04 Nov 3, 2015 Campaign Treasurer HandbookCANDIDATE
AND
CAMPAIGN TREASURER
HANDBOOK
November2011
FloridaDepartmentofState
DivisionofElections
R.A.GrayBuilding,Room316
500SouthBronoughStreet
Tallahassee,Florida323990250
Phone:850.245.6240
§³³¯
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Background..............................................................................................................1
Chapter 2 – The Campaign Financing Act ..................................................................................2
Chapter 3 – Offices to be Elected ................................................................................................3
Chapter 4 – Glossary of Terms ....................................................................................................4
Chapter 5 – Becoming a Candidate .............................................................................................7
What to File................................................................................ 7
Filing Officer ................................................................................. 8
Resign-to-Run ............................................................................. 8
Federal Hatch Act for State and Local Employees ................................................................9
Federal Hatch Act for Federal Employees ................................................................9
Changing Parties for Partisan Offices ................................................................. 9
Changing the Designation of Office ................................................................10
Pro Rata Refund Example .................................................................. 10
Chapter 6 – Statement of Solicitation ........................................................................................11
Who Must File Form DS-DE 102, Statement of Solicitation ...................................................... 11
When to File ............................................................................. 11
Penalty for Late Filing ......................................................................... 11
Public Website and Mission Statement ................................................................11
Additional Reporting ......................................................................... 11
Chapter 7 – Prohibited Acts .......................................................................................................12
Speaking at Political Meetings ................................................................... 12
Using State-Owned Aircraft or Motor Vehicle ................................................................12
Using Services of State, County, Municipal, or District Officers or Employees ......................... 12
Making Contributions in the Name of Another ................................................................12
Solicitation from Religious, Charitable and Civic Organizations ................................................ 12
Accepting Contributions in a Government-Owned Building ....................................................... 13
Making Malicious Statements ................................................................. 13
Certifying a False Report ...................................................................... 13
Limitations on Political Activity for Judicial Candidates ............................................................. 13
Chapter 8 – Campaign Treasurers .............................................................................................15
Appointing Campaign Treasurers and Deputy Treasurers ........................................................ 15
Duties and Responsibilities ..................................................................... 15
Resignation or Removal ..................................................................... 17
Chapter 9 – Campaign Depositories ..........................................................................................18
Primary Campaign Depository ................................................................ 18
Secondary Campaign Depository ................................................................18
Separate Interest-Bearing Accounts and Certificates of Deposit .............................................. 19
Campaign Checks ....................................................................... 19
Debit Cards ............................................................................. 20
Credit Cards............................................................................. 20
Chapter 10 – Contributions ........................................................................................................21
Unauthorized Contributions ................................................................... 21
Anonymous Contributions ................................................................... 21
In-Kind Contributions ........................................................................ 22
Loans ................................................................................ 22
Cash Contributions ........................................................................ 23
Debit and Credit Card Contributions ................................................................23
Contribution Limits for Candidates ................................................................. 23
Foreign Contributions ........................................................................ 24
2012 Deadlines for Accepting Contributions ................................................................24
Violations..................................................................... 25
Chapter 11 – Expenditures.........................................................................................................26
Definition ................................................................................ 26
General Requirements ..................................................................... 26
Checks ............................................................................... 26
Living Expenses .......................................................................... 27
Petty Cash Funds ........................................................................ 27
Limits on Petty Cash Fund Amounts ................................................................27
Independent Expenditures ................................................................... 28
Credit Cards............................................................................. 29
Debit Cards ............................................................................. 29
Electioneering Communications ................................................................30
Expenditures for Electioneering Communications ................................................................31
Chapter 12 – Political Advertising .............................................................................................32
Candidate Disclaimers ...................................................................... 32
Write-in Candidates ........................................................................ 35
Non-incumbent Advertisements ................................................................35
Advertisements Provided In-Kind................................................................36
Chapter 13 - Other Disclaimers ..................................................................................................37
Endorsements .......................................................................... 37
Independent Expenditure Disclaimers ................................................................38
Disclaimers for Other Than Independent Expenditures ............................................................. 38
Disclaimers on Novelty Items ................................................................39
Language Other Than English ................................................................ 39
Electioneering Communications Disclaimers ................................................................39
Other Political Disclaimer Examples ................................................................40
Miscellaneous Advertisements ................................................................ 41
Use of Closed Captioning and Descriptive Narrative in all Television Broadcasts .................... 41
Chapter 14 – Fund Raisers.........................................................................................................42
Contributions from Fund Raisers ................................................................ 42
Expenditures for Fund Raisers ................................................................. 42
Tickets ................................................................................. 42
Chapter 15 – Solicitation.............................................................................................................43
Telephone Solicitation ........................................................................ 43
Telephone Solicitation, Registered Agent ................................................................44
Chapter 16 – Filing Campaign Reports.....................................................................................45
Where to File ............................................................................. 45
When to File ............................................................................. 45
......................................................................... 46
Penalty for Late Filing
Waiver of Report .......................................................................... 46
Incomplete Reports ........................................................................ 46
Reporting Total Sums ...................................................................... 46
Reporting Contributions ...................................................................... 47
Returning Contributions ...................................................................... 47
Reporting Expenditures ..................................................................... 48
Special Requirements for Judicial Candidates ................................................................48
Chapter 17 – Termination Reports .............................................................................................49
Prior to Disposing of Surplus Funds ................................................................49
Disposing of Surplus Funds ................................................................... 49
Money from Separate Interest-Bearing Account or Certificate of Deposit ................................. 50
Campaign Loans Report ................................................................... 51
Chapter 18 – Electronic Filing of Campaign Reports..............................................................52
Accessing the EFS ........................................................................ 52
Creating Reports .......................................................................... 52
Submitting Reports ........................................................................ 52
Electronic Receipts ......................................................................... 53
Chapter 19 – Office Accounts ....................................................................................................54
Using the Office Account ..................................................................... 54
Reporting Office Account Funds ................................................................ 55
Chapter 20 – Recordkeeping......................................................................................................56
Contributions ............................................................................. 56
Expenditures ............................................................................ 56
Preservation of Accounts ..................................................................... 57
Inspections .............................................................................. 57
Chapter 21 – Bookkeeping Suggestions ...................................................................................58
Chapter 22 – Florida Elections Commission............................................................................59
Automatic Fine Appeal Process ................................................................ 59
Complaint Process ........................................................................ 59
Chapter 23 – Frequently Asked Questions...............................................................................60
Candidates............................................................................. 60
Campaign Finance ....................................................................... 61
Chapter 1
Background
___________________________________
The information contained in this publication is intended as a quick reference guide only and is
current upon publication. Chapters 97-106, Florida Statutes, the Constitution of the State of
Florida, Division of ElectionsÓ opinions and rules, Attorney General opinions, county charters, city
charters and ordinances, and other sources should be reviewed in
information regarding campaign financing and qualifying.
In addition, the following publications produced by the Florida
Elections should be reviewed for further information:
State Qualifying Handbook
Federal Qualifying Handbook
Candidate Petition Handbook
Candidate Electronic Filing System UserÓs Guide (Form DS-DE 110A
Calendar of Reporting Dates
All forms and publications mentioned in this handbook are available on the
Division of Elections’ website at http://elections.myflorida.com.
Please direct any questions to either your county supervisor of elections or the Florida
Department of State, Division of Elections at 850.245.6240. Below you will find some other useful
websites:
Florida Division of Elections ................................................................http://elections.myflorida.com
Florida Elections Commission ................................................................http://www.fec.state.fl.us
Florida Elected Officials ...... http://election.dos.state.fl.us/contact-us/contact-elected-officials.shtml
Florida Supervisors of Elections ............ https://doe.dos.state.fl.us/SOE/supervisor_elections.shtml
Florida Association of City Clerks ...........................................................http://www.floridaclerks.org
Florida Attorney General ...............................................................http://myfloridalegal.com
Federal Election Commission .............................................................http://www.fec.gov
This publication is available in alternate format upon request by contacting 850.245.6240.
1
Chapter 2
The Campaign Financing Act
___________________________________
Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, regulates campaign financing for
candidates, political committees, committees of continuous existence, electioneering
communication organizations, and political parties. It does not regulate campaign financing for
candidates for federal office or candidates for a political party executive committee.
The Division of Elections:
Oversees the interpretation of and provides guidance on the elec
Provides advisory opinions to supervisors of elections, candidates, local officers having
election related duties, political parties, political committees, committees of continuous
existence, or other persons or organizations engaged in political activity, relating to any
provisions or possible violations of Florida election laws with respect to actions such person
or entity has taken or proposes to take. (Section 106.23(2), F.S.)
Conducts audits with respect to reports and statements filed under chapter 106. (Section
106.22, F.S.)
Reports to the Florida Elections commission any apparent violations of Chapter 106.
(Section 106.22(7), F. S.)
Prescribes rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of Chapter 106, Florida Statutes.
(Section 106.22(9), F.S.)
2
Chapter 3
Offices to be Elected
___________________________________
Federal Offices
President and Vice President
Unites States Senator
Representative in Congress (all districts)
Multicounty and District Offices
State Attorney (Circuits 1-19)
Public Defender (Circuits 1-19)
State Senator (specific districts up for election unknown until
State Representative (all districts)
County Offices
These vary from county to county, however, most will elect:
Board of County Commissioners
School Board
Other offices depending on county.
Information for a particular county can be obtained from the county supervisor of elections.
Judicial Retention (Nonpartisan)
Justice of the Supreme Court (only those whose terms expire Janu
Judge, District Court of Appeal (only those whose terms expire J
Circuit Judges (Nonpartisan)
Only those whose terms expire January 2013
County Court Judges (Nonpartisan)
Only those whose terms expire January 2013
3
Chapter 4
Glossary of Terms
___________________________________
Campaign Fund Raiser:
Any affair held to raise funds to be used in a campaign for publ
(Section 106.011(11), F.S.)
Campaign Treasurer:
An individual appointed by a candidate or political committee as provided
in Chapter 106, F.S. (Section 106.011(9), F.S.)
Candidate:
Any person to whom any one or more of the following applies:
Any person who seeks to qualify for nomination or election by means of the petitioning
process;
Any person who seeks to qualify for election as a write-in candidate;
Any person who receives contributions or makes expenditures, or gives his or her consent for
any other person to receive contributions or make expenditures,
his or her nomination or election to, or retention in, public of
Any person who appoints a campaign treasurer and designates a primary depository; or
Any person who files qualification papers and subscribes to a candidateÓs oath as required by
law.
This definition does not include any candidate for a political party executive committee. (Sections
97.021(5) and 106.011(16), F.S.)
Contribution:
(See Section 106.011(3), F.S. and Chapter 10, Contributions.)
Election:
Any primary election, special primary election, general election, special election, or
municipal election held in this state for the purpose of nominating or electing candidates to public
office, choosing delegates to the national nominating convention
an issue to the electors for their approval or rejection. (Section 106.011(6), F.S.)
Electioneering Communication:
Any communication publicly distributed by a television station,
radio station, cable television system, satellite system, newspaper, magazine, direct mail, or
telephone that (1) refers to or depicts a clearly identified candidate for office without expressly
advocating the election or defeat of a candidate but that is susceptible of no reasonable
interpretation other than an appeal to vote for or against a spe
30 days before a primary or special primary election or 60 days
office sought by the candidate; and (3) is targeted to the relevant electorate in the geographical
area the candidate would represent if elected. (Section 106.011(18), F.S.)
Expenditure:
(See Section 106.011(4), F.S. and Chapter 11, Expenditures.)
Filing Officer:
The person before whom a candidate qualifies, the agency or officer with whom a
political committee registers, or the agency by whom a committee of continuous existence is
certified. (Section 106.011(14), F.S.)
General Election:
An election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in
even-numbered years, for the purpose of filling national, state,county, and district offices and for
voting on constitutional amendments not otherwise provided for b(Section 97.021(15), F.S.)
Independent Expenditure:
(See Section 106.011(5), F.S. and Chapter 11, Expenditures.)
4
In-Kind Contribution:
In-kind contributions are anything of value made for the purpose
influencing the results of an election except money, personal services provided without
compensation by individual volunteers, independent expenditures, as defined in Section
106.011(5), F.S., or endorsements of three or more candidates by political committees or political
parties. (See Division of Elections Opinion 04-06)
Judicial Office:
Includes the office of Justice of the Supreme Court, judge of a district court of
appeal, judge of a circuit court, and county court judge. A judicial office is a nonpartisan office and
a candidate for election or retention thereto is prohibited from
an office based on party affiliation. (Section 105.011, F.S.)
Minor Political Party:
Any group which on January 1 preceding a primary election does n
registered as members five percent of the total registered electors of the state. (Section
97.021(18), F.S.)
Nominal Value:
Having a retail value of $10 or less. (Section 97.021(20), F.S.)
Nonpartisan Office:
An office for which a candidate is prohibited from campaigning o
for election or retention in office based on party affiliation. (Section 97.021(21), F.S.)
Office Account:
A candidate elected to office or a candidate who will be elected to office by
virtue of his or her being unopposed may transfer funds from the
account up to limits listed under Section 106.141(5), F.S. This fund must be used only for
legitimate expenses in connection with the candidateÓs public of(Section 106.141, F.S.)
