Florida Supreme Court Says Convicted Felons Must Pay Fines, Fees Before Regaining Right to Vote

Florida Supreme Court Says Convicted Felons Must Pay Fines, Fees Before Regaining Right to Vote
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on October 07, 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Updated:

The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that convicted felons must pay off fines and other fees related to their sentences before they regain the right to vote.

The court issued an advisory opinion (pdf) on Thursday ruling that the phrase, “all terms of sentence,” under the Florida Constitution encompasses all obligations ordered by a sentencing court including financial ones such as fines, restitution, costs, and fees.