Restoration of voting rights

If you are convicted of a felony, you lose the right to vote in Florida until your voting rights are restored.

In 2018, voters approved an amendment to the Florida Constitution, commonly referred to as “Amendment 4”, to automatically restore the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions after they complete all terms of their sentence, including parole or probation. This amendment does not apply to those convicted of murder or sexual offenses, who continue to be permanently barred from voting unless the Governor and Cabinet vote to restore their voting rights on a case-by-case basis. The eligibility requirements to restore voting rights are found in Florida law, section 4, Article VI, Florida Constitution, and section 98.0751, F.S.

Convicted felons who meet the requirements of Florida law are eligible to register and vote as long as they have not been convicted of murder or a sexual offense and have completed all terms of their sentence, including:

• Prison or jail time;
• Parole, probation, or other forms of supervision; and
• Payment of the total amount of all fines, fees, costs, and restitution ordered as part of the felony sentence
• A person has the option to petition a court to terminate, upon consent of the person or entity owed, a financial obligation (i.e., fine, fee, cost, and restitution), or convert such obligation to community service (section 98.0751(2)(a)5.e., Fla. Stat.). If converted, the terms of the sentence are deemed complete when the person completes the community service

Once you have completed all terms of your sentence (excluding murder or sexual offenses), 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 upon completing all terms of your sentence. Instead, your right to vote can only be restored by clemency.

Please visit the Florida Division of Elections for more 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.

• Online Form: Advisory Opinion Request form
• Homepage: Division of Elections
• Phone: 850-488-2952
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Room 316, R. A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250

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 do before your right to vote is restored.

• Make a public records request for records related to your sentencing terms. When you submit the request, make sure to state that it is for voter eligibility requirements
• Call 305-275-1155
• Visit the Florida Court Clerk and Comptrollers to find contact information for other Florida counties

Florida Department of Corrections

• Online: Florida Department of Corrections
• Phone: 850-488-5021

Florida Commission on Offender Review, Office of Executive Clemency

• Online: Florida Commission on Offender Review
• Phone: 850-488-2952
• Fax: 850-488-0695
• Mail: 4070 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399

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 Florida Commission on Offender Review.

My Voting Rights Have Been Restored. What Should I Do?

You can now register to vote. You should verify that you have fulfilled your court-ordered sentencing obligations before registering.