commission.
PRINTED NAME ADDRESS DATE OF BIRTH SIGNATURE DATE
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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* * * * Signatures must be verified * * * *
STATEMENT OF CIRCULATOR
The undersigned is the circulator of the foregoing paper containing ______ signatures. Each signature appended
hereto was made in my presence and is the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be.
SIGNATURE OF CIRCULATOR_________________________________
ADDRESS___________________________________________________________________________________
ACCEPTANCE OF NOMINATION
I hereby accept the nomination for Seat No. ______ on the City Commission. I have been a full time resident of the
City of Atlantic Beach for at least one year prior to qualifying and am qualified to be a candidate for this office.
SIGNATURE________________________________________________
HOME PHONE____________________________
BUSINESS PHONE___________________________________
DS-DE 25 (Rev. 5/11) Rule 1S-2.0001, F.A.C.
CANDIDATE OATH –
NONPARTISAN OFFICE
(Not for use by Judicial or
School Board Candidates) OFFICE USE ONLY
OATH OF CANDIDATE
(Section 99.021, Florida Statutes)
I,
(PLEASE PRINT NAME AS YOU WISH IT TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT * -- NAME MAY NOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE END OF QUALIFYING)
am a candidate for the nonpartisan office of , ,
(office) (district #) (district #)
, ; I am a qualified elector of County, Florida;
(circuit #) (group or seat #)
I am qualified under the Constitution and the Laws of Florida to hold the office to which I desire to be nominated or
elected; I have qualified for no other public office in the state, the term of which office or any part thereof runs
concurrent with the office I seek; and I have resigned from any office from which I am required to resign pursuant to
Section 99.012, Florida Statutes; and I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the
State of Florida.
X ( )
Signature of Candidate Telephone Number Email Address
Address City State ZIP Code
Candidate’s Florida Voter Registration Number (located on your voter information card): ________________________
* Please print name phonetically on the line below as you wish it to be pronounced on the audio ballot for persons
with disabilities (see instructions on page 2 of this form):
__________________________________________________________________________________
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF ________________
Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me this _______ day of ___________________, 20_____.
Personally Known: __________ or
Produced Identification: ________
Type of Identification Produced: _______________________________
_______________________________________________
Signature of Notary Public
Print, Type, or Stamp Commissioned Name of Notary Public
INSTRUCTIONS: INSERTING PHONETIC SPELLING OF CANDIDATE’S NAME FOR AUDIO
BALLOT
Use the PRONUNCIATION KEY below to provide pronunciations for ambiguous first names and surnames.
Capitalize STRESSED syllables, use lower case for unstressed syllables. Use dashes (-) to separate syllables.
You should also add any notes such as rhyming examples, silent letters, etc.
Samples:
PRONUNCIATION KEY
Stressed Vowel Sounds
EE (FEET) feet
I (FIT) fit
E (BED) bed
A (KAT) cat (KAD) cad
AH (FAH-thur) father
(PAHR) par
AH (HAHT) hot (TAH-
dee) toddy
UH (FUHJ) fudge
(FLUHD) flood
UH (CHUHRCH) church
AW (FAWN) fawn
U (FUL) full
OO (FOOD) food
OU (FOUND) found
O (FO) foe
EI (FEIT) fight
AI (FAIT) fate
OI (FOIL) foil
YOO (FYOOR-ee-uhs)
furious
Unstressed Vowel Sounds
uh (SO-fuh) sofa (FING-
guhr) finger
Certain Vowel Sounds with R
AHR (PAHR) par
ER (PER) pair
IR (PIR) peer
OR (POR) pour
OOR (POOR) poor
UHR (PUHR) purr
Consonant Sounds
B (BED) bed TS (ITS) its (PITS-feeld) Pittsfield
D (DET) debt TH (THEI) Thigh
F (FED) fed TH (THEI) Thy
G (GET) get ZH (A-zhuhr) azure (VI-zhuhn) vision
H (HED) head Z (GOODZ) goods (HUH-buhz-tuhn) Hubbardston
HW (HWICH) which
J (JUHG) jug
K (KAD) cad
L (LAIM) lame
M (MAT) mat
N (NET) net
NG (SING-uhr) singer
P (PET) pet
R (RED) red
S (SET) set
T (TEN) ten
V (VET) vet
Y (YET) yet
W (WICH) witch
CH (CHUCRCH) church
SH (SHEEP) sheep
NOTE: This page should not be submitted to the filing officer.
Page 2, DS-DE 25 (Rev. 5/11) Rule 1S-2.0001, F.A.C.
NAME ON BALLOT PRONOUNCED AS
Mishaud mee-SHO (‘d’ is silent)
Jahn HAHN (rhyme: fawn)
Beauprez boo-PRAI (rhyme: hooray)
Maniscalco man-uh-SKAL-ko
Tangipahoa TAN-ji-pah-HO-uh
Monte Mahn-TAI
Tanya TAWN-yuh (not TAN)
**** BOTH PARTS OF THIS SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED ****
DISCLOSURE PERIOD:
THIS STATEMENT REFLECTS YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS FOR THE PRECEDING TAX YEAR, WHETHER BASED ON A CALENDAR
YEAR OR ON A FISCAL YEAR. PLEASE STATE BELOW WHETHER THIS STATEMENT IS FOR THE PRECEDING TAX YEAR ENDING
EITHER (must check one):
DECEMBER 31, 2014 ORSPECIFY TAX YEAR IF OTHER THAN THE CALENDAR YEAR:____________
MANNER OF CALCULATING REPORTABLE INTERESTS:
FILERS HAVE THE OPTION OF USING REPORTING THRESHOLDS THAT ARE ABSOLUTE DOLLAR VALUES, WHICH REQUIRES FEWER
CALCULATIONS, OR USING COMPARATIVE THRESHOLDS, WHICH ARE USUALLY BASED ON PERCENTAGE VALUES (see instructions
for further details). CHECK THE ONE YOU ARE USING:
COMPARATIVE (PERCENTAGE) THRESHOLDS OR DOLLAR VALUE THRESHOLDS
FORM 1
PART A -- PRIMARY SOURCES OF INCOME [Major sources of income to the reporting person - See instructions]
(If you have nothing to report, write "none" or "n/a")
NAME OF SOURCE SOURCE'S DESCRIPTION OF THE SOURCE'S
OF INCOME ADDRESS PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ACTIVITY
PART B -- SECONDARY SOURCES OF INCOME
[Major customers, clients, and other sources of income to businesses owned by the reporting person - See instructions]
(If you have nothing to report, write "none" or "n/a")
NAME OF NAME OF MAJOR SOURCES ADDRESS PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
BUSINESS ENTITY OF BUSINESS' INCOME OF SOURCE ACTIVITY OF SOURCE
FILING INSTRUCTIONS for when and where to file this form are located at the bottom of page 2.
INSTRUCTIONS on who must file this form and how to fill it out begin on page 3.
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:
PART C -- REAL PROPERTY [Land, buildings owned by the reporting person - See instructions]
(If you have nothing to report, write "none" or "n/a")
CE FORM 1 - Effective: January 1, 2015 (Continued on reverse side) PAGE 1Adopted by reference in Rule 34-8.202(1), F.A.C.