Person:
An individual or a corporation, association, firm, partnership, joint venture, joint stock
company, club, organization, estate, trust, business trust, syndicate, or other combination of
individuals having collective capacity. The term includes a poli
committee, political committee, or committee of continuous existence. (Section 106.011(8), F.S.)
Petty Cash:
Cash spent in amounts of less than $100 to be used only for offi
transportation expenses, and other necessities by the candidate. (Sections 106.07 and 106.12,
F.S.)
Political Advertisement:
(See Section 106.011(17), F.S. and Chapter 12, Political Advertising.)
Primary Election:
An election held preceding the general election for the purpose
a party nominee to be voted for in the general election to fill a national, state, county, or district
office. (Section 97.021(28), F.S.)
Public Office:
Any state, county, municipal, or school or other district office or position which is
filled by vote of the electors. (Section 106.011(10), F.S.)
Special Election:
Called for the purpose of voting on a party nominee to fill a va
national, state, county, or district office. (Section 97.021(33), F.S.)
Special Primary Election:
A special nomination election designated by the Governor, called
the purpose of nominating a party nominee to be voted on in a ge
(Section 97.021(34), F.S.)
Statewide Office:
Governor, Cabinet, and Supreme Court Justice.
5
Unopposed Candidate:
A candidate for nomination or election to an office, who, after
day on which any person, including a write-in candidate, may qualify, is without opposition in the
election at which the office is to be filled or who is without s
result of any primary election or of withdrawal by other candida
candidate is not an unopposed candidate if there is a vacancy to be filled under Section
100.111(4), F.S., if there is a legal proceeding pending regardi
the office sought by the candidate, or if the candidate is seeking retention as a justice or judge.
(Section 106.011(15), F.S.)
6
Chapter 5
Becoming a Candidate
___________________________________
A candidate is any person who:
1. Seeks to qualify for nomination or election by means of the petition process;
2. Seeks to qualify for election as a write-in candidate;
3. Receives contributions or makes expenditures, or consents for any other person to receive
contributions or make expenditures, with a view to bring about h
election to, or retention in, public office;
4. Appoints a treasurer and designates a primary depository; or
5. Files qualification papers and subscribes to a candidateÓs oath as required by law.
6. However, this definition does not include any candidate for a political party executive
committee.
(Section 106.011(16), F.S.)
What to File
Form DS-DE 9, Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign
Depository for Candidates
is the first document that must be filed with the filing officer to
become a candidate. At the same time, the candidate must designate the office for which he or
she is running. A candidate can appoint a campaign treasurer and designate a campaign
no later
depository at any time, but than the date the candidate qualifies for office. Nothing
prohibits a person from announcing their intention to become a candidate prior to filing Form DS-
, as long as no contributions are received, no expenditures are made, and no
DE 9
signatures are obtained on a candidate petition
.
Form DS-DE 9:
prior
1. Shall be filed with the filing officer to opening the campaign account.
Note: The campaign depository should not be opened until after the DS-DE 9 is on
file with the filing officer.
2. Is not effective until the campaign treasurer signs it and it is filed with the filing officer
3. Is considered ÐfiledÑ only when the filing officer receives the form, not upon mailing.
prior
4. Shall be on file with the filing officer to the candidate accepting any contributions or
making any expenditures, or authorizing another to accept contributions or make
expenditures on the personÓs behalf.
prior
5. Shall be on file with the filing officer to obtaining signatures on a DS-DE 104,
Candidate Petition.
7
Form DS-DE 84, Statement of Candidate,
must be filed with the filing officer within 10 days after
filing Form DS-DE 9. This form states that the candidate has been provided access to read and
understand the requirements of Chapter 106, F.S. The execution and filing of the statement of
candidate does not in and of itself create a presumption that any violation of Chapter 106, F.S., or
Chapter 104, F.S., is a willful violation as defined in Section 106.37, F.S.
Form DS-DE 83, Statement of Candidate for Judicial Office,
must be filed by each candidate
for judicial office, including an incumbent judge, within 10 days after filing Form DS-DE 9. This
form states that the judicial candidate has received, read, and understands the requirements of
the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct.
(Sections 105.031, 106.021 and 106.023, F.S.)
Filing Officer
The filing officer is the person before whom a candidate qualifi
Division of Elections ....................... State, multicounty, district, and judicial offices
(except county court judge)
Supervisor of Elections ................... County court judge, countywide, and district offices
(except multicounty offices)
Municipal Clerk ............................... Municipal offices
(Section 106.011(14), F.S.)
Resign-to-Run
No officer may qualify as a candidate for another state, district, county, or municipal public office if
the terms or any part thereof run concurrently with each other, without resigning from the office he
or she presently holds. The resignation is irrevocable.
ten days
The written resignation must be submitted at least prior to the first day of qualifying for
the office. The resignation must be effective no later than the earlier of the following dates:
1. The date the officer would take office, if elected; or
2. The date the officerÓs successor is required to take office.
(Section 99.012(3), F.S.)
A person who is a subordinate officer, deputy sheriff, or police officer must resign effective upon
qualifying pursuant to this chapter if the person is seeking to qualify for a public office that is
currently held by an officer who has authority to appoint, emplo
that person and who has qualified as a candidate for reelection to that office.
(Section 99.012(4), F.S.)
The resign-to-run law does not apply to political party offices, persons serving without salary as
members of an appointive board or authority, and persons holding federal office.
(Section 99.012(6) and (7), F.S.)
For additional information regarding resign-to-run, see the DivisionÓs Frequently Asked Questions
page: http://elections.myflorida.com/gen-faq.shtml.
8
Federal Hatch Act for State and Local Employees
Although a person may not be someone who would have to resign un
law, the person may be precluded by the federal Hatch Act (5 USC £ 1501 Î 1508) from holding
his or her current job and becoming a candidate in a partisan el
the political activity of individuals principally employed by the state, county, or municipal executive
agencies in connection with programs financed in whole or in part by loans or grants made by the
U.S. or a federal agency. If the state, county or municipal employee performs duties in
connection with an activity financed in whole or in part by fede
precluded from being a candidate for public office in a partisan election. With local governments
making increasing use of federal grants, state and local government employees must be
cognizant of the Hatch Act as it relates to their political activities.
Please note, however, that pursuant to 5 USC § 1502(c), Governors, Lieutenant Governors,
mayors, elected heads of executive departments, and individuals holding elective office are
exempt from the prohibition against being a candidate for public
prohibits state, county and municipal employees seeking public office in a partisan election, not
an elected officer seeking re-election or election to another of
The Division of Elections has no authority to advise individuals on the applicability of the Hatch
Act; however, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel provides advisory opinions to potential
candidates. Inquiries about the Hatch Act should be directed to the Special CounselÓs ÐHatch Act
Unit.Ñ The contact may be in writing or by telephone at:
Hatch Act Unit
U.S. Office of Special Counsel
1730 M Street, N.W., Suite 218
Washington, D.C. 20036-4505
Tel: (800) 85-HATCH or (800) 854-2824
(202) 254-3650
Requests for Hatch Act advisory opinions may be made by e-mail thatchact@osc.gov.
Information about the Hatch Act as it pertains to state and local employees may be found at:
http://www.osc.gov/hatchact.htm
Federal Hatch Act for Federal Employees
All civilian employees in the executive branch of the federal government, except the President
and the Vice President, are covered by the provisions of the Hatch Act. Employees of the U.S.
Postal Service and the District of Columbia, except for the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the
District of ColumbiaÓs City Council and the DistrictÓs Recorder of the Deeds, are also covered by
the Act. Part-time federal employees are covered by the Act. If covered by the act, a federal
employee may not be a candidate in a partisan election. For more information about the Hatch
Act as it relates to federal employees, see: http://www.osc.gov/hatchact.htm
Changing Parties for Partisan Offices
A candidate seeking to qualify as a political party candidate may not have been a registered
member of any other political party for 365 days before the begi
general election for which the person seeks to qualify.
(Section 99.021, F.S.)
9
Changing the Designation of Office
A candidate can change the designation of office by filing a new Form DS-DE 9 and a written
statement indicating the change with the filing officer. However, the candidate must notify each
contributor in writing and offer to return their contribution using the following procedure:
1. Within fifteen days after filing the change with the filing officer the candidate must send a
written notice to all contributors.
2. The candidate must offer (in the notice) to return to the contributor on a pro rata basis all
contributions given in support of the original office.
Form DS-DE 86, Request for
3. The candidate must include (with the notice) a copy of
Return of Contribution.
4. If the contributor returns Form DS-DE 86 within 30 days of receiving the notice, the
candidate must return a pro rata share of all contributions given in support of the original
office.
5. If the contributor does not return Form DS-DE 86 within 30 days of receiving the notice, the
candidate may use the contribution for the newly designated offi
If the candidate is changing the numerical designation of the office that has resulted solely
from redistricting the above notice requirement is unnecessary.
The following formula is used to determine the pro rata share:
The amount of contributions contributed to the campaign that remain in the campaign account on
the date the candidate filed the change of designation
MINUS
The amount already obligated for goods or services
DIVIDED BY
The total amount of contributions contributed to the campaign
MULTIPLIED BY
The amount of the contribution contributed by the individual contributor
Pro Rata Refund Example
The candidate received a total of $5,000 from all contributors. Of this amount, the candidate has
$2,500 remaining in the campaign account with an outstanding amount of $500 owed for goods
and services. This leaves $2,000 in the account to be used for pro rata refunds. One contributor
gave a $500 original contribution and wishes to have it returned
$2,500 Ï $500 = $2,000 $5,000 = 40% x $500 = $200 pro rata refund to the contributor
(Section 106.021(1), F.S.)
10
Chapter 6
Statement of Solicitation
Who Must File Form DS-DE 102, Statement of Solicitation
The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, members of the Cabinet, state legislators, or candidates for
such offices who directly or indirectly solicit, cause to be solicited, or accept any contribution on
behalf of an organization that is exempt from taxation under s. 527 or s. 501(c)(4) of the Internal
Revenue Code, which such individuals, in whole or in part, estab
file Form DS-DE 102.
When to File
5 days
Each office holder or candidate must file form DS-DE 102 within after he or she directly or
indirectly solicits, causes to be solicited, or accepts any contribution on behalf of a 527 or
501(c)(4) organization. An office holder or candidate is required to file this form only once for
each organization.
Form DS-DE 102, Statement of Solicitation
shall be filed with the Division of Elections and, at a
minimum, must contain the following information:
1) The name of the person acting on behalf of the organization.
2) The name and type of the organization.
3) A description of the relationship between the person and the organization.
Penalty for Late Filing
Failure to timely file Form DS-DE 102 shall subject the person to a civil penalty of $50 per day for
each late day, payable from the personal funds of the violator.
Public Website and Mission Statement
Upon filing Form DS-DE 102 with the Division, a public website must be created that contains the
mission statement and the names of persons associated with the organization. The address of
the website shall be reported to the division within 5 business days after the website is created.
Additional Reporting
All contributions received shall be disclosed on the website wit
together with the name, address, and occupation of the donor. All expenditures by the
organization shall be individually disclosed on the website with
made.
Important: An individual acting on behalf of his or her own campaign, a political party, or an
affiliated party committee of which the individual is a member is not required to file Form DS-DE
102.
(Section 106.0701, F.S.)
11
Chapter 7
Prohibited Acts
___________________________________
Speaking at Political Meetings
No person shall pay money or give anything of value for the privilege of speaking at a political
meeting in the furtherance of his or her candidacy, nor shall anyone speaking for such a person
pay money or give anything of value for such privilege.
(Section 106.15(1), F.S.)
Using State-Owned Aircraft or Motor Vehicle
No candidate, in the furtherance of his or her candidacy for nomination or election to public office
in any election, shall use any state-owned aircraft or motor vehicle, as provided in Chapter 287,
F.S., solely for the purpose of furthering his or her candidacy. However, in the event a candidate
uses any state-owned aircraft or motor vehicle to conduct official state business and while on
such trip performs any function in the furtherance of his or her candidacy for nomination or
election to public office in any election, the candidate shall prorate the expenses incurred and
reimburse the appropriate agency for any trip not exclusively for state business and shall pay
either a prorated share of all fixed and variable expenses relat
use of such aircraft or one-half of the total fixed and variable expenses related to the ownership,
operation, and use of such aircraft, whichever is greater. The reimbursement shall be made from
the campaign account of the candidate.
(Section 106.15(2), F.S.)
Using Services of State, County, Municipal, or District Officers
or Employees
A candidate may not, in the furtherance of his or her candidacy
public office in any election, use the services of any state, county, municipal, or district officer or
employee of the state during working hours.
(Section 106.15(3), F.S.)
Making Contributions in the Name of Another
A person may not make any contribution through or in the name of
in any election.
(Section 106.08(5), F.S.)
Solicitation from Religious, Charitable and Civic Organizations
not
Candidates may :
1. Solicit contributions from any religious, charitable, civic, or other causes or organizations
established primarily for the public good.
