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2023 Florida Statutes (including 2023C)

Title IX ELECTORS AND ELECTIONS
Chapter 99 CANDIDATES Entire Chapter
SECTION 0215
Name of candidate.
F.S. 99.0215
99.0215 Name of candidate.—
(1) Each candidate shall designate in the oath or affirmation specified in s. 99.021 the name that he or she wishes to have printed on the ballot, or, in the case of a write-in candidate, the name that he or she wishes to have voters write in on the ballot when voting for him or her. Such designation must include the candidate’s legal given name or names, a shortened form of the candidate’s legal given name or names, an initial or initials of the candidate’s legal given name or names, or a bona fide nickname customarily related to the candidate and by which the candidate is commonly known, immediately followed by the candidate’s legal surname. If applicable, a candidate may place one of the following designations after the legal surname: “Sr.,” “Jr.,” or a numerical designation such as “II.”
(2) If a candidate wishes to designate a nickname, the candidate must file an affidavit that must be verified under oath or affirmation pursuant to s. 92.525(1)(a), attesting that the nickname complies with the requirements of this section. The affidavit must be filed simultaneously with the oath or affirmation specified in s. 99.021. Any nickname designated by a candidate may not be used to mislead voters. A candidate may not designate a nickname that implies the candidate is some other person, that constitutes a political slogan or otherwise associates the candidate with a cause or an issue, or that is obscene or profane. For purposes of this subsection, the term “political slogan” means any word or words expressing or connoting a position, an opinion, or a belief that the candidate may espouse, including, but not limited to, any word or words conveying any meaning other than that of the general identity of the candidate.
(3) Unless a candidate has the same name as, or a name similar to, one or more candidates for the same office, an educational or professional title or degree may not be added to his or her name designation.
History.—s. 16, ch. 2023-120.