Political Committee - Handbook & Forms

A picture of an American Flag on the Beach during sunrise

A political committee means:

1. A combination of two or more individuals, or a person other than an individual, that, in an aggregate amount in excess of $500 during a single calendar year:

Accepts contributions for the purpose of making contributions to any candidate, political committee, affiliated party committee or political party;
Accepts contributions for the purpose of expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate or issue;
Makes expenditures that expressly advocate the election or defeat of a candidate or issue; or
Makes contributions to a common fund, other than a joint checking account between spouses, from which contributions are made to any candidate, political committee, or political party.

2. The sponsor of a proposed constitutional amendment by initiative who intends to seek signatures of registered electors. (Section 106.011(16), F.S.)

Where to file as a political committee in the City of Marco Island:

A political committee supporting or opposing municipal candidates or issues must file with the Marco Island City Clerk - City Hall, 50 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, Fl 34145 (239) 389-5010.

Important Documents

1. Political Committee Handbook: https://files.floridados.gov/media/706952/political-committee-handbook_2024-9-23-1.pdf

2. Statement of Organization of Political Committee (DS-DE 5): https://files.floridados.gov/media/693630/dsde5.pdf

Section 106.03(1), (2), and (4), F.S. states that the Statement of Organization of Political Committee (DS-DE 5 form) must be filed within 10 days after the committee receives contributions or makes expenditures in excess of $500, or seeks the signatures of registered voters in support of an initiative. If a political committee is organized within 10 days of any election, it shall immediately file the Statement of Organization. The form is considered “filed” only when the filing officer receives the form and determines that the form is complete with original signatures.)

3. Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository (DS-DE 6): https://files.floridados.gov/media/693239/dsde06.pdf

Section 106.021, F.S. states that the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository (DS-DE 6 Form) must accompany the Statement of Organization and is effective when signed by both the campaign treasurer and chairperson. The original document is filed with the filing officer. This appointment is considered “filed” only when the filing officer receives the original form (not upon its mailing) and determines that form is complete with original written signatures. A political committee must have one campaign treasurer and may appoint up to three deputy treasurers. Deputy campaign treasurers are appointed in the same manner as the campaign treasurer by filing Form DS-DE 6 with the filing officer.

4. Registered Agent Statement of Appointment (DS-DE 41): https://files.floridados.gov/media/693270/dsde41.pdf

Section 106.022, F.S. states that each political committee shall have and continuously maintain in this state a registered office and a registered agent. The political committee must file the Registered Agent Statement of Appointment at the same time the committee files the Statement of Organization of Political Committee. A political committee may change the registered agent appointment by filing Form DS-DE 41 indicating it is a “change of appointment.” A registered agent may also resign their appointment by filing a written statement of resignation with the filing officer. A political committee without a registered agent may not make expenditures or accept contributions until Form DS-DE 41 has been filed with the filing officer