Getting Started as a Candidate
Thinking about running for office in Orange County? This page will guide you through the key steps, forms, and requirements to become an official candidate. From filing the necessary paperwork to understanding qualifying fees and using petitions, we break down everything you need to know to get your campaign started on the right foot.
What Forms Do I Need to Run for Office?
Before you can officially qualify as a candidate, there are two important forms you must file:
- This form must be filed with the appropriate qualifying officer before the acceptance of any contribution or the expenditure of any funds by the candidate, including expenses by the candidate from their personal funds.
- This form must be filed with the qualifying officer within 10 days of filing the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository form.
Note for Judicial Candidates: If you are running for a judicial office, you must also file the Statement of Candidate for Judicial Office (Form DS/DE 83) within 10 days of submitting your Treasurer and Depository form.
After you file the Treasurer and Depository form, the qualifying officer will provide you and your treasurer with the campaign reporting schedule. These reports track who contributes to your campaign and how your funds are spent. The qualifying officer can guide you on all forms you need to file and answer any questions about the process.
All required forms are available on the Florida Division of Elections website.
How Much Does It Cost to Run for Office?
The cost to qualify for office, called the qualifying fee, is based on the annual salary of the office you are seeking as of July 1 of the year before the qualifying period.
- Nonpartisan candidates: 4% of the office’s annual salary
- Partisan candidates: 6% of the office’s annual salary
The qualifying fee is broken down into smaller parts:
- Filing fee: 3% of the annual salary
- Election assessment fee: 1% of the annual salary
- Party assessment fee (for partisan candidates only): 2% of the annual salary
This fee structure ensures all candidates understand the costs involved before officially qualifying.
Campaign Year 2026 Qualifying Fees
Can I Use Petitions Instead of Paying a Qualifying Fee?
Yes! Candidates can choose to waive the qualifying fee by collecting petitions instead. Keep in mind: you cannot begin collecting signatures until you have filed the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository form.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Number of Signatures Required: This is based on the number of registered voters from the previous general election.
- Official Petition Form: The Division of Elections provides the official petition form, which must be used. You can get it from your qualifying officer.
- Submission Deadline: Petitions must be submitted to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections by noon on the 28th day before the first day of the qualifying period for the office you are seeking.
Always check with your qualifying officer to confirm the exact number of signatures you need and the submission deadline.
2026 Petition Information
The following petition qualifying information is as of the November 2024 General Election book closing.
*In 2024, the Orange County Charter was updated to include 8 County Commission districts. Because 2026 is are apportionment year, candidates for any County Commission district may collect the required petition signatures from any registered voter in Orange County, regardless of the voter’s district.
Resign-to-Run
Florida law requires certain officeholders to resign before running for another public office if the terms of the two offices would overlap. This means you cannot qualify as a candidate for a new state, district, county, or municipal office unless you resign from your current position when required.
If you currently hold public office, be sure to carefully review the state’s resign-to-run rules so you can meet all deadlines and legal requirements before qualifying.
Filing Office Address
The Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office is the official filing office for all local candidates in Orange County.
- Physical Address:
Orange County Supervisor of Elections
119 W. Kaley Street
Orlando, FL 32806
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Mailing Address:
Orange County Supervisor of Elections
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.
Connect & Get Involved
Have a question or need assistance? Our team is here to help. Reach out and we’ll make sure you get the information or support you’re looking for.
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