This bill amends Florida Statutes to allow candidates for nomination or election to pay their filing fees using a debit card linked to their campaign account, rather than solely through a check. Specifically, it modifies section 99.061 to include provisions for candidates to use debit cards for filing fees and establishes a new paragraph that grants candidates the standing to challenge the qualifications of other candidates. The bill outlines the procedures for such challenges, including the requirement for immediate hearings and the conditions under which a candidate may be disqualified from appearing on the ballot if they do not meet the necessary qualifications.

Additionally, the bill revises section 106.11 to clarify that debit cards can be treated as bank checks for campaign expenditures, provided they meet certain conditions, such as being issued from the designated campaign depository and not allowing cash withdrawals. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the candidate qualifying process and enhance the integrity of election procedures in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 982 Filed: 99.061, 106.11
S 982 c1: 99.061, 106.11