• Firefighters are trusted because you already serve the community.
• Your experience brings real world problem solving and action to local government.
• Public safety decisions benefit from firsthand leadership.
• Elections are often decided by small margins.
• Running for office is simply another way to serve.

Firefighters carry a level of trust that few professions can match.

Firefighters are known for taking action and our citizens want this trait in an elected official.

• Political Strategy: Strategic plan and guidance on how to run an effective campaign.
• Graphic Design: Professional design for campaign materials and digital content.
• Voter Data: Tools to identify and target likely voters.
• Key Dates: Help tracking election deadlines and filing requirements.
• Campaign Contributions: Guidance on lawful fundraising and potential financial support.

Walt Dix — WDix@iaff.org

• Voter Data: Access to voter data to help identify and reach likely voters.
• Key Dates: Assistance tracking election deadlines and filing requirements.
• Campaign Contributions: Guidance on lawful fundraising and potential financial support.
• Local and State Relationships: Support connecting candidates with key local and state leaders.

• Event Coordination: Help schedule meet-and-greets, forums and community events.
• Introductions: Make introductions to key community leaders, HOAs and local organizations.
• Ground Support: Assist with distributing flyers, placing yard signs and basic campaign setup.
• Volunteer Engagement: Help connect the campaign with union members willing to volunteer.
• Local Insight: Provide insight on neighborhood issues and voter concerns.

Your union membership provides access to these IAFF, FPF and local union resources at no cost. A committed team is essential for success during the election and just as important after the election, when the real work begins.

• Municipal elections are governed first by the city charter.
• Florida election law applies when the charter is silent.
• The Supervisor of Elections and the City Clerk work together.
• Some elections are non partisan and some are partisan.
• Each local government may have slightly different procedures.

Municipal elections are governed first by the city charter.

Understanding the structure helps you stay organized and compliant from the beginning.

• You must be a registered voter in Florida.
• You must live in the district or city when required.
• Some offices have additional qualifications.
• You may need to resign one office to run for another.
• Confirm eligibility early with your filing officer.

The best approach is to confirm eligibility early with your filing officer so there are no surprises later in the process.

• City candidates usually file with the City Clerk.
• County and district candidates file with the Supervisor of Elections.
• State candidates file with the Division of Elections.
• The filing officer provides deadlines and forms.
• Filing begins before you officially qualify for the ballot.

Your filing officer is the primary point of contact for your campaign paperwork.

Filing as a candidate begins before the formal qualifying period.

• Appoint a campaign treasurer before raising or spending money.
• Open a separate campaign bank account.
• Do not mix campaign and personal money.
• Keep records of all contributions and expenses.
• Choose a treasurer you trust.

Appoint a campaign treasurer before raising or spending any money.

Rules require that you appoint a campaign treasurer and open a campaign bank account before raising or spending any money.

• File the Statement of Candidate after opening your campaign account.
• Campaign finance reports are due on set schedules.
• Contribution limits and spending rules apply.
• Late or inaccurate reports may result in fines.

File the Statement of Candidate after opening your campaign account.

Reports must be filed on specific schedules.

• You must qualify during the official qualifying period.
• You may submit petitions or pay the qualifying fee.
• Some documents must be notarized.
• Financial disclosure rules apply to many offices.
• Once accepted your name is placed on the ballot.

You may submit petitions or pay the qualifying fee.

• Do not campaign on duty or in uniform.
• Follow sign placement and disclaimer rules.
• Polling places have no-solicitation zones.
• Communicate ethically and respectfully.
• Assume everything you say may become public record.

Follow sign placement and disclaimer rules.

Assume everything you say may become public record.

• Failing to file required reports on time
• Using personal funds or accounts improperly
• Inaccurate or incomplete disclosures/reports
• Improper coordination with committees
• Absence of proper disclaimers in ads
• Ineligible use of campaign funds
• Taking money from sources not allowed

• Be vigilant with deadlines — Campaign finance filings must be timely.
• Keep clean accounts — Never mix personal and campaign funds.
• Check your work — Double-check disclosures and reports before submitting.
• Follow advertising rules — Include proper disclaimers on all campaign communications.
• Keep records for the required period — Documentation helps if questions arise.

Legally required to include “paid for by” statements or sponsor information in campaign advertising.

• Call Screven Watson 850-681-8530 (Free)
• Everyone needs a PAC, no matter what
• Register before raising or spending $
• File reports regularly (this changes monthly)
• File reports even when there is no activity
• Steep fines if not filed properly

File reports even when there is no activity.

Screven Watson — Screven@screvenwatson.com

• Campaigning is restricted near polling places.
• Poll workers and election officials manage voting operations.
• Only authorized individuals may enter the polling room.
• Ballots are canvassed and results certified.
• Recounts or provisional ballot reviews may occur.

• File your final campaign finance reports.
• Close your campaign account when authorized.
• Open an office account or donate to a nonprofit with remaining funds.
• Keep records for the required retention period.

Open an office account or donate to a nonprofit with remaining funds.