Bill > H0635

This bill modifies Florida's laws regarding candidate filing fees and campaign financial practices by authorizing candidates to pay filing fees using debit cards linked to their campaign accounts, adjusting the timeframe for addressing returned checks, and establishing a process for challenging a candidate's compliance with filing requirements. Specifically, if a candidate's check is returned by the bank, they will now have 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) from notification to pay the fee with a cashier's check. The bill also introduces a new mechanism allowing other candidates for the same office to challenge a candidate's qualification through the circuit court, with specific procedural requirements such as filing a complaint within 10 days after the qualifying period ends and providing the opportunity for an immediate hearing. Additionally, the bill updates rules about debit card usage in campaign finances, requiring that debit card transaction receipts include specific information and mandating signatures only if a signature line is present on the receipt. The changes are designed to provide more flexibility in campaign financial transactions while maintaining accountability in the candidate qualifying process. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/635