What time do polls open and close in Florida? What you need to know

If you didn’t vote early or by mail and you’re someone who prefers to go in person to the polls on Election Day, it’s important to know the voting hours ahead of time, confirm your polling place, and have the required ID ready.

Here are some key points you should know before heading out to vote this November 3.

What time do polls open and close in Florida?

Polling places in Florida open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. That means you have 12 hours to go to your assigned polling location.

But if you arrive before closing time and you’re already in line at 7:00 p.m., you’ll be allowed to vote—even if you end up casting your ballot after that time.

So if you’re waiting until the official closing time arrives, you should stay in line so you can exercise your right to vote.

Can I vote at any polling place?

Unlike early voting, on Election Day, you must go to the polling place assigned to your precinct.

That’s why it’s a good idea to check the location of your polling place before you leave home—especially since locations can change from one election to the next.

To vote in person, you must present a current, valid ID that includes a photo and signature.

Accepted forms of ID include:

• Florida driver’s license.
• Florida identification card.
• U.S. passport.
• Military ID.
• Student ID.
• Debit or credit card.
• Retirement center ID.
• Neighborhood association ID.
• Public assistance ID.
• Veteran Health Identification Card issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Florida concealed weapon license.
• Certain employee IDs issued by government entities.

If your photo ID doesn’t include your signature, you can present a second form of ID that does include it.

If you don’t have the required identification, that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to vote. In that case, you may be given a provisional ballot. Election officials will then determine whether the ballot can be counted based on the state’s requirements.

Before going to the polls, voters can check their voter information, confirm their polling place, and find other details through their county’s election officials.

This story was translated from Spanish with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An NBC6 digital editor reviewed the translation