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2023 Florida Statutes (including 2023C)
Chapter 100
GENERAL, PRIMARY, SPECIAL, BOND, AND REFERENDUM ELECTIONS
GENERAL, PRIMARY, SPECIAL, BOND, AND REFERENDUM ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 100
GENERAL, PRIMARY, SPECIAL, BOND, AND REFERENDUM ELECTIONS
100.011 Opening and closing of polls, all elections; expenses.
100.021 Notice of general election.
100.025 Citizens residing overseas; notice of elections.
100.031 General election.
100.032 Election preparation report; general election.
100.041 Officers chosen at general election.
100.051 Candidate’s name on general election ballot.
100.061 Primary election.
100.081 Nomination of county commissioners at primary election.
100.101 Special elections and special primary elections.
100.102 Cost of special elections and special primary elections to be incurred by the state.
100.111 Filling vacancy.
100.141 Notice of special election to fill any vacancy in office.
100.151 Special elections called by local governing bodies, notice.
100.161 Filling vacancy of United States Senators.
100.181 Determination of person elected.
100.191 General election laws applicable to special elections; returns.
100.201 Referendum required before issuing bonds.
100.211 Power to call bond referendum; notice required.
100.221 General election laws to govern bond referenda.
100.241 Freeholder voting; election; penalties for ineligible persons who vote as freeholders.
100.261 Holding bond referenda with other elections.
100.271 Inspectors, clerk, duties; return and canvass of referendum recorded.
100.281 Approval to issue bonds.
100.291 Record results of election prima facie evidence.
100.301 Refunding bonds excluded.
100.311 Local law governs bond election held by municipalities.
100.321 Test suit.
100.331 Referendum for defeated bond issue.
100.341 Bond referendum ballot.
100.342 Notice of special election or referendum.
100.351 Referendum election; certificate of results to Department of State.
100.3605 Conduct of municipal elections.
100.361 Municipal recall.
100.371 Initiatives; procedure for placement on ballot.
100.011 Opening and closing of polls, all elections; expenses.—
(1) The polls shall be open at the voting places at 7:00 a.m., on the day of the election, and shall be kept open until 7:00 p.m., of the same day, and the time shall be regulated by the customary time in standard use in the county seat of the locality. The inspectors shall make public proclamation of the opening and closing of the polls. During the election and canvass of the votes, the ballot box shall not be concealed. Any elector who is in line at the time of the official closing of the polls shall be allowed to cast a vote in the election.
(2) The time of opening and closing of the polls shall be observed in all elections held in this state, including municipal and school elections.
(3) The expenses of holding all elections for county and state offices necessarily incurred shall be paid out of the treasury of the county or state, as the case may be, in the same manner and by the same officers as in general elections.
(4)(a) The provisions of any special law to the contrary notwithstanding, the expenses of holding a special district or community development district election, or the district’s proportionate share of regular election costs, as the case may be, shall be paid out of the district’s treasury and in the same manner as in general elections. This subsection applies to any district, whether created by or pursuant to special or general law, which is a special district as defined in s. 200.001(8)(c) or a community development district as defined in s. 190.003(6).
(b) The provisions of any special law to the contrary notwithstanding, the supervisor of elections may impose an interest penalty on any amount due and owing to him or her from a special district or community development district if payment is not made within 30 days from receipt of the bill or within 10 working days of the required time authorized by interlocal agreement. The rate of such interest shall be the rate established pursuant to s. 55.03.
(c) The provisions of any special law to the contrary notwithstanding, all independent and dependent special district elections, with the exception of community development district elections, shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of ss. 189.04 and 189.041.
History.—s. 23, ch. 3879, 1889; RS 177; s. 27, ch. 4328, 1895; GS 209; s. 8, ch. 6469, 1913; RGS 253, 306; CGL 309, 362; ss. 1, 2, ch. 20409, 1941; ss. 1, 2, ch. 22739, 1945; s. 4, ch. 25384, 1949; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 6, ch. 87-363; s. 53, ch. 89-169; s. 543, ch. 95-147; s. 4, ch. 96-327; s. 18, ch. 2005-277; s. 56, ch. 2014-22.
Note.—Former ss. 99.07, 102.08.
100.021 Notice of general election.—The Department of State shall, in any year in which a general election is held, make out a notice stating what offices and vacancies are to be filled at the general election in the state, and in each county and district thereof. During the 30 days before the beginning of qualifying, the department shall have the notice published two times in a newspaper of general circulation in each county; and, in counties in which there is no newspaper of general circulation, it shall send to the sheriff a notice of the offices and vacancies to be filled at such general election by the qualified voters of the sheriff’s county or any district thereof, and the sheriff shall have at least five copies of the notice posted in conspicuous places in the county. Notice may be provided alternatively by publishing notice on the division’s website, on the county’s website as provided in s. 50.0311, or on the supervisor’s website, as deemed appropriate by the supervisor.
History.—s. 5, ch. 3879, 1889; RS 159; s. 6, ch. 4328, 1895; s. 4, ch. 4537, 1897; GS 176; RGS 220; CGL 255; s. 1, ch. 25383, 1949; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 3, ch. 83-251; s. 544, ch. 95-147; s. 18, ch. 2023-120.
Note.—Former s. 98.06.
100.025 Citizens residing overseas; notice of elections.—A citizen of this state who is residing overseas may notify the supervisor of elections in the county where he or she is registered of his or her overseas address; and, thereafter, the supervisor shall notify such citizen at least 90 days prior to regular primary and general elections and when possible prior to any special election so that such citizen may follow the procedures for voting by mail provided by law.
History.—s. 1, ch. 67-454; s. 8, ch. 69-280; s. 3, ch. 77-175; s. 16, ch. 81-304; s. 4, ch. 89-338; s. 16, ch. 94-224; s. 1389, ch. 95-147; s. 8, ch. 2016-37.
Note.—Former s. 97.0631.
100.031 General election.—A general election shall be held in each county on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year to choose a successor to each elective federal, state, county, and district officer whose term will expire before the next general election and, except as provided in the State Constitution, to fill each vacancy in elective office for the unexpired portion of the term.
History.—s. 2, ch. 3879, 1889; RS 155; s. 2, ch. 4328, 1895; s. 1, ch. 4537, 1897; GS 171; RGS 216; CGL 251; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
Note.—Former s. 98.04.
100.032 Election preparation report; general election.—Each supervisor of elections must post a report on his or her official website at least 3 months before a general election which outlines preparations for the upcoming general election. The report must include, at a minimum, the following elements: the anticipated staffing levels during the early voting period, on election day and after election day; and the anticipated amount of automatic tabulating equipment at each early voting site and polling place.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2013-57.
100.041 Officers chosen at general election.—
(1) State senators shall be elected for terms of 4 years, those from odd-numbered districts in each year the number of which is a multiple of 4 and those from even-numbered districts in each even-numbered year the number of which is not a multiple of 4. Members of the House of Representatives shall be elected for terms of 2 years in each even-numbered year. In each county, a clerk of the circuit court, sheriff, superintendent of schools, property appraiser, and tax collector shall be chosen by the qualified electors at the general election in each year the number of which is a multiple of 4. The Governor and the administrative officers of the executive branch of the state shall be elected for terms of 4 years in each even-numbered year the number of which is not a multiple of 4. The terms of state offices other than the terms of members of the Legislature shall begin on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January after said election. The term of office of each member of the Legislature shall begin upon election.
