You are not required to declare a party preference. However, you should know Florida is a closed primary state. In a primary election, voters may only vote for candidates in their party. By not selecting a party, you limit your vote in the primaries to only non-partisan candidates and issues. The only exception is a Universal Primary Contest (UPC). A UPC is a contest in a primary election in which all candidates have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the general election. All qualified electors may vote on a UPC regardless of party affiliation. In the general election, party affiliation is not an issue. You may vote for any candidate, regardless of party preference.
Party affiliation may be changed at any time; however, changes made within 29 days of an election will not go into effect until after the election. Party changes must be submitted on a Florida Voter Registration Application. Applications should be mailed to: Pasco County Supervisor of Elections, PO Box 300, Dade City FL 33526.