TALLAHASSEE, FL (VINnews)-Florida lawmakers have sent a sweeping election integrity bill — widely described as the state’s own version of the federal SAVE America Act — to Governor Ron DeSantis, who has confirmed he will sign it into law.

The legislation, House Bill 991 (HB 991), passed the Florida House on a 77-28 vote and the Senate 27-12 on March 12-13, 2026, largely along party lines. It strengthens voter registration requirements and reinforces paper-based voting processes.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Fortified Citizenship Verification: The bill requires proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. Acceptable documents include a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will cross-check citizenship status against its records. Unverified applicants may be flagged and required to provide additional documentation or cast provisional ballots.

Paper Ballots as Default: The measure redefines ballots as printed sheets of paper marked by pen (marksense ballots) for tabulation. It emphasizes voter-verifiable paper records while maintaining accessibility options for voters with disabilities.

Updated Voter ID Rules: Certain forms of identification, such as student IDs and some public assistance cards, will no longer be accepted at the polls. The changes aim to standardize and secure identification requirements.

The new requirements are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, after the 2026 midterm elections.

Governor DeSantis’ Stance

Governor DeSantis has strongly backed the bill, stating on social media: “The Florida version of the SAVE Act is about to pass the Legislature. Although Florida has already enacted much of what the federal legislation contemplates, this will further fortify our state as the leader in election integrity.”

He is expected to sign the bill promptly upon receipt.

Context and Reactions

The Florida bill mirrors core elements of the federal Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, championed by President Donald Trump, which has faced hurdles in the U.S. Senate. Florida Republicans positioned the state measure as a proactive step to enhance election security at the state level.

Supporters hail it as common-sense reform that protects the integrity of elections. Critics, including voting rights groups and Democrats, argue the changes could create barriers for eligible voters — particularly students, seniors, low-income individuals, and those who have changed names — by imposing additional documentation hurdles.

VINnews will continue to monitor developments as Governor DeSantis signs the legislation and implementation plans move forward.