FL H0091

Candidates seeking party nomination must be registered members of that political party for 365 consecutive days before the qualifying period begins; candidates running with no party affiliation must be unaffiliated for the same 365-day period

Candidates may not have legally changed their name through a court petition (under s. 68.07) during the 365-day period before qualifying begins

Name change restrictions do not apply to changes made through dissolution of marriage proceedings, adoption of children, or changes conducted with a marriage certificate

Qualified candidates or political parties with candidates in the same race may challenge compliance by filing suit in the circuit court where the qualifying officer is headquartered

A court finding of non-compliance disqualifies the person from candidacy and removes their name from the ballot; the act takes effect upon becoming law