Whether your views have changed, you want to vote in a different primary, or just update your records, changing your political party in Florida is your right—and the process is surprisingly simple. In Florida, your party registration decides which primary you can vote in (because it’s a “closed primary” state), so keeping your affiliation up to date matters if you want your vote to count in the races you care about most.
Florida’s Closed Primary System: What Does It Mean?
In Florida, only voters registered with a specific political party can vote in that party’s primary election. If you want to participate in a Republican, Democratic, or third-party primary, your registration must match. If you’re registered as “No Party Affiliation” (NPA), you’ll sit out the primaries except for nonpartisan races. This makes party changes important—especially before big elections.
Step 1: Check Your Voter Registration Status
First, make sure you know your current registration and address. You can quickly check this online using Florida’s official portal:
Check Voter Status
Step 2: Go to Florida’s Online Voter Registration
Florida makes it easy to update your registration—including your political party—online. Here’s where to start:
Florida Online Voter Registration
Step 3: Update Your Registration (Including Party Affiliation)
- On the website, click “Register or Update” and follow the instructions.
- Enter your information exactly as it appears on your Florida driver’s license or state ID (this helps the system find your record).
- When you get to the “Party Affiliation” section, pick your new party: Democrat, Republican, Independent (called “No Party Affiliation” in Florida), or a minor party of your choice.
- Review your info, then submit. You’ll get a confirmation number at the end—save it just in case.
Step 4: Prefer Paper? You Can Mail or Deliver a Form
- Download a Florida Voter Registration Application (PDF).
- Fill out all your details, check the box for “Record Update/Change,” and pick your new party under “Party Affiliation.”
- Mail or deliver it to your county Supervisor of Elections office. You can also update in person at DMV offices, public libraries, or many public assistance agencies.
Step 5: Mind the Deadline!
To vote in your new party’s next primary, you must submit your party change at least 29 days before the election. If you miss the deadline, your new party will not take effect until after that election—so don’t wait if you want to vote in the next primary!
Step 6: Confirm Your Party Change
Within a few weeks, you should get a new voter information card in the mail showing your updated party. You can also check your status anytime online. If you spot any errors or don’t see your change, call your Supervisor of Elections right away—they’re there to help.
FAQs: Florida Political Party Changes
- How often can I change my party? As often as you like—there’s no limit, as long as it’s before the deadline.
- Does it cost anything? Never! Changing your voter registration is free.
- Will my party be public? Party affiliation is part of your public voter record, but no one ever sees how you voted—just which party you’re registered with.
- What if I moved? Update your address at the same time as your party to keep your registration current.
- What if I want to be “independent”? In Florida, select “No Party Affiliation” (NPA) to be truly independent.
Final Thoughts: It’s Your Choice, Your Voice
Changing your political party in Florida is quick, easy, and always your decision. Just remember the 29-day rule, double-check your details, and keep your card handy. If you need help, your local Supervisor of Elections office is a great resource.
Whether you’re switching sides, going independent, or just keeping things current, your registration should reflect your real voice. Take a few minutes today, and you’ll be ready for the next election that matters to you!