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Florida Chief Financial Officer election, 2026

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2022
Florida Chief Financial Officer
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Election details
Filing deadline: April 24, 2026
Primary: August 18, 2026
General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times:

7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting in Florida

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Florida
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Florida is holding an election for chief financial officer on November 3, 2026.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

  • Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
  • Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for Florida Chief Financial Officer

Frank Collige, Joe Gruters, and Benjamin Horbowy are running in the general election for Florida Chief Financial Officer on November 3, 2026.


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Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Image of Frank Collige

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Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "I am Dr. Frank W. Collige, a United States Air Force veteran, small business owner, public adjuster, and a candidate for Florida Chief Financial Officer. I have spent my career advocating for Florida families, fighting against insurance fraud, and holding powerful corporations accountable. I am not a career politician; I am a taxpayer, a father, and someone who knows firsthand how broken Florida’s insurance system has become. My mission is to bring transparency, accountability, and real reform to Tallahassee and to ensure that Florida’s financial future is secure and protected for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


I am running to end the corrupt relationship between the insurance industry and our state government. For too long, Tallahassee politicians like my opponents have sided with insurance companies over Florida families. As CFO, I will fight to eliminate managed repair programs, restore consumer protections, and hold insurers accountable when they wrongfully deny or underpay claims.


Florida deserves financial transparency. As CFO, I will ensure that every taxpayer dollar is accounted for, waste is eliminated, and Floridians can trust that their money is working for them. I will push for honest budgeting, stop backroom deals, and bring integrity back to the Department of Financial Services.


I am a fighter for the people, not the corporations. I will reform Florida’s broken insurance system, establish the Florida Insurance Licensing and Oversight Board (FILOB) to hold the insurance industry accountable, enforce higher standards of conduct, and protect Florida consumers from fraud, abuse, and unfair practices. It is time to put an end to the influence of special interests and restore fairness and integrity to Florida’s financial system.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

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Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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I am running to end the corrupt relationship between the insurance industry and our state government. For too long, Tallahassee politicians like my opponents have sided with insurance companies over Florida families. As CFO, I will fight to eliminate managed repair programs, restore consumer protections, and hold insurers accountable when they wrongfully deny or underpay claims.

Florida deserves financial transparency. As CFO, I will ensure that every taxpayer dollar is accounted for, waste is eliminated, and Floridians can trust that their money is working for them. I will push for honest budgeting, stop backroom deals, and bring integrity back to the Department of Financial Services.

I am a fighter for the people, not the corporations. I will reform Florida’s broken insurance system, establish the Florida Insurance Licensing and Oversight Board (FILOB) to hold the insurance industry accountable, enforce higher standards of conduct, and protect Florida consumers from fraud, abuse, and unfair practices. It is time to put an end to the influence of special interests and restore fairness and integrity to Florida’s financial system.
I am passionate about consumer protection, financial transparency, insurance reform, and government accountability. My top priorities include ending managed repair programs, advocating for the establishment of prevailing attorney fees for consumers, holding insurance companies accountable for bad faith practices, and bringing real oversight to the insurance industry. I am committed to exposing waste, fraud, and abuse within state operations while ensuring that Florida’s financial resources serve the people and not special interests. I will fight to protect veterans, seniors, and working families from financial exploitation while promoting honest governance, fair markets, and accountability at every level.
The Chief Financial Officer is one of the most powerful positions in Florida government because it combines financial management, consumer protection, and regulatory oversight. This office has the authority to influence insurance regulation, audit government agencies, fight financial fraud, and serve as a check on waste and abuse within state operations. It is uniquely positioned to protect both taxpayers and consumers.
I look up to my father. He was not wealthy, famous, or someone society would label as conventionally successful. But none of that mattered. What mattered was the example he set as a man of integrity, loyalty, and love. He taught me the values that matter most: how to love, how to protect the people you care about, and how to stand tall as a man regardless of the challenges life throws your way. His strength was not measured by material wealth but by his commitment to his family, his work ethic, and his character. His example is what shaped me into the person I am today, and it is the standard I strive to live up to in everything I do.
Integrity, transparency, accountability, and courage are the most important principles for an elected official. The people deserve leaders who will do what is right, not what is politically convenient. An elected official must be honest, willing to stand up to powerful interests, and always put the needs of the people before personal gain or special interests.
I possess the qualities that every public servant should have, but far too many in government lack: integrity, accountability, and the courage to stand up for what is right regardless of political pressure. I am not beholden to special interests, lobbyists, or political insiders. My background as a small business owner and veteran has taught me discipline, problem-solving, and how to make tough decisions under pressure. I know what it means to be responsible for others, to lead with purpose, and to deliver results. I am driven by a strong sense of duty to the people of Florida and an unwavering commitment to transparency, fairness, and financial responsibility. I do not back down from a fight when it comes to protecting hardworking families, and I have the determination, resilience, and moral clarity to hold both government agencies and powerful industries accountable. These are the qualities that will make me a successful officeholder.
The core responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer are to serve as the financial guardian of the state, protect taxpayer dollars, ensure transparency, regulate the insurance industry, combat fraud, and act as a consumer advocate. The CFO is directly responsible for safeguarding the financial integrity of Florida by overseeing the state’s accounting, auditing, and treasury functions, managing billions of dollars in public funds, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and transparently. This office plays a critical role in holding both government agencies and private industries accountable when they fail to act in the best interest of Floridians.

