Hollywood, FL Recount & Audit Request Guide

Elections and Campaign Finance Florida 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Florida

In Hollywood, Florida municipal election results are administered and canvassed at the county level; candidates and voters should begin by contacting the Broward County Supervisor of Elections for recount or audit procedures[1]. This guide explains typical steps, who enforces local rules, timelines for filing challenges, appeal routes, and where to find official forms. The city charter delegates conduct and certification of municipal election results to the appropriate canvassing authorities and county officials; specific local steps and fees are set by county and state election rules and by the canvassing board processes current as of February 2026.

What a recount or audit is

A recount is a formal re-tabulation of ballots to confirm the vote count in a specific contest. An audit is an examination of procedures, equipment, or selected ballots to verify the integrity of the election process. Both may be triggered automatically under law or requested by candidates or voters where permitted.

Contact the Broward County Supervisor of Elections early if you believe an error occurred.

Who is responsible

  • Broward County Supervisor of Elections administers canvassing, recounts, and certification for municipal contests within Broward County.
  • The local Canvassing Board hears challenges and orders recounts or audits when law or circumstance requires.
  • The City of Hollywood charter and municipal code set local election offices and coordination points but typically defer recount mechanics to county/state rules.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of recount, audit, and election-procedure rules is primarily through the canvassing process and, where applicable, court review. Financial penalties specifically tied to requesting or conducting recounts or audits are not consistently published at the municipal level; see the official county election authority for fees and cost-allocation rules.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct procedures, certification delays, referral to court for contested results, and contempt or sanctions through judicial proceedings are possible.
  • Enforcer: Canvassing Board and the Broward County Supervisor of Elections handle inspections, recounts, and certification; contested matters may proceed to circuit court.
  • Appeals and time limits: specific filing deadlines for contests, appeals, or petitions are governed by county/state election rules and are not specified on the cited page; act promptly and consult the supervisor of elections for exact limits.
  • Defences/discretion: canvassing boards and election officials have discretion to order audits or accept explanatory affidavits, and administrative variances or judicial relief may apply.
If you plan to contest a result, preserve evidence and record dates and communications.

Applications & Forms

Required forms and fees for requesting a recount or audit are administered by the Broward County Supervisor of Elections. The specific form name or number and any filing fee are not specified on the cited page; contact the supervisor of elections or visit their official forms page to obtain the current petition or affidavit and submission instructions.

How recounts and audits typically proceed

  • Initial certification: votes are canvassed and results are certified by the canvassing board on scheduled dates.
  • Request or trigger: a recount may be triggered automatically under law or by a formal request; the supervisor of elections advises on required petitions.
  • Review: ballots and equipment are re-tabulated or audited under controlled conditions with authorized observers.
  • Certification: the canvassing board certifies corrected totals or maintains original results if the recount confirms them.
Canvassing board meetings and recount actions are public unless security or integrity concerns require otherwise.

Action steps for candidates and voters

  • Contact the Broward County Supervisor of Elections immediately to request forms, confirm deadlines, and learn about fees[1].
  • File any required petition or affidavit within the time limit provided by the supervisor of elections or statute.
  • Be prepared to pay any filing fee or to request a waiver if the law provides one; check the official forms page for current amounts.
  • Preserve all ballots, records, chain-of-custody documentation, and any physical evidence that supports your challenge.
  • If a recount is denied or results remain contested, consult counsel and consider petitioning the circuit court for relief within statutory deadlines.

FAQ

Who can request a recount in Hollywood municipal elections?
Typically a candidate or a voter with standing may request a recount, but the Broward County Supervisor of Elections and the canvassing board determine the formal process and eligibility; check with the supervisor of elections for details and required forms[1].
Is there a fee to request a recount?
Any fee amount or cost-allocation rule is set by the election authority and is not specified on the cited page; contact the Broward County Supervisor of Elections for current fees and payment procedures[1].
How long do I have to appeal a canvassing decision?
Appeal deadlines and routes typically follow county and state election rules and may require prompt filing; the exact time limits are not specified on the cited page, so contact the supervisor of elections immediately[1].

How-To

  1. Contact the Broward County Supervisor of Elections to report the issue and request the official recount/audit form.[1]
  2. Complete and sign the required petition or affidavit, attaching any supporting evidence or sworn statements.
  3. Pay any required filing fee or request fee waiver if allowed by the authority; obtain a receipt and filing confirmation.
  4. Attend any scheduled canvassing board meeting or hearing as directed; bring identification and proof of standing.
  5. If the administrative route is exhausted, prepare and file a timely petition in the appropriate circuit court to seek judicial review.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the Broward County Supervisor of Elections immediately after identifying a potential error.
  • Obtain and submit the official petition or affidavit and keep copies of all filings.
  • Deadlines are strict; act promptly and confirm time limits with official sources.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Broward County Supervisor of Elections - official site

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