Qualifying

The information on this page applies to candidates for county office, who qualify with our office. Candidates for federal, state or multi-county offices should contact the Florida Division of Elections. While this page should answer many of the questions you may have about qualifying for office, it is not comprehensive. It is your responsibility, as a candidate, to follow all relevant Florida election laws and local charters that might have a bearing on your filing or your qualifications to run for office.

Qualifying

In addition to filing for office, all candidates must qualify for the office they're seeking. There is a pre-qualifying and qualifying period during which your qualifying officer will accept the qualifying documents and qualifying fee (if applicable) required to secure your name on the ballot. In lieu of paying a qualifying fee, you may choose to qualify by petition or as a write-in candidate. If you run as a write-in candidate, your name will not appear on the ballot.

Detailed information about candidate qualifying can be found in Chapter 99, Florida Statutes.  

Qualifying documents and fees may be hand-delivered to any of our offices during business hours.

  • Pre-qualifying: We will begin accepting qualifying documents and fees on April 6
  • Qualifying: noon, April 20 through noon, April 24
  • Pre-qualifying: We will begin accepting qualifying documents and fees on May 26 (Offices will be closed on May 25 for Memorial Day)
  • Qualifying: noon, June 8 through noon, June 12

Qualifying Methods

Qualifying By Fee

Your qualifying fee must be paid using a check drawn on your campaign account, made payable to the Supervisor of Elections, and signed by the treasurer or deputy treasurer. These fees are due the week of qualifying but can be turned in during the pre-qualifying period. For candidates who qualify with our office, a list of the qualifying fees for the offices up for election in 2026 can be found on this Qualifying Fee Fact Sheet (PDF).

Qualifying By Petition

The qualifying fee is waived if you qualify by petition. The number of petitions required varies by the office and can be found on the Qualifying Fact Sheet (PDF). Review the Candidate Petition Handbook (PDF) for more information about petition requirements and verification fees. 

Petitions and payment can be dropped off at 25 E Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle, FL 33935 or 1100 S. Olympia St., Suite 504, Clewiston, FL 33440

  • Judicial Candidates: March 23
  • All Other Candidates: May 11

Required Documents

The Division of Elections publishes candidate forms on its website. Candidate qualifying packets for each office that qualifies with our office will be posted here several weeks before the qualifying period begins. Qualifying documents cannot be accepted prior to the beginning of pre-qualifying. 

Offices Up For Election

Visit this page for information about the local offices up for election.