This bill aims to improve the electoral process in Florida during emergencies or disasters by amending various sections of the Florida Statutes. Key provisions include requirements for municipalities to post notices on their websites and for election supervisors to communicate with voters through social media and text messages. The Division of Elections is required to develop an emergency contingency plan, which must be presented to the Legislature annually and will be considered a public record. Additionally, the Secretary of State is responsible for evaluating the impact of emergencies on voter participation and ensuring that voters can request vote-by-mail ballots without needing to complete a uniform application.

The bill also introduces protocols for early voting and the use of strategic election equipment reserves to facilitate smooth elections post-disaster. It allows for the designation of additional early voting locations and provides exemptions from certain criminal penalties under specific conditions. Furthermore, it mandates that affected counties and municipalities update their websites with real-time information about changes to voting procedures, ensuring voters have access to accurate information during emergencies. The bill expands the definition of eligible early voting locations and clarifies that early voting can occur for municipal and special district elections independently of county or state elections, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1486 Filed: 101.733, 101.62, 101.657, 102.141, 104.0616