Serving your community as an elected official starts with getting informed. Whether you’re a first-time candidate or a returning officeholder, we’re here to help guide you through the process from filing to qualifying.

To get started, we strongly encourage you to call our office at 407-585-8683 to schedule an appointment. We’ll walk you through the details specific to your candidacy and ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Who Can Run for Office?

Any registered voter in Seminole County may become a candidate for local office.

Initial Filing Requirements

Before collecting petitions, accepting contributions, or opening a campaign account, you must file the following forms:

• DS-DE 9 – Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository
• DS-DE 84 – Statement of Candidate (must be filed within 10 days of DS-DE 9)
• DS-DE 83 – Statement of Candidate for Judicial Office (if applicable)

You may announce your candidacy at any time, but no financial activity or petition circulation may begin until the above forms are filed.

Initial Filing Requirements

• Candidate and Campaign Treasurer Handbook (Rev. 09/2024)
   
• 2024 Candidate Petition Handbook (Rev. 01/2024)
   
• 2024 Political Committee Handbook (Rev. 03/2023)
   
• 2024 State Qualifying Handbook (Rev. 01/2024)  

Qualifying for the Ballot

Submit During the Qualifying Period:

These documents can be submitted starting 14 days prior to the qualifying period:

• Candidate Oath (must be notarized and matched to the office type)
• Qualifying Fee or Petition Certificate
• Form 6 – Full financial disclosure (electronic)
• Form 1 – Statement of Financial Interests (for special district candidates)

Qualifying Fees (2026)

Fees are based on a percentage of the annual salary for the office sought:

• County Judge: $7,590.20
• County Commissioner: $6,778.98
• School Board: $2,104.04
• Special Districts (Soil and Water Conservation; Dovera CDD): $25.00

Fees are due during the qualifying week. Petition certification may be used in place of payment if requirements are met.

2026 Qualifying Fees & Information

Where and When to File

All qualifying documents and fees for county-level offices must be submitted to:

Seminole County Supervisor of Elections – 1500 E Airport Boulevard Sanford, FL 32773

2026 Reporting Dates

For candidates, political committees, and independent expenditure organizations filing with Seminole County Supervisor of Elections office

2026 Qualifying Dates

• Judicial Offices: April 20 (noon) – April 24 (noon)
• Federal, State, County, and Special District Offices: June 8 (noon) – June 12 (noon)
• Municipal offices: Please refer to the respective City Clerk, who is the Supervisor of Elections for Municipal elections.

Alternatives to Paying the Fee

Candidates may qualify by petition. To do so, you must submit the required number of verified signatures by the designated deadline:

• Seminole County Threshold: 3,510 valid petitions
• Petition Deadlines:
  • Federal/Judicial Offices: March 23, 2026 (noon)
  • State/County/Special District Offices: May 11, 2026 (noon)

Additional Candidate Information

Vote-by-Mail file Request

• Candidate VBM Data Request Form: Use this form to request Vote-by-Mail ballot request information from the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Office. Please complete all required fields to help us process your request accurately and efficiently.

Who is the filing officer?

• Division of Elections: Statewide, multi-county, judicial (except county court)
• Supervisor of Elections: County court judge, countywide, and special districts
• Municipal Clerk: Mayor, city commission, and city council offices

Campaign Finances

• You’ll be required to disclose income sources and assets. For countywide offices, disclosures must include actual values.
• Fundraising reports are generally monthly, with increased frequency near the election.

Campaign Signs and Solicitation Boundaries

• Review our Candidate FAQs for polling place conduct and more.
• See PDF below for signage rules.