House Bill 1317 seeks to improve the electoral process in Florida during emergencies by establishing clear protocols for delayed or suspended elections. The bill mandates that municipalities affected by such changes must publish notices on their websites and that Supervisors of Elections inform voters through multiple communication channels, including social media and email. It requires the creation and maintenance of an elections emergency contingency plan, which must be presented to the Legislature in election years. Voters in counties under a state of emergency will have specific rights, such as the ability to request vote-by-mail ballots without a standard application form and ensuring their ballots are counted if postmarked by election day.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to exempt certain criminal penalties related to vote-by-mail ballots for voters in counties eligible for federal assistance or in a state of emergency. It streamlines the vote-by-mail process by allowing voters to cast their ballots without using a uniform statewide application. The legislation also amends existing statutes regarding early voting, requiring early voting sites to be designated at least 30 days before an election and allowing for additional sites in areas lacking eligible locations. The canvassing board is tasked with submitting unofficial election returns within specified timeframes, with exceptions for emergencies. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1317 Filed: 102.141, 104.0616