Recount Procedure & Fees - Jacksonville, FL

Elections and Campaign Finance Florida 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Florida

In Jacksonville, Florida, candidates and voters sometimes need to request a recount after a close municipal election. This guide explains who administers recounts, the usual steps to request one, where to find official guidance, and practical actions to file, pay, or appeal. It summarizes the roles of the Duval County Supervisor of Elections and the Florida Division of Elections and notes when state law controls timelines and methods.

Overview of Recount Types

Recounts in Florida can include machine recounts and manual recounts; the state sets statutory procedures and the local Supervisor of Elections implements them for Jacksonville/Consolidated Duval County.

Who Administers Recounts

  • The Duval County Supervisor of Elections administers local recounts and coordinates with the Florida Division of Elections.
  • Contact the Supervisor of Elections for Duval County for filing instructions and local deadlines.

For statewide procedural rules and statutory authority, consult the Florida Division of Elections guidance and state statutes. See the official recount guidance for statewide rules and timelines Florida Division of Elections - Recounts[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Recount procedures themselves are administrative and supervised by election officials; disciplinary or criminal penalties for interference come from state law. Specific monetary fines or daily penalties for recount-related violations are addressed under applicable statutes or enforcement rules.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: statutory thresholds and whether a recount is automatic or candidate-initiated are set by state law and implementing guidance; specific escalation amounts or tiers are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to recount, impoundment of ballots, or court orders may be used; precise remedies depend on the statute and court rulings.
  • Enforcer: Duval County Supervisor of Elections enforces local recount actions; the Florida Division of Elections provides statewide oversight and guidance. For local contact, use the Supervisor of Elections office.
  • Appeals/review: contested recount outcomes may be reviewable in Florida courts; the cited guidance does not list exact time limits for appeals.
Start by contacting the Duval County Supervisor of Elections immediately after unofficial results appear close.

Applications & Forms

Local procedures for submitting a recount request and any required form or fee are published by the Supervisor of Elections; statewide guidance describes recount types but specific form names or fee amounts are not listed on the cited page.

  • Form name/number: not specified on the cited page.
  • Fee: not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: typically filed with the Supervisor of Elections; check local office for exact method and deadline.

Common Violations and Typical Responses

  • Failure to preserve ballots or chain of custody — may prompt orders to preserve materials and potential court involvement.
  • Improper handling of ballots during recount — could result in recount corrections or judicial review.
  • Unlawful interference with votes or tallying — criminal or civil penalties under state law may apply; see statutes for specifics.
If a recount is requested, act quickly: local officials and courts apply strict timelines.

How to Prepare Evidence

Keep contemporaneous records: copy of unofficial results, correspondence with election officials, witness statements, and any documentation showing irregularities. Deliver documented requests and evidence to the Supervisor of Elections according to local instructions.

FAQ

Who can request a recount in Jacksonville?
Typically a candidate or an elector with standing under Florida law may request or trigger a recount; check the Supervisor of Elections for local filing rules.
Are recounts automatic or requested?
Some recounts may be automatic when margins meet statutory thresholds; candidate-requested recounts are also possible. The Division of Elections explains the general rules and when recounts occur. [1]
How much does a recount cost?
Costs and fees are determined under local procedures or statute; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Confirm unofficial results and preserve any relevant documents and ballots.
  2. Contact the Duval County Supervisor of Elections immediately to request official instructions.
  3. File the recount request per the Supervisor's instructions, including any required form and payment if applicable.
  4. Attend scheduled recount procedures or hearings, and submit any evidence you rely on to the official record.
  5. If dissatisfied, seek judicial review in the appropriate Florida court within the applicable statutory timeframe.

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly: timelines for recounts and appeals are strict.
  • Work directly with the Duval County Supervisor of Elections for local procedures.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Florida Division of Elections - Recounts

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