Key Takeaways
- Florida voter registration can be completed entirely online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov
- You must register at least 29 days before an election to vote in that election
- Florida has closed primaries - you must be registered with a party to vote in their primary
- Your voter registration card is valuable proof of Florida residency for other applications
Overview
Registering to vote in Florida is one of the most important steps in establishing your new domicile. Beyond your civic duty, your Florida voter registration provides strong documentation of your intent to make Florida your permanent home. This guide walks you through the simple registration process.
Eligibility Requirements
To register to vote in Florida, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- A Florida resident
- At least 18 years old (you can pre-register at 16)
- Not currently adjudicated mentally incapacitated
- Not a convicted felon (or have had your rights restored)
Online Registration (Recommended)
The fastest way to register is online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.
What You'll Need
- Florida driver's license or Florida ID card number
- Last 4 digits of your Social Security number
- Your Florida residential address
- Email address (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Online Process
- Visit RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov
- Click "Register to Vote" or "Update Your Registration"
- Enter your Florida driver's license number
- Provide your personal information (name, date of birth, address)
- Choose your party affiliation (or No Party Affiliation)
- Review and submit your application
- You'll receive confirmation and your voter information card by mail
Paper Registration Alternative
If you prefer not to register online or don't have a Florida ID yet, you can register by paper:
Option 1: At the DMV
When you apply for your Florida driver's license, you'll be offered the opportunity to register to vote at the same time. Simply check "yes" on the voter registration question.
Option 2: By Mail
- Download the Florida Voter Registration Application
- Complete the form and sign it
- Mail to your county Supervisor of Elections
Option 3: In Person
Visit any of these locations to register in person:
- County Supervisor of Elections office
- DMV/Tax Collector office
- Public library
- Military recruitment office
Party Affiliation in Florida
Florida is a closed primary state. This means:
- Only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary
- Only registered Democrats can vote in the Democratic primary
- No Party Affiliation (NPA) voters cannot vote in partisan primaries
- Everyone can vote in general elections and non-partisan races
Your Options
| Affiliation | Primary Voting | General Election |
|---|---|---|
| Republican | Republican primaries only | All races |
| Democrat | Democratic primaries only | All races |
| No Party Affiliation (NPA) | Non-partisan races only | All races |
| Minor Party | Their party's primary (if held) | All races |
Registration Deadlines
Florida requires voter registration to be completed 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
| Registration Method | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Online | 11:59 PM, 29 days before election |
| By mail | Postmarked 29 days before election |
| In person | Close of business, 29 days before election |
After You Register
Voter Information Card
Within 2-3 weeks of registering, you'll receive a Voter Information Card in the mail. This card shows:
- Your name and address
- Your party affiliation
- Your precinct number
- Your polling location
- Your county Supervisor of Elections contact info
This card is excellent proof of Florida residency and can be used as one of your two address verification documents for other applications.
Verify Your Registration
You can verify your registration status anytime at Florida Voter Registration Lookup.
Voting as a New Florida Resident
Voting Options
Florida offers multiple ways to cast your vote:
- Vote by mail: Request a mail ballot (good for travel nurses frequently on assignment)
- Early voting: Vote in person during the early voting period (usually 2 weeks before election)
- Election Day: Vote at your assigned polling location
Vote by Mail for Travelers
If you travel frequently, vote by mail is ideal:
- Request a mail ballot at dos.myflorida.com
- Ballot will be sent to your mailing address
- Complete and return by mail or drop-off
- Track your ballot status online
Canceling Your Previous Registration
When you register in Florida, you should cancel your voter registration in your previous state. While most states will automatically cancel your registration when they receive notice from Florida, it's better to be proactive:
- Contact your previous county's election office
- Submit a written cancellation request
- Keep confirmation for your records
This helps ensure clean domicile documentation and prevents any appearance of dual residency.