NAME OF OFFICE OR POSITION HELD OR SOUGHT :
NAME OF AGENCY :
You are not limited to the space on the lines on this form. Attach additional sheets, if necessary.
CHECK ONLY IF CANDIDATE OR NEW EMPLOYEE OR APPOINTEE
MAILING ADDRESS :
LAST NAME -- FIRST NAME -- MIDDLE NAME :
Please print or type your name, mailing
address, agency name, and position below:
CITY : ZIP : COUNTY :
STATEMENT OF
FINANCIAL INTERESTS
2014
FILING INSTRUCTIONS:
IF ANY OF PARTS A THROUGH F ARE CONTINUED ON A SEPARATE SHEET, PLEASE CHECK HERE
PART D — INTANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY [Stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, etc. - See instructions]
(If you have nothing to report, write "none" or "n/a") \
TYPE OF INTANGIBLE BUSINESS ENTITY TO WHICH THE PROPERTY RELATES
PART E — LIABILITIES [Major debts - See instructions]
(If you have nothing to report, write "none" or "n/a")
NAME OF CREDITOR ADDRESS OF CREDITOR
PART F — INTERESTS IN SPECIFIED BUSINESSES [Ownership or positions in certain types of businesses - See instructions]
(If you have nothing to report, write "none" or "n/a") BUSINESS ENTITY # 1 BUSINESS ENTITY # 2
NAME OF BUSINESS ENTITY
ADDRESS OF BUSINESS ENTITY PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ACTIVITY
POSITION HELD WITH ENTITY
I OWN MORE THAN A 5% INTEREST IN THE BUSINESS
NATURE OF MY OWNERSHIP INTEREST
WHAT TO FILE:
After completing all parts of this form, including
signing and dating it, send back only the first
sheet (pages 1 and 2) for filing.
If you have nothing to report in a particular
section, you must write "none" or "n/a" in that
section(s).
NOTE:
MULTIPLE FILING UNNECESSARY:
A candidate who previously filed Form 1 because
of another public position must at least file a copy
of his or her original Form 1 when qualifying. A
candidate who files a Form 1 with a qualifying
officer is not required to file with the Commission
or Supervisor of Elections.
WHERE TO FILE:
If you were mailed the form by the Commission
on Ethics or a County Supervisor of Elections for
your annual disclosure filing, return the form to
that location.
Local officers/employees file with the
Supervisor of Elections of the county in which they
permanently reside. (If you do not permanently
reside in Florida, file with the Supervisor of the
county where your agency has its headquarters.)
State officers or specified state employees
file with the Commission on Ethics, P.O. Drawer
15709, Tallahassee, FL 32317-5709; physical
address: 325 John Knox Road, Building E, Suite
200, Tallahassee, FL 32303.
Candidates file this form together with their
qualifying papers.
To determine what category your position falls
under, see the "Who Must File" Instructions on
page 3.
Facsimiles will not be accepted.
WHEN TO FILE:
Initially, each local officer/employee, state officer,
and specified state employee must file within
30 days of the date of his or her appointment
or of the beginning of employment. Appointees
who must be confirmed by the Senate must file
prior to confirmation, even if that is less than
30 days from the date of their appointment.
Candidates for publicly-elected local office must
file at the same time they file their qualifying
papers.
Thereafter, local officers/employees, state
officers, and specified state employees are
required to file by July 1st following each calendar
year in which they hold their positions.
Finally, at the end of office or employment, each
local officer/employee, state officer, and specified
state employee is required to file a final disclosure
form (Form 1F) within 60 days of leaving office or
employment. However, filing a CE Form 1F (Final
Statement of Financial Interests) does not relieve
the filer of filing a CE Form 1 if he or she was in
their position on December 31, 2014.
CE FORM 1 - Effective: January 1, 2015. PAGE 2Adopted by reference in Rule 34-8.202(1), F.A.C.
SIGNATURE OF FILER:
Signature:
____________________________________________
Date Signed:
____________________________________________
CPA or ATTORNEY SIGNATURE ONLY
If a certified public accountant licensed under Chapter 473, or
attorney in good standing with the Florida Bar prepared this
form for you, he or she must complete the following statement:
I, _______________________________________, prepared
the CE Form 1 in accordance with Section 112.3145, Florida
Statutes, and the instructions to the form. Upon my reasonable
knowledge and belief, the disclosure herein is true and correct.
CPA/Attorney Signature: ______________________________
Date Signed: _______________________________________
NOTICE
Annual Statements of Financial Interests are due July 1. If the annual form is not filed or postmarked by September 1, an
automatic fine of $25 for each day late will be imposed, up to a maximum penalty of $1,500. [s. 112.3145, F.S. - applicable to non-
judicial officials] Failure to file also can result in removal from public office or employment. [Ch. 2014-183, Laws of Florida]
In addition, failure to make any required disclosure constitutes grounds for and may be punished by one or more of the following:
disqualification from being on the ballot, impeachment, removal, or suspension from office or employment, demotion, reduction
in salary, reprimand, or a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000. [s. 112.317, F.S.]
1) Elected public officials not serving in a political subdivision of the
state and any person appointed to fill a vacancy in such office, unless
required to file full disclosure on Form 6.
2) Appointed members of each board, commission, authority, or
council having statewide jurisdiction, excluding members of solely advisory
bodies, but including judicial nominating commission members; Directors
of Enterprise Florida, Scripps Florida Funding Corporation, and Workforce
Florida; and members of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men
and Boys; the Executive Director, Governors, and senior managers of
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation; Governors and senior managers
of Florida Workers' Compensation Joint Underwriting Association; board
members of the Northeast Fla. Regional Transportation Commission;
members of the board of Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc; members of the board
of Florida Is For Veterans, Inc.; and members of the Technology Advisory
Council within the Agency for State Technology.
3) The Commissioner of Education, members of the State Board of
Education, the Board of Governors, and the local Boards of Trustees and
Presidents of state universities.
4) Persons elected to office in any political subdivision (such as
municipalities, counties, and special districts) and any person appointed
to fill a vacancy in such office, unless required to file Form 6.
5) Appointed members of the following boards, councils,
commissions, authorities, or other bodies of county, municipality, school
district, independent special district, or other political subdivision: the
governing body of the subdivision; community college or junior college
district boards of trustees; boards having the power to enforce local code
provisions; boards of adjustment; planning or zoning boards having the
power to recommend, create, or modify land planning or zoning within
a political subdivision, except for citizen advisory committees, technical
coordinating committees, and similar groups who only have the power
to make recommendations to planning or zoning boards; pension or
retirement boards empowered to invest pension or retirement funds
or determine entitlement to or amount of pensions or other retirement
benefits.
6) Any appointed member of a local government board who is
required to file a statement of financial interests by the appointing authority
or the enabling legislation, ordinance, or resolution creating the board.
