SPB 7068 Summary

• Establishes online voter registration system effective July 1, 2015, requiring the Department of State to create a secure website where applicants can submit registrations, with verification through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

• Prohibits first-time online registrants from voting by absentee ballot in their initial election unless they meet specific exemptions including age 65+, physical disability, active military duty, Merchant Marine service, or overseas residency.

• Extends the canvassing period for mail ballot elections from 6 days to 15 days before the election and establishes special procedures for processing absentee ballots from first-time online registrants.

• Revises campaign finance reporting schedules for certain candidates and political committees to file on the 60th, 46th, 32nd, 25th, 18th, 11th, and 4th days before primary and general elections, and modifies late-filing penalty assessments.

• Authorizes the Florida Elections Commission to enforce unpaid fines through salary withholding from current public officers/employees (up to $2,000), wage garnishment, and circuit court enforcement within 20 years of the final order.