This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to improve the electoral process during disasters. It mandates that affected municipalities post specific notices on their websites and requires supervisors of elections to communicate with voters through multiple channels, including social media and text messages. The Division of Elections is tasked with developing an emergency contingency plan to be presented to the Legislature annually, which will be a public record. Additionally, the Secretary of State must consider factors like housing and transportation when evaluating the impact of emergencies on voter participation.

The legislation also introduces measures to facilitate voting for individuals in disaster-affected areas, such as allowing voters to request vote-by-mail ballots without a uniform application and permitting ballot returns to any county. It extends early voting hours and requires timely updates on changes to voting procedures. The bill establishes secure ballot intake stations in emergency-designated counties and expands early voting locations while ensuring early voting begins ten days before elections. It also outlines the process for canvassing boards to submit unofficial returns and includes penalties for violations related to vote-by-mail ballots. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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