7) Persons holding any of these positions in local government:
mayor; county or city manager; chief administrative employee or finance
director of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision; county or
municipal attorney; chief county or municipal building inspector; county
or municipal water resources coordinator; county or municipal pollution
control director; county or municipal environmental control director; county
or municipal administrator with power to grant or deny a land development
permit; chief of police; fire chief; municipal clerk; appointed district school
superintendent; community college president; district medical examiner;
purchasing agent (regardless of title) having the authority to make any
purchase exceeding $20,000 for the local governmental unit.
8) Officers and employees of entities serving as chief administrative
officer of a political subdivision.
9) Members of governing boards of charter schools operated by a
city or other public entity.
10) Employees in the office of the Governor or of a Cabinet member
who are exempt from the Career Service System, excluding secretarial,
clerical, and similar positions.
11) The following positions in each state department, commission,
board, or council: Secretary, Assistant or Deputy Secretary, Executive
Director, Assistant or Deputy Executive Director, and anyone having the
power normally conferred upon such persons, regardless of title.
12) The following positions in each state department or division:
Director, Assistant or Deputy Director, Bureau Chief, Assistant Bureau
Chief, and any person having the power normally conferred upon such
persons, regardless of title.
13) Assistant State Attorneys, Assistant Public Defenders, criminal
conflict and civil regional counsel, and assistant criminal conflict and civil
regional counsel, Public Counsel, full-time state employees serving as
counsel or assistant counsel to a state agency, administrative law judges,
and hearing officers.
14) The Superintendent or Director of a state mental health institute
established for training and research in the mental health field, or any
major state institution or facility established for corrections, training,
treatment, or rehabilitation.
15) State agency Business Managers, Finance and Accounting
Directors, Personnel Officers, Grant Coordinators, and purchasing agents
(regardless of title) with power to make a purchase exceeding $20,000.
16) The following positions in legislative branch agencies: each
employee (other than those employed in maintenance, clerical,
secretarial, or similar positions and legislative assistants exempted
by the presiding officer of their house); and each employee of the
Commission on Ethics.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING FORM 1:
INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION (At Top of Form):
If your name, mailing address, public agency, and position are already printed on the form, you do not need to provide this information unless it should be changed. To change any of this information, write the correct information on the form, and contact your agency's financial disclosure coordinator. Your coordinator is identified in the financial disclosure portal on the Commission on Ethics website: www.ethics.
state.fl.us.
NAME OF AGENCY: This should be the name of the governmental unit which you serve or served, by which you are or were employed,
or for which you are a candidate.
OFFICE OR POSITION HELD OR SOUGHT: Use the title of the office or position you hold, are seeking, or held during the disclosure period even if you have since left that position. If you are a candidate for office or are a new employee or appointee, check the appropriate box.
PUBLIC RECORD: The disclosure form and everything attached to it
is a public record. Your Social Security Number is not required and you
should redact it from any documents you file. If you are an active or
former officer or employee listed in Section 119.071(4)(d), F.S., whose
home address is exempt from disclosure, the Commission is required to
maintain the confidentiality of your home address if you submit a written
request for confidentiality. Persons listed in Section 119.071(4)(d), F.S.,
are encouraged to provide an address other than their home address.
DISCLOSURE PERIOD: The tax year for most individuals is the
calendar year (January 1 through December 31). If that is the case
for you, then your financial interests should be reported for the
calendar year 2014; just check the box and you do not need to add
any information in this part of the form. However, if you file your IRS
tax return based on a tax year that is not the calendar year, you
should specify the dates of your tax year in this portion of the form
and check the appropriate box. This is the time frame or "disclosure
period" for your report.
WHO MUST FILE FORM 1:
CE FORM 1 - Effective: January 1, 2015. Adopted by reference in Rule 34-8.202(1), F.A.C. PAGE 3
PART A — PRIMARY SOURCES OF INCOME
[Required by s. 112.3145(3)(a)1 or (b)1, F.S.]
Part A is intended to require the disclosure of your principal sources
of income during the disclosure period. You do not have to disclose the
amount of income received, and you need not list your public salary from
serving in the position(s) which requires you to file this form. The income
of your spouse need not be disclosed; however, if there is joint income
to you and your spouse from property you own jointly (such as interest
or dividends from a bank account or stocks), you should disclose the
source of that income if it exceeded the threshold.
Please list in this part of the form the name, address, and principal
business activity of each source of your income which exceeded $2,500
of gross income received by you in your own name or by any other
person for your use or benefit.
"Gross income" means the same as it does for income tax
purposes, even if the income is not actually taxable, such as interest
on tax-free bonds. Examples include: compensation for services,
income from business, gains from property dealings, interest, rents,
dividends, pensions, IRA distributions, social security, distributive share of partnership gross income, and alimony, but not child support.
Examples:
— If you were employed by a company that manufactures
computers and received more than $2,500, then you should list the
name of the company, its address, and its principal business activity
(computer manufacturing).
— If you were a partner in a law firm and your distributive share
of partnership gross income exceeded $2,500, then you should list
the name of the firm, its address, and its principal business activity
(practice of law).
— If you were the sole proprietor of a retail gift business and your
gross income from the business exceeded $2,500, then you should
list the name of the business, its address, and its principal business
activity (retail gift sales).
— If you received income from investments in stocks and bonds,
you are required to list only each individual company from which
you derived more than $2,500, rather than aggregating all of your
investment income.
— If more than $2,500 of your gross income was gain from the
sale of property (not just the selling price), then you should list as
a source of income the name of the purchaser, the purchaser’s
address, and the purchaser’s principal business activity. If the
purchaser’s identity is unknown, such as where securities listed
on an exchange are sold through a brokerage firm, the source
of income should be listed simply as "sale of (name of company)
stock," for example.
— If more than $2,500 of your gross income was in the form of
interest from one particular financial institution (aggregating interest
from all CD’s, accounts, etc., at that institution), list the name of the
institution, its address, and its principal business activity.
PART B — SECONDARY SOURCES OF INCOME
[Required by s. 112.3145(3)(a)2 or (b)2, F.S.]
This part is intended to require the disclosure of major customers, clients,
and other sources of income to businesses in which you own an interest. It
is not for reporting income from second jobs. That kind of income should be
reported as "Primary Sources of Income," if it meets the reporting threshold.
You will not have anything to report unless, during the disclosure period:
(1) You owned (either directly or indirectly in the form of an equitable or
beneficial interest) during the disclosure period more than 5% of the total
assets or capital stock of a business entity (a corporation, partnership,
LLC, limited partnership, proprietorship, joint venture, trust, firm, etc.,
doing business in Florida); and
(2) You received more than $5,000 of your gross income during the
disclosure period from that business entity.
If your interests and gross income exceeded these thresholds, then for that
business entity you must list every source of income to the business entity
which exceeded 10% of the business entity’s gross income (computed on
the basis of the business entity's most recently completed fiscal year), the source’s address, and the source's principal business activity.
Examples:
— You are the sole proprietor of a dry cleaning business, from which
you received more than $5,000. If only one customer, a uniform rental
company, provided more than 10% of your dry cleaning business, you
must list the name of the uniform rental company, its address, and its
principal business activity (uniform rentals).
— You are a 20% partner in a partnership that owns a shopping mall
and your partnership income exceeded the thresholds listed above. You
should list each tenant of the mall that provided more than 10% of the partnership's gross income, the tenant's address and principal business
activity.
