When does early voting start in FL? Florida voters can begin casting their ballots for the 2026 General Election as early as October 19, 2026, in counties offering optional early voting days. The state’s mandatory early voting period runs from October 24 through October 31, 2026, ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3.
However, the exact starting date, voting hours, and available locations depend on the county where you are registered. Some counties offer early voting before the mandatory period begins, while others start later in October.
Florida voters should check their county Supervisor of Elections website for the latest confirmed schedule before visiting a polling location.
When Does Early Voting Start in FL in 2026?
For the November 2026 General Election, Florida has a statewide mandatory early voting period, with the option for counties to offer additional days.
The following dates are important for voters preparing to cast their ballots:
| Election detail | Date |
|---|---|
| Earliest optional early voting date | October 19, 2026 |
| Mandatory early voting begins | October 24, 2026 |
| Last day of mandatory early voting | October 31, 2026 |
| Optional additional early voting day | November 1, 2026 |
| General Election Day | November 3, 2026 |
| Voter registration deadline | October 5, 2026 |
| Vote-by-mail ballot request deadline | October 22, 2026 |
October 24 is the statewide mandatory starting date, but eligible voters in counties offering additional days may be able to vote beginning October 19.
Because county schedules can differ, voters should confirm the opening date, hours, and locations published by their local election officials.
Why Do Early Voting Dates Differ Across Florida?
Florida establishes a mandatory early voting period, but county election officials can offer additional early voting days within the period permitted by state law.
As a result, voters in different parts of Florida may have different opportunities to vote before Election Day.
For example, published 2026 schedules include the following county arrangements:
- Broward County: Early voting is scheduled for October 19 through November 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Monroe County: Early voting is scheduled for October 19 through October 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- St. Johns County: Early voting is scheduled for October 21 through October 31, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
These schedules illustrate why voters should not assume that another county’s starting date or hours apply to their own location.
Always verify the latest schedule with your county Supervisor of Elections before making plans.
How to Find Early Voting Locations in Florida
Finding an authorized early voting location is an important step before heading to the polls. Florida voters can use the state’s official election resources or contact their county Supervisor of Elections.
Follow these steps to locate an early voting site:
- Visit the Florida Division of Elections website.
- Find the early voting and secure ballot intake stations information.
- Select the information for the 2026 General Election.
- Check your county’s published early voting locations, dates, and operating hours.
- Confirm the address and schedule before leaving home.
You can also visit the official Florida early voting information page for statewide guidance.
Eligible registered voters generally may vote at any designated early voting site within their county of registration during the authorized period. This flexibility can help people who live or work far from their assigned Election Day precinct.
However, an early voting location used during a previous election may not necessarily be available for the 2026 General Election. Make sure you are checking the current election schedule.
What Time Does Early Voting Start in Florida?
Early voting hours vary by county and may differ between locations. Some Florida counties open their early voting sites at 7 a.m., while others begin at 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m., or another designated time.
For example, Broward County’s published schedule lists voting hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monroe County lists 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., while St. Johns County lists 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
These are county-specific arrangements rather than statewide operating hours. Check your county’s official calendar to determine when your preferred location opens and closes.
If you plan to vote before work, during a lunch break, or after other commitments, verify the opening and closing times in advance. Do not rely on a schedule published for another county.
Who Can Vote Early in Florida?
Early voting is available to eligible, registered Florida voters. You do not need to wait until November 3 to cast your ballot if an authorized early voting location is open in your county.
The early voting process allows voters to complete their ballots in person before Election Day using the voting equipment provided at designated locations.
Florida’s voter registration deadline for the November 2026 General Election was October 5, 2026. That deadline has passed. Voters who are already registered can check their voter information through official state or county election resources.
If you recently moved, changed your name, or have questions about your registration record, contact your county Supervisor of Elections promptly to determine whether any updates are needed.
What Should You Bring to Vote Early in Florida?
Florida generally requires voters to present an acceptable photo identification document with a signature when voting in person.