(2)(a) Except as provided in s. 124.011 relating to single member districts after decennial redistricting, each county commissioner from an odd-numbered district shall be elected at the general election in each year the number of which is a multiple of 4, for a 4-year term commencing on the second Tuesday following such election, and each county commissioner from an even-numbered district shall be elected at the general election in each even-numbered year the number of which is not a multiple of 4, for a 4-year term commencing on the second Tuesday following such election. A county commissioner is “elected” for purposes of this paragraph on the date that the county canvassing board certifies the results of the election pursuant to s. 102.151.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the governing board of a charter county may provide by ordinance, to be approved by referendum, that the terms of its members shall commence on a date later than the second Tuesday following general elections, but in any case the date of commencement shall be uniform for all members and shall be no later than the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January following each member’s election.
(3)(a) School board members shall be elected at a general election for terms of 4 years. The term of office of a school board member and of a superintendent of schools shall begin on the second Tuesday following the general election in which such member or superintendent is elected.
(b) In each school district which has five school board members, the terms shall be arranged so that three members are elected at one general election and two members elected at the next ensuing general election.
(4) The term of office of each county and each district officer not otherwise provided by law shall commence on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January following his or her election.
History.—s. 3, ch. 3879, 1889; RS 156; s. 3, ch. 4328, 1895; s. 2, ch. 4537, 1897; GS 172; s. 10, ch. 7838, 1919; RGS 217; CGL 252; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 15, ch. 28156, 1953; s. 1, ch. 59-140; s. 1, ch. 63-479; s. 1, ch. 67-98; s. 1, ch. 67-510; s. 11, ch. 69-216; s. 1, ch. 69-300; (4) former s. 14, Art. XVIII of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended; converted to statutory law by s. 10, Art. XII of the State Constitution as revised in 1968; s. 1, ch. 73-47; s. 18, ch. 73-334; s. 1, ch. 77-102; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 1, ch. 78-321; s. 21, ch. 79-164; s. 14, ch. 85-226; s. 1, ch. 88-85; s. 14, ch. 89-338; s. 545, ch. 95-147; s. 11, ch. 98-129; s. 20, ch. 2007-30; s. 12, ch. 2022-73.
Note.—Former s. 98.05.
100.051 Candidate’s name on general election ballot.—The supervisor of elections of each county shall print on ballots to be used in the county at the next general election the names of candidates who have been nominated by a political party and the candidates who have otherwise obtained a position on the general election ballot in compliance with the requirements of this code.
History.—s. 53, ch. 6469, 1913; RGS 357; CGL 414; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 3, ch. 70-269; s. 1, ch. 70-439; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 21, ch. 2007-30.
Note.—Former s. 102.50.
100.061 Primary election.—In each year in which a general election is held, a primary election for nomination of candidates of political parties shall be held on the Tuesday 11 weeks prior to the general election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes cast in each contest in the primary election shall be declared nominated for such office. If two or more candidates receive an equal and highest number of votes for the same office, such candidates shall draw lots to determine which candidate is nominated.
History.—s. 5, ch. 6469, 1913; RGS 303; CGL 359; s. 2, ch. 13761, 1929; s. 1, ch. 17897, 1937; s. 7, ch. 26329, 1949; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 1, ch. 57-166; s. 1, ch. 59-4; s. 1, ch. 69-1745; s. 4, ch. 83-251; s. 11, ch. 2005-286; s. 22, ch. 2007-30; s. 20, ch. 2011-40; s. 3, ch. 2013-57; s. 6, ch. 2019-162.
Note.—Former s. 102.05.
100.081 Nomination of county commissioners at primary election.—The primary election shall provide for the nomination of county commissioners by the qualified electors of such county at the time and place set for voting on other county officers.
History.—s. 63, ch. 6469, 1913; s. 10, ch. 6874, 1915; RGS 362; CGL 419; s. 18, ch. 13761, 1929; CGL 1936 Supp. 424(2); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 11, ch. 69-216; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 12, ch. 2005-286.
Note.—Former s. 102.55.
100.101 Special elections and special primary elections.—A special election or special primary election shall be held in the following cases:
(1) If no person has been elected at a general election to fill an office which was required to be filled by election at such general election.
(2) If a vacancy occurs in the office of state senator or member of the state house of representatives.
(3) If it is necessary to elect presidential electors, by reason of the offices of President and Vice President both having become vacant.
(4) If a vacancy occurs in the office of member from Florida of the House of Representatives of Congress.
History.—s. 4, ch. 3879, 1889; RS 158; s. 5, ch. 4328, 1895; GS 175; RGS 219; CGL 254; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 3, ch. 83-15; s. 19, ch. 2005-277; s. 21, ch. 2011-40.
Note.—Former s. 98.08.
100.102 Cost of special elections and special primary elections to be incurred by the state.—Whenever any special election or special primary election is held as required in s. 100.101, each county incurring expenses resulting from such special election or special primary election shall be reimbursed by the state. Reimbursement shall be based upon actual expenses as filed by the supervisor of elections with the county governing body. The Department of State shall verify the expenses of each special election and each special primary election and authorize payment for reimbursement to each county affected.
History.—s. 2, ch. 74-120; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
100.111 Filling vacancy.—
(1)(a) If any vacancy occurs in any office which is required to be filled pursuant to s. 1(f), Art. IV of the State Constitution and the remainder of the term of such office is 28 months or longer, then at the next general election a person shall be elected to fill the unexpired portion of such term, commencing on the first Tuesday after the first Monday following such general election.
(b) If such a vacancy occurs prior to the first day set by law for qualifying for election to office at such general election, any person seeking nomination or election to the unexpired portion of the term shall qualify within the time prescribed by law for qualifying for other offices to be filled by election at such general election.
(c) If such a vacancy occurs prior to the primary election but on or after the first day set by law for qualifying, the Secretary of State shall set dates for qualifying for the unexpired portion of the term of such office. Any person seeking nomination or election to the unexpired portion of the term shall qualify within the time set by the Secretary of State. If time does not permit party nominations to be made in conjunction with the primary election, the Governor may call a special primary election to select party nominees for the unexpired portion of such term.
(2) Whenever there is a vacancy for which a special election is required pursuant to s. 100.101, the Governor, after consultation with the Secretary of State, shall fix the dates of a special primary election and a special election. Nominees of political parties shall be chosen under the primary laws of this state in the special primary election to become candidates in the special election. Prior to setting the special election dates, the Governor shall consider any upcoming elections in the jurisdiction where the special election will be held. The dates fixed by the Governor shall be specific days certain and shall not be established by the happening of a condition or stated in the alternative. The dates fixed shall provide a minimum of 2 weeks between each election. In the event a vacancy occurs in the office of state senator or member of the House of Representatives when the Legislature is in regular legislative session, the minimum times prescribed by this subsection may be waived upon concurrence of the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate. If a vacancy occurs in the office of state senator and no session of the Legislature is scheduled to be held prior to the next general election, the Governor may fix the dates for the special primary election and for the special election to coincide with the dates of the primary election and general election. If a vacancy in office occurs in any district in the state Senate or House of Representatives or in any congressional district, and no session of the Legislature, or session of Congress if the vacancy is in a congressional district, is scheduled to be held during the unexpired portion of the term, the Governor is not required to call a special election to fill such vacancy.
