Thinking About Running for Office? Start Here.
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-VOTE (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.
- 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 (2024)
Fees are based on a percentage of the annual salary for the office sought:
- County Judge: $7,224.64
- Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller: $10,819.92
- Sheriff: $13,095.96
- Property Appraiser: $10,819.92
- Tax Collector: $10,819.92
- Supervisor of Elections: $10,819.92
- County Commissioner: $6,386.16
- School Board: $1,983.04
- Special Districts: $25.00
Fees are due during the qualifying week. Petition certification may be used in place of payment if requirements are met.
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
2024 Qualifying Dates
- Federal and Judicial Offices: April 22 (noon) – April 26 (noon)
- State, County, and Special District Offices: June 10 (noon) – June 14 (noon)
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
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
- See chart below for signage rules.
- Review our Candidate FAQs for polling place conduct and more.
| County/Municipality | Initial Fees | Building Permit | Removal | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminole County | None | Campaign signs are allowed after the candidate’s qualification for an election. No signs are permitted in the ROW or on public property. No signs greater than 32 square feet allowed on a commercial property or 16 feet on a residential property. Permission must be obtained by the property owner prior to placing signs. No building permit is required for signs less than the 32/16 square foot thresholds. Signs greater than 32 square feet require a building permit. | 7 Days after campaign. Once the candidate is no longer a viable candidate. | Building Division 407-665-7050 |
| Altamonte Springs | None | Campaign signs are allowed after the candidate’s qualification for an election. No signs are permitted in the ROW or on public property. No signs greater than 32 square feet allowed on a commercial property or 16 feet on a residential property. Permission must be obtained by the property owner prior to placing signs. No building permit is required for signs less than the 32/16 square foot thresholds. Signs greater than 32 square feet require a building permit. | 7 Days after campaign. Once the candidate is no longer a viable candidate. | It is not required to contact the Building Department unless there are questions. Building and Fire Safety Department 407-571-8433 |
| Casselberry | None | Not required | 7 Days after campaign | City Clerk 407-262-7700 x1133 |
| Lake Mary | None | Temporary Sign Registrations for signs larger than 6 square feet | 7 Days after campaign | Community Development 407-585-1459 |
| Longwood | $25 | Signs smaller than 6 square feet | 7 Days after campaign | City Clerk 407-260-3441 |
| Longwood | $100 | Signs larger than 6 square feet | 7 Days after campaign | City Clerk 407-260-3441 |
| Oviedo | $25 | Signs larger than 6 square feet | 10 Days after campaign | Code Enforcement 407-971-5785 |
| Sanford | None | Not required | 7 Days after campaign | Building Department 407-688-5150 |
| Winter Springs | $45 | No temporary sign shall exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in area. Each permit application may include multiple signs (maximum 10 signs) of the same dimension and construction type. | 3 Days after campaign | Building Department 407-327-5963 |
Running in a City Election?
If you’re seeking a municipal office, contact your city clerk for filing information.
City Election Info:
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help. Visit our Candidate FAQs for more answers or contact our office to speak with a staff member directly.
