Bill > H0051

This bill introduces several changes to Florida's election laws. It requires write-in candidates to pay filing fees and election assessments, which they were previously exempt from, and prohibits write-in candidates from being considered opponents for certain constitutional purposes. The bill also mandates that the Department of State establish new rules for voting system security, specifically requiring that voting systems cannot be connected to the Internet. Additionally, counties are now given the option (rather than being required) to use electronic precinct-count tabulation voting systems and are allowed to count ballots by hand at the precinct level. These changes aim to enhance election integrity, standardize candidate qualification processes, and provide counties with more flexibility in vote counting methods. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving election officials and counties time to prepare for and implement these new requirements.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/51