The Midterm Editor's note: This page was last updated October 27, 2026. Election rules, candidate fields, and poll numbers change; confirm the latest details with the linked official source before you vote.
How to vote in Florida 2026: key deadlines
| Step | Date | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Voter registration | October 5, 2026 | Florida closes registration before Election Day; no same-day option. |
| Early voting begins | 8 to 12 days before Election Day, by county | Each county sets its own window. |
| Early voting ends | Set by each county | Most counties end a few days before Election Day. |
| Mail ballot request | Set by state law | The request must reach your county supervisor by the deadline. |
| Mail ballot return | Received by the state deadline | Florida requires receipt; a postmark alone is not enough. |
| Election Day | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
Florida's registration deadline has already passed as of late October 2026, according to the state rules summarized in our fact file. If you are not sure whether you are registered, check your status at Vote.gov or with your county supervisor before you make a plan.
How to register to vote in Florida
To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, a legal resident of Florida, at least 18 years old, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated without your rights restored. People with felony convictions may register after completing their sentence, including parole or probation, under a 2018 constitutional amendment, though the rules on fines and fees have been litigated.
You can register online through the state's system, by mail, or in person at a county supervisor's office, a driver's license office, or certain public assistance agencies. The Division of Elections lists the current methods. The deadline is 29 days before a general election.
There is no same-day registration. If you moved or changed your name, update your record before the deadline.
Early voting in Florida
Early voting is set by county. State law sets a minimum number of days, and counties may extend the window. Your county supervisor publishes the exact dates and hours.
Any registered voter may use early voting, with no excuse. Sites include libraries, community centers, and elections offices. Hours are set locally and often include evenings and weekends.
Because early voting sites are fewer than Election Day precincts, lines can be longer at popular locations. Your county supervisor publishes a site list.
Mail and absentee voting in Florida
Florida allows no-excuse vote-by-mail. Any registered voter can request a ballot, and you do not need a reason.
Requests must reach your county supervisor by the deadline, which falls shortly before Election Day. Ballots can be returned by mail or dropped off at the supervisor's office or an early voting site during the early voting period.
Florida requires ballots to be received, not just postmarked, by the state deadline. That makes mailing late risky; use a drop box or vote in person instead.
Every mail ballot must be signed, and the signature is matched to the one on file. If a ballot arrives with a missing or mismatched signature, the county must let you fix it with an affidavit. The supervisor's office can explain the cure steps.
ID requirements
Florida requires photo identification at the polls, and the ID must include your signature. The Florida Division of Elections publishes the current list of acceptable forms, which includes a Florida driver's license or ID card, a U.S. passport, a debit or credit card, a military ID, and a student ID.
If your ID does not meet both requirements, ask a poll worker about your options. If you do not have acceptable ID, you can vote provisionally and provide ID later for your ballot to count.
First-time voters who registered by mail may also need to provide identification before voting; the supervisor's office can confirm.
Polling hours and locations
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters who are in line at 7 p.m. are allowed to vote.
Florida assigns voters to a specific precinct, and your polling place is listed in the supervisor's online lookup. You must vote at your assigned precinct on Election Day; early voting sites are more flexible.
What's on the ballot
The governor's race between Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly is open because Gov. Ron DeSantis is term-limited. The governors hub tracks it. Florida also holds a U.S. Senate special election in 2026; the Senate hub follows that field.
Every U.S. House seat from Florida is on the ballot, and several districts were redrawn for 2026. State legislative seats, county offices, judicial retention races, and local ballot questions also appear. Results post on our results page after polls close. For a nearby comparison, see the Georgia voting guide.
Accessibility and language assistance
Florida requires accessible voting equipment and curbside voting at every polling place. Ask your county supervisor about curbside service at your site. Voters may bring someone to help them vote, or ask a poll worker for assistance.
Federal law requires language assistance in some counties, and supervisors publish translated materials where required. Ask a poll worker if you need help in another language.
Official links
See also our state voting guides and 2026 election results.
- Vote.gov — registration and polling place lookup.
- Florida Division of Elections — statewide rules and county supervisor links.
- National Conference of State Legislatures — state-by-state comparison.
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission — federal guidance and accessibility resources.
Your state or county elections office is the final authority. If this guide and a county official disagree, follow the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Florida voter registration deadline in 2026?
October 5, 2026. Florida has no same-day registration, so voters who miss it cannot register for this election.
Can I still vote if I missed the registration deadline?
Only if you are already registered. Check your status with your county supervisor or Vote.gov.
Do I need an excuse to vote by mail in Florida?
No. Florida allows no-excuse vote-by-mail for any registered voter. You must request a ballot by the county deadline.
What ID do I need to vote in Florida?
A current photo ID with your signature, such as a Florida driver's license, Florida ID card, passport, or military ID. Voters without acceptable ID can vote provisionally.
When is early voting in Florida?
Each county sets its own window, typically 8 to 12 days before Election Day. Check your county supervisor's page for exact dates and hours.
When do polls close in Florida?
Polls close at 7 p.m. local time. Florida spans two time zones, so the local closing time applies where you vote.
Sources
- Florida Division of Elections — accessed October 27, 2026.
- Vote.gov — accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Conference of State Legislatures, Elections and Campaigns — accessed October 27, 2026.
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission — accessed October 27, 2026.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, and county practices vary. Confirm every deadline with the Florida Division of Elections or your county supervisor of elections before you vote.