The City of Plant City has announced the candidate qualifying period and election details for the 2025 Municipal Election. Residents interested in running for City Commissioner, Group 1 or Group 2, should take note of the following key dates and requirements.
Candidate Qualifying Period
All qualifying paperwork and fees must be submitted no later than Noon, February 21, 2025. Candidates must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk’s Office when ready to submit their paperwork.
Election and Early Voting Details
- Election Date & Time: April 8, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Location: City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 302 W. Reynolds St., Plant City, FL 33563
- Early Voting Dates: April 4 & April 5, 2025 (Friday & Saturday) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Note: If a candidate runs unopposed, no election will be held for that seat.
- Who can Vote?: You must reside within the City of Plant City Limits to vote.
Candidate Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, candidates must:
- Be registered voters.
- Have all the qualifications of electors of the city.
- Be residents of Plant City for at least one (1) year at the time of qualifying.
Required Forms to Open a Campaign Account
Before opening a campaign bank account or accepting/spending any funds, candidates must file:
- Form DS-DE9 – Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository.
- Form DS-DE84 – Statement of Candidate (due within 10 days after filing Form DS-DE9).
Qualifying Fees
Candidates must submit the following fees by the end of the qualifying period:
- Election Assessment Fee: $97.42 (1% of the $9,741.59 annual salary).
- Filing Fee: $25.00.
Candidate Qualifying Packets
Packets containing all necessary information and forms are available for pickup at the City Clerk’s Office before qualifying week. These include:
- Form 1 Financial Disclosure
- Candidate Oath (Non-Partisan)
- Oath of Candidate Residency
- Appointment of Campaign Treasurer Forms
- Additional candidacy information.
Filing Officer Responsibilities
Florida Statutes 99.061(7)(c) state that the filing officer’s role is ministerial—they will review qualifying documents for completeness but cannot verify accuracy or provide legal advice. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that all required paperwork and fees are correctly submitted on time.
Final Notes for Candidates
Running for office requires an understanding of Florida election laws and the Plant City Charter. Candidates should thoroughly review all applicable laws and regulations to ensure compliance. For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (813) 659-4200 Ext. 4237.
Stay informed and participate in shaping the future of Plant City!
Plant City Insider 
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