House Bill 1249 amends Florida election law to strengthen candidate qualification processes and improve the management of election-related materials. Key provisions include a requirement for candidates to submit a properly executed check from their campaign account when qualifying for office, and a stipulation that candidates who fail to accurately report their political party affiliation may be disqualified from the ballot. The bill also establishes a formal process for challenging candidate qualifications in circuit court, mandates the Department of State to adopt rules for candidate withdrawal procedures, and invalidates any qualifying papers submitted after the deadline. Additionally, it outlines the operation of secure ballot intake stations and revises rules regarding the use of political party names and symbols in advertising, requiring written permission from party leadership.

The bill further introduces new regulations for voter guides, emphasizing the need for disclaimers based on party affiliation. If a voter guide is not approved by a political party, it must state that it is unaffiliated, while approved guides must indicate the party's endorsement. The bill specifies how these disclaimers should be presented across various formats to ensure clarity. It also requires prior written authorization from candidates for any voter guide advocating for them, classifying such guides as in-kind contributions. Penalties for non-compliance with these regulations have been increased, with fines now capped at $10,000 per month, up from $2,500, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in voter information dissemination.

Statutes affected:
H 1249 Filed: 101.69, 103.081, 103.121, 106.1436