(1)(a) The registration books must be closed on the 29th day before each election and must remain closed until after that election. If an election is called and there are fewer than 29 days before that election, the registration books must be closed immediately.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), when the registration books are closed for an election, updates to a voter’s name, address, and signature pursuant to ss. 98.077 and 101.045 shall be the only changes permitted for purposes of the upcoming election. New voter registration applications must be accepted but only for the purpose of subsequent elections.
(c) When the registration books are closed for an upcoming election, an update or change to a voter’s party affiliation made pursuant to s. 97.1031 shall be permitted for that upcoming election unless such election is for the purpose of nominating a political party nominee, in which case the update or change shall be permitted only for the purpose of subsequent elections.
(2) In computing the 29-day period for the closing of the registration books, the day of the election is excluded and all other days are included. If the 29th day preceding an election falls on a Sunday or a legal holiday, the registration books must be closed on the next day that is not a Sunday or a legal holiday.
History.—s. 2, ch. 25391, 1949; s. 2, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 5, ch. 29934, s. 1, ch. 29761, 1955; s. 3, ch. 65-134; s. 2, ch. 67-530; s. 1, ch. 71-124; ss. 7, 8, ch. 72-63; s. 4, ch. 74-5; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 5, ch. 77-175; s. 7, ch. 80-292; s. 5, ch. 81-304; s. 1, ch. 83-25; s. 27, ch. 84-302; s. 11, ch. 85-80; s. 6, ch. 89-338; s. 12, ch. 94-224; s. 6, ch. 2005-277; s. 8, ch. 2005-278; s. 3, ch. 2005-286; s. 5, ch. 2008-95.
Note.—Former s. 97.02; s. 98.051.
Structure Florida Statutes
Title IX - Electors and Elections
Chapter 97 - Qualification and Registration of Electors
Part II - Florida Voter Registration Act (Ss. 97.032-97.105)
97.041 - Qualifications to register or vote.
97.051 - Oath upon registering.
97.052 - Uniform statewide voter registration application.
97.0525 - Online voter registration.
97.053 - Acceptance of voter registration applications.
97.0535 - Special requirements for certain applicants.
97.055 - Registration books; when closed for an election.
97.057 - Voter registration by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
97.0575 - Third-party voter registrations.
97.058 - Voter registration agencies.
97.0583 - Voter registration at qualifying educational institutions.
97.061 - Special registration for electors requiring assistance.
97.071 - Voter information card.
97.073 - Disposition of voter registration applications; cancellation notice.
97.1031 - Notice of change of residence, change of name, or change of party affiliation.