Fort Myers Beach, Florida Public Records

Florida residents can register to vote online through the Florida Division of Elections at registertovoteflorida.gov, by mail using a Florida Voter Registration Application, or in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, any Lee County public library, or driver license office. The deadline falls 29 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, Florida residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated or convicted of a felony without civil rights restored. A valid Florida driver license number or Social Security number is required for registration. Municipal elections in the town cover Town Council seats, including the mayor position, which is elected directly. The council-manager form of government includes a mayor and six council members serving staggered terms. Municipal elections typically occur in even-numbered years on dates coordinated with county elections. The next elections are scheduled for 2026, with specific seats determined based on term expirations. Candidates for town offices file with the Lee County Supervisor of Elections, and ballot measures specific to the community appear only for registered voters with addresses within town limits. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the precinct finder tool at www.leeelections.com or by calling the Supervisor of Elections office. The county operates numerous polling locations throughout the area, with island residents typically assigned to vote at the Fort Myers Beach Community Center or other locations depending on precinct boundaries. Florida public records law makes extensive election information publicly accessible. The Lee County Supervisor of Elections maintains searchable voter registration lists showing registered voters' names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history - which elections they voted in, though not how they voted. Campaign finance reports for all candidates are available through the Florida Division of Elections website at dos.myflorida.com/elections for state-level races and through the Lee County Supervisor of Elections for local races. Complete election results by precinct are published after each election at www.leeelections.com. At the federal level, U.S. Senate Class III is up for election (currently held by Senator Marco Rubio, though this depends on his term status). All of Florida's 28 U.S. House seats will be on the ballot, with the town located in Florida's 19th Congressional District. Lee County constitutional officers including Sheriff, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, and Supervisor of Elections will appear on the 2026 ballot as these positions are elected every four years. County Commissioner seats for specific districts will also be decided. Town Council seats coming up for election in 2026 will be determined based on term schedules. Voters can access sample ballots specific to their address through the Lee County Supervisor of Elections website approximately 45 days before the election. Florida voters can request absentee ballots - called vote-by-mail ballots in the state - through several methods: online at www.leeelections.com, by phone at (239) 533-8683, by email, by mail, or in person at the Supervisor of Elections office. Vote-by-mail ballot requests are valid through the end of the calendar year of the second general election following the request, meaning voters must renew their request every two years. Ballots are mailed beginning approximately 40 days before each election. Completed ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmark does not count; must be received by 7:00 PM), by dropping off at any Lee County early voting location during early voting hours, at the Supervisor of Elections office, or at any polling place on Election Day. Florida law requires a signature on the ballot envelope that is matched against the voter's signature on file. Early voting in Lee County typically runs for 10-14 days before Election Day at multiple locations throughout Lee County, including locations on or near the island, with extended hours including evenings and weekends for voter convenience.