(a) The dates for candidates to qualify in such special election or special primary election shall be fixed by the Department of State, and candidates shall qualify not later than noon of the last day so fixed. The dates fixed for qualifying shall allow a minimum of 14 days between the last day of qualifying and the special primary election.
(b) The filing of campaign expense statements by candidates in such special elections or special primaries and by committees making contributions or expenditures to influence the results of such special primaries or special elections shall be not later than such dates as shall be fixed by the Department of State, and in fixing such dates the Department of State shall take into consideration and be governed by the practical time limitations.
(c) The dates for a candidate to qualify by the petition process pursuant to s. 99.095 in such special primary or special election shall be fixed by the Department of State. In fixing such dates the Department of State shall take into consideration and be governed by the practical time limitations. Any candidate seeking to qualify by the petition process in a special primary election shall obtain 25 percent of the signatures required by s. 99.095.
(d) The qualifying fees and party assessments of such candidates as may qualify shall be the same as collected for the same office at the last previous primary for that office. The party assessment shall be paid to the appropriate executive committee of the political party to which the candidate belongs.
(e) Each county canvassing board shall make as speedy a return of the result of such special primary elections and special elections as time will permit, and the Elections Canvassing Commission likewise shall make as speedy a canvass and declaration of the nominees as time will permit.
(3)(a) In the event that death, resignation, withdrawal, or removal should cause a party to have a vacancy in nomination which leaves no candidate for an office from such party, the filing officer before whom the candidate qualified shall notify the chair of the state and county political party executive committee of such party and:
1. If the vacancy in nomination is for a statewide office, the state party chair shall, within 5 days, call a meeting of his or her executive board to consider designation of a nominee to fill the vacancy.
2. If the vacancy in nomination is for the office of United States Representative, state senator, state representative, state attorney, or public defender, the state party chair shall, within 5 days, call a meeting of the state executive committee members residing in the affected county or counties to consider designation of a nominee to fill the vacancy.
3. If the vacancy in nomination is for a county office, the state party chair shall notify the appropriate county chair and, within 5 days, the appropriate county chair shall call a meeting of his or her executive committee to consider designation of a nominee to fill the vacancy.
The name of any person so designated shall be submitted to the filing officer before whom the candidate qualified within 7 days after notice to the chair in order that the person designated may have his or her name on the ballot of the ensuing general election. If the name of the new nominee is submitted after the certification of results of the preceding primary election, however, the ballots shall not be changed and the former party nominee’s name will appear on the ballot. Any ballots cast for the former party nominee will be counted for the person designated by the political party to replace the former party nominee. If there is no opposition to the party nominee, the person designated by the political party to replace the former party nominee will be elected to office at the general election.
(b) When, under the circumstances set forth in the preceding paragraph, vacancies in nomination are required to be filled by committee nominations, such vacancies shall be filled by party rule. In any instance in which a nominee is selected by a committee to fill a vacancy in nomination, such nominee shall pay the same filing fee and take the same oath as the nominee would have taken had he or she regularly qualified for election to such office.
(c) Any person who, at the close of qualifying as prescribed in ss. 99.061 and 105.031, was qualified for nomination or election to or retention in a public office to be filled at the ensuing general election or who attempted to qualify and failed to qualify is prohibited from qualifying as a candidate to fill a vacancy in nomination for any other office to be filled at that general election, even if such person has withdrawn or been eliminated as a candidate for the original office sought. However, this paragraph does not apply to a candidate for the office of Lieutenant Governor who applies to fill a vacancy in nomination for the office of Governor on the same ticket or to a person who has withdrawn or been eliminated as a candidate and who is subsequently designated as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor under s. 99.063.
(4) A vacancy in nomination is not created if an order of a court that has become final determines that a nominee did not properly qualify or did not meet the necessary qualifications to hold the office for which he or she sought to qualify.
(5) In the event of unforeseeable circumstances not contemplated in these general election laws concerning the calling and holding of special primary elections and special elections resulting from court order or other unpredictable circumstances, the Department of State shall have the authority to provide for the conduct of orderly elections.
History.—s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 16, ch. 28156, 1953; s. 1, ch. 29938, 1955; s. 1, ch. 57-91; s. 1, ch. 59-139; s. 2, ch. 65-240; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 73-191; s. 1, ch. 74-120; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 30, ch. 79-400; s. 4, ch. 83-15; s. 1, ch. 83-149; s. 15, ch. 89-338; s. 3, ch. 90-229; s. 13, ch. 90-315; s. 546, ch. 95-147; s. 1, ch. 95-197; s. 5, ch. 99-140; s. 12, ch. 99-318; s. 20, ch. 2005-277; s. 13, ch. 2005-286; s. 23, ch. 2007-30; s. 22, ch. 2011-40; s. 15, ch. 2021-11.
100.141 Notice of special election to fill any vacancy in office.—
(1) Whenever a special election is required to fill any vacancy in office, the Governor, after consultation with the Secretary of State, shall issue an order declaring on what day the election shall be held and deliver the order to the Department of State.
(2) The Department of State shall prepare a notice stating what offices are to be filled in the special election, the dates set for the special primary election and the special election, the dates fixed for qualifying for office, the dates fixed for qualifying by the petition process pursuant to s. 99.095, and the dates fixed for filing campaign expense statements.
(3) The department shall deliver a copy of such notice to the supervisor of elections of each county in which the special election is to be held. The supervisor shall have the notice published two times in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least 10 days before the first day set for qualifying for office or, for at least 10 days before the first day set for qualifying for office, publish notice on the county’s website as provided in s. 50.0311 or on the supervisor’s website.
History.—s. 6, ch. 3879, 1889; RS 160; s. 7, ch. 4328, 1895; GS 177; RGS 221; CGL 256; s. 3, ch. 25383, 1949; s. 1, ch. 26329, 1949; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 14, ch. 90-315; s. 13, ch. 99-318; s. 21, ch. 2005-277; s. 14, ch. 2005-286; s. 19, ch. 2023-120.
Note.—Former s. 98.10.
100.151 Special elections called by local governing bodies, notice.—County commissioners or the governing authority of a municipality shall not call any special election until notice is given to the supervisor of elections and his or her consent obtained as to a date when the registration books can be available.
History.—s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 2, ch. 65-60; s. 16, ch. 89-338; s. 547, ch. 95-147.
100.161 Filling vacancy of United States Senators.—Should a vacancy happen in the representation of this state in the Senate of the United States, the Governor shall issue a writ of election to fill such vacancy at the next general election; and the Governor may make a temporary appointment until the vacancy is filled by election.
History.—s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 17, ch. 28156, 1953; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
100.181 Determination of person elected.—The person receiving the highest number of votes cast in a general or special election for an office shall be elected to the office. In case two or more persons receive an equal and highest number of votes for the same office, such persons shall draw lots to determine who shall be elected to the office.
History.—s. 7, ch. 20872, 1941; s. 4, ch. 26329, 1949; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 24, ch. 77-104; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
Note.—Former s. 98.49.
100.191 General election laws applicable to special elections; returns.—All laws that are applicable to general elections are applicable to special elections or special primary elections to fill a vacancy in office or nomination. The Elections Canvassing Commission shall immediately, upon receipt of returns from the county in which a special election is held, proceed to canvass the returns and determine and declare the result thereof.
History.—s. 6, ch. 20872, 1941; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 24, ch. 2007-30.
Note.—Former s. 98.48.
