(1) All polling places must be accessible and usable by people with disabilities, as provided in this section.

(2) Only those polling places complying with the Florida Americans With Disabilities Accessibility Implementation Act, ss. 553.501-553.513, for all portions of the polling place or the structure in which it is located that voters traverse going to and from the polling place and during the voting process, regardless of the age or function of the building, shall be used for federal, state, and local elections.

(3) The selection of a polling site must ensure accessibility with respect to the following accessible elements, spaces, scope, and technical requirements: accessible route, space allowance and reach ranges, protruding objects, ground and floor surfaces, parking and passenger loading zones, curb ramps, ramps, stairs, elevators, platform lifts, doors, entrances, path of egress, controls and operating mechanisms, signage, and all other minimum requirements.

(4) Standards required at each polling place, regardless of the age of the building or function of the building, include:

(a) For polling places that provide parking spaces for voters, one or more signed accessible parking spaces for disabled persons.

(b) Signage identifying an accessible path of travel to the polling place if it differs from the primary route or entrance.

(c) An unobstructed path of travel to the polling place.

(d) Level, firm, stable, and slip-resistant surfaces.

(e) An unobstructed area for voting.

(f) Sufficient lighting along the accessible path of travel and within the polling place.

(5) The Department of State may adopt rules in accordance with s. 120.54 which are necessary to administer this section.

History.—s. 1, ch. 76-50; s. 16, ch. 2002-281.