FL S1098

Strengthens candidate qualifying requirements by mandating that qualifying papers not be accepted after the deadline, with late submissions resulting in automatic disqualification, and requires candidates to formally withdraw from one office before qualifying for another using a Department of State-prescribed form

Establishes a legal process for candidates and political parties to challenge an opponent's qualification by filing for declaratory and injunctive relief in circuit court within 20 days after the qualifying period ends, with expedited proceedings and mandatory ballot removal upon a final disqualification order

Restricts secure ballot intake stations by eliminating placement at sites that merely qualify as early voting locations, and limits access at supervisor offices to early voting hours or normal office hours with continuous in-person employee monitoring

Requires written permission from a political party's state executive committee chair to use the party's name, abbreviation, or symbol, and expands executive committee powers to include the ability to sue and be sued, acquire and dispose of property, enter contracts, borrow money, and hold intellectual property rights — applied retroactively to pending proceedings

Broadens the definition of "voter guide" beyond direct mail to include any electioneering communication or political advertisement, requires specific disclaimers across multiple media formats (print, text, video, phone, audio, graphic), mandates candidate authorization for voter guides expressly advocating for a candidate as an in-kind contribution, and increases the maximum monthly fine for violations from $2,500 to $10,000