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 mandates that compliance with these requirements is essential, and it introduces a mechanism for enforcement, allowing qualified candidates or political parties to challenge compliance in circuit court.

Additionally, the bill includes new legal language that clarifies the requirements for candidates, stating that those seeking nomination from a political party must confirm their party membership and the duration of their registration, while those with no party affiliation must affirm their status and lack of party membership for the specified period. If a court finds that a candidate does not meet these requirements, that individual will be disqualified from appearing on the ballot. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.