Section 63 of the City Charter establishes that citizens who live within the city limits and are registered voters are eligible to receive a refund when they contribute to a candidate running for the City Commission or mayor's office. In addition, the candidate must meet all legal requirements of the Tallahassee City Code of General Ordinances. A list of candidates running for office is available on the Leon County Supervisor of Elections website. The maximum refund for an individual is $25.00. No individual may file more than one claim per election cycle, which is January 1, 2023, to November 5, 2024.
To receive a refund, the contributor must do one of the following:
- Submit a completed Electronic Refund Claim Form with a copy of a receipt(s) from the candidate's principal campaign committee by January 20, 2025.
- Email a completed Refund Claim Form with a copy of a receipt(s) from the candidate's principal campaign committee by January 20, 2025, to ethics@talgov.com.
- Mail a completed Refund Claim Form with a copy of a receipt(s) from the candidate's principal campaign committee by January 20, 2025, to the address on the form.
The Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board administers the refund program. Once the office receives the claim form and receipt, they will verify eligibility, and the City of Tallahassee will send a refund. Claimants should allow up to forty-five days to receive it.
For more information, send an email to ethics@talgov.com or call 850-545-5756.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the City of Tallahassee have a Campaign Contribution Refund Program?
In November 2014, City voters passed a Charter Amendment that established the Independent Ethics Board and the refund program.
Who may obtain a refund?
Registered voters who live within the Tallahassee city limits may obtain a refund.
Who pays for the refund to eligible citizens?
The payments come from the City's general revenue funds.
I donated to a candidate but gave more than $25. Can I get back the entire amount?
No. The maximum amount for refunds is $25.
I donated to a candidate in 2022. May I get a refund of that contribution?
No. Refunds are limited to contributions made during the election cycle, which is January 1, 2023, to November 5, 2024.
I donated to several candidates. May I get a refund for all of those contributions?
You may submit a Refund Claim Form and include receipts for all of your donations. However, the maximum amount that we will refund is $25.
I live outside the City limits but donated to a City Commission candidate. May I receive a refund?
No. Refunds are limited to registered voters who live in the city limits.
When should I expect a refund?
Claimants should allow up to forty-five days to receive their refund.
If the candidate I donate to drops out of the race or does not qualify to appear on the ballot, can I still get a refund for that donation?
Yes. You may receive a refund as long as the candidate appoints a campaign treasurer, designates a primary depository, and makes monthly contribution reports to the Leon County Supervisor of Elections.