Campaign Contributions and Electoral Competitiveness in Florida State Elections: The Effects of Florida’s 2013 Campaign Finance Reforms

This study examines the impact of Florida's 2013 campaign finance reforms (HB 569), enacted to align with Citizens United, on state legislative electioneering and outcomes. Our analysis shows that while total campaign funds increased, this growth was driven entirely by political committees, significantly benefiting incumbents. A difference-in-differences analysis reveals a shift toward “soft money” mechanisms, reinforcing institutional advantages. These findings align with broader post-Citizens United trends in state elections. Despite these shifts in campaign finance dynamics, we find little evidence that HB 569 significantly altered electoral outcomes, highlighting its role in reshaping fundraising rather than affecting election results.