Candidate Qualifying
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Qualifying for the Ballot
Qualifying is the final administrative step that places a candidate’s name on the ballot. To appear on the ballot, candidates must qualify through one of two methods: submitting petition signatures or paying the qualifying fee. During the qualifying period, candidates must submit all required forms and documentation to the appropriate filing officer.
State, Multi-County, and Federal Offices
The qualifying officer is the Florida Division of Elections in Tallahassee. Access the 2026 State Qualifying Handbook.
Municipal Offices
The qualifying officer is the City or Town Clerk. Candidates should contact the appropriate municipality for qualifying information.
County Offices
The qualifying officer is the Supervisor of Elections. Appointments are available if you would like assistance with the qualifying process.
supervisor of elections Addresses
Physical Address
Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
407-836-2070 ext. 71116
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 562001
Orlando, FL 32856-2001
To ensure your qualifying paperwork is received on time, we strongly recommend filing in person during the qualifying period.
Qualifying FACT Sheets for 2026
Review the candidate fact sheets below for important information about offices up for election, candidate qualifications, qualifying methods, filing deadlines, election dates, and other requirements for running for office in Orange County.
2026 Qualifying Dates
County Judge Qualifying Dates
Noon, April 20, 2026 through Noon, April 24, 2026
All Other Candidates Qualifying Dates
Noon, June 8, 2026 through Noon, June 12, 2026
Pre-Qualifying
Per Florida Statute 99.061(8), 14 days before the beginning of qualifying, we can accept and hold qualifying documents. The documents will not be processed until qualifying begins. Documents may be mailed or dropped off at the Supervisor of Elections office.
Qualifying by Petition
Candidates may collect signatures from registered voters in their district. If enough valid signatures are collected and verified, the qualifying fee will be waived. Access the 2026 Candidate Petition Handbook (PDF).
The number of signatures required is based on the number of registered voters at the close of books for the previous general election.
Campaign Year 2026 Petition Signature Requirements
| Office Sought | Number of Voters | Signatures Required |
|---|---|---|
| Countywide Office | Countywide total registered voters: 836,940 | 1% = 8,369 signatures |
| County Commissioner | 836,940 divided by *8 county commission districts | 1% = 1,046 signatures |
| County Judge | Countywide total registered voters: 836,940 | 1% = 8,369 signatures |
| School Board Dist 1 | School Board District 1 had 110,318 voters | 1% = 1,103 signatures required |
| School Board Dist 2 | School Board District 2 had 121,272 voters | 1% = 1,213 signatures |
| School Board Dist 3 | School Board District 3 had 119,623 voters | 1% = 1,196 signatures |
| School Board Dist 4 | School Board District 4 had 133,106 voters | 1% = 1,331 signatures |
| School Board Dist 5 | School Board District 5 had 88,805 voters | 1% = 888 signatures |
| School Board Dist 6 | School Board District 6 had 138,574 voters | 1% = 1,386 signatures |
| School Board Dist 7 | School Board District 7 had 125,129 voters | 1% = 1,251 signatures |
| Special District | N/A | 25 signatures required |
Key Petition Dates
Our office will verify that your petitions are complete and accurate. The deadline to submit petitions for verification is noon, 28 days before the start of qualifying.
- Judicial Candidates: Noon, March 23, 2026
- Other Local County Candidates: Noon, May 11, 2026
- Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit petitions well in advance of the deadline and submit them on a weekly basis.
A petition verification fee of $0.10 per petition must be paid at the time of submission. If you are unable to pay the fee, you may file an Affidavit of Undue Burden (DS-DE 19A).
The most current versions of petition forms are available on the Division of Elections’ website. Petitions signed on older versions of the applicable petition form are not valid. Candidates are responsible for reproducing the petition form.
TIP
Candidates should plan to collect more signatures than required, as some petitions may be invalid due to incomplete information or voter registration issues.
Qualifying by Fee
Candidates may choose to pay a qualifying fee instead of collecting petitions. The amount varies depending on the office. Candidates should review the fee schedule for their specific office.
| Office Sought | Salary* | 3% Filing Fee | 1% Election Assessment | 2% Party Assessment | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Courts | $211,510.00 | $6,345.30 | $2,115.10 | $4,230.20 | $12,690.60 |
| Comptroller | $211,510.00 | $6,345.30 | $2,115.10 | $4,230.20 | $12,690.60 |
| County Commissioner | $123,720.00 | $3,711.61 | $1,237.20 | N/A | $4,948.81 |
| County Mayor | $248,089.15 | $7,442.67 | $2,480.89 | N/A | $9,923.57 |
| County Judge | $189,755.04 | $5,692.65 | $1,897.55 | N/A | $7,590.20 |
| Property Appraiser | $211,510.00 | $6,345.30 | $2,115.10 | $4,230.20 | $12,690.60 |
| School Board Chair | $49,475.00 | $1,484.25 | $494.75 | N/A | $2,200.56 |
| School Board Member | $49,475.00 | $1,484.25 | $494.75 | N/A | $2,200.56 |
| Sheriff | $278,076.00 | $8,342.28 | $2,780.76 | $5,561.52 | $16,684.56 |
| Supervisor of Elections | $211,510.00 | $6,345.30 | $2,115.10 | $4,230.20 | $12,690.60 |
| Tax Collector | $239,017.00 | $7,170.51 | $2,390.17 | $4,780.34 | $14,341.02 |
| Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor | $0.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | $25.00 |
| All Community Development & Improvement Districts | $0.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | $25.00 |
Preparing for Qualifying Week
Qualifying week is the period when candidates officially submit their final paperwork to appear on the ballot. Before qualifying begins, candidates should ensure that all requirements are complete
Before Qualifying, Candidates Should
- Confirm that all campaign finance reports are current
- Verify campaign treasurer information or complete the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer form if you have not done so already
- Complete the candidate oath form
- Submit required financial disclosure forms
- Prepare the qualifying fee or verify if petition signature requirements are met
- Schedule a pre-qualifying appointment with the Supervisor of Elections Office
Resign-to-Run
Florida has a resign-to-run law that may require certain officeholders to resign before qualifying for another office. In general, an officer may not qualify for another state, district, county, or municipal public office if the terms of the two offices would overlap. Candidates should carefully review Florida’s resign-to-run requirements to ensure compliance with the law.