This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to 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 5 days of a vacancy occurring, ensuring that these elections are held no later than 126 days after the vacancy, with specific exceptions. Additionally, the bill removes the authority for the Governor and legislative leaders to waive 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 in time, and outlines the conditions under which these write-in ballots can be canvassed. The bill also clarifies that a resignation submitted by an officer creates a vacancy upon submission, rather than requiring acceptance by the Governor. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1556 Filed: 101.6952, 114.01