Campaign Advertising
Political advertising is governed primarily by Chapter
106 of the Florida Statutes. Candidates and their campaign staffs should
make themselves familiar with Chapter 106's provisions before beginning any
campaign activities. There are several rules in particular that candidates
and campaign organizations should be aware of from the outset of a campaign.
Disclaimers
Any political advertisement or campaign literature must contain the phrase “paid political advertisement." The ad or literature must also
identify the persons or organizations sponsoring the ad and who approved
the ad, and state whether the ad is paid for or provided in-kind. This
requirement does not apply to campaign messages which are designed to
be worn by a person, but does apply to telephone banks and other non-printed
media.
If a campaign is going to conduct a fund-raising event to which it will
charge admission, the tickets or advertising for the event must contain
the following statement: "The purchase of a ticket for, or a contribution
to, the campaign fund raiser is a contribution to the campaign of (name
of candidate)."
Any political advertisement paid for by an independent expenditure must
prominently state: "Paid political advertisement paid for by (name
of person or committee), independently of any candidate (or committee)."
The advertisement must also contain the name and address of the person paying
for the ad.
If you are a candidate for office in a partisan election (one where the
candidates are identified by political party on the ballot), you must indicate
your party affiliation on all of your campaign ads and literature.
Telephone And Internet Campaigning
Any telephone call supporting or opposing a candidate, elected official,
or ballot proposal must identify the persons or organizations sponsoring
the call. The prior written consent of the candidate or sponsor of the ballot
proposal must be filed with the Supervisor of Elections.
A message placed on the internet must include all information required
for political advertisements.
Endorsements
If you or your organization advertises your endorsement of a political
candidate, the ad must state whether the permission of the candidate has
been obtained to advertise this endorsement. In addition, a campaign is
not permitted to publicize that it has been endorsed by a person or organization
unless it has specific written approval from that person or organization.
Organizations that intend to advertise their endorsement of or opposition
to a candidate or referendum issue may be required to file papers with the
Elections Office prior to publishing such advertisements. In general, a
statement of an organization's endorsement or opposition published in the
organization's newsletters and circulated only to the organization's members
is exempt from this provision. Check with the Elections Office prior to
running an advertisement if you are unsure whether this provision applies
to your organization.
Signs
In general, campaign signs, such as yard signs, should be removed within
7 days after a campaign ends. Campaigns must not put their signs in any
roadway right-of-way. Illegally placed signs are subject to removal, with
the cost of such removal being charged to the candidate or campaign. Municipalities
may impose additional restrictions on political signs (check with the applicable
municipal code enforcement office).
Use Of Party Name
PAC's and other political committees may not use the name, symbol, or abbreviation
of a political party in their name or advertising without the written permission
of the chair of that party's state executive committee.
Campaigning Near Polling Places
Check with the Supervisor of Elections for rules and regulations regarding campaigning at the polls. No solicitation is allowed within 100 feet from the entrance to the polling place or early voting site.