The CFO also leads the Department of Financial Services, which regulates the insurance industry, investigates financial crimes, fights insurance fraud, and protects consumers from unethical practices. In addition to these regulatory and financial duties, the CFO serves on the Florida Cabinet, which has the authority to make crucial decisions regarding state lands, investments, clemency, and other significant matters affecting the future of the state. This Cabinet role gives the CFO a unique level of influence over both financial operations and broader policy issues in Florida.

At its core, this office must serve as the financial watchdog for the people of Florida. Whether it involves preventing the misuse of public funds, enforcing accountability in the insurance market, rooting out fraud, or ensuring that the financial dealings of the state are fully transparent, the CFO is tasked with protecting the public from financial harm. This is not just a financial role; it is a position of trust and responsibility that serves as the last line of defense between the people of Florida and the forces of corruption, waste, and financial exploitation.
I want my legacy to be one of integrity, courage, and accountability. I want to be remembered as someone who stood up for what was right, fought against what I knew was wrong, and never backed down from doing the hard things when it mattered most. I want the people of Florida to remember me as the Chief Financial Officer who broke the grip of special interests, brought transparency back to government, and put the needs of everyday Floridians ahead of politics and corruption. Just as importantly, I want my children, my grandchildren, and every generation after to be able to look back and say that I was a man who stood on principle. That I stood up when it would have been easier to stay silent. That I fought for what was right even when it was not popular. And that I left this state better than I found it, not for personal gain, but because it was the right thing to do.
I was Active duty, stationed at Andrews AFB, MD, when September 11, 2001, happened. I remember how that drastically changed the military and America, and how nothing has been the same since.
I was a mason laborer in high school. I had it during the summer for two years before leaving for the military.
My favorite book is The Legend of Drizzt by R.A. Salvatore. It is more than just a fantasy story, it is about doing what is right even when the world around you tells you not to. Drizzt is a character who was born into a corrupt and evil society but chose to reject it and live by his own code of honor, integrity, and compassion. That story resonated with me deeply because it reflects my own belief that you do not have to accept the broken systems around you. You can stand up, fight for what is right, and live by your principles no matter how difficult the path may be. It is a reminder that character is not defined by where you come from but by the choices you make.
One of the greatest struggles in my life was transitioning from military service to civilian life. The military teaches discipline, structure, purpose, and a strong sense of duty. When that chapter ends, suddenly finding your place in the civilian world can be overwhelming. The lack of structure, the different expectations, and the reality that not everyone operates with the same sense of integrity and accountability can be a difficult adjustment. Like many veterans, I faced the challenge of redefining my mission, finding meaningful work, and navigating a system that often feels disconnected from the values instilled in those who serve. But like every obstacle in my life, I faced it head-on. I used that experience to grow, to build a business from the ground up, and to turn that struggle into strength. That journey is a big part of why I am running, to serve with purpose again and fight for others who feel overlooked or left behind.
Protecting Florida families from financial harm is the most important responsibility. That includes holding insurance companies accountable, rooting out fraud, ensuring responsible management of taxpayer dollars, and enforcing financial transparency at every level of government. The financial stability of Florida families is directly tied to the integrity of this office.
Many people do not realize that the CFO plays a major role in overseeing the insurance industry through the Department of Financial Services. The CFO also sits on the Florida Cabinet, which makes critical decisions affecting land use, clemency, and state investments. Additionally, the CFO has the authority to investigate insurance fraud and financial crimes; sadly, this authority has often been underutilized to protect consumers.
