FL H0597

Governor must set special primary and special election dates within 14 days of a vacancy occurring, after consulting with the Secretary of State and applicable supervisor of elections

Special elections must be held within 126 days of a vacancy, extendable to 175 days if a supervisor certifies the standard timeline would conflict with scheduled elections and impose undue hardship

Minimum time between elections increased from 2 weeks to 8 weeks, with a maximum of 12 weeks between elections; qualifying period must allow at least 14 days before the special primary

Qualified electors may petition circuit court to set election dates if Governor fails to act within required timeframes; courts must expedite such proceedings

Sole qualifying candidate is deemed elected on last day of qualifying period; winner of special primary without general election opposition is deemed elected at the primary