Gov. DeSantis Declares Emergency as 12 Florida Counties Open Polls

Twelve counties across the Tampa Bay region opened their polls at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, marking the official start of Election Day. The region includes Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumter. Polls will remain open until 7 p.m. local time. Any voter standing in line at the close of business is permitted to cast a ballot.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency due to heavy rainfall and flash flooding. The order specifically impacts Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. This designation empowers local supervisors of elections to assign alternative locations if standard precinct sites become inaccessible.

Voters in the affected zones must verify their assigned polling place before departing for the polls. The Florida Department of State is currently tracking these site modifications. The department advises residents to contact their county Supervisor of Elections directly. This step is necessary because Election Day locations differ from early voting sites. During early voting periods, citizens could choose any designated facility within their county. On Tuesday, however, each voter is restricted to the specific site linked to their precinct.

Identification requirements remain strict for all in-person voters. Individuals must present a valid photo ID that includes a signature. If the primary ID lacks a signature, a second form of identification with a signature is required. Acceptable documents include a Florida driver's license, a U.S. passport, a debit or credit card, and military or student identification. A voter who cannot produce valid proof may cast a provisional ballot. Election officials will later determine if that ballot qualifies for the final count.

Pasco County is implementing a free transit program to assist voters. GoPasco buses will operate without charge from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. This service stems from a partnership between GoPasco transit officials and Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley. To board a bus, riders must show a valid Voter Information Card. The county provides updated route schedules on its online portal.

Hillsborough County, the region's most populous jurisdiction, requires voters to use the precinct finder tool to locate their specific site. The county offers this resource online alongside general Election Day information. Other counties, including Citrus, Hernando, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumter, list their specific precinct locations on their respective Supervisor of Elections websites. DeSoto and Hardee voters are also directed to their county websites for current polling data.

The Florida Division of Elections provides a state-wide precinct lookup tool. This tool helps residents confirm their assigned location before leaving home. The agency notes that the assigned site may differ from the location used during the early voting window. Voters are urged to check this information to avoid arriving at the wrong building on Election Day.