summary
Introduced
02/26/2025
02/26/2025
In Committee
03/05/2025
03/05/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
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; authorizing a candidate to be removed from the ballot in certain circumstances; 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 outside of a specified period; 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 and scheduling of proceedings; 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 makes several changes to Florida election laws, focusing on candidate qualification, ballot access, and political communications. The bill revises the requirements for candidates to qualify for office, including mandating that candidates must submit specific documents by the end of the qualifying period, such as a campaign treasurer form, financial disclosure, and a campaign account check. Candidates must now withdraw from one office before qualifying for another, and qualifying officers are prohibited from accepting documents after the qualifying period ends. The bill introduces a new process for challenging a candidate's qualification through circuit court, allowing candidates and political parties to contest qualification within 10 days after the qualifying period. Additionally, the bill modifies rules for secure ballot intake stations, clarifies regulations on using political party names and symbols, expands the powers of political party executive committees, and introduces more stringent requirements for voter guides. Specifically for voter guides, the bill mandates detailed disclaimers across various communication formats, requires prior written authorization when advocating for a candidate, and increases the maximum fine for non-compliance from $2,500 to $10,000. The changes aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and procedural clarity in Florida's election processes.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died in Government Operations Subcommittee (on 06/16/2025)
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/2025/1249 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1249/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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