If an individual knowingly put a false address on their voter registration when they do not actually live there, it is a criminal offense.
Relevant Florida Statutes
| Statute | Violation | Classification | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| § 104.011, F.S. | False swearing or false information in an election matter (including voter registration or candidacy documents) | Third-degree felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or fine up to $5,000 |
| § 104.15, F.S. | False information given in connection with voter registration | Third-degree felony | Same as above |
| § 104.021, F.S. | False swearing as to qualifications of a candidate | Third-degree felony | Same as above |
Additional Real-World Consequences
- Immediate Election Impact
- The Martin County Supervisor of Elections can investigate and potentially remove him from the ballot if the challenge is substantiated.
- If he has already been elected, he can be removed from office through a quo warranto lawsuit in circuit court.
- Voter Registration Consequences
- Automatic cancellation of his voter registration in Indiantown.
- Possible criminal referral to the State Attorney’s Office.
- Civil / Public Consequences
- Public exposure and loss of credibility.
- Any election he wins could be challenged and overturned.
How Serious Is This in Practice?
Florida law treats false voter registration and false candidacy affidavits very seriously. While not every technical error leads to prosecution, a knowing falsehood (especially when tied to a high-profile candidacy) is routinely investigated by the Supervisor of Elections and can be referred to law enforcement.
Key point: The burden is on the challenger to provide evidence (property records, witness statements, marina records, etc.) showing the claimed address is not his actual physical residence. Once that evidence is presented, the Supervisor of Elections is required to review it.
One thought on “Let’s just say, for argument, that a person lies about their residency to obtain a voter registration card.”