12
2. Make contributions, in exchange for political support, to any religious, charitable, civic, or
other cause or organizations established primarily for the publi
not
It is a violation:
1. To make gifts of money in lieu of flowers in memory of a deceased person.
2. For a candidate to continue membership in, or make regular donations from personal or
business funds to, religious, political party, civic, or charitable groups of which the candidate
is a member or to which the candidate has been a regular donor f
3. For a candidate to purchase, with campaign funds, tickets, admission to events, or
advertisements from religious, civic, political party, or charit
(Section 106.08(5), F.S., and Division of Elections Opinion 04-03)
Accepting Contributions in a Government-Owned Building
No person shall make and no person shall solicit or knowingly ac
a building owned by a governmental entity. ÐAcceptÑ means to receive a contribution by personal
hand delivery from a contributor or the contributorÓs agent. This prohibition does not apply when a
government-owned building or any portion thereof is rented for the specific purpose of holding a
campaign fund raiser.
(Section 106.15(4), F.S.)
Making Malicious Statements
A candidate may not, with actual malice, make any false statemen
(Section 104.271, F.S.)
Certifying a False Report
Any candidate, campaign manager, campaign treasurer, or deputy treasurer who willfully certifies
the correctness of any report while knowing that such report is incorrect, false, or incomplete
commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(Sections 106.07(5) and 106.19, F.S.)
Limitations on Political Activity for Judicial Candidates
not
A candidate for judicial office shall :
1. Participate in any partisan political party activities, except that such candidate may register to
vote as a member of any political party and may vote in any party primary for candidates for
nomination of the party in which he or she is registered to vote
2. Campaign as a member of any political party.
3. Publicly represent or advertise herself or himself as a member of any political party.
4. Endorse any candidate.
5. Make political speeches other than in the candidateÓs own behalf
13
6. Make contributions to political party funds.
7. Solicit contributions for any political party.
8. Accept contributions from any political party.
9. Accept or retain a place on any political party committee.
10. Make any contribution to any person, group, or organization for
office.
11. Agree to pay all or any part of an advertisement sponsored by an
organization wherein the candidate may be endorsed for judicial office by any such person,
group or organization.
A candidate for judicial office or retention therein who violates the provisions of this section is
liable for a civil fine of up to $1,000 to be determined by the
A candidate for judicial office may attend and speak on his or h
meetings and other functions. However, care must be exercised to insure compliance with
Chapter 105, F.S., and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
(Section 105.071, F.S., and Division of Elections Opinion 78-34)
14
Chapter 8
Campaign Treasurers
___________________________________
Appointing Campaign Treasurers and Deputy Treasurers
Form DS-DE 9, Appointment of
Each candidate shall appoint a campaign treasurer by filing
Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository for Candidates
with the filing
officer before whom the candidate qualifies. The name and address of the campaign treasurer
must be included on the form. A candidate may appoint a campaign
campaign depository at any time, but no later than the date the
prior to
candidate who seeks to qualify by the petition process shall app obtaining
announcing
signatures on petitions. Nothing prohibits a person from his or her intention to
become a candidate prior to filing Form DS-DE 9, as long as no contributions are received, no
expenditures are made, and no signatures are obtained on a candidate petition.
1. A candidate must have a campaign treasurer.
2. A candidate may appoint herself or himself as campaign treasurer or deputy campaign
treasurer.
3. A candidate for statewide office (Governor, Cabinet and Supreme
appoint no more than 15 deputy campaign treasurers. Any other candidate may appoint no
more than three deputy campaign treasurers.
4. Deputy campaign treasurers are appointed in the same manner as t
by filing Form DS-DE 9 with the filing officer.
Form DS-DE 9
:
Must be on file with the filing officer prior to opening the campaign account.
1.
and
2. Must be signed and dated by both the candidate the treasurer.
3. Is not effective until it is filed with the filing officer.
4. Is not considered ÐfiledÑ upon mailing.
Must be on file with the filing officer prior to the candidate accepting any
5.
contributions or making any expenditures, authorizing another to accept
contributions or make expenditures on the person’s behalf, or obtaining signatures
on DS-DE 104, Candidate Petition.
(Sections 99.095 and 106.021, F.S.)
Duties and Responsibilities
No contribution or expenditure, including contributions or expenditures of a candidate or of the
candidateÓs family, shall be directly or indirectly made or received in furtherance of the candidacy
of any person for nomination or election to political office in
appointed campaign treasurer of the candidate, subject to the following exceptions:
15
1. Independent expenditures;
2. Reimbursements to a candidate or any other individual for expenses incurred in
with the campaign by a check drawn upon the campaign account and reported pursuant to
Section 106.07(4), F.S. The full name and address of each person to whom the candidate or
other individual made payment for which reimbursement was made by check drawn upon the
campaign account shall be reported pursuant to Section 106.07(4), F.S., together with the
purpose of such payment;
3. Expenditures made indirectly through a treasurer for goods or services, such as
communications media placement or procurement services, campaign
other expenditures that include multiple integral components as part of the expenditure and
reported pursuant to Section 106.07(4)(a)13.; or
4. Expenditures made directly by any political committee, affiliated party committee, or political
party regulated by Chapter 103, F.S., for obtaining time, space or services in or by any
communications medium for the purpose of jointly endorsing three
any such expenditure shall not be considered a contribution or expenditure to or on behalf of
any such candidate for the purposes of this chapter.
The campaign treasurer:
1. Shall keep detailed accounts of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or
on behalf of the candidate. Such accounts must be kept current w
days after the date a contribution is received or an expenditure
th
2. Shall deposit all funds received by the end of the 5 business day into the campaign
depository. All deposits shall be accompanied by a bank deposit slip containing the name of
each contributor and the amount of each contribution.
3. Shall keep detailed accounts of all deposits made in any separate interest-bearing account
or certificate of deposit and all withdrawals made from these accounts to the primary
depository and all interest earned.
4. Shall preserve all accounts for a number of years equal to the term of office to which the
candidate seeks election.
5. Shall file regular reports of all contributions received and expenditures made by or on behalf
of such candidate.
6. May be fined $1,000 or more or be subjected to criminal penaltie
campaign report or filing an incomplete or inaccurate report.
Deputy campaign treasurers may exercise any of the powers and duties of the campaign
treasurer when specifically authorized to do so by the campaign treasurer and candidate.
Accounts, including separate interest-bearing accounts and certificates of deposit, kept by the
campaign treasurer of a candidate may be inspected under reasona
during, or after the election to which the accounts refer by any authorized representative of the
Division of Elections or the Florida Elections Commission.
(Sections 106.021, 106.06, 106.07, 106.19 and 106.265, F.S.)
16
Resignation or Removal
IMPORTANT:
When a campaign treasurer resigns or is removed by the candidate, a copy of the
letter of resignation or removal must be filed with the filing o
resign
A campaign treasurer or deputy treasurer can by:
1. Submitting his or her resignation to the candidate in writing and filing a copy with the filing
officer;
2.The resignation is not effective until a copy of the written resignation is filed with the
filing officer.
remove
A candidate may the campaign treasurer or deputy treasurer by:
1. Giving written notice to the campaign treasurer or deputy treasurer and filing a copy with the
filing officer;
2.The removal is not effective until a copy of the written notice is filed with the filing
officer.
In the case of death, resignation, or removal of a campaign treasurer or deputy treasurer, the
candidate shall appoint a successor by certifying the name and address to the filing officer on
Form DS-DE 9, Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository
for Candidates.
(Section 106.021(2), F.S.)
17
Chapter 9
Campaign Depositories
___________________________________
Primary Campaign Depository
A candidate must designate a primary campaign depository with a
association, or credit union authorized to do business in the St
DS-DE 9
depository is designated at the same time as a treasurer is appointed on Form
(Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository for
Candidates)
. A candidate who seeks to qualify by the petition process shall
campaign depository prior to obtaining signatures on petitions.
IMPORTANT: All contributions must be deposited into such account and all expenditures must be
drawn by a check on such account, except when paid with petty cash. (See Chapter 12,
Expenditures).
A candidate must file the name and address of the primary campaign depository with the same
officer with whom the candidate files the name of his or her campaign treasurer on Form DS-DE
9.
The campaign account must be separate from any personal or other
depositing campaign contributions and making expenditures.
Designating a campaign depository does not mean physically opening your account. It is
merely naming the financial institution where your campaign funds will be deposited. This
is because most banks require an initial deposit to open a campaign account and a
contribution cannot be accepted prior to the candidate filing Form DS-DE 9.
fifth business day
All funds received by the campaign treasurer shall, prior to the
following the receipt thereof, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal hol
campaign depository designated pursuant to Section 106.021, F.S., in an account designated
“(Name of Candidate) Campaign Account.”
IMPORTANT: All deposits must be accompanied by a bank deposit slip containing the name of
each contributor and the amount contributed by each.
(Sections 106.021(1) and 106.05, F.S.)
Secondary Campaign Depository
A candidate may designate one secondary depository in each count
which the candidate participates for the sole purpose of depositing contributions for transfer into
the primary depository.
A candidate must file the name and address of each secondary campaign depository with the
same officer with whom the candidate files the name of his or her campaign treasurer on Form
DS-DE 9.
If a contribution is deposited in a secondary depository, the depository shall forward the full
amount of the deposit, along with a copy of the deposit slip, to the primary depository prior to the
end of the first business day following the deposit.
(Sections 106.021(1) and 106.05, F.S.)
18
Separate Interest-Bearing Accounts and Certificates of Deposit
In the event funds are available in the primary campaign depository that are not currently needed
for the disbursement of expenditures, the campaign treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer may
deposit such funds into a separate interest-bearing account designated as "(Name of Candidate)
Separate Interest-Bearing Campaign Account" or may purchase a certificate of deposit with the
available funds.
Any bank, savings and loan association, or credit union authoriz
may be used for this purpose. The separate interest-bearing account or certificate of deposit shall
be separate from any personal or other separate interest-bearing account or certificate of deposit.
Any withdrawal from a separate interest-bearing account or certificate of deposit of the principal
or earned interest or any part thereof shall be made only for the purpose of transferring funds to
the primary campaign account.
(Section 106.021(1), F.S.)
Campaign Checks
IMPORTANT: When issuing checks from the campaign account, the campaign treasurer or
deputy treasurer shall be responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the information on
such check and for insuring that such expenditure is an authorized expenditure.
Campaign checks must contain the following information:
1. The statement "(Name of Candidate) Campaign Account”
2. Account number and name of bank,
3. The exact amount of the expenditure,
4. The signature of the campaign treasurer or deputy treasurer,
5. The exact purpose of the expenditure, and
6. The name of the payee.
This information may be typed or hand-printed on starter checks
printed checks arrive. (Section 106.11(1), F.S.)
John Doe Campaign Account
00001
State Senate District 3 Date
7/2/10
PAY TO THE
$
ORDER OF XYZ Lumber Company 200.00
Two Hundred and 00/100 DOLLARS
BANK OF FLORIDA
TALLAHASSEE, FL 32323
Sign materials
FOR Signature of Campaign Treasurer
003382558:0326 0075894
19
Debit Cards
(See Chapter 12, Expenditures.)
A candidate may use a debit card to make campaign expenditures.
1. Must be obtained from the same bank that has been designated as
depository.
2. Must be issued in the name of the treasurer, deputy treasurer, or authorized user and
state Ð(Name of candidate or political committee) Campaign Account.Ñ
three
3. No more than debit cards shall be issued.
(Section 106.11(2), F.S., and Division of Elections Opinion 00-03)
Credit Cards
(See Chapter 11, Expenditures.)
statewide office (Governor, Cabinet, and Supreme Court Justice)
Candidates for may obtain
and use credit cards for travel-related campaign expenditures if
1. Must be obtained from the bank which has been designated as the
depository.
2. Shall be in the name of the candidate and reflect that the account is a campaign account.
3. Prior to use, a copy of the agreement or contract between the ca
and a list of all persons authorized to use the card shall be fi
4. Must expire no later than midnight of the last day of the month
5. Billing statements shall be paid upon receipt.
6. Campaign travel-related expenditures shall include transportation, lodging, meals, and
other expense incurred in connection with traveling for campaign
(Section 106.125, F.S.)
20
Chapter 10
Contributions
___________________________________
A contribution is:
1. A gift, subscription, conveyance, deposit, loan, payment or distribution of money or
anything of value made for the purpose of influencing the results of an election or making
an electioneering communication. These include contributions in-
attributable monetary value in any form;
2. A transfer of funds between political committees, between committees of continuous
existence, or between a political committee and a committee of continuous existence;
3. The payment, by any person other than a candidate, of compensation for the personal
services of another person which are rendered to a candidate without charge to the
candidate for such services; or
4. The transfer of funds by a campaign treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer between a
primary depository and a separate interest-bearing account or ce
term includes any interest earned on such account or certificate.
The exceptions are:
1. Services provided without compensation by individuals volunteering a portion or all of their
time on behalf of a candidate including, but not limited to, leg
2. Editorial endorsements.
IMPORTANT: The law provides no exceptions for reporting contribution information, regardless
of the size of the contribution (e.g., the reporting requirements would be the same for a 50 cent
contribution as for a $500 contribution).
(Section 106.011(3), F.S.)
Unauthorized Contributions
Any contribution received by a candidate with opposition in an election or by the campaign
treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer on the day of that election or less than five days prior to
the day of the election must be returned to the contributor and may not be used or expended by
or on behalf of the candidate.
(Section 106.08(3), F.S.)
