Qualifying to Run for Office

Chapters 99 and 105, Florida Statutes

Dates - Chapters 99 and 105, Florida Statutes, and Municipal Charters

Qualifying for Federal, Judicial (not County Judge), State Attorney and Public Defender candidates is Noon, April 28, 2008 – Noon, May 2, 2008

Qualifying for County Candidates is Noon, June 16, 2008 – Noon June 20, 2008

Qualifying for County Judge is Noon, April 28, 2008 through Noon, May 2, 2008

Qualifying for municipal office varies according to the municipality. Contact the City Clerk to get specific dates and requirements.

Qualifying Fees - Chapter 99.092, FS, and Municipal Charters

The qualifying fee for partisan candidates is 6% of the annual salary of the office sought. Nonpartisan candidates pay 4% of the annual salary. Contact the City Clerk to find out the qualifying fee to run for municipal office. Candidates may also qualify by the petition method and have the qualifying fee waived.

Qualifying by Petition - Chapter 99.095, FS, Orange County Charter, Municipal Charters

In order to qualify by petition and thereby have the qualifying fee waived, a person needs to gather the signatures of a certain number of qualified voters in the geographical area represented by the office being sought. The Division of Elections has prescribed the format of the petition. Signatures may not be obtained until the candidate has filed his or her appointment of campaign treasurer and designation of campaign depository. Contact the Qualifying Officer of the office for which you seek to get specific information on qualifying by petition.

Qualifying Officers - Chapter 99, Florida Statutes

The Qualifying Officer for Federal, Judicial (not County Judge), and State candidates is the Division of Elections in Tallahassee. Contact the Division for the forms and specific instructions on how to qualify for a Federal, Judicial or State office. (850-245-6200)

The Qualifying Officer for local County office is the Supervisor of Elections. County Judges also qualify with the Supervisor of Elections. (407 836-2070)

The City Clerk is the Qualifying Officer for municipal offices. Click here for a complete list - City Clerk List