If you are convicted of a felony, you lose the right to vote in Florida. There are several ways your right to vote can be restored. Read below for further information.
How Do I Know if my Voting Rights Have Been Restored?
Voting rights for most felons are automatically restored when you complete all terms of your sentence. If you do not know the status of your sentencing terms, the agencies listed below can help you.
Division of Elections - Fines and Fees Information
If you are unsure about fines, fees, costs, and restitution, and the impact upon restoration of your voting rights, you can ask the Florida Division of Elections for an advisory opinion.
Complete the Florida Department of State, Division of Elections' Advisory Opinion Request form to get started.
Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
The Clerk of the Court can assist you with finding records related to your sentencing terms. This can help you confirm that you have completed all terms of your sentence or what else you need to to before your right to vote is restored.
Florida Department of Corrections
Florida Commission on Offender Review, Office of Executive Clemency
Rights Restoration
Automatic Restoration
In the 2018 General Election, Florida voters passed an amendment to the Florida Constitution that automatically restores voting rights to felons once they have completed all terms of their sentence. This includes completion of parole, probation, and payment of fines and fees.
Once you have completed all terms of your sentence, your right to vote is restored. You can then register to vote and begin voting. However, if you were convicted of murder or a sexual offense, you right to vote is not restored automatically. Instead, your right to vote can only be restored by clemency.
For more information about automatic restoration, visit the website for the Florida Division of Elections.
Restoration by Executive Clemency
Clemency allows felons to ask for relief from punishment and seek restoration of their civil rights, including the right to vote. The power to grant clemency is vested in the Governor and Cabinet. For information about clemency, visit the website for the Florida Commission on Offender Review.
My Voting Rights Have Been Restored. What Should I Do?
You can now register to vote. Visit our voter registration page for information on how to register. You should verify that you have fulfilled your court-ordered sentencing obligations before registering.