VOTING RIGHTS

Florida Justice Center is the only nonprofit legal aid organization in the state qualified under current administrative rules to provide advice and guidance regarding an individual’s ability to register and vote.

We want you to legally vote with confidence.

OVERVIEW

On November 6, 2018, Florida Constitutional Amendment 4 was overwhelmingly approved by Florida voters. Known as the Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative the amendment allows those convicted of most felony offenses to have their voting rights restored upon completion of their sentence.

While the requirements are relatively straightforward, there are many nuances that only a lawyer can properly assess. Making a mistake in your eligibility can land you in prison with each charge carrying a maximum penalty of five years of incarceration.

City of Miami Commissioner Christine King with Director of Legal Services Alex Saiz
City of Miami Commissioner Christine King with Director of Legal Services Alex Saiz at a Voting Rights Event in Overtown.

How We Help

We support voter registration organizations working to ensure nonpartisan access to the basic right to vote.

On August 18th, 2022 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the arrest of 20 people, accused of illegally registering and voting. These arrests lent new urgency to ensuring people with felony convictions have access to legal services that can verify they are in compliance with the law prior to registering to vote.

FLJC believes that every vote matters, but those votes need to be filed in accordance with the law.

Our attorneys will personally evaluate each person's eligibility to register and vote. They will provide written information that allows you to make an informed decision as to whether you will register to vote.

Florida Justice Center in Voting News

Tallahassee Democrat (March 15, 2023)

"The next big question for DeSantis amid confusion over Florida voter fraud crackdown"

WESH NBC News (March 6, 2023)

"Voting rights groups accuse new law of voter suppression in Florida"

Tallahassee Democrat (February 23, 2023)

"As DeSantis and lawmakers make it easier to prosecute election crimes, advocates question their priorities"

Alex Saiz speaks to FL24 News about a new Department of Corrections policy on voting rights restoration.

FL24 Network (November 1, 2022)

"Voter clause added to probation form"

Alex Saiz speaks to CBS 4 Miami News about voting rights for people with a felony conviction

CBS 4 Miami (October 12, 2022)

"Voting rules hazy for some who have served their time"

Jonathan Bleiweiss News4Jax

News4Jax/WJXT (August 20, 2022)

"‘We can’t take it for granted’: Advocates rally Saturday as early voting nears end in Duval County"

Voting Fraud Arrest Bodycam

Tampa Bay Times (October 31, 2022)

"After voter fraud arrests, Florida issues new forms that could bolster future cases"

Voting Fraud Arrest Press Conference Governor DeSantis

Miami Herald (October 31, 2022)

"After DeSantis touts voter fraud arrests, Florida adds voting clause to probation form"

Voter Fraud Crackdown Arrest Bodycam

Daily Kos (October 31, 2022)

"Voting expert calls subtle change to Florida voter registration form 'horrifying'"

Voting Eligibility Requirements

To restore their right to vote a person with a felony conviction must:

  1. Complete their sentence, including term of supervision (i.e., prison or jail time, parole, and probation); and
  2. Make sure they owe no legal restitution or fines, fees, or costs; and
  3. Not have any pending criminal charges; and
  4. Not have been convicted of homicide or a felony sex offense; and
  5. Be eligible to vote in all states of conviction (if there are out-of-state convictions).

While we provide this information as a public service, we highly recommend you consult with an attorney to ensure your compliance with the law prior to registering and voting.

Staff Attorney Zubin Kapadia discusses voting eligibility with a client
Staff Attorney Zubin Kapadia discusses voting eligibility with a client

FAQ

Florida Rights Restoration Coalition Staff with Florida Justice Center Executive Director Jonathan Bleiweiss
Florida Rights Restoration Coalition Staff with Florida Justice Center Executive Director Jonathan Bleiweiss

Have more questions? Get in touch