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 by other qualified candidates or political parties through legal action in circuit court.

Additionally, the bill outlines that if a court determines a candidate has not met the 365-day registration requirement, that individual will not be qualified to appear on the ballot. The new legal language emphasizes the importance of these qualifications and provides a clear enforcement mechanism for compliance. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.