The Florida Department of State manages Florida’s elections, corporations, public libraries and archives, and historical and cultural resources.
Tallahassee, FL
Joined March 2019
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Florida Secretary of State @CordByrd announced today that the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Palatka, Putnam County, has been listed in the @NatlParkService's National Register of Historic Places.
“As one of Florida’s oldest active churches, St. Mary’s remains an important part of Palatka’s community,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Placement in the National Register of Historic Places puts this church in the company of our state’s most treasured landmarks, highlighting its unique history.”
Learn more here: dos.fl.gov/communications/pr…
The first unofficial returns for the 2026 General Election have been posted at Floridaelectionwatch.gov.
By statute, a machine recount is ordered if the margin is ½ of 1 percent or less of total votes cast. A machine recount will be held in the following races: Congressional District 27 (Miami-Dade) and House District 33 (Brevard).
Results will not be official until the Elections Canvassing Commission certifies them on November 17, 2026.
Secretary of State @CordByrd Selects Havana Main Street as the Florida Main Street Spotlight!
“I am happy to recognize Havana Main Street as the Florida Main Street Spotlight for their continued efforts to be ‘Florida’s Friendliest Small Town’,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Through their partnership with local government, this ensures the lasting vibrancy of the historic downtown, providing support and legitimacy to the initiative.”
Learn more about Havana Main Street here: dos.fl.gov/communications/pr…
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#OTD in 1927, John Ringling would select Sarasota as his circus’s winter headquarters, due to an abundance of land and the amicable climate.
In Sarasota, Ringling would build a Venetian mansion to display his expansive baroque art collection. For his many contributions to performance and fine art, Ringling was inducted into the @CultureBuildsFL Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 1987, which you can learn more about at dos.fl.gov/cultural/programs….
Image Credit- @FLMemory #COM05619
Check your polling location before heading to the polls!
Florida voters impacted by flash flooding should check with their local Supervisor of Elections for possible polling place updates. For contact information, click here: dos.elections.myflorida.com/… urldefense.com/v3/__https:/u…$.
The Department of State is updating its website as changes are reported to us by the Supervisors. See our website here: dos.fl.gov/elections/for-vot… urldefense.com/v3/__https:/u…$.
Polls are open until 7 p.m. local time and voters in line at that time will be able to cast a ballot.
Attention: Florida Voters Impacted by Flash Flooding, Check Your Polling Place Location Before you Head to the Polls!
If you live in an area that’s been impacted, please check with your local Supervisor of Elections for possible polling place changes. For contact information, click here: dos.elections.myflorida.com/…
The Department of State is updating its website as changes are reported to us by the Supervisors. See our website here: dos.fl.gov/elections/for-vot…
Secretary of State @CordByrd has met with each of Florida’s 67 Supervisors of Elections and Division of Elections staff members are stationed throughout the state, as they are for all statewide elections.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Do you know where your polling place is? See where you vote on Election Day here: dos.fl.gov/elections/for-vot…
Secretary of State @CordByrd wants you to be confident in the accuracy of Florida elections!
In his role as Florida’s Chief Elections Officer, he travels throughout the state meeting with local Supervisors of Elections to ensure Florida is ready on Election Day this Tuesday, November 3. Florida has zero tolerance for fraud or election law violations, so you can be sure that your vote matters!
Learn more about Florida elections here: dos.fl.gov/elections/
Happy Halloween!
These doll parts are some of the creepier artifacts held in the Division of Historical Resources’ Archaeological Collections. Found at sites near Pensacola, they date between 1850-1920 and were likely imported from Italy or Germany. The figurine was a popular toy called a ‘Frozen Charlie’ based on a folk legend of a young man who refused to wear his coat and froze to death on a sleigh ride. The ‘Frozen Charlie’ is a bath toy and would float like an ice cube!
Learn more about our archaeological collections at this here: dos.fl.gov/historical/archae…
Secretary of State @CordByrd and Department of State staff have been working hard getting ready for the November 3, 2026, General Election. As they do for every statewide election, Division of Elections staff are deployed throughout Florida making sure all election laws and procedures are followed. Learn more about Florida elections here: dos.fl.gov/elections/
ICYMI: Secretary of State Cord Byrd gives an update on Florida elections
Florida secretary of state discusses election security ahead of midterms - ABC News - abcnews.com/video/137720073/ via @ABC
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Florida is prepared for the November 3, 2026, General Election!