Examples of acceptable identification include:
- Florida driver’s license.
- Florida identification card issued by the state.
- U.S. passport.
- Debit or credit card.
- Military identification.
- Student identification.
- Retirement center identification.
- Public assistance identification.
- Veteran health identification issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Employee identification issued by a government entity.
- Other identification documents permitted under Florida law.
If your photo identification does not contain your signature, you may need to present another acceptable document that does.
Review Florida’s current voter identification requirements before visiting an early voting site. If you do not have an acceptable identification document, contact your county election office for guidance on the procedures available to you.
Early Voting vs. Election Day Voting in Florida
Florida provides eligible voters with different ways to participate in the General Election. Understanding the options can help voters choose a method that fits their schedules.
| Voting method | When to vote | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Early voting | Starting October 19 in participating counties, with the mandatory period beginning October 24 | Vote at an authorized early voting location in your county |
| Election Day voting | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | Vote at your assigned polling location |
| Vote by mail | Request and return a ballot according to election rules | Follow the applicable request and ballot receipt deadlines |
For Election Day voting, Florida polls are scheduled to open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. local time. Florida includes both Eastern and Central time zones, so the local time in your county matters.
Early voting can be particularly convenient for people who want to avoid waiting until Election Day. It also provides flexibility for voters whose work schedules, family responsibilities, or transportation arrangements make voting on November 3 difficult.
Can You Vote Early on Sunday in Florida?
Yes, if your county offers early voting on Sunday and the designated location is open.
November 1, 2026, is an optional additional early voting day under Florida’s election calendar. Counties may choose to offer voting on that date, but Sunday availability is not identical throughout the state.
Broward County, for example, has published a schedule extending through November 1. Other counties may conclude their early voting periods on October 31.
Before visiting a polling location on Sunday, check the official county calendar to verify that voting is available and confirm the operating hours.
What Is the Deadline to Register to Vote in Florida?
The voter registration deadline for Florida’s November 3, 2026, General Election was October 5, 2026.
Florida generally requires voters to register at least 29 days before an election. Because the deadline has passed, voters who are already registered should check their registration information and confirm the county responsible for their voter record.
Anyone with questions about registration status, a recent move, or a name change should contact their county Supervisor of Elections as soon as possible. Election officials can explain the requirements that apply to the voter’s circumstances.
When Is the Last Day to Vote Early in Florida?
The last day of Florida’s mandatory early voting period for the 2026 General Election is Saturday, October 31.
Some counties may provide an additional early voting day on Sunday, November 1. Therefore, the final opportunity to vote early depends on the schedule established by your county.
If your county does not offer early voting on November 1, eligible voters can generally still cast their ballots on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, at their assigned polling locations.
Do not wait until the last possible day without checking the schedule. Confirm the closing time of your preferred location and allow enough time to travel and complete the voting process.
How to Prepare for Florida Early Voting in 2026
Planning ahead can make the voting process easier and help you avoid unnecessary delays.
First, confirm that your voter registration information is correct. Next, locate an authorized early voting site in your county and check its operating dates and hours. Make sure you have an acceptable form of identification and allow sufficient time to complete your visit.
If you are deciding between early voting and Election Day voting, consider your work schedule, transportation, and the availability of convenient polling locations.
Official election websites are the most reliable places to verify changes to voting schedules, locations, and procedures. If you have a question that is not answered online, contact your county Supervisor of Elections directly.
Final Takeaway: When Does Early Voting Start in FL?
The answer to when does early voting start in FL depends on your county. For the 2026 General Election, October 19 is the earliest optional start date, while October 24 marks the beginning of Florida’s mandatory early voting period. The mandatory period ends October 31, and some counties may also offer voting on November 1.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Before heading to the polls, verify your county’s schedule, confirm the voting location, and bring an acceptable form of identification. Checking official election information is the best way to avoid an unnecessary trip and prepare to cast your ballot.
Have you checked your county’s early voting dates for the 2026 Florida election? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay updated as election information becomes available.