Candidate Frequently Asked Questions

Q: May I file my qualifying paperwork earlier than during qualifying week?

A:  Yes, but it is limited to no earlier than 14 days. You may file with the City Clerk at any time after noon of the first day of qualifying, but not later than noon of the last day of qualifying period.  Pursuant to Section 99.061(8), F.S., “Notwithstanding the qualifying period prescribed in this section, a qualifying office may accept and hold qualifying papers submitted no earlier than 14 days prior to the beginning of the qualifying period, to be processed and filed during the qualifying period.”  If you are not available in person, you may mail the original paperwork so that it arrives within the timeframe noted.

Q:  Must the paperwork be originals or will a copy suffice?

A:  No, a copy will not suffice. Each person seeking to qualify for election to public office shall file his or her qualification papers in original documents with original signatures. 

Q:  Where do I get paper copies of the campaign forms I need to file?

A:  Campaign forms are available online on the Candidates for Municipal Office page on the city's website or through the state agency responsible for creation of the forms required.  The link on the city's page for the form(s) identified will take you to the latest version of the form.    The candidate is responsible for reproduction of any and all forms they need for qualifying, filing, or campaigning for public office. 

 Q:  Do I have to designate a campaign treasurer and depository before I make public my intention to run for office?

A:  No, there is nothing in election laws that prohibits a person from announcing their intention to become a candidate prior to designating a treasurer or depository as long as no contribution are received and no expenditures are made in connection with that announcement (Section 106.021, F.S.). That being said, it is a good idea to be ready to accept contributions immediately after the excitement of the announcement is made, so many experienced candidates advocate being fully ready to do so prior to the announcement.

Q:  How do I change my campaign treasurer or other officers?

A:  File a reappointment of campaign treasurer form (Form DS-DE 9) with the City Clerk, along with a copy of the letter of resignation or removal of the former treasurer. These forms can be found on the Candidates for Municipal Office page.

Q:  Where do I file campaign treasurer reports and can I file them electronically?

A:  Florida law requires each campaign treasurer designated by a candidate to file regular campaign treasurer reports of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of the candidate.  As a courtesy, the Supervisor of Elections offers municipal candidates access to the Campaign Finance Reporting (CFR) system, a convenient online campaign filing system, which allows the creation of campaign treasurer reports and display of candidate biographical information on the elections website at SarasotaVotes.gov. As a candidate for Venice City Council, you are required to file regular treasurer reports with the municipal clerk. Access to the electronic finance program does NOT take the place of printing and submitting a signed paper copy with the clerk.

Q:  What is the penalty for filing a late campaign finance report?  

A:   In Florida, the penalties for late filing of campaign finance reports vary depending on the type of report involved and the entity. Here are the details for candidates and political committees:

1. Reports due immediately preceding the election or primary:  $500 for each day late; Termination reports: $50 for each day late.  All other reports are calculated as follows:

   • If a candidate fails to file a campaign finance report on the designated due date, they are subject to a fine of $50 per day for the first 3 days late.
   • After the initial 3 days, the penalty increases to the lessor of $500 per day for each additional late day or 25% of the total receipts or expenditures (whichever is greater) for the period covered by the late report.
   • The number of late days includes weekends and holidays.   Late day starts the day after the report is due and ends on the day the report is received, electronically filed or postmarked if mailed.
   • The penalty must be paid from personal funds (not campaign funds)
   • The penalty payment is due to the filing officer within 20 days of notice unless an appeal has been filed with the Florida Elections Commission.  (Note: The municipality has no authority to waive the fine regardless of reason.)

Q:  As a candidate for elected office in the City of Venice, what financial disclosure must I file and may I file it electronically?  

A:  Florida law requires the electronic filing of a full and public disclosure of all financial interests for incumbents on Form 6 using the state's electronic filing system.  Non-incumbent candidates must file a paper version.  In both cases, you are required to provide proof of filing to the City Clerk in order to qualify during qualifying week.  For incumbents, the state's e-filing system will generate a receipt for the electronic filing of your form so that you can provide it to the City Clerk (local filing officer) to show proof of filing.  (NOTE:  See the information below as it relates to the 6/10/2024 Form 6 Injunction entered by the US District Court of the Southern District of Florida.) 

Q: How does the Form 6 Injunction affect the filing of financial disclosures to qualify for the ballot?

CANDIDATE QUALIFYING FOR MAYOR or CITY/VILLAGE/TOWN GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS

1. A candidate qualifying for office who is the incumbent or otherwise currently holds a position requiring the filing of a Form 6 may file the Form 1.   You must log into EFDMS via the "I am a Filer" button and electronically file your disclosure form.  The law permits the filer to print and take the Verification/Receipt of Filing to the Qualifying Officer (City Clerk) instead of printing the disclosure form for qualifying purposes.  Candidates should make sure that they print the correct Verification/Receipt of Filing for the disclosure form required for qualification purposes.  The impact of the Form 6 Injunction is that if you have not already filed the Form 6, you may e-file the Form 1 instead.   If you have filed the Form 6, you may not switch them.   Remember: You must provide proof of filing to the City Clerk during qualifying week in order to qualify for the ballot.

2. Non‐incumbent candidates who do not otherwise hold a position requiring the filing of a Form 6 may file the Form 1.   You may log into EFDMS via the "I am a Candidate" button and select the elective office you seek from the drop-down menu and enter the election date.  The system will populate the correct form for the office.   Candidates will not file electronically with the Commission (their form status in EFDMS will always reflect "in progress").  Importantly, because this category of candidate does not file electronically, they do NOT have the option to print a Verification/Receipt of Filing.  You must print your completed disclosure and any uploaded attachments to file with the Qualifying Officer (City Clerk) during qualifying week in order to qualify for the ballot.