100.201 Referendum required before issuing bonds.—Whenever any county, district, or municipality is by law given power to issue bonds which are required to be approved by referendum, such bonds shall be issued only after the same have been approved by the majority of votes cast by those persons eligible to vote in such referendum. The election costs of such referendum shall be paid in whole or in part, as the case may be, out of the county, district, or municipal treasury.
History.—s. 1, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(1); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 3, ch. 69-377; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 7, ch. 87-363.
Note.—Former s. 103.01.
100.211 Power to call bond referendum; notice required.—The board of county commissioners or the governing authority of any district or municipality may call a bond referendum under this code. In the event any referendum is called to decide whether a majority of the electors participating are in favor of the issuance of bonds in the county, district, or municipality, the board of county commissioners, or the governing authority of the municipality or district, shall by resolution order the bond referendum to be held in the county, district, or municipality and shall give notice of the election in the manner prescribed by s. 100.342.
History.—s. 2, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(2); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 4, ch. 69-377; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
Note.—Former s. 103.02.
100.221 General election laws to govern bond referenda.—The laws governing the holding of general elections are applicable to bond referenda, except as provided in ss. 100.201-100.351. A county, district, or municipality is not required to offer early voting for a bond referendum that is not held in conjunction with a county or state election. The places for voting in a bond referendum shall be the same as the places for voting in general elections when a bond referendum is held in the county or district; however, when a bond referendum is held in a municipality, the polling places shall be the same as in other municipal elections.
History.—s. 8, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(8); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 12, ch. 2008-95.
Note.—Former s. 103.08.
100.241 Freeholder voting; election; penalties for ineligible persons who vote as freeholders.—
(1) In any election or referendum in which only electors who are freeholders are qualified to vote, the regular registration books covering the precincts located within the geographical area in which the election or referendum is to be held shall be used.
(2) Qualification and registration of electors participating in a freeholder election or referendum subject to this section shall be the same as prescribed for voting in other elections under this code, and, in addition, each such elector shall submit a written declaration, verified pursuant to s. 92.525, affirming that the elector is a freeholder who is a qualified elector residing in the county, district, or municipality in which the election or referendum is to be held.
(3) Each registered elector who submits the written declaration giving a legal description, address, or location of property in the elector’s name which is not wholly exempt from taxation is entitled to vote in the election or referendum and is considered a freeholder.
(4) The actual costs of conducting a freeholder election or referendum subject to this section shall be paid by the county, district, or municipality requiring the election or referendum.
(5) A person may not vote in any county, district, or other election or referendum which is limited to a vote of the electors who are freeholders, unless the person is a freeholder and a qualified elector. A person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 1, ch. 9294, 1923; CGL 250; ss. 4, 6, 14, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(4), (6), (14); s. 7, ch. 22858, 1945; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 1, ch. 61-332; s. 5, ch. 65-240; s. 5, ch. 69-377; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 2, ch. 91-224; s. 548, ch. 95-147; s. 1, ch. 2012-156.
Note.—Former ss. 98.03, 103.04, 103.06, 103.14.
100.261 Holding bond referenda with other elections.—Whenever any bond referendum is called, it shall be lawful for any county, district, or municipality to hold such bond referendum on the day of any state, county, or municipal primary or general election, or on the day of any election of such county, district, or municipality for any purpose other than the purpose of voting on such bonds. If such bond referendum is held concurrently with a regularly scheduled election, the county, district, or municipality shall pay only its pro rata share of election costs directly related to the bond referendum. However, nothing in this section shall prohibit the holding of a special or separate bond referendum.
History.—s. 1, ch. 22545, 1945; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 19, ch. 28156, 1953; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 8, ch. 87-363.
Note.—Former s. 103.21.
100.271 Inspectors, clerk, duties; return and canvass of referendum recorded.—In any bond referendum, unless the referendum is held in connection with a regular or special state, county, or municipal election, at least two inspectors and one clerk shall be appointed and qualified, as in cases of general elections, and they shall canvass the vote cast and make due returns of same without delay. Any bond referendum held in a municipality shall be returned to and canvassed by the governing authority which called the referendum, but in any county or district the returns shall be made to the board of county commissioners. The board of county commissioners or, in the case of a municipality, the governing authority thereof, shall canvass the returns and declare the result and have same recorded in the minutes of the board of county commissioners, or, in the case of a district, the certificate of declaration of result shall be recorded in the minutes of the governing authority of such district, or, in the case of a municipality, the result shall be recorded in the minutes of the governing authority of the municipality. If any bond referendum is held in conjunction with any other election, however, the officials responsible for the canvass of such election shall also canvass the returns of the referendum and certify the same to the proper governing body.
History.—s. 10, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(10); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
Note.—Former s. 103.10.
100.281 Approval to issue bonds.—Should a majority of the votes cast in a bond referendum be in favor of the issuance of bonds, then the issuance of said bonds is deemed authorized in accordance with s. 12, Art. VII of the State Constitution. In the event less than a majority of those voting on the issue voted in favor of the issuance of the proposed bonds, then the issuance of those specified bonds shall be deemed to have failed of approval and it is unlawful to issue or attempt to issue said bonds.
History.—s. 12, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(12); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 15, ch. 69-216; s. 7, ch. 69-377; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
Note.—Former s. 103.12.
100.291 Record results of election prima facie evidence.—Whenever any bond referendum is called and held, and the minutes have been recorded as provided in s. 100.271 and also a separate finding as to the total number of votes cast in the referendum, both in favor and against the approval of bonds, then a duly certified copy of the finding shall be admissible as prima facie evidence in all state courts of the truth, including the regularity, of the call, conduct, and holding of the referendum at the time and place specified.
History.—s. 17, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(15); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
Note.—Former s. 103.17.
100.301 Refunding bonds excluded.—Sections 100.201-100.351 shall not apply to refunding bonds, and wherever the word “bond” or “bonds” is used in these sections it shall be construed to exclude refunding bonds; but if the statute, ordinance, or resolution under which refunding bonds are authorized or are to be issued requires a referendum to determine whether such refunding bonds shall be issued, the referendum may be held as provided by ss. 100.201-100.351.
History.—s. 211/2, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(19); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
Note.—Former s. 103.20.
100.311 Local law governs bond election held by municipalities.—No section of this code controlling or regulating bond referenda shall be deemed to repeal or modify any provision contained in any local law relating to bond referenda held by any municipality, but ss. 100.201-100.351 shall be deemed additional and supplementary to any such local law.
History.—s. 21, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(18); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
Note.—Former s. 103.19.
100.321 Test suit.—Any taxpayer of the county, district, or municipality wherein bonds are declared to have been authorized, shall have the right to test the legality of the referendum and of the declaration of the result thereof, by an action in the circuit court of the county in which the referendum was held. The action shall be brought against the county commissioners in the case of a county or district referendum, or against the governing authority of the municipality in the case of a municipal referendum. In case any such referendum or the declaration of results thereof shall be adjudged to be illegal and void in any such suit, the judgment shall have the effect of nullifying the referendum. No suit shall be brought to test the validity of any bond referendum unless the suit shall be instituted within 60 days after the declaration of the results of the referendum. In the event proceedings shall be filed in any court to validate the bonds, which have been voted for, then any such taxpayer shall be bound to intervene in such validation suit and contest the validity of the holding of the referendum or the declaration of the results thereof, in which event the exclusive jurisdiction to determine the legality of such referendum or the declaration of the results thereof shall be vested in the court hearing and determining said validation proceedings. If said bonds in the validation proceedings shall be held valid on final hearing or an intervention by the taxpayer shall be interposed and held not to have been sustained, then the judgment in said validation proceedings shall be final and conclusive as to the legality and validity of the referendum and of the declaration of the results thereof, and no separate suit to test the same shall be thereafter permissible.