PART C — REAL PROPERTY
[Required by s. 112.3145(3)(a)3 or (b)3, F.S.]
In this part, list the location or description of all real property in Florida
in which you owned directly or indirectly at any time during the previous tax
year in excess of 5% of the property’s value. You are not required to list your
residences and vacation homes.
Indirect ownership includes situations where you are a beneficiary of a
trust that owns the property, as well as situations where you are more than
a 5% partner in a partnership or stockholder in a corporation that owns the property. The value of the property may be determined by the most recently
assessed value for tax purposes, in the absence of a more current appraisal.
The location or description of the property should be sufficient to enable
anyone who looks at the form to identify the property. A street address should
be used, if one exists.
PART D — INTANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY
[Required by s. 112.3145(3)(a)3 or (b)3, F.S.]
Describe any intangible personal property that, at any time during the
disclosure period, was worth more than $10,000 and state the business
entity to which the property related. Intangible personal property includes
things such as cash on hand, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, vehicle
leases, interests in businesses, beneficial interests in trusts, money owed
you, Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) accounts, the Florida
Prepaid College Plan, and bank accounts. Intangible personal property
also includes investment products held in IRAs, brokerage accounts, and
the Florida College Investment Plan. Note that the product contained in
a brokerage account, IRA, or the Florida College Investment Plan is your
asset—not the account or plan itself. Things like automobiles and houses
you own, jewelry, and paintings are not intangible property. Intangibles
relating to the same business entity may be aggregated; for example, CDs
and savings accounts with the same bank. Property owned as tenants by
the entirety or as joint tenants with right of survivorship should be valued at
100%. The value of a leased vehicle is the vehicle’s present value minus the
lease residual (a number found on the lease document).
As noted on the form, filers have the option of reporting based on either thresholds that are comparative (usually, based on percentage
values) or thresholds that are based on absolute dollar values. The instructions on the following pages specifically describe the
different thresholds. Check the box that reflects the choice you have made. You must use the type of threshold you have chosen for
each part of the form. In other words, if you choose to report based on absolute dollar value thresholds, you cannot use a percentage
threshold on any part of the form.
MANNER OF CALCULATING REPORTABLE INTEREST
IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN DOLLAR VALUE THRESHOLDS
THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
CE FORM 1 - Effective: January 1, 2015. Adopted by reference in Rule 34-8.202(1), F.A.C.. PAGE 4
PART E — LIABILITIES
[Required by s. 112.3145(3)(a)4 or (b)4, F.S.]
List the name and address of each creditor to whom you owed
more than $10,000 at any time during the disclosure period. The
amount of the liability of a vehicle lease is the sum of any past-
due payments and all unpaid prospective lease payments. You
are not required to list the amount of any debt. You do not have
to disclose credit card and retail installment accounts, taxes owed
(unless reduced to a judgment), indebtedness on a life insurance
policy owed to the company of issuance, or contingent liabilities.
A “contingent liability” is one that will become an actual liability
only when one or more future events occur or fail to occur, such
as where you are liable only as a guarantor, surety, or endorser
on a promissory note. If you are a “co-maker” and have signed as
being jointly liable or jointly and severally liable, then this is not a
contingent liability.
PART F — INTERESTS IN SPECIFIED BUSINESSES
[Required by s. 112.3145(5), F.S.]
The types of businesses covered in this disclosure include: state
and federally chartered banks; state and federal savings and loan
associations; cemetery companies; insurance companies; mortgage
companies; credit unions; small loan companies; alcoholic beverage
licensees; pari-mutuel wagering companies, utility companies,
entities controlled by the Public Service Commission; and entities
granted a franchise to operate by either a city or a county
government.
You are required to disclose in this part of the form the fact that
you owned during the disclosure period an interest in, or held any
of certain positions with, particular types of businesses listed above.
You are required to make this disclosure if you own or owned (either
directly or indirectly in the form of an equitable or beneficial interest)
at any time during the disclosure period more than 5% of the total
assets or capital stock of one of the types of business entities listed
above. You also must complete this part of the form for each of these
types of businesses for which you are, or were at any time during
the disclosure period, an officer, director, partner, proprietor, or agent
(other than a resident agent solely for service of process).
If you have or held such a position or ownership interest in
one of these types of businesses, list the name of the business, its
address and principal business activity, and the position held with
the business (if any). If you own(ed) more than a 5% interest in the
business, you must indicate that fact and describe the nature of your
interest.
(End of Dollar Value Thresholds Instructions.)
PART A — PRIMARY SOURCES OF INCOME
[Required by s. 112.3145(3)(a)1 or (b)1, F.S.]
Part A is intended to require the disclosure of your principal
sources of income during the disclosure period. You do not have
to disclose the amount of income received, and you need not list
your public salary received from serving in the position(s) which
requires you to file this form, but this amount should be included
when calculating your gross income for the disclosure period. The
income of your spouse need not be disclosed; however, if there is
joint income to you and your spouse from property you own jointly (such as interest or dividends from a bank account or stocks), you should include all of that income when calculating your gross income and disclose the source of that income if it exceeded the threshold.
Please list in this part of the form the name, address, and principal business activity of each source of your income which
exceeded 5% of the gross income received by you in your own
name or by any other person for your benefit or use during the
disclosure period.
"Gross income" means the same as it does for income tax
purposes, even if the income is not actually taxable, such as interest
on tax-free bonds. Examples include: compensation for services,
income from business, gains from property dealings, interest, rents, dividends, pensions, IRA distributions, social security, distributive share of partnership gross income, and alimony, but not child support.
Examples:
— If you were employed by a company that manufactures
computers and received more than 5% of your gross income
(salary, commissions, etc.) from the company, you should list
the name of the company, its address, and its principal business
activity (computer manufacturing).
— If you were a partner in a law firm and your distributive
share of partnership gross income exceeded 5% of your gross
income, then you should list the name of the firm, its address, and its principal business activity (practice of law).
— If you were the sole proprietor of a retail gift business and your gross income from the business exceeded 5% of
your total gross income, then you should list the name of the business, its address, and its principal business activity (retail gift sales).
— If you received income from investments in stocks and
bonds, you are required to list only each individual company
from which you derived more than 5% of your gross income,
rather than aggregating all of your investment income.
— If more than 5% of your gross income was gain from the sale
of property (not just the selling price), then you should list as a
source of income the name of the purchaser, the purchaser’s
address, and the purchaser's principal business activity. If the purchaser's identity is unknown, such as where securities listed on an exchange are sold through a brokerage firm, the source of income should be listed as "sale of (name of company) stock," for example.
— If more than 5% of your gross income (or, alternatively,
$2,500) was in the form of interest from one particular financial
institution (aggregating interest from all CD’s, accounts, etc., at
that institution), list the name of the institution, its address, and
its principal business activity.
PART B — SECONDARY SOURCES OF INCOME
[Required by s. 112.3145(3)(a)2 or (b)2, F.S.]
