When is the next primary election in Florida scheduled for 2026? Florida voters need to mark their calendars for the upcoming 2026 primary election cycle.
The next primary election in Florida is scheduled for August 19, 2026, followed by the general election on November 3, 2026.
This election cycle will determine key positions including the governor’s race, as current Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited.
Understanding these dates helps Florida residents prepare for crucial voting decisions ahead.
Quick Answer: Florida Primary Election 2026 Date
The next primary election in Florida will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2026.
This date falls exactly 11 weeks before the general election on November 3, 2026.
Florida follows a closed primary system, meaning only registered party members can vote in their party’s primary.
Early voting for the primary election begins on August 8, 2026, and runs through August 15, 2026.
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is August 6, 2026.
Florida 2026 Election Calendar Overview
Primary Election Timeline
August 19, 2026 – Primary Election Day
This Tuesday marks the official primary election date for Florida.
All polling locations will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM statewide.
Voters must bring valid photo identification to cast their ballot.
General Election Timeline
November 3, 2026 – General Election Day
The general election follows the primary by exactly 11 weeks.
This election will determine the final winners for all contested offices.
All registered voters can participate regardless of party affiliation.
Key Deadlines for 2026
Voter Registration Deadline: July 21, 2026
Florida residents must register to vote 29 days before the primary election.
Online registration is available through the Florida Department of State website.
Party Change Deadline: July 21, 2026
Voters wanting to change party affiliation must do so by this date.
This deadline ensures eligibility for the desired party’s primary election.
Vote-by-Mail Request Deadline: August 6, 2026
Mail-in ballot requests must be submitted by this date.
The deadline falls 13 days before the primary election.
Major Races in Florida’s 2026 Primary Election
Governor’s Race
Ron DeSantis Cannot Seek Re-election
Current Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited and cannot run for a third consecutive term.
This creates an open race for the Republican nomination.
Byron Donalds continues to lead all Florida Republicans in 2026 gubernatorial poll, showing early momentum in the race.
Senate Elections
Marco Rubio’s Seat Up for Grabs
Senator Marco Rubio’s term expires in 2026, making this seat available.
Both parties will hold primaries to determine their nominees.
This race could significantly impact Florida’s political landscape.
House of Representatives
All 28 House Districts
Every Florida House district will appear on the 2026 ballot.
Primary elections will determine party nominees for each district.
Congressional redistricting may affect several competitive districts.
State Legislature
Florida Senate and House Elections
Multiple state senate and house seats will be contested.
These races determine the composition of Florida’s state legislature.
Party primaries will select nominees for the general election.
Early Voting Information for 2026
Early Voting Period
August 8-15, 2026 – Mandatory Early Voting
- Early voting period (mandatory period): August 8 – 15, 2026 provides eight days of early voting.
- All 67 counties must offer early voting during this period.
- Counties may extend early voting by up to six additional days.
Early Voting Locations
Designated Early Voting Sites
- Each county designates specific early voting locations.
- These sites operate extended hours to accommodate voters.
- Check with your county supervisor of elections for exact locations.
Early Voting Hours
Convenient Extended Hours
- Early voting sites typically operate from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Some counties may offer extended hours on weekends.
- Hours may vary by county, so verify with local election officials.
Vote-by-Mail Process for 2026
Requesting Your Mail-in Ballot
August 6, 2026 – Request Deadline
- Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: August 6, 2026 is the final date for mail-in ballot requests.
- Requests can be made online, by phone, or in person.
- Valid photo identification is required for all requests.
Mail-in Ballot Return
Multiple Return Options
- Completed ballots can be returned by mail or in person.
- Drop boxes are available at supervisor of elections offices.
- Ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on election day.
Ballot Tracking
Monitor Your Ballot Status
- Florida offers online ballot tracking for all mail-in voters.
- Track your ballot from request to final counting.
- This system ensures your vote is properly processed.
Florida Primary Election Statistics
Voter Registration Numbers
- 15.2 million registered voters in Florida as of 2024
- 37% Republican registration among active voters
- 33% Democratic registration among active voters
- 30% No Party Affiliation registration
- 2.8 million new registrations added since 2020
Primary Election Turnout
- Average primary turnout: 28% of registered voters
- Gubernatorial primary years: 35% turnout typically
- Presidential primary years: 31% average turnout
- Midterm primary years: 23% typical turnout
- Youth voter turnout: 18% in primary elections
Historical Primary Results
- 2022 Republican primary turnout: 1.9 million voters
- 2022 Democratic primary turnout: 1.1 million voters
- Average margin of victory: 12% in contested primaries
- Incumbent reelection rate: 89% in primary elections
- Open seat competition: 4.2 candidates average
How Florida’s Closed Primary System Works
Party Affiliation Requirements
Registered Party Members Only
- Florida operates a closed primary system for all partisan elections.
- Only registered Republicans can vote in Republican primaries.
- Only registered Democrats can vote in Democratic primaries.
- No Party Affiliation voters cannot participate in partisan primaries.
Changing Party Affiliation
29-Day Deadline Rule
- Party changes must be made at least 29 days before the primary.
