Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner is advising those who intend to run for office that they can begin submitting their paperwork now.
Qualifying officially opens next Monday (4/30) for those seeking to run for U.S. House and Senate, the judiciary and 20th Judicial District state attorney and public defender.
Detzner warned in a statement that 2018 will be a busy election year so candidates should be sure to file their paperwork within the window.
All eyes are on the hotly-contested U.S. Senate race between incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican Rick Scott.
But Republicans in the House are hoping to maintain their majority after three Florida Congressmen announced their retirement following this term.
Qualifying papers, along with an oath and applicable fees, must be submitted by noon on May 4. The fee for congressional candidates is $10,441 with a party affiliation and $6,960 for independents.
Judicial, state and public defender candidates are required to complete a financial disclosure form.
The qualifying period for the gubernatorial, cabinet and legislative candidate’s runs from June 18 to the 22. And the Division of Elections will begin accepting paperwork on June 4.
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