Florida Election and Campaign Law

The Woodring Law Firm handles election law and campaign-related cases throughout Florida. Mr. Woodring has been engaged in this area of the law since he participated in many of the Bush v. Gore election cases in state and federal court during the 2000 election.

To discuss an election or campaign law matter anywhere in Florida, call 850-567-8445 or use the contact form on this page.

Candidates, Committees, and Campaign Compliance

If you are a candidate for elected office, or if you are the proposer of a ballot initiative, or if you want to establish a political committee or a 527 organization to promote or oppose a candidate or an issue, we can help you comply with the requirements of the Florida Division of Elections, the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This includes Florida’s campaign finance law (chapter 106, Florida Statutes): contributions and expenditures, campaign finance reports, political advertising disclaimers, and electioneering communications. When the law is unclear, we can request an advisory opinion from the Division of Elections before you act (section 106.23(2), Florida Statutes). We also represent parties that may have cause to oppose the qualifications or campaign conduct of a candidate.

Ballot Initiatives and Constitutional Amendments

If you are considering proposing a ballot initiative, we can also help you with drafting the ballot initiative to maximize the chances of passing Florida Supreme Court review, and defending that draft at the Florida Supreme Court so it has a chance of appearing on the ballot. We also represent parties that may have cause to oppose a proposed ballot initiative. We also advise on county and municipal referenda and charter amendments.

Mr. Woodring’s cases in this area have involved proposed constitutional amendments, ballot summary and title cases, single subject challenges, and fiscal impact statement challenges.

Recounts, Election Contests, and Qualifying Disputes

We represent candidates, committees, and voters in recounts before county canvassing boards, in election contests in circuit court, and in disputes over whether a candidate has qualified for the ballot. These cases move fast: an election contest must be filed within 10 days after the last canvassing board certifies the results (section 102.168, Florida Statutes).

Elections Commission Complaints and Appeals

You should seek legal counsel if a complaint has been filed against you with the Florida Elections Commission alleging a violation of chapter 104, chapter 106, or section 105.071, Florida Statutes, or with the Federal Election Commission. If a final order has already been entered against you by the FEC or the Florida Elections Commission, we can advise you whether you have grounds to appeal and whether you should.

Ask Before You Act

As in other areas of the law, it is often easier to ask for advice before you take action than it is to seek advice after the action is completed. Campaigns and elections are by their very nature competitions. Your opponents will often seek to take advantage of any errors or perceived errors in complying with campaign laws, and will then seek to use these against you in the very substance of the campaign itself.

Talk to Us About an Election or Campaign Law Matter

Please contact us if you need counsel on an election or campaign law issue, or need to defend against a complaint filed with the Florida Elections Commission or the Federal Election Commission. Call 850-567-8445, email Info@woodringlawfirm.com, or use the contact form on this page.

Common Questions About Election and Campaign Law

Does Woodring Law Firm handle election and campaign law matters throughout Florida?

Yes. We handle election law and campaign-related cases throughout Florida.

Who does the firm represent in election and campaign matters?

Candidates for elected office, proposers of ballot initiatives, and people who want to establish a political committee or a 527 organization. We also represent parties that have cause to oppose a proposed ballot initiative, or the qualifications or campaign conduct of a candidate.

Can the firm help draft a ballot initiative?

Yes. We can help with drafting the ballot initiative to maximize the chances of passing Florida Supreme Court review, and with defending that draft at the Florida Supreme Court.

What should I do if a complaint is filed against me with the Florida Elections Commission?

Seek legal counsel. We defend against complaints filed with the Florida Elections Commission and the Federal Election Commission, and if a final order has already been entered against you, we can advise you whether you have grounds to appeal and whether you should.

Does the firm handle recounts and election contests?

Yes. We represent candidates, committees, and voters in recounts, election contests, and qualifying disputes. An election contest must be filed within 10 days after the last canvassing board certifies the results.

How long has Mr. Woodring practiced election law?

Since the 2000 election, when he participated in many of the Bush v. Gore election cases in state and federal court.