The Brief<\/p>\n
Florida lawmakers passed a bill requiring proof of citizenship at the ballot box starting in 2027.<\/p>\n
The law also imposes stricter ID rules and dual citizenship disclosures for candidates.<\/p>\n
Democrats warn it could disenfranchise students and seniors, and legal challenges are expected.<\/p>\n
ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida is moving closer to requiring voters to prove citizenship at the ballot box, but the new rules would not take effect until after the 2026 elections.<\/p>\n
The bill, passed along party lines in both chambers, also imposes additional disclosure requirements for candidates and tightens ID rules. Lawmakers and legal experts are sharply divided over its potential impact on voters.<\/p>\n
What we know<\/p>\n
Florida\u2019s Legislature passed HB 991<\/a>, a bill requiring voters to prove U.S. citizenship when voting, along with new identification requirements.<\/p>\n The House approved the measure 77-28 and the Senate 27-12. If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the law would take effect on January 1, 2027.<\/p>\n CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP<\/a><\/p>\n The bill also mandates that candidates disclose dual citizenship and any intention to trade stocks while in office, and restricts acceptable forms of voter identification, excluding student and retirement home IDs.<\/p>\n What we don’t know<\/p>\n It remains unclear how the new requirements will affect voter turnout, particularly among college students, seniors, and other groups who may lack a valid driver\u2019s license. The precise procedures for verifying citizenship through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles are also not fully outlined.<\/p>\n