This part is intended to require the disclosure of major customers, clients, and other sources of income to businesses in which you own an interest. It is not for reporting income from second jobs. That kind
of income should be reported as a "Primary Source of Income," if it
meets the reporting threshold. You will not have anything to report
unless during the disclosure period:
(1) You owned (either directly or indirectly in the form of an equitable or beneficial interest) more than 5% of the total assets or capital stock of a business entity (a corporation, partnership,
LLC, limited partnership, proprietorship, joint venture, trust, firm,
etc., doing business in Florida); and
(2) You received more than 10% of your gross income from that business entity; and
(3) You received more than $1,500 in gross income from that
business entity.
IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN COMPARATIVE (PERCENTAGE) THRESHOLDS
THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
CE FORM 1 - Effective: January 1, 2015. Adopted by reference in Rule 34-8.202(1), F.A.C. PAGE 5
If your interests and gross income exceeded these thresholds, then for that business entity you must list every source of income to the business entity
which exceeded 10% of the business entity’s gross income (computed on
the basis of the business entity’s most recently completed fiscal year), the
source’s address, and the source’s principal business activity.
Examples:
— You are the sole proprietor of a dry cleaning business, from which
you received more than 10% of your gross income—an amount
that was more than $1,500. If only one customer, a uniform rental
company, provided more than 10% of your dry cleaning business, you
must list the name of the uniform rental company, its address, and its principal business activity (uniform rentals).
— You are a 20% partner in a partnership that owns a shopping mall
and your partnership income exceeded the thresholds listed above.
You should list each tenant of the mall that provided more than 10%
of the partnership’s gross income, the tenant’s address and principal business activity.
PART C — REAL PROPERTY
[Required by s. 112.3145(3)(a)3 or (b)3, F.S.]
In this part, list the location or description of all real property
in Florida in which you owned directly or indirectly at any time
during the previous tax year in excess of 5% of the property’s
value. You are not required to list your residences and vacation
homes.
Indirect ownership includes situations where you are a
beneficiary of a trust that owns the property, as well as situations
where you are more than a 5% partner in a partnership or
stockholder in a corporation that owns the property. The value of the property may be determined by the most recently assessed
value for tax purposes, in the absence of a more current
appraisal.
The location or description of the property should be sufficient
to enable anyone who looks at the form to identify the property. A street address should be used, if one exists.
PART D — INTANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY
[Required by s. 112.3145(3)(a)3 or (b)3, F.S.]
Describe any intangible personal property that, at any time
during the disclosure period, was worth more than 10% of your
total assets, and state the business entity to which the property related. Intangible personal property includes things such as
cash on hand, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, vehicle
leases, interests in businesses, beneficial interests in trusts,
money owed you, Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP)
accounts, the Florida Prepaid College Plan, and bank accounts. Intangible personal property also includes investment products
held in IRAs, brokerage accounts, and the Florida College
Investment Plan. Note that the product contained in a brokerage
account, IRA, or the Florida College Investment Plan is your
asset—not the account or plan itself. Things like automobiles and houses you own, jewelry, and paintings are not intangible
property. Intangibles relating to the same business entity may
be aggregated; for example, CD’s and savings accounts with the
same bank.
Calculations: In order to decide whether the intangible
property exceeds 10% of your total assets, you will need to total
the fair market value of all of your assets (including real property, intangible property, and tangible personal property such as jewelry,
furniture, etc.). When making this calculation, do not subtract any
liabilities (debts) that may relate to the property. Multiply the total
figure by 10% to arrive at the disclosure threshold. List only the
intangibles that exceed this threshold amount. The value of a leased vehicle is the vehicle’s present value minus the lease
residual (a number which can be found on the lease document).
Property that is only jointly owned property should be valued
according to the percentage of your joint ownership. Property
owned as tenants by the entirety or as joint tenants with right of survivorship should be valued at 100%. None of your calculations
or the value of the property have to be disclosed on the form.
Example:
You own 50% of the stock of a small corporation that is
worth $100,000, the estimated fair market value of your home
and other property (bank accounts, automobile, furniture, etc.) is $200,000. As your total assets are worth $250,000, you must
disclose intangibles worth over $25,000. Since the value of the
stock exceeds this threshold, you should list “stock” and the name
of the corporation. If your accounts with a particular bank exceed
$25,000, you should list “bank accounts” and bank’s name.
PART E — LIABILITIES
[Required by s. 112.3145(3)(a)4 or (b)4, F.S.]
List the name and address of each creditor to whom you owed any
amount that, at any time during the disclosure period, exceeded your
net worth. You are not required to list the amount of any debt or your
net worth. You do not have to disclose: credit card and retail installment
accounts, taxes owed (unless reduced to a judgment), indebtedness on
a life insurance policy owed to the company of issuance, or contingent
liabilities. A “contingent liability” is one that will become an actual liability
only when one or more future events occur or fail to occur, such as where
you are liable only as a guarantor, surety, or endorser on a promissory
note. If you are a “co-maker” and have signed as being jointly liable or
jointly and severally liable, then this is not a contingent liability.
Calculations: In order to decide whether the debt exceeds your net worth, you will need to total all of your liabilities (including promissory
notes, mortgages, credit card debts, judgments against you, etc.). The
amount of the liability of a vehicle lease is the sum of any past-due
payments and all unpaid prospective lease payments. Subtract the sum
total of your liabilities from the value of all your assets as calculated above for Part D. This is your “net worth.” You must list on the form each
creditor to whom your debt exceeded this amount unless it is one of the
types of indebtedness listed in the paragraph above (credit card and retail
installment accounts, etc.). Joint liabilities with others for which you are
“jointly and severally liable,” meaning that you may be liable for either your part or the whole of the obligation, should be included in your calculations
at 100% of the amount owed.
Examples:
— You owe $15,000 to a bank for student loans, $5,000 for credit card debts, and $60,000 (with spouse) to a savings and loan for
a home mortgage. Your home (owned by you and your spouse) is
worth $80,000 and your other property is worth $20,000. Since your
net worth is $20,000 ($100,000 minus $80,000), you must report only
the name and address of the savings and loan.
PART F — INTERESTS IN SPECIFIED BUSINESSES
[Required by s. 112.3145(5), F.S.]
The types of businesses covered in this disclosure include: state and
federally chartered banks; state and federal savings and loan associations;
cemetery companies; insurance companies; mortgage companies; credit
unions; small loan companies; alcoholic beverage licensees; pari-mutuel
wagering companies, utility companies, entities controlled by the Public Service Commission; and entities granted a franchise to operate by either
a city or a county government.
You are required to disclose in this part of the form the fact that
you owned during the disclosure period an interest in, or held any of
certain positions with, particular types of businesses listed above. You
are required to make this disclosure if you own or owned (either directly
or indirectly in the form of an equitable or beneficial interest) at any time
during the disclosure period more than 5% of the total assets or capital
stock of one of the types of business entities listed above. You also must
complete this part of the form for each of these types of businesses
for which you are, or were at any time during the disclosure period, an
officer, director, partner, proprietor, or agent (other than a resident agent
solely for service of process).
