The bill amends Florida Statutes to update the candidate qualifying process by allowing candidates to pay their filing fees using a debit card linked to their campaign account, in addition to the traditional method of using a check. It revises the timeframe for candidates to pay the filing fee if their initial payment is rejected by a bank, granting them 48 hours from notification to rectify the payment issue. The bill also establishes standing for candidates to challenge the qualifications of other candidates for the same office, detailing the procedures for such challenges, including immediate hearings and the consequences of non-compliance with the qualification requirements.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of debit cards in relation to campaign expenditures, treating them as bank checks under certain conditions. These conditions include the requirement that debit cards be issued from the designated campaign depository bank and that they are used in a manner consistent with campaign finance regulations. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 982 Filed: 99.061, 106.11