Welcome to CBS News Miami's 2024 digital Florida primary election guide!
The Florida primary election will take place on Aug. 20, giving voters the chance to decide on several key races ahead of the November general election.
Registered Republicans and Democrats will select their respective candidates, as Florida is a "closed" primary state.
Voters with no party affiliation can participate in a closed primary race if all the candidates are from the same party and there is no opposition in the general election.
Nonpartisan races, where all registered voters can cast their ballots, include circuit judges in Miami-Dade and Broward, school board members in both counties, Miami-Dade County commissioners, and other local races.
In Miami-Dade, voters will choose a county mayor. Incumbent Daniella Levine Cava is seeking reelection against six other candidates. If no candidate secures a majority of the votes, the race will go to a runoff in November.
This is not a paid advertisement nor does WFOR endorse any candidate.
Miami-Dade County sheriff race
One of the most contested local races this primary season is for the Miami-Dade County sheriff. Eleven Republicans and four Democrats are competing to be their party's nominee in the Nov. 5 general election.
This is the first county sheriff race in over 50 years in Miami-Dade County. The elected sheriff position was abolished in the 1960s due to corruption scandals and was reintroduced in 2018 through a referendum.
CBS News Miami spoke with 13 of the 15 candidates to help voters make an informed decision this primary election. Democratic candidate Rickey Mitchell declined to be interviewed, and Republican candidate Alex Fornet canceled his interview due to "unforeseen circumstances."
Meet the candidates running for Miami-Dade County sheriff.