History.—s. 18, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(16); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
Note.—Former s. 103.18.
100.331 Referendum for defeated bond issue.—If any bond referendum is called and held for approving the issuance of bonds for a particular purpose and such referendum does not result in the approval of the bonds, then no other referendum for the approval of bonds for the same purpose shall be called for at least 6 months.
History.—s. 13, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457 (13); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
Note.—Former s. 103.13.
100.341 Bond referendum ballot.—The ballots used in bond referenda shall include a printed description of the issuance of bonds to be voted on as prescribed by the authority calling the referendum. A separate statement of each issue of bonds to be approved, giving the amount of the bonds and interest rate thereon, together with other details necessary to inform the electors, shall be printed on the ballots in connection with the question “For Bonds” and “Against Bonds.”
History.—s. 11, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(11); s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 4, ch. 2001-40.
Note.—Former s. 103.11.
100.342 Notice of special election or referendum.—In any special election or referendum not otherwise provided for, there must be at least 30 days’ notice of the election or referendum by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, district, or municipality, or publication on the county’s website as provided in s. 50.0311, the municipality’s website, or the supervisor’s website, as applicable. The publication must be made at least twice, once in the fifth week and once in the third week before the week in which the election or referendum is to be held. If the applicable website becomes unavailable or there is no newspaper of general circulation in the county, district, or municipality, the notice must be posted in no less than five places within the territorial limits of the county, district, or municipality.
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-335; s. 2, ch. 65-60; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 20, ch. 2023-120.
100.351 Referendum election; certificate of results to Department of State.—Whenever an election is held under a referendum provision of an act of the Legislature, the election officials of the governmental unit in which the election is held shall certify the results thereof to the Department of State, which shall enter such results upon the official record of the act requiring such election on file in the office of the Department of State.
History.—s. 1, ch. 25438, 1949; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 12, ch. 77-175.
Note.—Former s. 99.59.
100.3605 Conduct of municipal elections.—
(1) The Florida Election Code, chapters 97-106, shall govern the conduct of a municipality’s election in the absence of an applicable special act, charter, or ordinance provision. No charter or ordinance provision shall be adopted which conflicts with or exempts a municipality from any provision in the Florida Election Code that expressly applies to municipalities.
(2) The governing body of a municipality may, by ordinance, change the dates for qualifying and for the election of members of the governing body of the municipality and provide for the orderly transition of office resulting from such date changes.
History.—s. 2, ch. 95-178.
100.361 Municipal recall.—
(1) APPLICATION; DEFINITION.—Any member of the governing body of a municipality or charter county, hereinafter referred to in this section as “municipality,” may be removed from office by the electors of the municipality. When the official represents a district and is elected only by electors residing in that district, only electors from that district are eligible to sign the petition to recall that official and are entitled to vote in the recall election. When the official represents a district and is elected at-large by the electors of the municipality, all electors of the municipality are eligible to sign the petition to recall that official and are entitled to vote in the recall election. Where used in this section, the term “district” shall be construed to mean the area or region of a municipality from which a member of the governing body is elected by the electors from such area or region. Members may be removed from office pursuant to the procedures provided in this section. This method of removing members of the governing body of a municipality is in addition to any other method provided by state law.
(2) RECALL PETITION.—
(a) Petition content.—A petition shall contain the name of the person sought to be recalled and a statement of grounds for recall. The statement of grounds may not exceed 200 words, and the stated grounds are limited solely to those specified in paragraph (d). If more than one member of the governing body is sought to be recalled, whether such member is elected by the electors of a district or by the electors of the municipality at-large, a separate recall petition shall be prepared for each member sought to be recalled. Upon request, the content of a petition should be, but is not required to be, provided by the proponent in alternative formats.
(b) Requisite signatures.—
1. In a municipality or district of fewer than 500 electors, the petition shall be signed by at least 50 electors or by 10 percent of the total number of registered electors of the municipality or district as of the preceding municipal election, whichever is greater.
2. In a municipality or district of 500 or more but fewer than 2,000 registered electors, the petition shall be signed by at least 100 electors or by 10 percent of the total number of registered electors of the municipality or district as of the preceding municipal election, whichever is greater.
3. In a municipality or district of 2,000 or more but fewer than 5,000 registered electors, the petition shall be signed by at least 250 electors or by 10 percent of the total number of registered electors of the municipality or district as of the preceding municipal election, whichever is greater.
4. In a municipality or district of 5,000 or more but fewer than 10,000 registered electors, the petition shall be signed by at least 500 electors or by 10 percent of the total number of registered electors of the municipality or district as of the preceding municipal election, whichever is greater.
5. In a municipality or district of 10,000 or more but fewer than 25,000 registered electors, the petition shall be signed by at least 1,000 electors or by 10 percent of the total number of registered electors of the municipality or district as of the preceding municipal election, whichever is greater.
6. In a municipality or district of 25,000 or more registered electors, the petition shall be signed by at least 1,000 electors or by 5 percent of the total number of registered electors of the municipality or district as of the preceding municipal election, whichever is greater.
All signatures shall be obtained, as provided in paragraph (e), within a period of 30 days, and all signed and dated petition forms shall be filed at the same time, no later than 30 days after the date on which the first signature is obtained on the petition.
(c) Recall committee.—Electors of the municipality or district making charges contained in the statement of grounds for recall, as well as those signing the recall petition, shall be designated as the recall committee. A specific person shall be designated in the petition as chair of the committee, and this person shall act for the committee. The recall committee and the officer being recalled are subject to the provisions of chapter 106.
(d) Grounds for recall.—The grounds for removal of elected municipal officials shall, for the purposes of this act, be limited to the following and must be contained in the petition:
1. Malfeasance;
2. Misfeasance;
3. Neglect of duty;
4. Drunkenness;
5. Incompetence;
6. Permanent inability to perform official duties; and
7. Conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude.
(e) Signature process.—Only electors of the municipality or district are eligible to sign the petition. Each elector signing a petition shall sign and date his or her name in ink or indelible pencil. Each petition shall contain appropriate lines for each elector’s original signature, printed name, street address, city, county, voter registration number or date of birth, and date signed. The form shall also contain lines for an oath, to be executed by a witness who is to verify the fact that the witness saw each person sign the counterpart of the petition, that each signature appearing thereon is the genuine signature of the person it purports to be, and that the petition was signed in the presence of the witness on the date indicated.
(f) Filing of signed petitions.—All signed petition forms shall be filed at the same time, no later than 30 days after the date on which the first signature is obtained on the petition. The person designated as chair of the committee shall file the signed petition forms with the auditor or clerk of the municipality or charter county, or his or her equivalent, hereinafter referred to as “clerk.” The petition may not be amended after it is filed with the clerk.
(g) Verification of signatures.—
1. Immediately after the filing of the petition forms, the clerk shall submit such forms to the county supervisor of elections. No more than 30 days after the date on which all petition forms are submitted to the supervisor by the clerk, the supervisor shall promptly verify the signatures in accordance with s. 99.097, and determine whether the requisite number of valid signatures has been obtained for the petition. The committee seeking verification of the signatures shall pay in advance to the supervisor the sum of 10 cents for each signature checked or the actual cost of checking such signatures, whichever is less.
