ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Florida felons must pay all fines, restitution and legal fees before they can regain their right to vote, a federal appellate court ruled Friday.Reversing a lower court judge's decision that gave Florida felons the right to vote regardless of outstanding legal obligations, the order from the U.S.
11th Circuit Court of Appeals was a disappointment to voting rights activists and could have national implications in November’s presidential election.Under Amendment 4, felons who have completed their sentences would have voting rights restored.
But the legal dispute arose after the Republican-controlled state Legislature in 2019 moved to define what it means to complete a sentence.