No, I do not believe it is beneficial for the Chief Financial Officer to have previous experience in government or politics. In fact, I believe that experience in politics often becomes a liability rather than an asset in this role. This office requires someone who has no allegiance to anyone except the people of Florida. Too many career politicians are compromised. They take money from special interests, allow those same interests to fund their campaigns, and ultimately become subservient to the donors and lobbyists who expect favors in return. This is exactly how corruption takes hold and how the people of Florida are repeatedly sold out. It is exactly what we have seen from the former CFO, and quite frankly, Floridians cannot afford another term under someone who will prioritize their own political ambitions and financial gain over the needs of the people they are elected to serve. What this office demands is someone with real-world experience, someone who understands financial accountability, someone who has fought against corruption, and someone who answers only to the citizens of Florida, not to the political establishment or the powerful industries that have had far too much influence over this office for far too long.
This office requires strong leadership, critical thinking, and the ability to hold powerful entities accountable. It demands someone who understands how systems work, how fraud and corruption harm everyday people, and how to manage complex operations effectively. Running a business from the ground up teaches the exact skills needed for this role, including budgeting, problem-solving, decision-making, and financial responsibility. Just as important is having the courage to ask tough questions, stand up to special interests, and fight for what is right. Integrity, accountability, and a commitment to serving the people are the most important qualifications for this office.
Financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Taxpayers deserve to know exactly how their money is being spent and whether it is being used effectively. I believe every agency, every contract, and every financial transaction involving public funds should be open, visible, and easy for the public to access. Sunshine is the best disinfectant, and I will make transparency the cornerstone of my administration.
I support protecting the ballot initiative process as a tool for the people of Florida to have their voices heard. Efforts to make the process more difficult serve only to silence voters and protect political insiders. I oppose restrictions that make it harder for citizens to bring issues to the ballot and believe the process should remain accessible, transparent, and protected from manipulation by special interests.


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Voting information

See also: Voting in Florida

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.


Past elections

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2014.

2022

See also: Florida Chief Financial Officer election, 2022

General election

General election for Florida Chief Financial Officer

Incumbent Jimmy Patronis defeated Adam Hattersley in the general election for Florida Chief Financial Officer on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jimmy Patronis
Jimmy Patronis (R)
 
59.5
 
4,528,811
Image of Adam Hattersley
Adam Hattersley (D)
 
40.5
 
3,085,697

Total votes: 7,614,508
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Adam Hattersley advanced from the Democratic primary for Florida Chief Financial Officer.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Jimmy Patronis advanced from the Republican primary for Florida Chief Financial Officer.

2018

See also: Florida Treasurer election, 2018

General election

General election for Florida Chief Financial Officer

Incumbent Jimmy Patronis defeated Jeremy Ring in the general election for Florida Chief Financial Officer on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jimmy Patronis
Jimmy Patronis (R)
 
51.7
 
4,152,221
Image of Jeremy Ring
Jeremy Ring (D)
 
48.3
 
3,872,540
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.0
 
297

Total votes: 8,025,058
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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2014

See also: Florida down ballot state executive elections, 2014
Florida Treasurer, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJeff Atwater Incumbent 58.9% 3,353,897
     Democratic William "Will" Rankin 41.1% 2,337,727
Total Votes 5,691,624
Election results via Florida Division of Elections

Election analysis

This section will contain facts and figures related to this state's elections when those are available.

See also

Florida State Executive Elections News and Analysis
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Florida State Executive Offices
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Party control of state government
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Partisan composition of governors

External links

Footnotes