Overview of the 2018 Florida General Election
On November 6, 2018, Florida held midterm elections that drew national attention for several closely contested statewide races. This evergreen explainer presents verified outcomes, official vote margins, and timelines for the most consequential contests, emphasizing data from state election authorities and recognized election reporting sources. The results influence policy and governance in Florida and are frequently referenced in subsequent electoral and legislative contexts.
Key Statewide Results at a Glance
The most prominent contests in Florida in 2018 were the races for governor and U.S. Senate, alongside critical constitutional amendments on the ballot. Close margins in several races led to recounts and procedural reviews, which are summarized below with consensus outcomes from certified results.
Certified Results Summary for Major 2018 Florida Races
| Contest | Winner | Final Certified Margin | Date Certified | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | Ron DeSantis (R) | 32,475 votes | December 17, 2018 | Official canvass, Florida Division of Elections |
| U.S. Senate | Rick Scott (R) | 10,033 votes | December 31, 2018 | Official canvass, Florida Division of Elections |
| Constitutional Amendment 4 | Approved | Passage by 64.6% to 35.4% | November 14, 2018 | Florida Division of Elections results |
Gubernatorial Race: Certification and Final Margin
The contest between Ron DeSantis (Republican) and Andrew Gillum (Democrat) remained too close to call on election night, triggering an automatic machine recount when the margin fell below 0.5%. Following the recount, DeSantis held a narrow lead, and the canvassing board formally certified the results in mid-December. The official margin stood at approximately 32,000 votes, shaping subsequent executive leadership in the state.
Gubernatorial Race Timeline and Key Milestones
- Election Day: November 6, 2018
- Initial machine recount triggered (margin under 0.5%)
- Machine recount completion: November 10–15, 2018
- Commissioner of Agriculture election, decided by coin draw
- Final certification: December 17, 2018
U.S. Senate Race: Recounts and Final Certification
The Senate contest between incumbent Bill Nelson and Rick Scott became one of the most scrutinized races in the nation, with multiple recount requests and legal proceedings. County canvasses and a statewide machine recount were conducted, and the results were ultimately certified by state authorities more than three weeks after Election Day. The certified margin was among the smallest in recent Senate history at the time.
U.S. Senate Race Timeline and Key Milestones
- Election Day: November 6, 2018
- Automatic recount triggered (margin under 0.25%)
- First county-by-county recount completed
- Statewide machine recount conducted
- Final certification: December 31, 2018
Ballot Measures: Constitutional Amendment 4 and Other Initiatives
Florida voters considered several constitutional amendments in 2018, the most prominent being Amendment 4, which addressed voting rights for individuals with prior felony convictions. The measure passed with broad support and has since influenced voter registration and participation metrics in subsequent cycles. Other measures on the ballot covered topics such as gaming and environmental funding, with mixed outcomes at the county level.
2018 Ballot Measures Quick Reference
| Amendment | Summary | Outcome | Percent Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 4 | Restores voting rights to felons after sentence completion | Approved | 64.6% |
| Amendment 1 | Property rights homestead exemption | Approved | 62.5% |
| Amendment 2 | Expansion of personal property tax exemptions for veterans | Approved | 67.9% |
Post-Election Processes and Recount Procedures
Florida law mandates automatic recounts for statewide races when margins fall within defined thresholds. In 2018, both the gubernatorial and Senate contests triggered these procedures, involving manual checks of returned ballots and reconciliation of county-level totals. The processes were conducted under the oversight of the Florida Division of Elections and became the subject of extensive media and legal attention.
Official Sources and Ongoing Reference
For continued verification, the Florida Division of Elections maintains certified canvasses, county reports, and historical election data. These materials serve as authoritative references for researchers, journalists, and the public. Understanding these procedures and results supports accurate context for future electoral analysis in Florida.