2. Upon filing with the clerk, the petition and all subsequent papers or forms required or permitted to be filed with the clerk in connection with this section must, upon request, be made available in alternative formats by the clerk.
3. If the supervisor determines that the petition does not contain the requisite number of verified and valid signatures, the clerk shall, upon receipt of such written determination, so certify to the governing body of the municipality or charter county and file the petition without taking further action, and the matter shall be at an end. No additional names may be added to the petition, and the petition shall not be used in any other proceeding.
4. If the supervisor determines that the petition has the requisite number of verified and valid signatures, then the procedures outlined in subsection (3) must be followed.
(3) RECALL PETITION AND DEFENSE.—
(a) Notice.—Upon receipt of a written determination that the requisite number of signatures has been obtained, the clerk shall at once serve upon the person sought to be recalled a certified copy of the petition. Within 5 days after service, the person sought to be recalled may file with the clerk a defensive statement of not more than 200 words.
(b) Content and preparation.—Within 5 days after the date of receipt of the defensive statement or after the last date a defensive statement could have been filed, the clerk shall prepare a document entitled “Recall Petition and Defense.” The “Recall Petition and Defense” shall consist of the recall petition, including copies of the originally signed petitions and counterparts. The “Recall Petition and Defense” must contain lines which conform to the provisions of paragraph (2)(e), and the defensive statement or, if no defensive statement has been filed, a statement to that effect. The clerk shall make copies of the “Recall Petition and Defense” which are sufficient to carry the signatures of 30 percent of the registered electors. Immediately after preparing and making sufficient copies of the “Recall Petition and Defense,” the clerk shall deliver the copies to the person designated as chair of the committee and take his or her receipt therefor.
(c) Requisite signatures.—Upon receipt of the “Recall Petition and Defense,” the committee may circulate them to obtain the signatures of 15 percent of the electors. All signatures shall be obtained and all signed petition forms filed with the clerk no later than 60 days after delivery of the “Recall Petition and Defense” to the chair of the committee.
(d) Signed petitions; request for striking name.—The clerk shall assemble all signed petitions, check to see that each petition is properly verified by the oath of a witness, and submit such petitions to the county supervisor of elections. Any elector who signs a recall petition has the right to demand in writing that his or her name be stricken from the petition. A written demand signed by the elector shall be filed with the clerk, and, upon receipt of the demand, the clerk shall strike the name of the elector from the petition and place his or her initials to the side of the signature stricken. However, a signature may not be stricken after the clerk has delivered the “Recall Petition and Defense” to the supervisor for verification of the signatures.
(e) Verification of signatures.—Within 30 days after receipt of the signed “Recall Petition and Defense,” the supervisor shall determine the number of valid signatures, purge the names withdrawn, and certify whether 15 percent of the qualified electors of the municipality have signed the petitions. The supervisor shall be paid by the persons or committee seeking verification the sum of 10 cents for each name checked.
(f) Reporting.—If the supervisor determines that the requisite number of signatures has not been obtained, the clerk shall, upon receipt of such written determination, certify such determination to the governing body and retain the petitions. The proceedings shall be terminated, and the petitions shall not again be used. If the supervisor determines that at least 15 percent of the qualified electors signed the petition, the clerk shall, immediately upon receipt of such written determination, serve notice of that determination upon the person sought to be recalled and deliver to the governing body a certificate as to the percentage of qualified electors who signed.
(4) RECALL ELECTION.—If the person designated in the petition files with the clerk, within 5 days after the last-mentioned notice, his or her written resignation, the clerk shall at once notify the governing body of that fact, and the resignation shall be irrevocable. The governing body shall then proceed to fill the vacancy according to the provisions of the appropriate law. In the absence of a resignation, the chief judge of the judicial circuit in which the municipality is located shall fix a day for holding a recall election for the removal of those not resigning. Any such election shall be held not less than 30 days or more than 60 days after the expiration of the 5-day period last-mentioned and at the same time as any other general or special election held within the period; but if no such election is to be held within that period, the judge shall call a special recall election to be held within the period aforesaid.
(5) BALLOTS.—The ballots at the recall election shall conform to the following: With respect to each person whose removal is sought, the question shall be submitted: “Shall be removed from the office of by recall?” Immediately following each question there shall be printed on the ballots the two propositions in the order here set forth:
“ (name of person) should be removed from office.”
“ (name of person) should not be removed from office.”
(6) FILLING OF VACANCIES; SPECIAL ELECTIONS.—
(a) If an election is held for the recall of members elected only at-large, candidates to succeed them for the unexpired terms shall be voted upon at the same election and shall be elected in the same manner as provided by the appropriate law for the election of candidates at general elections. Candidates shall not be elected to succeed any particular member. If only one member is removed, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected to fill the vacancy. If more than one member is removed, candidates equal in number to the number of members removed shall be declared elected to fill the vacancies; and, among the successful candidates, those receiving the greatest number of votes shall be declared elected for the longest terms. Cases of ties, and all other matters not herein specially provided for, shall be determined by the rules governing elections generally.
(b) If an election is held for the recall of members elected only from districts, candidates to succeed them for the unexpired terms shall be voted upon at a special election called by the chief judge of the judicial circuit in which the districts are located not less than 30 days or more than 60 days after the expiration of the recall election. The qualifying period, for purposes of this section, shall be established by the chief judge of the judicial circuit after consultation with the clerk. Any candidate seeking election to fill the unexpired term of a recalled district municipal official shall reside in the district represented by the recalled official and qualify for office in the manner required by law. Each candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each office in the special district recall election shall be declared elected to fill the unexpired term of the recalled official. Candidates seeking election to fill a vacancy created by the removal of a municipal official shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 106.
(c) When an election is held for the recall of members of the governing body composed of both members elected at-large and from districts, candidates to succeed them for the unexpired terms shall be voted upon at a special election as provided in paragraph (b).
(d) However, in any recall election held pursuant to paragraph (b) or paragraph (c), if only one member is voted to be removed from office, the vacancy created by the recall shall be filled by the governing body according to the provisions of the appropriate law for filling vacancies.
(7) EFFECT OF RESIGNATIONS.—If the member of the governing body being recalled resigns from office prior to the recall election, the remaining members shall fill the vacancy created according to the appropriate law for filling vacancies. If all of the members of the governing body are sought to be recalled and all of the members resign prior to the recall election, the recall election shall be canceled, and a special election shall be called to fill the unexpired terms of the resigning members. If all of the members of the governing body are sought to be recalled and any of the members resign prior to the recall election, the proceedings for the recall of members not resigning and the election of successors to fill the unexpired terms shall continue and have the same effect as though there had been no resignation.
(8) WHEN PETITION MAY BE FILED.—No petition to recall any member of the governing body of a municipality shall be filed until the member has served one-fourth of his or her term of office. No person removed by a recall, or resigning after a petition has been filed against him or her, shall be eligible to be appointed to the governing body within a period of 2 years after the date of such recall or resignation.
(9) RETENTION OF PETITION.—The clerk shall preserve in his or her office all papers comprising or connected with a petition for recall for a period of 2 years after they were filed.