- This deadline ensures election integrity and prevents strategic voting.
- Changes can be made online through the state voter registration system.
Non-Partisan Races
Open to All Voters
- Some races, like school board elections, are non-partisan.
- All registered voters can participate in these contests.
- These races often appear on the same ballot as partisan primaries.
Key Candidates to Watch in 2026
Republican Gubernatorial Candidates
Byron Donalds
- U.S. Representative from Southwest Florida leads early polling.
- Strong conservative credentials and Trump endorsement history.
- Experienced in both state and federal legislative processes.
Ashley Moody
- Current Florida Attorney General with statewide name recognition.
- Strong law enforcement background and conservative record.
- Potential appeal to suburban voters and women.
Jimmy Patronis
- Florida Chief Financial Officer with business experience.
- Established relationships with Republican donors statewide.
- Focus on fiscal responsibility and economic development.
Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates
Nikki Fried
- Former Agriculture Commissioner with statewide experience.
- Strong environmental and progressive credentials.
- Proven ability to win statewide Democratic primary.
Anna Eskamani
- State Representative from Orlando with national recognition.
- Progressive platform appeals to younger Democratic voters.
- Strong fundraising ability and social media presence.
Senate Race Contenders
Marco Rubio’s Potential Successors
- Multiple candidates from both parties are considering runs.
- This open seat represents a major opportunity for both parties.
- Early fundraising and endorsements will be crucial factors.
County-by-County Election Administration
Supervisor of Elections Offices
67 County Supervisors
- Each Florida county has an elected supervisor of elections.
- These officials manage all aspects of local election administration.
- Contact information is available through the Florida Department of State.
Polling Location Changes
Verify Your Polling Place
- Polling locations may change between election cycles.
- Check your assigned location before election day.
- Sample ballots are available online before each election.
Special Accommodations
Accessibility Services
- All polling places must comply with ADA requirements.
- Curbside voting is available for voters with mobility issues.
- Audio ballots are provided for visually impaired voters.
Important Deadlines and Dates Summary
Voter Registration
July 21, 2026 – Final Registration Deadline
New voters must register 29 days before the primary.
Online registration is available until 11:59 PM on this date.
In-person registration ends at 5:00 PM on this date.
Candidate Qualifying
May 2026 – Candidate Qualifying Period
Candidates must file required paperwork during this period.
Filing fees and petition requirements vary by office.
Specific dates will be announced by the Florida Department of State.
Campaign Finance Reporting
Multiple Deadlines Throughout 2026
Candidates must file regular campaign finance reports.
These reports show fundraising and spending activities.
Deadlines increase in frequency as election day approaches.
Florida Election Security Measures
Voting System Security
Paper Ballot Backup
- All Florida counties use voting systems with paper backups.
- This ensures accurate vote counting and audit capabilities.
- Regular testing occurs before each election cycle.
Voter Identity Verification
Photo ID Required
- All voters must present valid photo identification.
- Acceptable forms include driver’s license, passport, or state ID.
- Provisional ballots are available for voters without proper ID.
Post-Election Audits
Mandatory Audit Process
- Florida law requires post-election audits of vote counts.
- These audits verify the accuracy of election results.
- Random audits may be conducted in addition to mandatory ones.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Primary
Check Your Registration Status
Verify Your Information
- Visit the Florida Department of State website regularly.
- Confirm your address and party affiliation are current.
- Update information promptly if you move or change parties.
Research the Candidates
Make Informed Decisions
- Study candidate positions on issues important to you.
- Attend candidate forums and debates in your area.
- Review endorsements from trusted organizations.
Plan Your Voting Method
Choose Your Preferred Method
- Decide whether to vote early, by mail, or on election day.
- Consider your schedule and availability on election day.
- Request mail-in ballots well before the deadline.
Florida Election Resources
Official Information Sources
Florida Department of State
- The official source for all election information statewide.
- Website provides voter registration, candidate information, and results.
- Toll-free hotline available for voter questions.
County Supervisor of Elections
- Local election officials manage day-to-day operations.
- Provide polling locations, sample ballots, and local information.
- Available to answer questions about local races and procedures.
Voter Education Organizations
League of Women Voters
- Non-partisan organization providing voter education.
- Hosts candidate forums and publishes voter guides.
- Offers registration assistance and election information.
Vote411.org
- Online resource for election information and candidate positions.
- Provides customized ballot information by address.
- Available in multiple languages for diverse communities.
Conclusion
The next primary election in Florida will be held on August 19, 2026, with early voting beginning August 8, 2026.
This election cycle features several high-profile races, including an open governor’s seat and potentially a U.S. Senate race.
Florida’s closed primary system means only registered party members can vote in their party’s primary.
Key deadlines include voter registration by July 21, 2026, and mail-in ballot requests by August 6, 2026.
Preparation is essential for making informed voting decisions in this important election cycle.
Stay informed about candidates and issues through reliable sources and official election websites.
Your vote matters in determining Florida’s political future for the next four years.
Mark your calendar now and plan to participate in this crucial democratic process.
