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Vote by Mail and Early Voting in Florida

How to request a mail ballot, the deadlines, and how to return it.

Last reviewed October 3, 2026 · Spiral Search editorial team

2026 general election (Nov 3): request a mail ballot by 5 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2026 (12th day before). Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on November 3. Confirm with your Supervisor of Elections.

Rules and fees change. Spiral Search is an independent directory and is not a government agency. Confirm current requirements with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or your county tax collector before you go.

How to request a mail ballot

Contact your county Supervisor of Elections. You can request a ballot by:

A signed written request (form DS-DE 160).
In person at the elections office.
By phone.
Online, through your county's website.

You will need your name, date of birth, address, your Florida driver license or ID number (or last four digits of your Social Security number), and a signature on a written request.

Deadlines

Step	Deadline
Request a mail ballot	5 p.m. on the 12th day before the election
Return your voted ballot	Must arrive by 7:00 p.m. local time on Election Day
Emergency request	Requests within 10 days before the election need an emergency affidavit

The U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing your ballot at least one week before Election Day.

Returning your ballot

By mail (USPS or private carrier).
In person at your Supervisor of Elections office.
At a secure drop box at an elections office or early voting site.
Overseas voters may return by fax.

You do not need to show ID to return the ballot. Your signature on the certificate is used to verify you.

How long does a request last?

A request covers all elections from the time you submit it through the end of the calendar year of the next regularly scheduled general election.

Early voting

Early voting is offered at locations set by each county, usually in the weeks before Election Day. Dates, hours and sites vary, so check your county Supervisor of Elections. Find the office on Spiral Search.

Not registered yet? See How to register to vote.