If you have or held such a position or ownership interest in one
of these types of businesses, list the name of the business, its address
and principal business activity, and the position held with the business (if
any). If you own(ed) more than a 5% interest in the business, you must
indicate that fact and describe the nature of your interest.
(End of Percentage Thresholds Instructions.)
CE FORM 1 - Effective: January 1, 2015. Adopted by reference in Rule 34-8.202(1), F.A.C. PAGE 6
CONTRIBUTIONS RETURNED
(Section 106.07(4)(b), F.S.)
(PLEASE TYPE)
OFFICE USE ONLY
This report applies only to contributions received by any candidate, committee, or organization but returned
to the contributor before being deposited in the campaign account.
Candidate Committee or Organization
Full Name:
Full Address:
Full Name and Address of Contributor: Full Name and Address of Contributor:
Amount of Contribution: $ Amount of Contribution: $
Date Received: Date Received:
Date Returned: Date Returned:
Full Name and Address of Contributor: Full Name and Address of Contributor:
Amount of Contribution: $ Amount of Contribution: $
Date Received: Date Received:
Date Returned: Date Returned:
I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE EXAMINED THIS REPORT AND IT IS TRUE, CORRECT AND COMPLETE.
Type or Print Name of Candidate, Treasurer or Chairman
X
Signature
DS-DE 2 (Rev. 07/10)
CAMPAIGN TREASURER'S REPORT SUMMARY
(1) OFFICE USE ONLY
Name
(2)
Address (number and street)
City, State, Zip Code
Check here if address has changed (3) ID Number:
(4) Check appropriate box(es):
Candidate Office Sought:
Political Committee (PC)
Electioneering Communications Org. (ECO) Check here if PC or ECO has disbanded
Party Executive Committee (PTY) Check here if PTY has disbanded
Independent Expenditure (IE) (also covers an Check here if no other IE or EC reports will be filed
individual making electioneering communications)
(5) Report Identifiers
Cover Period: From / / To / / Report Type:
Original Amendment Special Election Report
(6) Contributions This Report (7) Expenditures This Report
Monetary
Expenditures Cash & Checks $ , , . $ , , .
Loans $ , , . Transfers to
Office Account $ , , .
Total Monetary $ , , .
Total Monetary $ , , .
In-Kind $ , , .
(8) Other Distributions
$ , , .
(9) TOTAL Monetary Contributions To Date (10) TOTAL Monetary Expenditures To Date
$ , , . $ , , .
(11) Certification
It is a first degree misdemeanor for any person to falsify a public record (ss. 839.13, F.S.)
I certify that I have examined this report and it is true, correct, and complete:
(Type name) (Type name)
Individual (only for IE Treasurer Deputy Treasurer Candidate Chairperson (only for PC and PTY)
or electioneering comm.)
X X
Signature Signature
DS-DE 12 (Rev. 11/13) SEE REVERSE FOR INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions for Campaign Treasurer’s Report Summary
(1) Name: full name of the candidate, political committee, party executive committee, electioneering
communications organization, or individual making an independent expenditure or electioneering
communication.
(2) Address: the full address or post office box, city, state, and zip code.
CAMPAIGN TREASURER’S REPORT – ITEMIZED CONTRIBUTIONS
(1) Name (2) I.D. Number
(3) Cover Period / / through / / (4) Page of
(5) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
Date Full Name
(6) (Last, Suffix, First, Middle)
Sequence Street Address & Contributor Contribution In-kind
Number City, State, Zip Code Type Occupation Type Description Amendment Amount
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
DS-DE 13 (Rev. 11/13) SEE REVERSE FOR INSTRUCTIONS AND CODE VALUES
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAMPAIGN TREASURER’S REPORT – ITEMIZED CONTRIBUTIONS
(1) Candidate’s full name or name of the political committee (PC), electioneering communications organizations
(ECO) or party executive committee (PTY).
(2) The identification number assigned by the filing officer.
(3) Cover period dates (e.g., 1/1/15 through 1/31/15). (See filing officer’s reporting dates calendar for
appropriate year and cover periods.)
(4) Page numbers (e.g., 1 of 3 ).
(5) Date contribution was RECEIVED (Month/Day/Year).
(6) Sequence Number – Each detail line shall have a sequence number assigned to it. Sequence numbers
are to be assigned within each reporting period and for each type of detail line. Thus the report type, detail
line type, and sequence number will combine to uniquely identify a specific contribution, expenditure,
distribution or fund transfer. This method of unique identification is required for responding to requests from
the filing officer and for reporting amendments.
For example, a M1 report having 75 contributions would use sequence numbers 1 through 75. The next
report (M2), comprised of 40 contributions would use sequence numbers 1 through 40. Contributions on
amended M1 reports would begin with sequence number 76 and on amended M2 reports would begin with
sequence number 41. See the Amendment Type instructions below.
(7) Type full name and address of contributor (including city, state and zip code).
(8) Enter the type of contributor using one of the following codes:
Occupation of contributor for contributions over $100 only. (If a business, please indicate nature of
business.)
I Individual
B Business (also includes corporations, organizations, groups, etc.)
E Electioneering Communications Organizations
F Political Committee (federal or state)
(includes federal, state and county executive P Political Parties committees)
O Other (e.g., candidate surplus funds to party, etc.)
S Candidate to Self
(9) Enter Contribution Type using one of the following codes:
NOTE: Cash includes cash and cashier’s checks.
Code Description
CAS Cash or Cashier’s Check
CHE Check
COF Carryover Funds from Previous Campaign
INK In-Kind
INT Interest
LOA Loan
MO Money Order
MUC Multiple Uniform Contributions
RCT Other Receipts
REF Refund (Negative Amount Only)
(10) Typ e the description of any in-kind contribution received.
Candidate’s Only – If in-kind contribution is from a party executive committee and is allocable
toward the contribution limits, type an “A” in this box. If contribution is not allocable, type an “N”.
(11) Amendment Type (required on amended reports) – To add a new (previously unreported) contribution for
the reporting period being amended, enter “ADD” in amendment type on a line with ALL of the required
data.
The sequence number for contributions with amendment type “ADD” will start at one plus the number of
contributions in the original report. For example, amending an original M1 report that had 75 contributions
means the sequence number of the first contribution having amendment type “ADD” will be 76; the second
“ADD” contribution would be 77, etc. When amending an original M2 report that had 40 contributions, the
sixth “ADD” contribution would have sequence number 46.
To correct a previously submitted contribution use the following drop/add procedure. Enter “DEL” in
amendment type on a line with the sequence number of the contribution to be corrected. In combination
with the report number being amended, this sequence number will identify the contribution to be dropped
from your active records. On the next line enter “ADD” in amendment type and ALL of the required data
with the necessary corrections thus replacing the dropped data. Assign the sequence number as described
above.
(12) Type amount of contribution received. Political Committees ONLY: Multiple uniform contributions from the
same person, aggregating NMT $250 per calendar year, collected by an organization that is the affiliated
sponsor of a PC, may be reported by the PC in an aggregate amount listing the number of contributors
together with the amount contributed by each and the total amount contributed during the reporting period.
The identity of each person making such uniform contribution must be reported to the filing officer by July 1
of each calendar year, or, in a general election year, NLT the 60th day immediately preceding the primary
election.
