This bill amends several sections of Florida law regarding special elections and the process for filling vacancies in elective offices. It requires that an officer resigning to fill a vacancy must submit a written resignation at least 5 days before the qualifying period for the office they intend to seek. The bill also mandates that the Governor must call a special primary election under certain circumstances and set the dates for special elections within a specified timeframe after a vacancy occurs, ensuring that these dates are the earliest feasible. Additionally, it removes the authority for the Governor and legislative leaders to waive specified timeframes for special elections if all parties agree.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions for vote-by-mail ballots for overseas voters, requiring that these ballots be received by 7 p.m. on election day. It establishes a process for sending special write-in ballots to absent uniformed services and overseas voters if regular ballots cannot be sent on time. The bill also clarifies that a resignation submitted by an officer creates a vacancy that must be filled by election, and it specifies that certain individuals may be deemed elected under specific circumstances. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1556 Filed: 101.6952, 114.01