TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - An already chaotic election season is now officially underway in Florida.
The qualifying period for the 2016 election ended Friday, but not before some candidates switched races or even dropped out.
This year's election comes months after courts approved new maps for both Congress and the state Senate.
With the new maps in place, most members of Florida's congressional delegation drew challengers this year, including some long-standing veterans. Several incumbents decided against running for re-election, a move that also opened up several seats.
Despite the changes, dozens of state legislators were elected Friday since they did not draw any opponents in their races.
The most highly-watched race in the state will be for U.S. Senate. Sen. Marco Rubio had said for months he would not seek a second term, but changed his mind this week.