Anonymous Contributions
When a candidate receives an anonymous contribution it must be reported on the candidate's
campaign treasurer's report as an anonymous contribution. A letter should be submitted to the
filing officer explaining the circumstances surrounding the acceptance of the anonymous
contribution.
The candidate cannot spend the anonymous contribution, but at the end of the campaign can
donate the amount to an appropriate entity under Section 106.141, F.S.
(Division of Elections Opinion 89-02)
21
In-Kind Contributions
In-kind contributions are anything of value made for the purpose of influencing the results of an
election.
The exceptions are:
1. Money;
2. Personal services provided without compensation by individual volunteers;
3. Independent expenditures, as defined in Section 106.011(5), F.S.; or
4. Endorsements of three or more candidates by political committees or political parties.
(Section 106.011, F.S.; and Division of Elections Opinion 04-06)
Any person who makes an in-kind contribution shall, at the time of making the contribution, place
a fair market value on the contribution. In-kind contributions are subject to contribution limitations.
Travel conveyed upon private aircraft shall be valued at the actual cost of per person commercial
air travel for the same or a substantially similar route.
(Section 106.055, F.S., and Division of Elections Opinion 09-08)
Loans
Loans are considered contributions and are subject to contribution limitations. Loans to or from
each person or political committee must be reported together with names, addresses,
occupations, and principal places of business, if any, of the lenders and endorsers, including the
date and amount of each loan on the campaign treasurerÓs report.
Loans made by a candidate to his or her own campaign are not subject to contribution limitations.
A candidate who makes a loan to his or her campaign and reports the loan as required by Section
106.07, F.S. may be reimbursed for the loan at any time the campaign account has sufficient
funds to repay the loan and satisfy its other obligations.
All personal loans exceeding $500 in value, made to a candidate
purposes and made in the twelve months preceding his or her elec
Forms DS-DE 73 and 73A, Campaign Loans Report
on , and filed with the filing officer within
Loan reports filed with the Division of Elections must
ten days after being elected to office.
be filed using the Electronic Filing System (EFS).
Any person who makes a contribution to pay all or part of a loan incurred in the twelve months
preceding the election, to be used for the campaign, may not contribute more than the amount
allowed in Section 106.08(1), F.S.
(Sections 106.011, 106.07 and 106.075, F.S.)
22
Cash Contributions
A candidate may not accept an aggregate cash contribution or contribution by means of a
cashierÓs check from the same contributor in excess of $50 per e
IMPORTANT: Cash contributions should be reported on campaign treasurer’s reports to include
the full name and address of each person who gave a cash contribution during the reporting
period, together with the amount and date of such cash contribution.
(Sections 106.07(4) and 106.09, F.S.)
Debit and Credit Card Contributions
A candidate may accept contributions via a credit card, debit card, or money order. These
contributions are categorized as a "check" for reporting purpose
(Division of Elections Opinions 94-02 and 00-03)
Contribution Limits for Candidates
IMPORTANT: Except for political parties or affiliated party committees, no person, political
committee, or committee of continuous existence may make contributions in excess of $500 per
election to any candidate for election or retention in office. The primary and general elections are
separate elections. (See Glossary for the definition of Ðperson.Ñ)
These limits do not apply to contributions made by a state or county executive committee
of a political party or affiliated party committee regulated by Chapter 103, F.S., or to
amounts contributed by a candidate to his own campaign.
not
A candidate may :
1. Accept contributions until Form DS-DE 9, Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and
Designation of Campaign Depository for Candidates, is filed with the filing officer;
2. Accept a contribution in excess of $500 from any one person per election, provided the
candidate is an opposed candidate and the contribution is receiv
applicable to each election;
3. Accept contributions from family members in excess of $500 per e
4. Accept more than $100 per election from an unemancipated child u
5. Accept contributions which in the aggregate exceed $50,000 from national, state, or county
executive committees of a political party, including any subordi
includes any political committee or committee of continuous existence affiliated with a
political party) of a national, state, or county committee of a litical party or affiliated party
October
committee; no more than $25,000 of such contributions may be acc
9, 2012
. Polling services, research services, cost for campaign staff, professional
consulting services, and telephone calls are not contributions to be counted toward the
contribution limits, but must still be reported by the candidate. All other contributions are
counted toward the contribution limits;
6. A candidate for statewide (Governor, Cabinet and Supreme Court Justice) office may not
accept contributions from a national, state, or county executive committee of a political
party, including any subordinate committee of a national, state, or county committee of a
23
political party, or affiliated party committee, which contributions in the aggregate exceed
October 9, 2012
$250,000, no more than $125,000 of which may be accepted prior t; or
7. Accept contributions after the date he or she withdraws his or her candidacy, is defeated,
becomes unopposed or is elected.
(Sections 106.08 and 106.19, F.S.)
ForeignContributions
Federal law prohibits contributions from foreign nationals to any federal, state, or local candidate,
unless the foreign national possesses a green card. Further information can be accessed by
contacting the Federal Election Commission at 1-800-424-9530 or
www.fec.gov.
2012 Deadlines for Accepting Contributions
Any contribution received by a candidate with opposition in an election, or the campaign treasurer
or deputy campaign treasurer, on the day of that election or les
that election must be returned to the contributor. It may not be used or expended by or on behalf
of the candidate.
The primary and general elections are considered separate elections for contribution
purposes.
If opposed in the primary election the candidate may accept:
August 9, 2012
$500 no later than midnight on
If opposed in the primary and general elections the candidate ma
August 9, 2012
$500 no later than midnight on
November 1, 2012
$500 between August 15 and midnight on
If opposed only in the general election, the candidate may acce
August 14, 2012
$500 up through the day of the primary election on
November 1, 2012
$500 between August 15 and midnight on
Justice of the Supreme Court or Judge, District Court of Appeal
candidate but only has one election, the general election) may a
November 1, 2012
$500 no later than midnight on (contributions may be accepted during
the primary election, but must be applied toward the general ele
Circuit Judge or County Court Judge candidates (have two elections, the primary and general
elections) may accept:
If opposed in the primary election only:
August 9, 2012
$500 no later than midnight on
If opposed in the primary and general elections:
August 9, 2012
$500 no later than midnight on
November 1, 2012
$500 between August 15 and midnight on
24
Violations
Any candidate, campaign manager, campaign treasurer, or deputy t
agent or person acting on behalf of any candidate, or other person who knowingly and willfully:
1. Accepts a contribution in excess of the limits prescribed by Section 106.08, F.S.;
2. Fails to report any contribution required to be reported by Chapter 106, F.S.;
3. Falsely reports or deliberately fails to include any information required by Chapter 106, F.S.;
or
4. Makes or authorizes any expenditure in violation of Section 106.11(4), F.S., or any other
expenditure prohibited by Chapter 106, F.S.;is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree,
punishable as provided in Section 775.082 or Section 775.083, F.
(Section 106.19, F.S.)
25
Chapter 11
Expenditures
___________________________________
Definition
An expenditure is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, transfer of funds by a
campaign treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer between a primar
interest-bearing account or certificate of deposit, or gift of money or anything of value made for
the purpose of influencing the results of an election or making
General Requirements
shall
A candidate :
1. Pay all campaign expenditures by a check drawn on the campaign a
cash);
2. Pay the qualifying fee by a check drawn on the campaign account;
3. Pay for all expenses authorized or incurred for the purchase of
delivery and acceptance of the goods or services; and
4. Pay for public utilities such as telephone, electric, gas, water
is received. Utility companies providing services to candidates
sufficient to meet all anticipated charges during a billing period.
IMPORTANT: No candidate, campaign manager, treasurer, deputy treasurer, or any person
acting on behalf of the foregoing, shall authorize any expenses, unless there are sufficient funds
on deposit in the primary depository account of the candidate to pay the full amount of the
authorized expense, to honor all other checks draw on such account, which checks are
outstanding, and to meet all expenses previously authorized but not yet paid.
Sufficient funds means that the funds at issue have been deliver
institution at which such account is maintained and not that such funds are available for
withdrawal in accordance with the deposit rules or the funds availability policies of such financial
institution.
Checks
IMPORTANT: Only a campaign treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer is allowed to sign checks
drawn on the campaign account. The campaign treasurer or deputy campaign treasurer who
signs a check shall be responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the information on the
check and for ensuring it is an authorized expenditure. Candidates are prohibited from signing
campaign checks unless they appointed themselves campaign treasurer or deputy
treasurer.
26
A candidate or other individual may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with the
campaign by a check drawn on the campaign account and reported pursuant to Section
106.07(4), F.S. The full name and address of each person to whom the candidate or other
individual made payment for which reimbursement was made by check drawn upon the campaign
account shall be reported pursuant to Section 106.07(4), F.S., together with the purpose of such
payment.
Living Expenses
A candidate or the spouse of a candidate may not use campaign fu
expenses for the candidate or the candidateÓs immediate family o
incurred during the campaign for transportation, meals and lodgi
(Sections 106.011(4), 106.021(3), 106.14 and 106.1405, F.S.)
Petty Cash Funds
A campaign treasurer may provide a petty cash fund for the candi
fund, the campaign treasurer must write a check drawn on the pri
cash may only be used for office supplies, transportation expens
must
A candidate :
1. Spend petty cash in amounts of less than $100;
2. Report the total amount withdrawn and the total amount spent for petty cash in each
reporting period;
3. Keep complete records of petty cash although each expenditure does not have to be
reported individually;
4. Not mix cash contributions with petty cash; and
5. Not use petty cash for the purchase of time, space, or services from any communications
media.
Limits on Petty Cash Fund Amounts
From the day a candidate appoints his or her campaign treasurer until the last day a candidate
can qualify for office the campaign treasurer may withdraw from the campaign account for the
purpose of providing a petty cash fund for the candidate:
$500 per calendar quarter.
After qualifying is over and until the election in which the can
office or the time in which the candidate becomes unopposed the
$500 per week for all statewide (Governor, Cabinet, and Supreme Court Justice)
candidates.
$100 per week for all other candidates.
(Sections 106.07 and 106.12, F.S., and Division of Elections Opinion 06-10)
27
Independent Expenditures
An independent expenditure means an expenditure made by a person for the purpose of
expressly advocating
the election or defeat of a candidate, which expenditure is not controlled
by, coordinated with, or made upon consultation with, any candidate or agent of such candidate.
An expenditure for such purpose by a person having a contract with the candidate or agent of
such candidate in a given election period shall not be deemed an
Expressly advocates
means any communication which uses phrases including, but
not limited to: Ðvote forÑ, Ðelect,Ñ Ðsupport,Ñ Ðcast your ballot for,Ñ ÐSmith for
Congress,Ñ Ðvote against,Ñ Ðdefeat,Ñ Ðoppose,Ñ and Ðreject.Ñ
If the independent expenditure is, in the aggregate, in the amou
must file reports with the candidateÓs filing officer in the same manner and time as a political
committee.
Political advertisements paid for by an independent expenditure must contain the following
statement: “Paid political advertisement paid for by (name and address of person paying for the
advertisement) independently of any (candidate or committee).”
Howeverexpressly advocating
, an expenditure for the purpose of the election or defeat of a
candidate which is made by the national, state, or county executive committee of a political party,
including any subordinate committee of a national, state, or cou
an affiliated party committee, or by any political committee or committee of continuous existence,
shall not be considered an independent expenditure if the committee
or any other person,
or person:
1. Communicates with the candidate, the candidate's campaign, or an agent of the candidate
acting on behalf of the candidate, including any pollster, media consultant, advertising
agency, vendor, advisor, or staff member concerning the preparation of, use of, or payment
for, the specific expenditure or advertising campaign at issue; or
2. Makes a payment in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, at the request or suggestion
of, or pursuant to any general or particular understanding with the candidate, the candidate's
campaign, a political committee supporting the candidate, or an agent of the candidate
relating to the specific expenditure or advertising campaign at
3. Makes a payment for the dissemination, distribution, or republication, in whole or in part, of
any broadcast or any written, graphic, or other form of campaign material prepared by the
candidate, the candidate's campaign, or an agent of the candidate, including any pollster,
media consultant, advertising agency, vendor, advisor, or staff
4. Makes a payment based on information about the candidate's plans
communicated to a member of the committee or person by the candidate or any agent of the
candidate, provided the committee or person uses the information in any way, in whole or in
part, either directly or indirectly, to design, prepare, or pay for the specific expenditure or
advertising campaign at issue; or
5. After the last day of the qualifying period prescribed for the candidate, there is a consult
about the candidate's plans, projects, or needs in connection with the candidate's pursuit of
election to office and the information is used in any way to plan, create, design, or prepare an
independent expenditure or advertising campaign with:
28
a. Any officer, director, employee or agent of a national, state or county executive
committee of a political party or an affiliated party committee that has made or intends to
make expenditures in connection with or contributions to the candidate; or
b. Any person whose professional services have been retained by a national, state or
county executive committee of a political party that has made or
expenditures in connection with or contributions to the candidate; or
6. After the last day of the qualifying period prescribed for the candidate, retains the
professional services of any person also providing those services to the candidate in
connection with the candidate's pursuit of election to office; o
7. Arranges, coordinates, or directs the expenditure, in any way, with the candidate or an agent
of the candidate.
(Sections 106.011(5), and 106.071, F.S.)