CAMPAIGN TREASURER’S REPORT – FUND TRANSFERS
(1) Name ______________________________________________________
(3) Cover Period ______/______/______ through ______/______/______
(2) I.D. Number _____________________
(4) Page _____________ of ____________
Name of Financial
Institution
Street Address &
City, State, Zip Code
(5)
Date
Transfer
Type Amount
Nature of
Account Amendment
(6)
Sequence
Number
(7) (8) (9) (10) (11)
DS-DE 13A (Rev. 11/13) SEE REVERSE FOR INSTRUCTIONS AND CODE VALUES
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAMPAIGN TREASURER’S REPORT – FUND TRANSFERS
(1) Type candidate’s full name or name of the political committee (PC), electioneering communications
organization (ECO), or party executive committee (PTY).
(2) Type identification number assigned by the filing officer.
(3) Type cover period dates (e.g., 1/1/15 through 1/31/15). (See filing officer’s reporting dates calendar
for appropriate cover periods.)
(4) Type page numbers (e.g., 1 of 3).
(5) Type date of fund transfer (Month/Day/Year).
(6) Sequence Number - Each detail line shall have a sequence number assigned to it. Sequence numbers are to
be assigned within each reporting period and for each type of detail line. Thus the report type, detail line type, and
sequence number will combine to uniquely identify a specific contribution, expenditure, distribution or fund
transfer. This method of unique identification is required for responding to requests from the filing officer and for
reporting amendments.
For example, a M1 report having 2 fund transfers would use sequence numbers 1 thru 2. The next report (M2),
comprised of 4 fund transfers would use sequence numbers 1 thru 4. Fund transfers on amended M1 reports
would begin with sequence number 3 and on amended M2 reports would begin with sequence number 5. See the
Amendment Type instructions below.
(7) Type full name and address of financial institution (including city, state and zip code).
(8) Enter Transfer Type using one of the following codes:
DESCRIPTION
Transfer FROM identified account to campaign account
Transfer TO identified account from the campaign account
CODE
F
T
(9) Nature of Account (e.g., certificate of deposit, money market, etc...)
(10) Amendment Type (required on amended reports) - To add a new (previously unreported) fund transfer for
the reporting period being amended, enter “ADD” in amendment type on a line with ALL of the required data.
The sequence number for fund transfers with amendment type “ADD” will start at one plus the number of fund
transfers in the original report. For example, amending an original M1 report that had 75 fund transfers, means
the sequence number of the first fund transfer having amendment type “ADD” will be 76; the second “ADD” fund
transfer would be 77, etc. When amending an original M2 report that had 40 fund transfers, the sixth “ADD” fund
transfer would have sequence number 46.
To correct a previously submitted fund transfer use the following drop/add procedure. Enter “DEL” in
amendment type on a line with the sequence number of the fund transfer to be corrected. In combination with
the report number being amended, this sequence number will identify the fund transfer to be dropped from your
active records. On the next line enter “ADD” in amendment type and ALL of the required data with the
necessary corrections thus replacing the dropped data. Assign the sequence number as described above.
(11) Type amount of fund transfer.
CAMPAIGN TREASURER’S REPORT – ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES
DS-DE 14 (Rev. 11/13)
(1) Name ______________________________________________________
(3) Cover Period ______/______/______ through ______/______/______
(2) I.D. Number _____________________
(4) Page ____________ of _____________
Full Name
(Last, Suffix, First, Middle)
Street Address &
City, State, Zip Code
(5)
Date Purpose
(add office sought if
contribution to a
candidate) Amount
SEE REVERSE FOR INSTRUCTIONS AND CODE VALUES
Expenditure
Type Amendment
(6)
Sequence
Number
(7) (8) (9) (10) (11)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAMPAIGN TREASURER'S REPORT - ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES
(1) Candidate's full name or name of the political committee (PC), electioneering communications organization (ECO),
or party executive committee (PTY).
(2) Identification number assigned by the filing officer.
(3) Cover period dates (01/01/15 through 01/31/15). (See filing officer’s reporting dates calendar for appropriate cover
periods.)
(4) Page numbers (e.g., 1 of 3).
(5) Date of expenditure (Month/Day/Year).
(6) Sequence Number - Each detail line shall have a sequence number assigned to it. Sequence numbers are to be
assigned within each reporting period and for each type of detail line. Thus the report type, detail line type, and
sequence number will combine to uniquely identify a specific contribution, expenditure, distribution or fund transfer.
This method of unique identification is required for responding to requests from the filing officer and for reporting
requirements.
For example, a M1 report having 40 expenditures would use sequence numbers 1 through 40. The next report
(M2), comprised of 30 expenditures would use sequence numbers 1 through 30. Expenditures on amended M1
reports would begin with sequence number 41 and on amended M2 reports would begin with sequence number 31.
See Amendment Type instructions below.
(7) Full name and address of entity receiving payment (including city, state and zip code).
(8) Purpose of expenditure (if expenditure is a contribution to a candidate, also type the office sought by the candidate).
PLEASE NOTE: This column does not apply to candidate expenditures, as candidates cannot contribute to other
candidates from campaign funds. However, PCs (supporting candidates) and party executive committees
contributing to candidates must report office sought (Section 106.07, F.S.).
(9) Enter Expenditure Type using one of the following codes:
Code Description
CAN Candidate Expense
DIS Disposition of Funds
DFC Disposition of Funds to Future Campaign (effective 11/1/13)
DPP Disposition of Funds to Political Party (effective 11/1/13)
DPV Disposition of Funds to Petition Verification (effective 11/1/13)
ECC Electioneering Communication
IEC Independent Expenditure Regarding a Candidate
IEI Independent Expenditure Regarding an Issue
MON Monetary (Not to a Candidate)
PCW Petty Cash Withdrawn
PCS Petty Cash Spent
PPD Pre-paid Distribution
REF Refund (Negative Amount Only)
RMB Reimbursements
TOA Transfer to Office Account (Disposition of Funds)
(10) Amendment Type (required on amended reports) - To add a new (previously unreported) expenditure for the
reporting period being amended, enter "ADD" in amendment type on a line with ALL of the required data.
The sequence number for expenditures with amendment type "ADD" will start at one plus the number of
expenditures in the original report. For example, amending an original M1 reports that had 75 expenditures, means
the sequence number of the first expenditure having amendment type "ADD" will be 76; the second "ADD"
expenditure would have sequence number 39.
To correct a previously submitted expenditure use the following drop/add procedure. Enter "DEL" in amendment
type on a line with the sequence number of the expenditure to be corrected. In combination with the report number
being amended, this sequence number will identify the expenditure to be dropped from your active records. On the
next line enter "ADD" in amendment type and ALL of the required data with the necessary corrections thus replacing
the dropped data. Assign the sequence number as described above.
(11) Amount of expenditure.
