Florida “Electioneering Communications” Challenge

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A Florida law requiring “electioneering communications” groups to register with the state is facing a federal court challenge.

A Broward County condominium and homeowner organization, the National Taxpayers Union and libertarian groups sued Wednesday.

They claim the law violates political free speech by making it illegal for a group to merely mention a candidate or issue without registering with the state. Violations can result in fines or even jail.

The law defines electioneering communications organizations as groups whose activities are limited to accepting or spending contributions for “electioneering communications.”