Credit Cards
statewide office (Governor, Cabinet, and Supreme Court Justice)
Candidates for may obtain
a credit card under the following conditions:
1. For use in making travel-related campaign expenditures to includ
meals, and other travel expenses incurred.
2. It must be obtained from the same bank designated as the primary
3. It must be in the name of the candidate and reflect that it is a campaign account.
4. A copy of the agreement or contract between the candidate and ba
prior
persons authorized to use the card, must be filed with the Division of Elections to
being used.
5. The credit card must expire no later than midnight of the last day of the month of the
general election.
6. Each statement received from the issuer of the credit card must be paid upon receipt.
(Section 106.125, F.S.)
Debit Cards
are considered bank checks if:
Debit cards may be used in lieu of campaign checks and
1. Obtained from the same bank as the primary campaign depository.
2. Issued in the name of the treasurer, deputy treasurer, or authorized user.
3. “(Name of Candidate) Campaign Account.”
4. No more than three are issued.
5. The person using the card does not receive cash as part of, or i
transaction for goods or services.
29
All debit card receipts must contain:
1. Last four digits of the debit card number.
2. Exact amount of expenditure.
3. Name of payee.
4. Signature of campaign treasurer, deputy treasurer, or authorized user.
5. Exact purpose of expenditure.
Any of the above listed information, if not included on the receipt, may be handwritten on, or
attached to, the receipt by the authorized user before submittin
debit card user shall be responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the information and for
insuring that such expenditure is authorized.
(Section 106.11, F.S)
Electioneering Communications
Electioneering communication means any communication publicly di
station, radio station, cable television system, satellite system, newspaper, magazine, direct mail,
or telephone that:
1. Refers to or depicts a clearly identified candidate for office without expressly advocating the
election or defeat of a candidate but that is susceptible of no reasonable interpretation other
than an appeal to vote for or against a specific candidate;
2. Is made within 30 days before a primary or special primary election or 60 days before any
other election for the office sought by the candidate; and
3. Is targeted to the relevant electorate in the geographical area the candidate would represent
if elected.
exceptions
The are:
1. A communication disseminated through a means of communication ot
station, radio station, cable television system, satellite system, newspaper, magazine, direct
mail, telephone, or statement or depiction by an organization, in existence prior to the time
during which a candidate named or depicted qualifies for that el
organizationÓs newsletter distributed only to members of that organization;
2. A communication in a news story, commentary or editorial distributed through the facilities of
any radio station, television station, cable television system, or satellite system unless the
facilities are owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate. A
news story distributed through the facilities owned or controlled by any political party, political
committee, or candidate may nevertheless be exempt if it represents a bona fide news
account communicated through a licensed broadcasting facility an
part of a general pattern of campaign-related news accounts that
coverage to all opposing candidates in the area;
30
3. A communication that constitutes a public debate or forum that includes at least two opposing
candidates for an office or one advocate and one opponent of an issue, or that solely
promotes such a debate or forum and is made by or on behalf of the person sponsoring the
debate or forum, provided that the staging organization:
a. Is either a charitable organization that does not make other electioneering
communications and does not otherwise support or oppose any poli
political party; or a newspaper, radio station, television station, or other recognized news
medium; and
b. Does not structure the debate to promote or advance one candidate or issue position
over another.
Expenditures for Electioneering Communications
An expenditure made for, or in furtherance of, an electioneering
considered a contribution to or on behalf of any candidate and shall not constitute an independent
expenditure, nor be subject to the limitations applicable to ind
An expenditure for an electioneering communication is made when
occurs:
1. A person executes a contract for applicable goods or services;
2. A person makes payment, in whole or in part, for applicable good
3. The electioneering communication is publicly disseminated.
(Sections 106.011(4) and (18), F.S.)
31
Chapter 12
Political Advertising
___________________________________
A political advertisement is a paid expression in any communications media, whether radio,
television, newspaper, magazine, periodical, campaign literature, direct mail, or display or by
means other than the spoken word in direct conversation, which expressly advocates the election
or defeat of a candidate or the approval or rejection of an issue.
(Section 106.011(17), F.S.)
Candidate Disclaimers
Except as noted belowany political advertisement that is paid for by a candidate (except a
,
write-in candidate)
and that is published, displayed, or circulated before, or on the day of, any
must prominently state
election : “Political advertisement paid for and approved by (name of
candidate), (party affiliation) for (office sought)” or“Paid by (name of candidate), (party affiliation),
for (office sought).”
Any political advertisement that is paid for by a write-in
candidate and that is published,
must prominently state
displayed, or circulated before, or on the day of, any election : Ð Political
advertisement paid for and approved by (name of candidate), write-in candidate, for (office
or
sought)” “Paid by (name of candidate), write-in candidate, for (office sought).”
(Section 106.143(1), F.S.)
Also, the disclaimer language alternatives provided above must be verbatim as quoted in
s. 106.143, F.S. Variations are prohibited by law.
candidate running for partisan office
Any political advertisement of a shall express the name of
the political party of which the candidate is seeking nomination or is the nominee.
If the candidate for partisan office is running as a candidate with no party affiliation,
any
advertisement of the candidate must state that the candidate has no party affiliation. A candidate
who is registered in a political party may run as a candidate with Ðno party affiliationÑ without
changing his or her registration.
written statement of authorization
The candidate shall provide a to the newspaper, radio
station, television station, or other medium for each advertisement submitted for publication,
display, broadcast, or other distribution.
non-partisan
Candidates running for office may not state the candidateÓs political party affiliatio
in the disclaimer, or in the body of the advertisement. Exception: The candidate is not prohibited
from stating the candidateÓs partisan related experience.
(Sections 106.143(3) and (5), F.S.)
Exceptions to Disclaimer Requirements
The disclaimer requirement in section 106.143(1), Florida Statut
campaign message or political advertisement used by a candidate
or by a political committee if the message or advertisement is:
32
(a) Designed to be worn by a person.
(b) Placed as a paid link on an Internet website, provided the message or advertisement is no
more than 200 characters in length and the link directs the user
complies with the disclaimer requirements in section 106.143(1), Florida Statutes.
(c) Placed as a graphic or picture link where compliance with the requirements of this section is
not reasonably practical due to the size of the graphic or pictu
to another Internet website that complies with section 106.143(1), Florida Statutes.
(d) Placed at no cost on an Internet website for which there is no cost to post content for public
users.
(e) Placed or distributed on an unpaid profile or account which is available to the public without
charge or on a social networking Internet website, as long as the source of the message or
advertisement is patently clear from the content or format of th
candidate or political committee may prominently display a statement indicating that the website
or account is an official website or account of the candidate or political committee and is
litical committee. A website or account may not be marked as
official without prior approval by the candidate or political co
(f) Distributed as a text message or other message via Short Message Service, provided the
message is no more than 200 characters in length or requires the
receive it.
(g) Connected with or included in any software application or accomp
that the user signs up, opts in, downloads, or otherwise accesses the application from or through
a website that complies with section 106.143(1), Florida Statute
(h) Sent by a third-party user from or through a campaign or committee's website, provided the
website complies with section 106.143(1), Florida Statutes.
(i) Contained in or distributed through any other technology-related item, service, or device fo
which compliance with section 106.143(1), Florida Statutes, is not reasonably practical due to the
size or nature of such item, service, or device as available, or the means of displaying the
message or advertisement makes compliance with section 106.143(1), Florida Statutes,
impracticable.
(Section 106.143(10), F.S.)
Examples of advertisements with disclaimers:
1. Non-incumbent, partisan candidate running for partisan office:
ELECTELECT
JUDY DOMINGOJUDY DOMINGO
For State RepresentativeFor State Representative
OR
District 9 District 9
Political advertisement paid for and Paid by Judy Domingo, Rep., for State
approved by Judy Domingo, Representative
Republican, for State Representative
33
2. Incumbent, partisan candidate running for partisan office:
RE-ELECTRE-ELECT
Mike Sharkey Mike Sharkey
SheriffSheriff
OR
Political advertisement paid for and Paid by Mike Sharkey, Democrat, for
approved by Mike Sharkey, Democrat, for Sheriff
Sheriff
3. Non-incumbent, no party affiliation candidate running for partisan office:
ELECTELECT
Wess FarosiWess Farosi
OR
For State SenateFor State Senate
Political advertisement paid for and approved Paid by Wess Farosi, No Party Affiliation, for
by Wess Farosi, NPA, for State Senate State Senate
4. Non-incumbent candidate running for nonpartisan office:
ELECTELECT
John JonesJohn Jones
OR
For School BoardFor School Board
Political advertisement paid for and
approved by John Jones for School Board Paid by John Jones for School Board
5. Incumbent candidate running for nonpartisan office:
RE–ELECTRE–ELECT
Jane DoeJane Doe
OR
School Board School Board
Political advertisement paid for and Paid by Jane Doe for School Board
approved by Jane Doe for School Board
34
Disclaimer for Write-in Candidates
Any political advertisement that is paid for by a write-in candidate and that is published, or
circulated before, or on the day of, any election must prominent political advertisement
OR
paid for and approved by…(name of candidate)…, write-in candidate, for… (office sought)…”;
“Paid by…(name of candidate)…, write-in candidate, for…(office sought)…”
Example
Elect John Doe Elect John Doe
forfor
County Commission County Commission
District 5 District 5
OR
Political advertisement paid for and Paid by John Doe, write-in candidate,
approved by John Doe, for County Commission
write-in candidate, for County Commission
Non-incumbent Advertisements
Required:
"for"
The word must be used in the body of such advertisement between the name
candidate and the office sought. This does not apply to bumper stickers, or if the advertisement
satisfies one of the exceptions in section 106.143(10), Florida Statutes.
Prohibited:
"re-elect"
The word may not be used if the candidate is not the incumbent for the o
Example
Elect Al NewguyElect Al Newguy
forfor
County Commission County Commission
District 5 District 5
OR
Political advertisement paid for and
approved by Paid by Al Newguy, Green Party of Florida,
Al Newguy, Green Party of Florida, for for County Commission
County Commission
35
Advertisement Provided In-kind
Required:
Political advertisements made as in-kind contributions from a political party must prominently
state: Ð Paid political advertisement paid for by in-kind by (name of political party) Approved by
(name of person, party affiliation, and office sought in the political advertisement)”.
Example
Elect Violet Starr
for
State Senate, District 5
Paid political advertisement paid for by in-
kind by Libertarian Party of Florida
Approved by Violet Starr,
Libertarian Party of Florida,
State Senate
Note: A candidate running for an office that has a district, group, or seat number does not
have to indicate the district, group, or seat number in the political advertisement or
disclaimer.
36
Chapter 13
Other Disclaimers
___________________________________
Any political advertisement not paid for by a candidate that is published, displayed, or circulated
prior to, or on the day of, any election must prominently be mar“paid political advertisement”
or “pd. pol. adv.” and must state the name and address of the persons paying for t
advertisement.
The political advertisement must also state whether the advertis
paid for or provided in-kind by or at the expense of the entity publishing, displaying, broadcasting,
or circulating the political advertisement.
(Section 106.143(1)(c), F.S.)
Endorsements in Political Advertisements
It is unlawful for any candidate or person on behalf of a candidate to represent that any person or
organization supports such candidate, unless the person or organization so represented has
given specific approval in writing to the candidate to make such representation. However, this
paragraph does not apply to editorial endorsement by any newspaper, radio or television station,
or other recognized news medium; and publication by a party committee advocating the
candidacy of its nominees.
(Section 106.143(4), F.S.)
Example
1. Political advertisement for a candidate representing that an organization supports him, paid for
in-kind by the organization, with specific approval from the organization in writing:
ELECT
Pup P. Dog Foundation
Joe Cool
For County Commission, District 1
July 15, 2006
Democrat
Dear Sir or Madam:
Supported by Pup P. Dog Foundation
Please let this letter serve as
our approval of the political
Pd. Pol. Adv. sponsored and paid for in-kind by
advertisement supporting Joe
Pup P. Dog Foundation, Zero Street, Jupiter, FL 32323
Cool for County Commission,
Approved by Joe Cool, Democrat,
District 1.
For County Commission
The content of this
advertisement was reviewed
and approved in advance.
Sincerely,
Mr. Canine
37
Independent Expenditure Disclaimers
Any person who makes an independent expenditure for a political advertisement shall provide a
written statement that no candidate has approved the advertisement to the newspaper, radio
station, television station, or other medium for each such advertisement submitted for publication,
display, broadcast, or other distribution. The advertisement must also contain a statement that no
candidate has approved the advertisement. This paragraph does not apply to campaign
messages used by a candidate and his or her supporters if those messages are designed to be
worn by a person.
(Sections 106.143(5)(b) and (10), F.S.)
Example
1. Independent expenditure political advertisement supporting a partisan candidate running
for a partisan office:
Birds of a Feather Assoc.
Birds of a Feather Association
July 15, 2006
Supports
Dear Sir or Madam:
Tweety Bird
The enclosed advertisement is
For Public Defender, Fourth Circuit
an independent expenditure by
Democrat
the Birds of a Feather
Association in support of
Paid Political Advertisement paid for by the
Tweety Bird for Public
Birds of a Feather Association
Defender, Fourth Circuit.
444 Robin Lane, Jacksonville, FL 33433 independently
This advertisement was not
of any candidate.
approved by any candidate.
