(1) In any election or referendum in which only electors who are freeholders are qualified to vote, the regular registration books covering the precincts located within the geographical area in which the election or referendum is to be held shall be used.

(2) Qualification and registration of electors participating in a freeholder election or referendum subject to this section shall be the same as prescribed for voting in other elections under this code, and, in addition, each such elector shall submit a written declaration, verified pursuant to s. 92.525, affirming that the elector is a freeholder who is a qualified elector residing in the county, district, or municipality in which the election or referendum is to be held.

(3) Each registered elector who submits the written declaration giving a legal description, address, or location of property in the elector’s name which is not wholly exempt from taxation is entitled to vote in the election or referendum and is considered a freeholder.

(4) The actual costs of conducting a freeholder election or referendum subject to this section shall be paid by the county, district, or municipality requiring the election or referendum.

(5) A person may not vote in any county, district, or other election or referendum which is limited to a vote of the electors who are freeholders, unless the person is a freeholder and a qualified elector. A person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.—s. 1, ch. 9294, 1923; CGL 250; ss. 4, 6, 14, ch. 14715, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 457(4), (6), (14); s. 7, ch. 22858, 1945; s. 4, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 1, ch. 61-332; s. 5, ch. 65-240; s. 5, ch. 69-377; s. 12, ch. 77-175; s. 2, ch. 91-224; s. 548, ch. 95-147; s. 1, ch. 2012-156.

Note.—Former ss. 98.03, 103.04, 103.06, 103.14.