summary
Introduced
02/25/2025
02/25/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to elections; amending s. 99.061, F.S.; revising the list of required items that must be received by a specified officer for nomination and election qualification; declaring that failure to file a certain written statement as required disqualifies a candidate; providing a method to challenge the contents of certain forms and statements; providing requirements for certain candidates to qualify for office; requiring the Department of State to adopt rules for certain procedures and a required form; requiring the withdrawal of certain candidates in specified circumstances; providing the exclusive method of withdrawal; prohibiting a qualifying officer from accepting certain items after a specified deadline; declaring that any papers or items accepted after the deadline are not valid and that the candidate must be disqualified; providing a method for challenging the qualification for certain candidates; specifying procedures for bringing an action in circuit court, the filing of responses, scheduling of proceedings, and requirements for the supervisor of elections; amending s. 101.69, F.S.; revising where secure ballot intake stations may be placed and when they may be accessed; amending s. 103.081, F.S.; revising who is required to give approval and permission to use names, abbreviations, and symbols of political parties; authorizing a political party to adopt certain rules; revising requirements for an exception; amending s. 103.121, F.S.; revising powers and duties of executive committees; providing for retroactive application; amending s. 106.1436, F.S.; revising the definition of the term “voter guide”; revising who may represent that a voter guide is the official publication of a political party; revising required disclaimers on voter guides; prohibiting voter guides from advocating for a candidate unless certain conditions are met; providing that certain voter guides are an in-kind contribution and should be valued in a certain manner; providing an exception; increasing the maximum fine amount for a certain violation; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill introduces several changes to Florida's election laws, focusing on candidate qualification, ballot intake, political party regulations, and voter guides. The bill requires candidates to meet more stringent qualification requirements, including submitting specific forms and statements, and establishes a clear process for challenging a candidate's qualification through circuit court. Candidates must now withdraw from one office before qualifying for another, and qualifying officers are prohibited from accepting qualifying papers after the qualifying period ends. The bill also modifies rules for secure ballot intake stations, clarifying their placement and accessibility. Political parties gain expanded powers, including the ability to sue, make contracts, and acquire property. Voter guides are subject to new disclosure requirements, including specific disclaimer rules for different communication formats, and those advocating for a candidate must obtain prior written authorization from the candidate. The bill increases the maximum fine for violations related to voter guides from $2,500 to $10,000 per month and provides detailed guidelines for how disclaimers must appear across various media platforms. These changes aim to increase transparency, prevent potential electoral abuses, and provide clearer regulations for political communications and candidate qualifications.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration (on 05/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1098 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1098/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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