Election Information

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Florida Division of Elections

Broward County Supervisor of Elections

Broward County Supervisor of Elections - For voter registration, absentee ballots, how to vote, etc.

Election Results

January 16, 2018 Fort Lauderdale Primary Election

March 13, 2018 Municipal General Election

Election results are available on the Broward County Supervisor of Elections' website at Election Results

Next Municipal Elections

Special Election and Bond Referendum - Tuesday, March 12, 2019 - Ballot Questions pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

What role does the City Clerk's Office play in municipal elections?

The City Clerk serves as the qualifying officer for candidates for the offices of mayor-commissioner and commissioner. Qualification documents and all campaign financial reports are filed with the City Clerk. The City Clerk's Office works in cooperation with the Broward County Supervisor of Elections on other election matters.

To obtain Fort Lauderdale municipal election information, call 954-828-5002 to schedule an appointment

What offices are elected in the City of Fort Lauderdale?

The Mayor and four City Commissioners are the elected officials of the City of Fort Lauderdale. The Mayor is elected at-large and the City Commissioners are elected from each of the four districts. The three-year terms run concurrently, and all are up for election at the same time.

How often are elections?

Elections are held every three years, and every seat is up for election at the same time. The primary election is held the second Tuesday in February, only if there are more than two candidates running for the same office. If such is the case and one candidate wins with 50% + 1 vote, then he/she is automatically elected; if not, then the two top candidates are placed on the ballot for the general election, which is held the second Tuesday in March. If, however, there are only two candidates running for the same seat, then they run only in the March election. In the case where no one qualifies to run for office against an incumbent, then he/she is automatically elected.

How can I register to vote?

To register to vote, you must be a US citizen and 18 years of age or older. For more information, contact Broward County Supervisor of Elections, Outreach Services, at 954-357-7050.

What are the requirements to run for office?

For the office of Mayor, a qualified candidate must be a resident for a minimum of six months immediately preceding the date of the election. Such candidate must also be a registered voter, at least 21 years of age, and a citizen of the United States. For the office of City Commissioner, a qualified candidate must be a resident of the City of Fort Lauderdale for a minimum of six months immediately preceding the date of the election, and must reside in the district on the day of qualifying. He/she must also be a registered voter, at least 21 years of age, and a citizen of the United States. No candidate is allowed to hold any other public elective office, and cannot be an officer, employee, or serve in any capacity with the City government (except a City Commissioner running for the office of Mayor).

Is there a charge to run for office?

Yes. The City of Fort Lauderdale charges $100 for administrative costs, and the State of Florida charges one percent (1%) of the Mayor or City Commissioner salary, which is collected through the City. Thus, the filing fee to run for Mayor is $450 and $400 for City Commissioner.

Are parties of candidates mentioned in elections?

No. All City elections are conducted on a nonpartisan basis; that is, references to party affiliation are not permitted on any campaign literature and do not appear on the ballot.

Campaign Contributions

On May 7, 2002, the City Commission adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 12 of the City of Fort Lauderdale Code of Ordinances, creating campaign contribution limits and prohibiting contributions from specified entities and organizations in Fort Lauderdale municipal elections for Mayor-Commissioner and City Commissioner. Candidates for municipal election and their campaign treasurers should become familiar with these new regulations. Read the new Campaign Contributions Ordinance pdf