Restoration of Voting Rights
In November 2018, Florida voters adopted an amendment to the Florida Constitution known as “Amendment 4.” That Amendment provided that felons, except for those convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense, would have their eligibility to register and vote restored if they had completed all terms of their sentence, including prison, probation, and parole. Florida statutes enacted following the passage of the amendment also require all fines, fees, and restitution to be paid if those terms were included as part of the judicial sentence.
While the Supervisor of Elections cannot provide legal advice, the following information is derived from the language of Amendment 4 and § 98.0751, Florida Statutes. For all former felons, except those convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense, who have completed all prison, probation, or parole terms of their sentence:
If you no longer owe money, you are eligible to register and vote.
If you have paid all fines, fees, and restitution, as ordered by the Court, even if post-judgment fees remain, you are eligible to register and vote.
Inability to pay, pending subsequent Court opinions, does not presently provide an exception. If you have completed community service in lieu of your remaining payment, however, you are eligible to register and vote.
If you do not know whether or not these categories apply to you, you may request an advisory opinion from the State Division of Elections.
Find Out If Your Voting Rights Have Been Restored
If you would like to check your eligibility to vote, you can request an advisory opinion from the Florida Department of State by completing the Felon Eligibility Opinion Request form. Once completed, return the form to the Florida Department of State for review.
Contact the Department of State
Address
Office of General Counsel
R.A. Gray Building
500 South Bronough St., Suite 100
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone
Gather Records Needed to Determine Eligibility
To request records related to your case, contact the Orange County Clerk of Court and specify that it’s for voter eligibility purposes.