(10) OFFENSES RELATING TO PETITIONS.—No person shall impersonate another, purposely write his or her name or residence falsely in the signing of any petition for recall or forge any name thereto, or sign any paper with knowledge that he or she is not a qualified elector of the municipality. No person shall employ or pay another to accept employment or payment for circulating or witnessing a recall petition. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and shall, upon conviction, be punished as provided by law.
(11) INTENT.—It is the intent of the Legislature that the recall procedures provided in this act shall be uniform statewide. Therefore, all municipal charter and special law provisions which are contrary to the provisions of this act are hereby repealed to the extent of this conflict.
(12) PROVISIONS APPLICABLE.—The provisions of this act shall apply to cities and charter counties whether or not they have adopted recall provisions.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 74-130; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 1, ch. 77-279; s. 1, ch. 81-312; s. 20, ch. 83-217; s. 17, ch. 89-338; s. 15, ch. 90-315; s. 549, ch. 95-147; s. 14, ch. 95-280; s. 1, ch. 2000-249; s. 5, ch. 2001-40; s. 8, ch. 2002-281; s. 13, ch. 2008-95.
100.371 Initiatives; procedure for placement on ballot.—
(1) Constitutional amendments proposed by initiative shall be placed on the ballot for the general election, provided the initiative petition has been filed with the Secretary of State no later than February 1 of the year the general election is held. A petition shall be deemed to be filed with the Secretary of State upon the date the secretary determines that valid and verified petition forms have been signed by the constitutionally required number and distribution of electors under this code.
(2) The sponsor of an initiative amendment shall, prior to obtaining any signatures, register as a political committee pursuant to s. 106.03 and submit the text of the proposed amendment to the Secretary of State, with the form on which the signatures will be affixed, and shall obtain the approval of the Secretary of State of such form. The Secretary of State shall adopt rules pursuant to s. 120.54 prescribing the style and requirements of such form. Upon filing with the Secretary of State, the text of the proposed amendment and all forms filed in connection with this section must, upon request, be made available in alternative formats.
(3)(a) A person may not collect signatures or initiative petitions for compensation unless the person is registered as a petition circulator with the Secretary of State.
(b) A citizen may challenge a petition circulator’s registration under this section by filing a petition in circuit court. If the court finds that the respondent is not a registered petition circulator, the court may enjoin the respondent from collecting signatures or initiative petitions for compensation until she or he is lawfully registered.
(4) An application for registration must be submitted in the format required by the Secretary of State and must include the following:
(a) The information required to be on the petition form under s. 101.161, including the ballot summary and title as approved by the Secretary of State.
(b) The applicant’s name, permanent address, temporary address, if applicable, and date of birth.
(c) An address in this state at which the applicant will accept service of process related to disputes concerning the petition process, if the applicant is not a resident of this state.
(d) A statement that the applicant consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state in resolving disputes concerning the petition process.
(e) Any information required by the Secretary of State to verify the applicant’s identity or address.
(5) All petitions collected by a petition circulator must contain, in a format required by the Secretary of State, a completed Petition Circulator’s Affidavit which includes:
(a) The circulator’s name and permanent address;
(b) The following statement, which must be signed by the circulator:
By my signature below, as petition circulator, I verify that the petition was signed in my presence. Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Petition Circulator’s Affidavit and the facts stated in it are true.
(6) The division or the supervisor of elections shall make hard copy petition forms or electronic portable document format petition forms available to registered petition circulators. All such forms must contain information identifying the petition circulator to which the forms are provided. The division shall maintain a database of all registered petition circulators and the petition forms assigned to each. Each supervisor of elections shall provide to the division information on petition forms assigned to and received from petition circulators. The information must be provided in a format and at times as required by the division by rule. The division must update information on petition forms daily and make the information publicly available.
(7)(a) A sponsor that collects petition forms or uses a petition circulator to collect petition forms serves as a fiduciary to the elector signing the petition form, ensuring that any petition form entrusted to the petition circulator shall be promptly delivered to the supervisor of elections within 30 days after the elector signs the form. If a petition form collected by any petition circulator is not promptly delivered to the supervisor of elections, the sponsor is liable for the following fines:
1. A fine in the amount of $50 for each petition form received by the supervisor of elections more than 30 days after the elector signed the petition form or the next business day, if the office is closed. A fine in the amount of $250 for each petition form received if the sponsor or petition circulator acted willfully.
2. A fine in the amount of $500 for each petition form collected by a petition circulator which is not submitted to the supervisor of elections. A fine in the amount of $1,000 for any petition form not submitted if the sponsor or petition circulator acted willfully.
(b) A showing by the sponsor that the failure to deliver the petition form within the required timeframe is based upon force majeure or impossibility of performance is an affirmative defense to a violation of this subsection. The fines described in this subsection may be waived upon a showing that the failure to deliver the petition form promptly is based upon force majeure or impossibility of performance.
(8) If the Secretary of State reasonably believes that a person or entity has committed a violation of this section, the secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General for enforcement. The Attorney General may institute a civil action for a violation of this section or to prevent a violation of this section. An action for relief may include a permanent or temporary injunction, a restraining order, or any other appropriate order.
(9) The division shall adopt by rule a complaint form for an elector who claims to have had his or her signature misrepresented, forged, or not delivered to the supervisor. The division shall also adopt rules to ensure the integrity of the petition form gathering process, including rules requiring sponsors to account for all petition forms used by their agents. Such rules may require a sponsor or petition circulator to provide identification information on each petition form as determined by the department as needed to assist in the accounting of petition forms.
(10) The date on which an elector signs a petition form is presumed to be the date on which the petition circulator received or collected the petition form.
(11)(a) An initiative petition form circulated for signature may not be bundled with or attached to any other petition. Each signature shall be dated when made and shall be valid until the next February 1 occurring in an even-numbered year for the purpose of the amendment appearing on the ballot for the general election occurring in that same year, provided all other requirements of law are met. The sponsor shall submit signed and dated forms to the supervisor of elections for the county of residence listed by the person signing the form for verification of the number of valid signatures obtained. If a signature on a petition is from a registered voter in another county, the supervisor shall notify the petition sponsor of the misfiled petition. The supervisor shall promptly verify the signatures within 60 days after receipt of the petition forms and payment of a fee for the actual cost of signature verification incurred by the supervisor. However, for petition forms submitted less than 60 days before February 1 of an even-numbered year, the supervisor shall promptly verify the signatures within 30 days after receipt of the form and payment of the fee for signature verification. The supervisor shall promptly record, in the manner prescribed by the Secretary of State, the date each form is received by the supervisor, and the date the signature on the form is verified as valid. The supervisor may verify that the signature on a form is valid only if:
1. The form contains the original signature of the purported elector.
2. The purported elector has accurately recorded on the form the date on which he or she signed the form.
3. The form sets forth the purported elector’s name, address, city, county, and voter registration number or date of birth.
4. The purported elector is, at the time he or she signs the form and at the time the form is verified, a duly qualified and registered elector in the state.
5. The signature was obtained legally, including that if a paid petition circulator was used, the circulator was validly registered under subsection (3) when the signature was obtained.
The supervisor shall retain all signature forms, separating forms verified as valid from those deemed invalid, for at least 1 year following the election for which the petition was circulated.
(b) Each supervisor shall post the actual cost of signature verification on his or her website and may increase such cost, as necessary, on February 2 of each even-numbered year. The division shall also publish each county’s current cost on its website. The division and each supervisor shall biennially review available technology aimed at reducing verification costs.