This advertisement was not approved by any candidate.
Sincerely,
Gold Finch
Disclaimers for Other Than Independent Expenditures
Any political advertisement, not paid for by a candidate, including those paid for by a political
party or affiliated party committee, other than an independent expenditure, offered on behalf of a
candidate must be approved in advance by the candidate. Such political advertisement must
expressly state that the content of the advertisement was approved by the candidate and must
state who paid for the advertisement. The candidate shall provid
authorization to the newspaper, radio station, television station, or other medium for each such
advertisement submitted for publication, display, broadcast, or other distribution. This paragraph
does not apply to messages used by a candidate and his or her su
designed to be worn by a person.
(Section 106.143(5)(a) and (10), F.S.)
Example
1. Political advertisement, not an independent expenditure, offered on behalf of a nonpartisan
candidate:
July 15, 2006
POT O’GOLD ORGANIZATION
Supports the Re-Election of
Dear Sir or Madam:
Goldie Green
Nassau County Judge
Please let this letter serve as
my approval of the political
Pd. Pol. Adv. by Pot OÓGold Organization
advertisement by the Pot
111 Jewel Street, Tallahassee, FL 32333
OÓGold Organization supporting
Content approved in advance by Goldie Green,
my candidacy for Nassau
For Nassau County Judge
County Judge.
38
Sincerely,
Goldie Green
Disclaimers on Novelty Items
None of the requirements of Section 106.143, Florida Statutes, apply to novelty items having a
retail value of $10 or less which support, but do not oppose, a
(Section 106.143(8), F.S.)
Examples
Pens/Pencils Golf Balls Balloons
Language Other Than English
Any political advertisement which is published, displayed, or produced in a language other than
English may provide the information required by Section 106.143, Florida Statutes, in the
language used in the advertisement.
(Section 106.143(9), F.S.)
Electioneering Communications Disclaimers
Any electioneering communication, other than a telephone call, s“Paid
electioneering communication paid for by …(Name and address of person paying for the
communication)….” For disclaimers on telephone calls, see Chapter 16, SolicitationAny person
who fails to include the disclaimer in any electioneering communication that is required to contain
such disclaimer commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in Section
775.082 or 775.083, F.S.
(Section 106.1439, F.S.)
39
Other Political Disclaimer Examples
1. Billboards:
ELECT
Road Runner
for
Sheriff
Political advertisement paid for
and approved by
Road Runner, Republican, for
Sheriff
2. None of the requirements of Section 106.143, Florida Statutes, to include political
disclaimers, apply to campaign messages or political advertiseme
and the candidateÓs supporters or by a political committee if the message advertised is
designed to be worn by a person.
(Section 106.143(10), F.S.)
Vote
Re-elect
For
Topper
T.S. HIRT
Sheriff
Vote
D. Mett
3. Bumper stickers:
B. Beep
State Senate, District 17
Paid by B. Beep, Rep., for State Senate
NOTE: On bumper stickers, there is no requirement to use the word “for”
between the candidate’s name and the office being sought in the body of
the bumper sticker.
(Section 106.143(6), F.S.)
40
Miscellaneous Advertisements
Any advertisement, other than a political advertisement, indepen
electioneering communication, on billboards, bumper stickers, radio, or television, or in a
newspaper, a magazine, or a periodical, intended to influence public policy or the vote of a public
official, shall clearly designate the sponsor of such advertisement by including a clearly readable
statement of sponsorship. If the advertisement is broadcast on television, the advertisement shall
also contain a verbal statement of sponsorship. This section sha
endorsement.
(Section 106.1437, F.S.)
Example of an advertisement to influence the vote of a public of
To River Heights County Commissioners
AGAINST
Voteincreasing our property tax rate.
Sponsored by River Heights Homeowner Association
An expenditure made for, or in furtherance of, a miscellaneous a
be a contribution to or on behalf of a candidate, and does not c
expenditure. Such expenditures are not subject to the limitations applicable to independent
expenditures.
Use of Closed Captioning and Descriptive Narrative in all
Television Broadcasts
Each candidate, political party, and political committee must use closed captioning and
descriptive narrative in all television broadcasts regulated by
Commission that are on behalf of, or sponsored by, a candidate, political party, affiliated party
committee, or political committee or must file a written statement with the qualifying officer setting
forth the reasons for not doing so. Failure to file this statement with the qualifying officer
constitutes a violation of the Florida Election Code and is under the jurisdiction of the Florida
Elections Commission.
(Section 106.165, F.S.)
41
Chapter 14
Fund Raisers
___________________________________
to raise funds to be used in a campaign for public
A campaign fund raiser is any affair held
office
. Campaign fund raisers may not be held until the person becomes a candidate.
(Sections 106.011(11) and 106.025, F.S.)
Contributions from Fund Raisers
All monies and contributions received with respect to a campaign
contributions. All contributions are subject to the contribution limits contained in Section 106.08,
F.S., and are to be accounted for and reported as any other contribution.
(Section 106.025, F.S.)
Expenditures for Fund Raisers
All expenditures with respect to a campaign fund raiser which ar
drawn on the campaign account of the candidate are campaign expe
must be accounted for and are subject to the same restrictions a
(Section 106.025, F.S.)
Tickets
Any tickets or advertising for a campaign fund raiser is exempt from the requirements of section
106.143, Florida Statutes.
(Section 106.025, F.S.)
42
Chapter 15
Telephone Solicitation
___________________________________
Disclosure requirements:
Any telephone call, including an electioneering communication telephone call,
1. shall
identify the persons or organizations sponsoring the call by stating either: ÐPaid for by È
(name or persons or organizations sponsoring the call) È Ð or ÐP
of persons or organizations authorizing call)È.Ñ This telephone
any telephone call in which the individual making the call is no
participating in the call know each other prior to the call.
(Section 106.1439(2) and 106.147(1)(a), F.S.)
2. Any telephone call conducted for the purpose of polling responde
that is a part of a series of like telephone calls that consists
calls and averages more than two minutes in duration is presumed
not subject to the provisions of the above paragraph.
Prohibitions:
3.
a. No telephone call shall state or imply that the caller represents any person or
organization unless the person or organization so represented ha
approval in writing to make such representation.
b. No telephone call shall state or imply that the caller represents a nonexistent person or
organization.
Written Authorization Requirements:
4. Any telephone call, not conducted by independent
expenditure, which expressly advocates for or against a candidat
authorization by the candidate. A copy of such written authorization must be placed on file
with the qualifying officer by the candidate prior to the time t
Penalties:
5. Any person who willfully violates any provision of this section commits a
misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in Secti
775.083, F.S.
The term ÐpersonÑ includes any candidate; any officer of any political committee, committee of
continuous existence, affiliated party committee, or political party executive committee; any
officer, partner, attorney, or other representative of a corporation, partnership, or other business
entity; and any agent or other person acting on behalf of any candidate, political committee,
committee of continuous existence, affiliated party committee, political party executive committee,
or corporation, partnership, or other business entity.
(Section 106.147, F.S.)
43
Registered Agent
1.Disclosure requirements:
a. Any person or organization that conducts any business in this state which consists of
making paid telephone calls supporting or opposing any candidate
official must, prior to conducting such business, have and continuously maintain, for at
least 180 days following the cessation of such business activities in the state, a
registered agent for the purpose of any service of process, notice, or demand required or
authorized by law and must file with the Division of Elections a notice of such registered
agent. Such registered agent must be an individual who is a resi
domestic corporation, or a foreign corporation authorized to do business in this state.
However, this section does not apply to any person or organizati
registered to conduct business in this state.
b. Conducting business in this state as specified in the preceding paragraph includes both
placing telephone calls from a location in this state and placin
location outside this state to individuals located in this state
Form DS-DE 100, Telephone Solicitation, Registered Agent Notice
c. shall be filed with
the Division of Elections and, at a minimum, must elicit all of the following information:
(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the registered agent.
(2) The name, address, and telephone number of the person or organiz
business in this state as specified.
The Division of Elections must be notified immediately of any changes in the information
required in a. above.
Violations:
2. Any person or organization that violates this section commits a misdemeanor of
the first degree, punishable as provided in Section 775.082 or Section 775.083, F.S.
(Section 106.1475, F.S.)
44
Chapter 16
Filing Campaign Reports
___________________________________
Each campaign treasurer designated by a candidate shall file regular reports of all contributions
received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of such candi
The candidate and his or her campaign treasurer shall certify as to the correctness of each report.
Each person so certifying shall bear the responsibility for the accuracy and veracity of each
report. Any campaign treasurer or candidate who willfully certifies the correctness of any report
while knowing that such report is incorrect, false or incomplete
first degree.
(Section 106.07, F.S.)
Where to File
Reports are filed with the officer before whom the candidate qualifies. Candidates filing reports
Electronic Filing System
with the Division of Elections are required to file by means of
(EFS)
. If the candidateÓs filing officer is other than the Division o
appropriate filing officer to find out the requirements.
(Section 106.07(2), F.S.)
When to File
Except for the third calendar quarter immediately preceding a general election, reports must be
th
filed on the 10 day following the end of each calendar quarter (January, April,
th
from the time the campaign treasurer is appointed, except that i day occurs on a
Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the report shall be filed on the next business day that is not a
Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
ndthth
Reports must also be filed on the 32, 18 and 4 days immediately preceding the primary
thndthth
election and on the 46, 32, 18, and 4 days immediately preceding the general election.
Unless the electronic filing requirements of Section 106.0705, Florida Statutes, apply, reports
shall be filed no later than 5 p.m. of the day designated. A report postmarked by the U.S. Postal
Service no later than midnight of the day designated is deemed timely filed. A report received by
the filing officer within 5 days after the designated due date that was delivered by the U.S. Postal
Service is deemed timely filed unless it has a postmark indicating the report was mailed after the
designated due date. A certificate of mailing obtained from and dated by the U.S. Postal Service
at the time of mailing or a receipt from an established courier company, which bears a date on or
Reports filed
before the date on which the report is due, is proof of mailing in a timely manner.
with the Division of Elections through the Electronic Filing System (EFS) are due no later
than midnight, Eastern Time, of the due date.
(See Chapter 19, Electronic Filing of Campaign
Reports.)
Once a candidate becomes unopposed the candidate need only file
(Sections 106.07, 106.0705 and 106.141, F.S.)
45
Penalty for Late Filing
Any candidate failing to file a report on the designated due dat
per day for the first three days late and, thereafter, $500 per
25 percent of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by
the late report. However, for the reports immediately preceding
the fine shall be $500 per day for each late day, not to exceed 25 percent of the total receipts or
expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report. For a candidateÓs
termination report, the fine shall be $50 per day for each late day, not to exceed 25 percent of the
total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater for the period covered by the late report. All
personal funds
fines must be paid from the candidateÓs Î not campaign funds.
(Section 106.07(2) and (8), F.S.)
Waiver of Report
In any reporting period during which a candidate has not received funds or made any
however,
expenditures, the filing of the required report for that period is waived; the candidate
must indicate there is no activity by filing a waiver of report.
Elections must be filed using the EFS.) The next report filed mu
the entire period between the last submitted report and the report being filed.
(Section 106.07, F.S.)
The treasurer of an electioneering communications organization s
filing officer by the prescribed reporting date when the organization has not received funds, made
any contributions, or expended any reportable funds. This report filed with the Division of
Elections must be filed using the EFS.
(Section 106.0703, F.S.)
Incomplete Reports
If a campaign treasurer files a report that is deemed incomplete
conditional basis. The campaign treasurer will be notified by the filing officer as to why the report
is incomplete. The campaign treasurer must file an addendum to t
seven days of notification. The addendum must include all necessary information to complete the
report.
(Section 106.07(2), F.S.)
Reporting Total Sums
Each campaign treasurerÓs report required by Chapter 106, F.S., shall contain the total sums of
all loans, in-kind contributions, and other receipts by or for such candidate, and total sums of all
expenditures made by such candidate during the reporting period. The reporting forms shall be
designed to elicit separate totals for in-kind contributions, loans, and other receipts.
(Section 106.07, F.S.)
46
Reporting Contributions
Each report must contain:
1.
Full name, address, specific occupation, amount, and date of each person making a
contribution. Reports must provide as clear a description as practicable of the principal type
The principal type of business or the
of business conducted for corporations contributing.
occupations are not required if the contribution is $100 or less, or from a relative
provided the relationship is reported.
2. Name, address, amount, and date of each political committee maki
3. Full name, address, specific occupation, principal place of business of the lender and
endorser, date and amount of each loan.
4. Statement of each contribution, rebate, refund, or other receipts not listed in 1. through 3.
above.
(Sections 106.07(4) and 112.312(21), F.S.)
Returning Contributions
must be returnedif:
Contributions to the contributor
1. A candidate receives a contribution in excess of the limitations
2. A candidate with opposition in an election receives a contribution on the day of that election
or less than five days prior to the date of that election.
3. A candidate receives a contribution once he or she is elected, defeated, becomes
unopposed, or withdraws his or her candidacy.
If the contribution to be returned has not been deposited into t
contribution as a contribution returned using form DS-DE 02.
If the contribution has been deposited into the campaign account
1. Report the contribution; and
2. Write a check from the campaign account to the contributor for the amount of the contribution
and report this on the itemized contribution report using the contribution type ÐRefund.Ñ This
amount is reported as a negative. The candidate may also wish to submit a written
explanation to the filing officer.
