Florida Election Night 2026: When will the first results arrive? Everything you need to know

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (DUANEWS) — Millions of Florida voters are heading to the polls Tuesday, November 3, for the 2026 midterm elections, with major races for governor, the U.S. Senate, Congress and other offices on the ballot.

As voters finish casting their ballots, attention will quickly turn to one important question: When will Florida begin releasing election results, and how soon will winners be known?

The answer depends on where voters live, how quickly ballots are counted and how close the races become.

What Time Do Polls Close in Florida?

Polling places across Florida close at 7 p.m. local time on Tuesday.

However, Florida has two time zones, which means voting does not end everywhere at the same moment.

In Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and most of the state, polls close at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

In parts of the western Florida Panhandle, including Pensacola, polls close at 7 p.m. Central Time, equivalent to 8 p.m. Eastern.

Voters already waiting in line when polls close are permitted to cast their ballots.

When Will the First Election Results Be Available?

Florida’s official statewide election-night results website is scheduled to begin releasing preliminary results at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

According to the Florida Department of State, counties must submit their initial election-night returns within 30 minutes after polls close in their respective time zones.

These initial returns include early votes and mail-in ballots already tabulated by the end of the early voting period.

Additional results from Election Day voting are reported at 45-minute intervals as counting progresses.

Some county election offices may publish unofficial local results shortly after 7 p.m. Eastern, but Florida’s statewide reporting website will not release its preliminary totals until 8 p.m.

Why Does Florida Count Votes So Quickly?

Florida has an established system for processing early and mail-in ballots before Election Day.

This allows election officials to release substantial numbers of already-counted votes soon after polls close.

In the 2024 general election, approximately 90% of Florida’s vote count had been reported by 8:07 p.m. Eastern, according to an Associated Press analysis.

However, that historical pace does not guarantee that the 2026 results will arrive at the same speed.

The timing can vary depending on turnout, the number of outstanding ballots and whether any races are unusually close.

Which Florida Races Will Be Watched Closely?

Among the major contests Tuesday are the elections for Florida governor, U.S. Senate and seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly are competing in the governor’s race.

Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody faces Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon in the Senate contest.

Congressional races across Florida, including districts in Jacksonville, Tampa Bay and South Florida, will also attract attention as national parties monitor control of Congress.

Local elections and ballot measures may produce additional results throughout the evening.

When Will We Know Who Won?

Some races may become clear within hours of polls closing.

Others could remain unresolved late into Tuesday night or beyond.

News organizations may project winners when available vote totals and other election data establish that the trailing candidate cannot realistically overcome the lead.

However, a media projection is not the same as official certification.

Florida’s election officials continue counting and reviewing eligible ballots after Election Day.

If the margin between candidates is extremely narrow, recount procedures may be required.

What Happens if a Race Is Too Close to Call?

Under Florida law, an automatic machine recount is required in qualifying contests when the margin is 0.5 percentage points or less.

A manual recount of overvotes and undervotes may be required when the margin is 0.25 percentage points or less, subject to applicable legal conditions.

These procedures can delay the final determination of a close race.

Florida’s election reporting schedule establishes November 7 as the deadline for the first unofficial returns, November 12 for county official returns and November 17 for statewide certification.

Where Can Florida Residents Follow Official Results?

Residents can follow statewide election results directly through the Florida Department of State’s official election-night website:

Florida Election Watch: https://floridaelectionwatch.gov

Voters can also check their county Supervisor of Elections website for local races, precinct reporting and additional election information.

DUANEWS will follow developments across Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando and the rest of Florida as results become available.

Election Night: Key Times to Remember

7:00 p.m. Eastern: Polls close across most of Florida, including Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami. Some county-level results may begin appearing.

8:00 p.m. Eastern: Polls have closed statewide, including the western Panhandle. Florida’s official statewide preliminary results are scheduled for release.

After 8:00 p.m.: Additional precinct results arrive as counties continue reporting. Some races may be projected, while others may remain undecided.

November 7: Deadline for the first statewide set of unofficial returns.

November 17: Scheduled statewide certification of official election results.

The Bottom Line

Florida voters should expect their first statewide election results at approximately 8 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, November 3.

The first numbers will provide an early picture of the races, but they will not necessarily determine the final outcome.

As more ballots are counted, leads can change, close contests may require additional review, and official certification will follow later in November.

DUANEWS — Your News. Your Voice.