CAMPAIGN TREASURER'S REPORT - ITEMIZED DISTRIBUTIONS
(1) Name (2) I.D. Number
(3) Cover Period / / through / / (4) Page of
(5) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
Date Full Name Purpose
(6) (Last, Suffix, First, Middle) (add office sought if
Sequence Street Address & contribution to a Related Distribution
Number City, State, Zip Code candidate) Expenditures Amendment Amount Type
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
SEE REVERSE FOR INSTRUCTIONS AND CODE VALUES DS-DE 14A (Rev. 11/13)
CAMPAIGN TREASURER'S REPORT - ITEMIZED DISTRIBUTIONS
THIS FORM IS USED TO REPORT DISTRIBUTIONS OF GOODS OR SERVICES CONTRIBUTED TO A CANDIDATE
OR COMMITTEE, INDIRECT EXPENDITURES AND REIMBURSEMENTS.
(1) Name of the entity.
(2) Identification number assigned by the filing officer.
(3) Cover period dates (e.g., 03/01/14 through 03/31/14). (See the filing officer’s reporting dates calendar for
appropriate cover periods.)
(4) Page numbers (e.g., 1 of 3).
(5) Date of distribution (Month/Day/Year).
(6) Sequence Number - Each detail line shall have a sequence number assigned to it. Sequence numbers are to be
assigned within each reporting period and for each type of detail line. Thus the report type, detail line type, and
sequence number will combine to uniquely identify a specific contribution, expenditure, distribution or fund transfer.
This method of unique identification is required for responding to requests from the filing officer and for reporting
amendments.
For example, a M1 report having 40 distributions would use sequence numbers 1 through 40. The next report
(M2), comprised of 30 distributions would use sequence numbers 1 through 30. Distributions on amended M1
reports would begin with sequence number 41 and on amended M2 reports would begin with sequence number
31. See Amendment Type instructions below.
(7) Full name and address of entity receiving distribution (including city, state and zip code).
(8) Purpose of distribution (if distribution is a contribution to a candidate, also type the office sought by the candidate).
(9) For each distribution that is related to an itemized expenditure previously listed on Itemized Expenditures (Form
DS-DE 14), enter the Year, Report Type and Sequence Number associated with the expenditure.
*PARTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES ONLY - If distribution is allocable toward the contribution limits, type
an "A" in this box. If distribution is nonallocable, type and "N".
(10) Amendment Type (required on amended reports) - To add a new (previously unreported) distribution for the
reporting period being amended, enter "ADD" in amendment type on a line with ALL of the required data.
The sequence number for distributions with amendment type "ADD" will start at one plus the number of
distributions in the original report. For example, amending and original M1 report that had 75 distributions, means
the sequence number of the first distribution having amendment type "ADD" will be 76; the second "ADD"
distribution would be 77, etc. When amending an original M2 report that had 30 distributions, the ninth "ADD"
distribution would have sequence number 39.
To correct a previously submitted distribution use the following drop/add procedure. Enter "DEL" in amendment
type on a line with the sequence number of the distribution to be corrected. In combination with the report number
being amended, this sequence number will identify the distribution to be dropped from your active records. On the
next line enter "ADD" in amendment type and ALL of the required data with the necessary corrections thus
replacing the dropped data. Assigns the sequence number as described above.
(11) Amount of distribution.
(12) Distribution Type
Code Description
PPD Pre-paid Distribution
RMB Reimbursements
CCP Credit Card Purchase
INK In-Kind Distribution
This report applies to all candidates ELECTED to office who had loans
exceeding $500 in value, which were accepted and used for campaign
purposes within the 12 months preceding the election. All such loans
must be reported to the filing officer within 10 days after the candidate’s
election to office.
DS-DE 73 (Rev. 08/03)
CAMPAIGN LOANS
REPORT
(Section 106.075, F.S.)
(PLEASE TYPE)
____________________________________________________________________________
Full Name of Newly Elected Official
____________________________________________________________________________
Office
____________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address
____________________________________________________________________________
City State Zip Code
I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE EXAMINED THIS REPORT
AND IT IS TRUE, CORRECT AND COMPLETE.
__________________________________________________________________________
Type or Print Name of Newly Elected Official
__________________________________________________________________________
Signature
X
OFFICE USE ONLY
DS-DE 73A (Rev. 08/03)
CAMPAIGN LOANS REPORT ITEMIZED
Page _________ of _________
(PLEASE TYPE)
FULL NAME AND ADDRESS OF LENDER:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
OCCUPATION: _________________________
AMOUNT OF LOAN: ____________________
DATE RECEIVED: ______________________
FULL NAME AND ADDRESS OF LENDER:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
OCCUPATION: _________________________
AMOUNT OF LOAN: ____________________
DATE RECEIVED: ______________________
FULL NAME AND ADDRESS OF LENDER:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
OCCUPATION: _________________________
AMOUNT OF LOAN: ____________________
DATE RECEIVED: ______________________
FULL NAME AND ADDRESS OF LENDER:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
OCCUPATION: _________________________
AMOUNT OF LOAN: ____________________
DATE RECEIVED: ______________________
FULL NAME AND ADDRESS OF LENDER:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
OCCUPATION: _________________________
AMOUNT OF LOAN: ____________________
DATE RECEIVED: ______________________
FULL NAME AND ADDRESS OF LENDER:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
OCCUPATION: _________________________
AMOUNT OF LOAN: ____________________
DATE RECEIVED: ______________________
I, ________________________________________________________,
hereby request that the pro rata share of my contribution to the
campaign of _______________________________________ as a
candidate for the office of _____________________________________
be returned to me pursuant to Section 106.021(1)(a), Florida Statutes.
DS-DE 86 (Rev. 09/95)
REQUEST FOR RETURN OF CONTRIBUTION
(Section 106.021, F.S.)
(PLEASE TYPE)
__________________________________
Signature
__________________________________
Street Address
__________________________________
City State Zip Code
X _____________________
Date
WAIVER OF REPORT
(Section 106.07(7), F.S.)
(PLEASE TYPE)
OFFICE USE ONLY
Name Office Sought
Address City State Zip Code
Candidate Political Committee Electioneering Communications Organization
Party Executive Committee
Check here if address has changed since last report. Check here if PC or ECO has DISBANDED and will no
longer file reports.
TYPE OF REPORT (Check Appropriate Box and Complete Applicable Line beneath Box)
MONTHLY REPORT PRIMARY ELECTION GENERAL ELECTION OTHER REPORT TYPE
Indicate report # Indicate report # Indicate report # Indicate report type and #
as applicable: M______ P______ G______
_______________
TERMINATION REPORT SPECIAL ELECTION
NOTIFICATION OF NO ACTIVITY IN CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD OF
THROUGH
X
Signature Date
X
Signature Date
REQUIRED SIGNATURES FOR: Candidates:
Candidate and Campaign Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer (s. 106.07(5), F.S.)
Political Committees:
Chairman and Campaign Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer (s. 106.07(5), F.S.)
Electioneering Communications Organizations:
Treasurer (s. 106.0703(4)(c), F.S.)
Party Executive Committees:
Treasurer and Chairman (s. 106.29(2), F.S.)
In any reporting period when there has been no activity in the account (no funds expended or received) the filing of the required
report is waived. However, the filing officer must be notified in writing on the prescribed reporting date that no report is being filed.
DS-DE 87 (Rev. 11/13)