House Bill 1249 amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning election qualifications and procedures, particularly focusing on the nomination and election processes for candidates. The bill introduces new requirements for candidates, including the necessity to submit a properly executed check for the office they are qualifying for. It also establishes grounds for the removal of candidates from the ballot, such as the failure to file accurate statements, and outlines a process for challenging candidate qualifications. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department of State to adopt rules regarding these procedures and specifies that any qualifying papers submitted after the deadline will be deemed invalid, resulting in disqualification.

In addition to candidate qualifications, the bill introduces new regulations for voter guides, emphasizing the need for clear disclaimers regarding political party affiliations. Voter guides not approved by a political party must include a disclaimer stating their lack of affiliation, while those that are approved must indicate such approval. The bill also requires prior written authorization from candidates for any voter guide advocating for them, classifying these guides as in-kind contributions. Penalties for non-compliance with these regulations have been significantly increased, with fines now reaching up to $10,000 per month. Overall, the legislation aims to improve transparency and integrity in Florida's election process.

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