Secretary of State @CordByrd continues to work closely with local Supervisors of Elections and, as always, Department of State, Division of Elections staff, are deployed throughout Florida to ensure all election laws and procedures are followed.
We encourage all eligible voters to get out and vote! More information is available here: dos.fl.gov/elections/for-vot….
Secretary of State Cord Byrd dropped in on the Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office today to observe preparations as we head to Election Day!
Florida is in the home stretch of the 2026 election. Department of State employees will be deployed in counties across the state, just as they are every election, to ensure that all voting procedures are followed and to promptly address any issues that may arise. Now is the time for every citizen to do their part and head to the polls! 🗳️🇺🇸
Secretary of State Cord Byrd met with @JapanCons_Miami Consul General Junya Nakano and Japanese business leaders at the SEUS/Japan 48th Annual Joint Meeting this week with @SelectFLA and @FloridaSeus.
“Florida’s strong relationship with Japan continues to grow,” said Secretary of State @CordByrd. “I am grateful for our friendship and eager to create additional opportunities for economic expansion.”
Florida is home to more than 160 Japanese companies including Mitsubishi, MUFG, JETRO and Hitachi. These companies employ more than 22,000 Floridians. With ten Sister City and a Sister State agreement with Wakayama, Florida has hosted numerous Japanese artists and exhibits over the years.
For more information about the Division of Arts and Culture, @CultureBuildsFL, Office of International Affairs, visit: dos.fl.gov/cultural/about-us….
Thank you, Governor DeSantis for honoring John Anderson, who was a 2025 Florida Artists Hall of Fame inductee.
Today I issued an Executive Order designating “Seminole Wind” by John Anderson as the official anthem of Florida.
I have also directed the @FLSecofState to erect historic markers in the City of Apopka depicting John Anderson’s contribution to Florida’s heritage.
In addition, I have tasked @FLDEPNews to work with the @SJRWMD to designate wildlife drive and trail system within Lake Apopka North Shore as the John Anderson Wildlife Drive and Trail System.
Secretary of State @CordByrd Provides Election Readiness Update for the November 3rd General Election
“Early voting is now occurring statewide and Floridians from the panhandle through the peninsula are exercising their right to vote, and it is our duty to ensure every election is administered efficiently and with high integrity,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “This includes reminding all county supervisors of elections of their constitutional and statutory responsibilities and ensuring all voters that may attempt to violate Florida election law are held accountable. The integrity of free elections is a cornerstone to our Republic, and in Florida, we will uphold the rule of law.”
More here: dos.fl.gov/communications/pr…
Florida loves the Tampa Bay Rays!
On March 9, 1995, Tampa was awarded the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as the 13th Major League Baseball Expansion Team and played their first game a year later. Tonight, history will be made again as the Tampa Bay Rays play in the first game of the World Series.
Good luck @RaysBaseball! We are cheering for you!
Photo credit: Henderson, Joe and Bill Chastain. “Hoo-Rays!” Tampa Tribune (Tampa, FL), March 10, 1995.
ICYMI
More non-citizen voting arrests.
Pull quote:
“All voted despite knowing that they were not citizens of the United States.”
These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of State - Office of Election Crimes, and the Hernando County Supervisor of Elections. They are being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jerry M. Harre.
justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/six…
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ICYMI regarding a recent news story and Florida's paper ballot requirement
This report leaves out significant information. Florida law already requires paper ballots and Supervisors are obligated to provide voters a paper ballot.
This is why at my urging the Legislature passed the Florida SAVE Act which strengthened the primacy of paper ballots in Florida.
The machines in the reporting are required by Federal law under the ADA they are meant for people with disabilities not for all voters.
If any voter feels pressured to use the ADA machines in Duval or any other county they should immediately contact the Department of State.
instagram.com/reel/De1M6qpkf…
If you need an easy way to cast your ballot following Hurricane Isaias, early voting is a great option and is underway in Escambia, Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties. Find times and locations by contacting your local Supervisor of Elections Office.
@EscambiaVotes: escambiavotes.gov/early-voti… or call (850) 595-3900
Okaloosa County: voteokaloosa.gov/voters/vote… or call (850) 689-5600
Santa Rosa County: votesantarosa.gov/election-i… call (850) 983-1900
Walton County: votewalton.gov/ways-to-vote/… or call (850) 892-8112
Florida’s mandatory early voting period is October 24 to October 31
