Qualifying is the final step that allows a candidate to have his or her name on the ballot.

• For federal, state, or multi county offices, you must file your qualifying papers with the Florida Division of Elections.

• For county and special district offices, you must file your  qualifying papers in the office of the Supervisor of Elections.  Qualifying papers will be accepted throughout the qualifying period, during normal business hours.

Qualifying Dates:

Judicial, State Attorney and Public Defender Candidates -
NOON, April 14, 2014 - NOON April 18, 2014

Federal, Statewide, Multi-county, County and District Candidates -
NOON June 2, 2014 – NOON June 6, 2014

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If my qualifying papers are filed with an error or omission, will I be considered disqualified?

Pursuant to 99.061(7), Florida Statutes, if the filing officer receives qualifying papers that do not include all items required, the filing officer shall make a reasonable effort to notify the candidate of the missing or incomplete items and shall inform the candidate that all required items must be received by the close of qualifying. (NOON, April 18, 2014 for judicial, state attorney and public defender candidates or NOON, June 6, 2014 for all other candidates)

After filing as a candidate, may I later change the way my name is to appear on the ballot?

Pursuant to 99.061(7)(b), Florida Statutes, a candidate’s name as it is to appear on the ballot may not be changed after the end of qualifying.

May I get my qualifying fee back if I decide not to run?

Yes, 99.092(1), Florida Statutes, provides for reimbursement for the qualifying fee, provided that you withdraw your candidacy before the qualifying period ends.

Is there an alternative method to qualify as a candidate?

Pursuant to 99.095, Florida Statutes, a person seeking to qualify for nomination to any office may qualify to have their name placed on the ballot by means of the petitioning process.

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