September 13, 2013 –
Changes to Florida’s campaign finance law

On May 1, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed into law HB 569, which enacts sweeping changes to Florida’s campaign finance laws.

The reforms impact every elected official, candidate for office, and any person who makes campaign contributions to candidates.

HB 569 significantly increases the campaign contribution limits allowable under law. Provided below is a simple explanation of the new limits per election cycle:

Committees of Continuous Existence (CCEs) were also eliminated by HB 569.

Any group or organization wishing to collaborate in making political contributions must now create a political committee (PC).

Political committees have been in existence for years, but because they were previously limited to $500 contributions and were not as flexible as CCEs, they were not utilized. The new law substantially increases the flexibility of contributions and distributions for PCs. After November 1, 2013, PCs may accept unlimited contributions. These committees may also accept a complete rollover contribution from a soon-to-be dissolved CCE.

HB 569 requires that CCEs may not accept any contributions on or after August 1, 2013. As of September 30, 2013, all CCE accounts must have a zero balance.

Reporting requirements are also significantly revised for candidates, political committees, and electioneering communication organizations (ECOs). In general, the new reporting requirements are more stringent and require more frequent reporting.

For additional information regarding any of the changes to Florida’s campaign finance law, please contact J. Larry Williams, a shareholder in Gunster’s Tallahassee office.