The bill amends Section 97.0291 of the Florida Statutes to clarify the regulations surrounding the use of private funds for election-related expenses. It specifies that state and local officials responsible for conducting elections, including supervisors of elections, are prohibited from soliciting, accepting, or using private donations for election administration costs. However, the bill introduces exceptions to this prohibition, allowing for the donation of space for polling locations and early voting sites.
Additionally, the bill permits high school students who are registered or preregistered to vote to volunteer as poll workers in exchange for community service hours, thereby exempting them from the restrictions on soliciting private funds. This change aims to encourage youth participation in the electoral process while maintaining the integrity of election funding. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: H 461 Filed: 97.0291