Florida voters across the Tampa Bay area are heading to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, for the 2026 general election, with polling stations open from 7am until 7pm local time.
Anyone still intending to vote in person must use the polling place assigned to their precinct. Unlike early voting, when registered voters can generally choose from designated sites across their county, Election Day voters cannot simply attend any polling station.
Florida Election Day voting guide
The Florida Division of Elections advises voters to check their assigned location before leaving home, using the precinct lookup service or their voter information card. Early voting locations may not be used for Election Day voting. ([dos.fl.gov](https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-voters/voting/election-day-voting/?utm_source=openai))
The guidance applies to voters in Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties.
Polls will remain open until 7pm. Anyone already in line when the deadline arrives must still be allowed to cast a ballot. ([dos.fl.gov](https://dos.fl.gov/elections/contacts/frequently-asked-questions/faq-voting/?utm_source=openai))
What identification is required?
Voters casting a ballot in person must show a current and valid photo ID bearing their signature. Accepted documents include a Florida driving licence, Florida identification card, US passport, debit or credit card, military identification, student identification and government employee identification.
Retirement centre, neighbourhood association, public assistance and veterans’ health identification cards are also accepted, as are a licence to carry a concealed weapon or firearm and a Veteran Health Identification Card issued by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
If a photo ID does not include a signature, voters must provide an additional form of identification that does. Anyone unable to show the required identification may cast a provisional ballot, although election officials will decide later whether it can be counted.
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has also reminded voters that those who have moved within Florida but have not updated their address may need to update their registration at the polls and should allow extra time. ([pascovotes.gov](https://www.pascovotes.gov/news_detail_T21_R118.php?utm_source=openai))
Flooding creates possible polling-place changes
Heavy rain and flash flooding have created a further complication in parts of the region. DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties are among the areas affected by the emergency arrangements, which allow local election supervisors to designate alternative polling places where necessary.
Voters in flood-affected areas should check with their county Supervisor of Elections before travelling, as a polling place may have been moved. The Florida Department of State is maintaining information on temporary location changes. ([dos.fl.gov](https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-voters/check-your-voter-status-and-polling-place/voter-precinct-lookup?utm_source=openai))
The emergency arrangements cover a wider group of counties, including Brevard, Indian River, Martin and St Lucie, as well as DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands.
County-by-county polling information
Voters in Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties can confirm their Election Day precinct through their county Supervisor of Elections.
Hillsborough County voters must attend the polling place assigned to their precinct, while Pasco voters can use the county’s precinct finder to check their location. Pasco County’s polling information also includes a special Florida Senate District 21 election being held on the same day as the general election. ([pascovotes.gov](https://pascovotes.gov/news_detail_T21_R65.php?utm_source=openai))
In Pasco, GoPasco buses are being offered free of charge from 7am to 7pm on Election Day. Passengers must show a valid Voter Information Card.
Election officials across the region are urging voters to verify their polling place before setting out, particularly in areas affected by flooding or other temporary changes.
