TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — A Leon County judge has scheduled a two-day hearing for July 21 and July 22 to determine whether Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback qualifies to appear on the ballot.
The hearing follows a lawsuit filed by Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who is asking the court to disqualify Fishback. Collins’ team claims public records indicate Fishback maintained residency in Washington, D.C., from 2020 through 2026.
On Tuesday in Pinellas County, 8 On Your Side asked Collins why he decided to take the dispute to court.
Collins said the case centers on what he views as “election integrity.”
“The Florida constitution is very clear that you have to live for seven successive years in the state of Florida,” said Collins.
The 12-page complaint cites records tied to voter registration, voting history, property ownership, a homestead exemption and mortgage paperwork.
“Just because you’re a fourth-generation Floridian or you were born here, it doesn’t mean you meet the constitutional requirements to be the governor of Florida,” Collins said.
Fishback, meanwhile, has rejected the claims.
“It’s a shame if Lieutenant Governor Collins wants to beat me, he can beat me with a better plan for property taxes or property insurance or law and order, but resorting to these types of tactics is unbecoming of anyone, especially those in our party,” Fishback said.
Judge David Frank noted Tuesday in a case management hearing that because we are now just weeks away from the August primary, time is running short. Even if the court rules against Fishback, his name could still appear on printed ballots.
“The voters of Florida, they see right through this hoax. It’s exactly what it is. It’s an attempt to remove their ability to disenfranchise millions of voters who would support our campaign and we’re going to stop it dead in its tracks,” Collins said.
Fishback said he already plans to appeal the outcome all the way up to the United States Supreme Court if necessary.
For now, all eyes turn to July 21, when the court will begin the two-day hearing.
