This bill amends section 99.021 of the Florida Statutes to establish stricter qualifications for individuals seeking to run for office as candidates. It specifies that candidates must be registered members of a political party or registered without any party affiliation for at least 365 consecutive days prior to the start of the qualifying period for an election. The bill also introduces mandatory compliance with these requirements and allows for challenges to a candidate's qualifications to be filed in circuit court by other qualified candidates or political parties.

Additionally, the bill includes new legal language that clarifies the requirements for candidates, stating that compliance is mandatory and outlining the process for enforcement. If a court determines that a candidate has not met the 365-day registration requirement, that individual will not be qualified to appear on the ballot. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.