The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the security and integrity of electronic and electromechanical voting systems. It requires the Department of State to establish minimum security standards for these systems, which will be evaluated and updated annually by the newly created Election Technology Advisory Board. Key provisions include the introduction of new definitions such as "auditable storage methods," "election data," and "voter data," as well as the establishment of protocols for the certification and procurement of election systems. The bill also emphasizes the need for cybersecurity expertise within the Bureau of Voting Systems and Other Election Systems, which will provide technical support and ensure compliance with election technology standards.

Additionally, the bill outlines stringent security requirements, including prohibiting wireless communication for tabulators and mandating the use of open-source code or proprietary software that undergoes real-time auditing. It establishes a framework for addressing defects in voting systems, requiring vendors to disclose known defects and allowing the Department to suspend the use of systems that pose security risks. The bill also mandates thorough testing and public audits of election systems, with specific procedures for selecting precincts and races for auditing. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen the integrity and security of Florida's election processes, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 394 Filed: 97.021, 101.015, 101.017, 101.293, 101.294, 101.295, 101.34, 101.341, 101.5604, 101.5605, 101.5606, 101.56065, 101.5612, 101.591, 101.68, 101.69