(c) On the last day of each month, or on the last day of each week from December 1 of an odd-numbered year through February 1 of the following year, each supervisor shall post on his or her website the total number of signatures submitted, the total number of invalid signatures, the total number of signatures processed, and the aggregate number of verified valid signatures and the distribution of such signatures by congressional district for each proposed amendment proposed by initiative, along with the following information specific to the reporting period: the total number of signed petition forms received, the total number of signatures verified, the distribution of verified valid signatures by congressional district, and the total number of verified petition forms forwarded to the Secretary of State.
(12) The Secretary of State shall determine from the signatures verified by the supervisors of elections the total number of verified valid signatures and the distribution of such signatures by congressional districts, and the division shall post such information on its website at the same intervals specified in paragraph (11)(c). Upon a determination that the requisite number and distribution of valid signatures have been obtained, the secretary shall issue a certificate of ballot position for that proposed amendment and shall assign a designating number pursuant to s. 101.161.
(13)(a) At the same time the Secretary of State submits an initiative petition to the Attorney General pursuant to s. 15.21, the secretary shall submit a copy of the initiative petition to the Financial Impact Estimating Conference. Within 75 days after receipt of a proposed revision or amendment to the State Constitution by initiative petition from the Secretary of State, the Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall complete an analysis and financial impact statement to be placed on the ballot of the estimated increase or decrease in any revenues or costs to state or local governments and the overall impact to the state budget resulting from the proposed initiative. The 75-day time limit is tolled when the Legislature is in session. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall submit the financial impact statement to the Attorney General and Secretary of State. If the initiative petition has been submitted to the Financial Impact Estimating Conference but the validity of signatures has expired and the initiative petition no longer qualifies for ballot placement at the ensuing general election, the Secretary of State must notify the Financial Impact Estimating Conference. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference is not required to complete an analysis and financial impact statement for an initiative petition that fails to meet the requirements of subsection (1) for placement on the ballot before the 75-day time limit, including any tolling period, expires. The initiative petition may be resubmitted to the Financial Impact Estimating Conference if the initiative petition meets the requisite criteria for a subsequent general election cycle. A new Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall be established at such time as the initiative petition again satisfies the criteria in s. 15.21(1).
(b) Immediately upon receipt of a proposed revision or amendment from the Secretary of State, the coordinator of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research shall contact the person identified as the sponsor to request an official list of all persons authorized to speak on behalf of the named sponsor and, if there is one, the sponsoring organization at meetings held by the Financial Impact Estimating Conference. All other persons shall be deemed interested parties or proponents or opponents of the initiative. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall provide an opportunity for any representatives of the sponsor, interested parties, proponents, or opponents of the initiative to submit information and may solicit information or analysis from any other entities or agencies, including the Office of Economic and Demographic Research.
(c) All meetings of the Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall be open to the public. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, jointly, shall be the sole judge for the interpretation, implementation, and enforcement of this subsection.
1. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference is established to review, analyze, and estimate the financial impact of amendments to or revisions of the State Constitution proposed by initiative. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall consist of four principals: one person from the Executive Office of the Governor; the coordinator of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, or his or her designee; one person from the professional staff of the Senate; and one person from the professional staff of the House of Representatives. Each principal shall have appropriate fiscal expertise in the subject matter of the initiative. A Financial Impact Estimating Conference may be appointed for each initiative.
2. Principals of the Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall reach a consensus or majority concurrence on a clear and unambiguous financial impact statement, no more than 150 words in length, and immediately submit the statement to the Attorney General. Nothing in this subsection prohibits the Financial Impact Estimating Conference from setting forth a range of potential impacts in the financial impact statement. Any financial impact statement that a court finds not to be in accordance with this section shall be remanded solely to the Financial Impact Estimating Conference for redrafting. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall redraft the financial impact statement within 15 days.
3. If the Supreme Court has rejected the initial submission by the Financial Impact Estimating Conference and no redraft has been approved by the Supreme Court by 5 p.m. on the 75th day before the election, the following statement shall appear on the ballot: “The impact of this measure, if any, has not been determined at this time.”
(d) The financial impact statement must be separately contained and be set forth after the ballot summary as required in s. 101.161(1).
1. If the financial impact statement projects a net negative impact on the state budget, the ballot must include the statement required by s. 101.161(1)(b).
2. If the financial impact statement projects a net positive impact on the state budget, the ballot must include the statement required by s. 101.161(1)(c).
3. If the financial impact statement estimates an indeterminate financial impact or if the members of the Financial Impact Estimating Conference are unable to agree on the statement required by this subsection, the ballot must include the statement required by s. 101.161(1)(d).
(e)1. Any financial impact statement that the Supreme Court finds not to be in accordance with this subsection shall be remanded solely to the Financial Impact Estimating Conference for redrafting, provided the court’s advisory opinion is rendered at least 75 days before the election at which the question of ratifying the amendment will be presented. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall prepare and adopt a revised financial impact statement no later than 5 p.m. on the 15th day after the date of the court’s opinion.
2. If, by 5 p.m. on the 75th day before the election, the Supreme Court has not issued an advisory opinion on the initial financial impact statement prepared by the Financial Impact Estimating Conference for an initiative amendment that otherwise meets the legal requirements for ballot placement, the financial impact statement shall be deemed approved for placement on the ballot.
3. In addition to the financial impact statement required by this subsection, the Financial Impact Estimating Conference shall draft an initiative financial information statement. The initiative financial information statement should describe in greater detail than the financial impact statement any projected increase or decrease in revenues or costs that the state or local governments would likely experience if the ballot measure were approved. If appropriate, the initiative financial information statement may include both estimated dollar amounts and a description placing the estimated dollar amounts into context. The initiative financial information statement must include both a summary of not more than 500 words and additional detailed information that includes the assumptions that were made to develop the financial impacts, workpapers, and any other information deemed relevant by the Financial Impact Estimating Conference.
4. The Department of State shall have printed, and shall furnish to each supervisor of elections, a copy of the summary from the initiative financial information statements. The supervisors shall have the summary from the initiative financial information statements available at each polling place and at the main office of the supervisor of elections upon request.
5. The Secretary of State and the Office of Economic and Demographic Research shall make available on the Internet each initiative financial information statement in its entirety. In addition, each supervisor of elections whose office has a website shall post the summary from each initiative financial information statement on the website. Each supervisor shall include a copy of each summary from the initiative financial information statements and the Internet addresses for the information statements on the Secretary of State’s and the Office of Economic and Demographic Research’s websites in the publication or mailing required by s. 101.20.
(14) The Department of State may adopt rules in accordance with s. 120.54 to carry out the provisions of subsections (1)-(14).
(15) No provision of this code shall be deemed to prohibit a private person exercising lawful control over privately owned property, including property held open to the public for the purposes of a commercial enterprise, from excluding from such property persons seeking to engage in activity supporting or opposing initiative amendments.
History.—s. 15, ch. 79-365; s. 12, ch. 83-251; s. 30, ch. 84-302; s. 22, ch. 97-13; s. 9, ch. 2002-281; s. 3, ch. 2002-390; s. 3, ch. 2004-33; s. 28, ch. 2005-278; s. 4, ch. 2006-119; s. 25, ch. 2007-30; s. 1, ch. 2007-231; s. 14, ch. 2008-95; s. 23, ch. 2011-40; s. 3, ch. 2019-64; s. 3, ch. 2020-15; s. 13, ch. 2022-73.