(Section 106.08, F.S.)
47
Reporting Expenditures
Each report must contain:
1. Full name and address of each person to whom expenditures have been made along with the
amount, date, and clear purpose of the expenditure. Name, addres
each candidate on whose behalf such expenditure was made.
2. Full name and address of each person to whom an expenditure for personal services, salary
or reimbursed authorized expenses was made along with the amount
purpose of the expenditure.
3. Total amount withdrawn and the total amount spent from the petty cash fund. Each
expenditure from the petty cash fund need not be individually re
of petty cash expenditures must be kept.
Transaction information for each credit card purchase. Credit cards may be used by
4.
statewide (Governor, Cabinet and Supreme Court Justice) candidates only
. (See
Division of Elections Opinion 05-07.)
5. Amount and nature of debts and obligations owed by or to the candidate, which relate to the
conduct of any political campaign.
6. The amount and nature of any separate interest-bearing accounts or certificates of deposit.
Identification of the financial institution in which such accounts or certificates of deposit are
located must be identified.
7. The primary purposes of an expenditure made indirectly through a
goods and services such as communications media placement or procurement services,
campaign signs, insurance, and other expenditures that include multiple components as part
of the expenditure. The primary purpose of an expenditure shall be that purpose, including
integral and directly related components, that comprises 80 percent of such expenditure.
8. Total sum of expenditures during the reporting period.
(Section 106.07, F.S.)
Special Requirements for Judicial Candidates
A candidate for retention as a Justice of the Supreme Court or a Judge of a District Court of
Appeal who has not received any contributions or made any expenditures, may file a sworn
Form DS-DE 96, Affidavit of Intention
statement on at the time of qualifying that he or she does
not anticipate receiving contributions or making expenditures in
candidacy for retention to office.
Such candidate must file a final report within 90 days following
Form DS-DE 97,
candidateÓs name appeared on the ballot for retention. The candi
Affidavit of Compliance
for this purpose.
A candidate for retention to judicial office who, after filing F
contributions or makes any expenditures in connection with his o
must immediately file a statement to that effect with the qualifying officer and must begin filing
reports as an opposed candidate pursuant to Section 106.07, F.S.
(Sections 105.08(2) and 106.141, F.S.)
48
Chapter 17
Termination Reports
___________________________________
Once a candidate withdraws, becomes unopposed, is eliminated, or
only
may expend funds from the campaign account to:
1. Purchase Ðthank youÑ advertising for up to 75 days after he or s
unopposed, is eliminated, or elected to office.
2. Pay for items which were obligated before he or she withdrew, be
eliminated, or elected to office.
3. Pay for expenditures necessary to close down the campaign office
campaign reports.
4. Dispose of surplus funds as provided in Section 106.141, F.S.
(Section 106.11(5), F.S.)
Prior to Disposing of Surplus Funds
A candidate may be reimbursed by the campaign for any previously reported contributions by the
candidate to the campaign, in full or in part.
A candidate who filed an oath stating that he or she was unable
or fee for verification of petition signatures without imposing an undue burden on his or her
personal resources or on resources otherwise available to him or her, or who filed both such
oaths, or who qualified by the petition method and was not required to pay an election
assessment, must reimburse the state or local government entity, whichever is applicable, for
such waived assessment or fee or both prior to disposing of any funds under the surplus
provisions contained in Section 106.141(4), F.S. Such reimbursement must be made in the
following order:
1. The cost of petition verification; and
2. If funds remain, the amount of the election assessment.
(Section 106.141, F.S.)
Disposing of Surplus Funds
Once a candidate withdraws, becomes unopposed, is eliminated, or elected to office, the
candidate must dispose of the funds on deposit in his or her cam
campaign treasurerÓs report (termination report) reflecting the disposition of funds.
A candidate required to dispose of surplus funds must, at the option of the candidate, dispose of
such funds within 90 days by any of the following means, or a combination thereof:
1. Return pro rata to each contributor the funds that have not been spent or obligated.
49
2. Donate the funds that have not been spent or obligated to a charity organization or
organizations that meet the qualifications of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
3. Give funds that have not been spent or obligated to the political party of which such
.
candidate is a member
4. Give the funds that have not been spent or obligated:
a. In the case of a candidate for state office, to the state to be deposited in the General
Revenue Fund; or
b. In the case of a candidate for office of a political subdivision, to such political subdivision,
to be deposited in the general fund thereof.
5. Transfer some funds to an office account (See Chapter 19, Office Accounts).
The termination report must include:
1. The name and address of each person or unit of government to whom any of the funds were
distributed and the amounts thereof;
2. The name and address of each person to whom an expenditure was m
amount and purpose; and
3. The amount of such funds transferred to an office account together with the name and
address of the bank in which the office account is located.
If a refund check is received after all surplus funds have been disposed of,
the check may
be endorsed by the candidate and the refund disposed of pursuant to Section 106.141, F.S. An
amended termination report must be filed with the filing officer.
All reports must be signed by the candidate and the campaign treasurer and certified as true and
correct.
(Section 106.141, F.S.)
Money from Separate Interest-Bearing Account or Certificate of
Deposit
A campaign treasurer of any candidate who withdraws, becomes unopposed, or is eliminated, or
elected to office, and who has funds on deposit in any interest-bearing account or certificate of
deposit, must, within seven days, transfer such funds and accumu
the primary campaign account for disposal. However, when funds are in an account in which
penalties will apply for withdrawal within the seven day period, the campaign treasurer must
transfer such funds and accumulated interest earned thereon as s
withdrawn without penalty, or within 90 days after the candidate becomes unopposed, withdraws
his or her candidacy, or is elected, or eliminated, whichever comes first.
(Section 106.141, F.S.)
50
Campaign Loans Report
A person elected to office must report all loans, exceeding $500 in value, made to him or her and
used for campaign purposes, and made in the twelve months preced
Forms DS-DE 73 and 73A, Campaign
office, to the filing officer. The report must be made on
Loans Report
within ten days after being elected to office. Loan reports filed with the Division of
Elections must be filed using the EFS.
Any person who makes a contribution to an individual to pay all
twelve months preceding the election, to be used for the individ
contribute more than the amount which is allowed in Section 106.08(1), F.S.
(Section 106.075, F.S.)
51
Chapter 18
Electronic Filing of Campaign Reports
___________________________________
The Electronic Filing System (EFS) is an Internet system for rec
finance activity. Each candidate required to file reports with the Division of Elections under
Section 106.07, F.S., must file such reports with the Division by means of the EFS.
Reports filed pursuant to this section:
1. Shall be completed and filed through the EFS not later than 12:00 a.m., Eastern Standard
Time, of the due date. Reports not filed by this time are late filed and are subject to the
penalties under Sections 106.04(8), 106.07(8), or 106.29(3), F.S
2. Are considered to be under oath by the candidate and treasurer,
subject to provisions of Sections 106.04(4)(d), 106.07(5), or 106.29(2), F.S., as applicable.
Persons given a secure sign-on to the EFS are responsible for pr
disclosure and are responsible for all filings using such creden
the division that their credentials have been compromised.
(Sections 106.0705 and 106.0706, F.S.)
Accessing the EFS
https://efs.dos.state.fl.us
From Internet Explorer you can access the EFS at . Each candidate is
provided an identification number and initial password to gain entry. Once you log in using the
initial password, you will be prompted to change it to a confidential one. You are responsible for
protecting the password from disclosure. Contact the Division o
password has been compromised.
Creating Reports
Campaign reports must be entered, saved, reviewed, and filed via the EFS either by directly
entering data into the web application or by uploading data using an approved vendorÓs software.
The Division maintains a list of approved software vendors whose programs meet the file
specifications for filing campaign reports. Instructions for uploading reports are provided in the
EFS User’s Guide.
Submitting Reports
Reports will be held in pending status until the report is ready to be filed. Each person eligible to
file a report will receive a PIN (personal identification number) that allows the person to file
A person’s PIN is considered the same as that person’s signature on a
reports via the EFS.
filed report.
52
Electronic Receipts
The person filing a report on the EFS may print an electronic re
with the Division. Each report filed by means of the EFS is considered to be under oath and such
persons filing the report are subject to the provisions of Chapter 106, F.S.
NOTE: For further information on the EFS, see Rule 1S-2.017, Florida Administrative Code,
Reporting Requirements for Campaign TreasurerÓs Reports.
EFS HELP LINE
(850) 245-6280
EFS HELP GUIDE
http://election.dos.state.fl.us/EFS/UserGuides.shtml
NOTE: For further information on the EFS, see Rule 1S-2.017, Florida Administrative
Code, Reporting Requirements for Campaign Treasurer’s Reports.
53
Chapter 19
Office Accounts
___________________________________
A candidate elected to office or a candidate who will be electedby virtue of his or her
being unopposed may, in addition to disposing of all the funds i
accordance with Section 106.141(4), F.S., transfer funds from the campaign account to an office
account any amount up to the limits listed below:
1. $20,000 for a candidate for statewide office;
2. $5,000 for a candidate for multicounty office;
3. $5,000 multiplied by the number of years in the term of office f
candidate for legislative office;
4. $2,500 multiplied by the number of years in office for which elected for a candidate for county
office or for a candidate for any election on less than a county
5. $6,000 for a candidate for retention as a justice of the Supreme
6. $3,000 for a candidate for retention as a judge of a district co
7. $1,500 for a candidate for county court judge or circuit judge.
(Section 106.141(5), F.S.)
Using the Office Account
The office account must be separate and apart from any other account, including any other type
of Ðoffice accountÑ such as a legislative account. Any funds so retained by a candidate must be
used only for legitimate expenses in connection with the candida
include:
1. Travel expenses incurred by the officer or staff member;
2. Personal taxes payable on office account funds by the candidate
3. Expenses incurred in the operation of his or her office, including employment of additional
staff.
As the duties and responsibilities of each office are different, what are considered Ðlegitimate
expenses in connection with the candidateÓs public officeÑ will vary. For additional information,
please contact the legal or accounting department for your offic
If a candidate is re-elected to office or elected to another off
office account, the candidate may transfer surplus campaign fund
However, at no time may the total funds in the office account exceed the limitation imposed by
Section 106.141(5), F.S.
(Section 106.141(5), F.S.)
54
Reporting Office Account Funds
th
A candidate is required to file a report on the 10 day following the end of each calendar quarter
following the 90-day termination report until the office account
The officers required to file office account reports with the Division of Elections must file reports
electronically using the office account electronic filing system at:
https://doesecure.dos.state.fl.us/OfficeAccountsOnline/
Those candidates required to file with county or city filing officers file reports using the following
forms:
Form DS-DE 48, Office Account Report
1. , and
Form DS-DE 48A, Office Account Disbursement or Deposit Information
2. .
Upon leaving office, any person who has funds in an office account shall give such funds to:
1. A charitable organization or organizations that meet the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code; or,
2. In the case of a state officer, to the state to be deposited in the General Revenue Fund; or,
3. In the case of an officer of a political subdivision, to the political subdivision to be deposited in
the general fund thereof.
Such reports shall be signed by the candidate, certified as true and correct and filed with the
officer before whom campaign reports were filed.
(Section 106.141(5) and (8), F.S., and Division of Elections Opinion 06-04)
55
Chapter 20
Recordkeeping
___________________________________
Contributions
1. The campaign treasurer of each candidate shall keep detailed accounts of all contributions
received, which shall be current within not more than two days after the date of receiving the
contribution. (Section 106.06, F.S.)
2. All funds received by the campaign treasurer of any candidate shall be deposited in the
campaign depository prior to the end of the fifth business day f
Sundays and legal holidays excluded). (Section 106.05, F.S.)
3. All money and contributions received with respect to a campaign fund raiser are deemed
campaign contributions and shall be accounted for and subject to the same restrictions as
other campaign contributions. (Section 106.025, F.S.)
4. All deposits shall be accompanied by a bank deposit slip containing the name of each
contributor and the amount contributed by each. (Section 106.05, F.S.)
5. The campaign treasurer shall keep detailed accounts of all deposits made in any separate
interest-bearing account or certificate of deposit and of all interest earned. (Section 106.06,
F.S.)
6. Contributions deposited in a secondary campaign depository shall be forwarded to the
primary campaign depository prior to the end of the first busine
copy of the deposit slip shall accompany the deposit. (Section 106.05, F.S.)
Expenditures
1. The campaign treasurer of each candidate shall keep detailed accounts of all expenditures
made, which shall be current within not more than two days after
expenditure. (Section 106.06, F.S.)
Credit Cards for Statewide (Governor, Cabinet and Supreme Court Justice) Candidates
2.
Only -
Receipts for each credit card purchase shall be retained by the
records for the campaign account. The treasurer shall require an
expenses and reconcile any overpayment or underpayment to the original payee. (Sections
106.07 and 106.125, F.S.)
3. Receipts for debit card transactions must contain: (1) the last four digits of the debit card
number; (2) the exact amount of the expenditure; (3) the name of the payee; (4) the signature
of the campaign treasurer, deputy treasurer, or authorized user; and (5) the exact purpose for
which the expenditure is authorized. Any information required bu
card transaction receipt may be handwritten on, or attached to, the receipt by the authorized
user before submission to the treasurer. (Section 106.11, F.S.)
4. All expenditures made with respect to a campaign fund raiser whi
by a check drawn on the campaign account shall be deemed to be c
be accounted for and subject to the same restrictions as other campaign expenditures.
(Section 106.025, F.S.)
56
5. The campaign treasurer shall keep detailed accounts of all withdrawals made from any
separate interest-bearing account or certificate of deposit to the primary depository and of all
interest earned. (Section 106.06, F.S.)
6. The campaign treasurer shall retain the records pursuant to Section 106.06, F.S.
(Section 106.07, F.S.)
Preservation of Accounts
Accounts kept by the campaign treasurer of a candidate shall be preserved by the campaign
treasurer for a number of years equal to the term of the office to which the candidate seeks
election. (Section 106.06, F.S.)
Inspections
1. Accounts kept by the campaign treasurer of a candidate, including separate interest-bearing
accounts and certificates of deposit, may be inspected under reasonable circumstances
before, during, or after the election to which the accounts refe
representative of the Division of Elections or the Florida Elect
inspection may be enforced by appropriate writ issued by any court of competent jurisdiction.
(Section 106.06, F.S.)
2. Records maintained by the campaign depository shall be subject t
the Division of Elections or the Florida Elections Commission at any time during normal
banking hours, and such depository shall furnish certified copies of any such records to the
Division of Elections or Florida Elections Commission upon reque(Section 106.07, F.S.)
3. It is the duty of the Division of Elections to make, from time t
investigations with respect to reports and statements filed under the provisions of Chapter
106, F.S., and with respect to alleged failures to file any report or statement required under
the provisions of Chapter 106, F.S. (Section 106.22(6), F.S.)
4. It is the duty of the Division of Elections to conduct random audits with respect to reports and
statements filed under Chapter 106, F.S., and with respect to alleged failure to file any
reports and statements required under Chapter 106, F.S. (Section 106.22(10), F.S.)
57
Chapter 21
Bookkeeping Suggestions
___________________________________
The Division of Elections has a few suggestions which may be hel
setting up a system to record and maintain campaign information.
1. Keep a schedule of due dates for campaign treasurerÓs reports. The Division of Elections
(http://.elections.myflorida.com/)
website provides each candidate with a calendar of
election and reporting dates.
2. Know what period of time each report covers and only report activity occurring during that
reporting period.
3. If filing with the Division of Elections, keep a copy of the electronic receipt for each report filed
for your own records. If filing with the local officers, keep the certificate of mailing.
4. Record all contributions when received. Make sure to include the name, address, specific
occupation, or principal type of business if over $100, amount, and date of each contribution.
Keep contributions itemized by monetary, in-kind, and loans.
5. Record all expenditures when they occur. List the name and address of each person to whom
the expenditure was made along with the amount, date, and purpos
6. Keep a petty cash ledger of all expenditures. These individual listings do not have to be listed
on campaign treasurerÓs reports, only the total amount withdrawn
reporting period.
7. Monitor the cash flow to know how much money is available at all times in the account to
avoid any possibility of authorizing an expenditure when money is not available to pay for
such expenditure.
8. Maintain a listing of all funds currently in the separate interest-bearing account, certificate of
deposit or money market account.
9. Make sure an authorization for advertising has been obtained fro
58
Chapter 22
Florida Elections Commission
___________________________________
The Florida Elections Commission is a separate and independent entity from the Division of
Elections. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor from lists of names submitted by
legislative leaders.
Automatic Fine Appeal Process
Any candidate may appeal or dispute a fine for a late filed camp
appeal must be based upon, but not limited to, unusual circumstances surrounding the failure to
file on the designated due date. The candidate may request and is entitled to a hearing before the
Florida Elections Commission, which has the authority to waive the fine in whole or in part. The
Florida Elections Commission must consider the mitigating and ag
contained in Section 106.265(1), F.S., when determining the amount of a fine, if any, to be
waived. The appeal must be made within 20 days of the receipt of the notice of payment due. The
candidate must, within the 20 day period, notify the filing officer in writing of his or her intention to
bring the matter before the Commission.
(Section 106.07(8)(c), F.S.)
Complaint Process
Any person who has information of a violation of Chapters 104 or 106, F.S., shall file a sworn
complaint with the Florida Elections Commission, 107 West Gaines
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1050 or call 850-922-4539. A complain
the Florida Elections Commission or downloaded from the Commissi
www.fec.state.fl.us.
(Sections 106.25 and 106.28, F.S.)
59
Chapter 23
Frequently Asked Questions
___________________________________
Candidates
If I want to be a no party affiliation candidate, can I still be registered to vote as a
Republican or Democrat?
Yes. Any registered elector who qualifies for office without party affiliation will have their name
placed on the ballot at the general election without party affil(Section 99.0955(1), F.S.)
Do I have to designate a campaign treasurer and depository before I make public my
intention to run for office?
No. A person must appoint a campaign treasurer and designate a depository prior to qualifying for
office, obtaining signatures on petitions, accepting contributions or making expenditures. Nothing
in the election laws prohibits a person from announcing their in
prior to designating a treasurer or depository as long as no contributions are received and no
expenditures are made in connection with that announcement. (Section 106.021, F.S.)
What if I want to change my campaign treasurer or other officers?
File a reappointment of campaign treasurer (Form DS-DE 9) with the filing officer along with a
copy of the letter of resignation or removal.
How are judges elected in Florida and what are their terms?
Merit Retention
Not all judges in Florida are elected to office. Supreme Court Justices and Judges of the District
Court of Appeal are always appointed by the Governor from a list
presented by the Judicial Nominating Commission for that court. Once appointed, they must
serve at least one year before the next general election and, thereafter, must face a "yes" or "no"
vote every six years as to whether they will remain in office. I
appointment process starts again. Further information can be obtained from the Florida State
Courts website at www.flcourts.org.
Elected Judges
Elected circuit judges and county court judges have six year terms that begin on the first Tuesday
after the first Monday in January following the general election
general election ballots the year before the term ends in Januar
a majority of the votes at the primary election, the candidate's
general election ballot unless a write-in candidate has qualifie
candidate receives a majority of the votes at the primary election, the names of the two
candidates receiving the highest number of votes will appear on
candidate receiving the highest number of votes at the general election is elected to office.
60
Can a judicial candidate speak at a political party function?
A judicial candidate may attend and speak in his own behalf at political party functions. However,
care must be exercised to insure compliance with the election laws and the Code of Judicial
Conduct. (Chapter 105, F.S. and Division of Elections Opinion 78-34.) For opinions of the Judicial
Ethics Advisory Commission, see:
http://www.jud6.org/LegalCommunity/LegalPractice/opinions/jeacopinions/jeac.html
I am a county court judge candidate. Where do I file and qualify?
You must file your appointment of campaign treasurer and designation of campaign depository
and qualify with the supervisor of elections office in the county where you reside. (Section
105.031, F.S.)
When can I start collecting signatures to qualify as a petition candidate?
Before collecting any signatures, all candidates (except federal and special district candidates)
must file the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository
th
(Form DS-DE 9) with the filing officer. Each petition must be submitted befor
day preceding the first day of the qualifying period for the office sought to the Supervisor of
Elections of the county in which such petition was circulated.
Campaign Finance
Do candidates for precinct committeeperson have to file campaign reports and comply
with Chapter 106, F.S.?
No. Persons seeking election to political party executive committees are specifically exempt from
the definition of "candidate" and are therefore not subject to the requirements of Chapter 106,
F.S. (Sections 103.091 and 106.011(16), F.S.)
May a candidate appoint himself or herself as campaign treasurer?
Yes. (Section 106.021(1)(c), F.S.)
Must a campaign treasurer be a registered voter in Florida?
No. (Section 106.021(1)(c), F.S.)
How many deputy treasurers may a candidate or political committee have?
Candidates for statewide office may appoint up to 15 deputy trea
political committees may appoint up to 3 deputy treasurers. (Section 106.021(1)(a), F.S.)
Can a deputy treasurer file and submit campaign reports?
Yes. A deputy treasurer may perform all of the duties of a campaign treasurer when specifically
authorized to do so by the campaign treasurer in the case of a c
treasurer and chairperson in the case of a political committee. (Section 106.021(4), F.S.)
Who is responsible for keeping tabs on aggregate totals of campaign contributions?
The campaign treasurer is responsible for receiving and reporting all contributions. (Section
106.06, F.S.)
61
May a candidate accept a contribution from a trust fund?
Yes. Chapter 106, F.S., defines a "person" as an individual, corporation, association, firm,
partnership, joint venture, joint stock company, club, organization, estate, trust, business trust,
syndicate, or other combination of individuals having collective capacity. The term also includes a
political party, affiliated party committee, political committee or committee of continuous
existence. (Section 106.011(8), F.S.)
Do I have to itemize small contributions of $5, $10, $50, etc.?
Yes. The law provides no exceptions for the reporting of contrib
the size of the contribution. The full name and address of the c
(Section 106.07(4)(a), F.S.)
Are in-kind contributions subject to the same limitations as monetary contributions?
Yes. In Chapter 106, F.S., the definition of a "contribution" includes contributions in-kind having
an attributable monetary value in any form. Therefore, in-kind c
same limitations set for monetary contributions. (Section 106.011(3) and 106.08, F.S.)
How is the value of an in-kind contribution determined?
The contributor must inform the person receiving the contribution of the fair market value at the
time it is given. (Section 106.055, F.S.)
Can a corporation give to a candidate, political committee or political party?
Yes. A corporation is under the definition of a "person" in Chapter 106, F.S. (Section 106.011(8),
F.S.)
I am opposed in the general election, but I have no opposition in the primary election,
therefore, my name will not be on the primary election ballot. Must I abide by the
prohibition on accepting contributions less than five days prior to the primary election?
No. Only candidates opposed in the primary election are required
are opposed and your name will appear on the general election ba
by the prohibition on accepting contributions less than 5 days p
(Section 106.08(3), F.S.)
Can I conduct a raffle to raise money for my campaign?
No. Pursuant to Section 849.09, Florida Statutes, it is unlawful for any person in this state to set
up, promote, or conduct any lottery for money or anything of value.
I was given cash at a rally and have no information on who it is from. What do I do?
Report this contribution on your campaign report but do not spenfunds on the campaign.
After the campaign is over, dispose of the funds pursuant to Section 106.141, F.S.
(Division of Elections Opinion 89-02)
62
As a candidate, what can I do with leftover campaign funds?
You may disburse leftover funds by any of the following means or a combination thereof:
return pro rata to each contributor;
donate to a charitable organization or organizations that meet the qualifications of s.
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
give to the political party of which the candidate is a member;
in the case of a candidate for state office, give the funds to the state to be deposited in
the General Revenue Fund; or
in the case of a candidate for an office of a political subdivision, to such political
subdivision to be deposited in the general fund thereof.
Candidates who have received contributions for public campaign financing shall return all surplus
funds to the state.
Candidates shall reimburse the state or local government entity, in the order listed below, if they:
filed an oath stating they were unable to pay the election assessment; and/or
filed an oath stating they were unable to pay the fee for the verification of petition
signatures without imposing an undue burden on personal resource
otherwise available to them, or
qualified by the alternative method and were not required to pay an election assessment.
In addition to the methods listed above, a candidate elected to
of being unopposed) may transfer funds from the campaign account to an office account to be
used only for legitimate expenses in connection with the candida
which can be transferred is limited pursuant to Section 106.141(5), F.S. (Section 106.141(5),
F.S.)
What are considered “legitimate office expenses” for purposes of office accounts?
As the duties and responsibilities of each office are different,
expenses will vary. For further information specifically related to your office, please contact your
officeÓs legal or accounting department.
Can I combine my leftover campaign funds with a legislative account?
No. The office account must be separate from any other account (including a legislative account).
(Section 106.141, F.S.)
I am an elected official and still have funds in my office account. I am now beginning my
re-election campaign. May I place the surplus funds in the office account into my
campaign account for re-election?
No. Funds retained by elected officials in their office accounts
expenses in connection with their public office. (Section 106.141(5), F.S.)
63
Do I have to file campaign reports on the Electronic Filing System (EFS)?
If the Division of Elections is your filing officer, you are required to file all campaign reports via the
EFS. If your filing officer is other than the Division of Elections, you must contact their office to
find out their requirements. (Section 106.0705, F.S.)
If my treasurer is out of town, can I have an extension to file my report?
No. The election laws do not provide for an extension under these circumstances. (Sections
106.04(4)(b)1., 106.07(2)(b) and (3), F.S.)
If I make a mistake on my report can I go back in and correct it on the EFS?
Once the report is submitted to the Division of Elections, the EFS will not permit you to go back
and make changes. In order to correct mistakes or add and delete information, you must submit
an "amendment."
If I am late submitting my report, how is my fine calculated?
$50 per day for the first 3 days late and, thereafter, $500 per day for each late day, not to exceed
25% of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater,
report. However, for reports immediately preceding the primary and general election, the fine
shall be $500 per day for each day, not to exceed 25%of the tota
whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report.
How long are campaign records kept at the Division of Elections or the supervisor of
elections?
Ten years from the date of receipt. (Sections 98.015(5) and 106.22(4), F.S.)
64