The first Socialist Party of America local in Florida was founded in Orlando on November 18, 1901, a few months after the national party was founded. The original Socialist Party of Florida was founded as a part of the SPA, July 14, 1902. The Socialist Party of America voted 73:34 to change its name to Social Democrats, USA in December 1972. SPUSA was founded in 1973, after which the SPFL was founded on March 16, 1998. The SPFL became inactive in about June 2011 and on December 20, 2011, the Florida Division of Elections revoked the status of the SPFL as a registered party in the State of Florida. SPFL is active around several main issues. The SPFL is involved in the anti-war movements around Iraq and Afghanistan, working on behalf of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, and opposing the anti gay marriage amendment effort. In addition, the SPFL worked on bringing a lawsuit against the State of Florida over violations of minor parties' First Amendment rights. While the party was primarily an activist organization, it was also an official minor party in Florida, which enabled it to field candidates for office. The SPFL ran candidates for President in 2000 and 2004. In 2006, the SPFL attempted to field a write-in candidate for governor, but failed to gain eligibility. SPFL member Brian Moore was nominated to run for President in 2008 by the SP national convention. In 2010, SPFL member, David Maynard, was elected to the Hillsborough County Soil and Water Conservation Board. The SPFL had locals in the county of Broward and the Tampa Bay Area.
Elected officials
Formerly and currently elected Florida Socialists:
Since 1976, the Socialist Party USA has run a candidate for President of the United States. The party's nominee has been on the ballot in Florida in each election since 2000. The candidate who has received the highest vote total in Florida and nationally was former Oregon State Senator Walt Brown.
Year
Nominee
Votes
1976
Frank Zeidler
8
1980
David McReynolds
212
1984
Sonia Johnson
58
1988
Willa Kenoyer
14
1992
J. Quinn Brisben
16
1996
Mary Cal Hollis
21
2000
David McReynolds
622
2004
Walt Brown
3,502
2008
Brian Moore
405
2012
Stewart Alexander
799
2016
Mimi Soltysik
NA
Logos
The Socialist Party of Florida near the end of its life had four official logos. The linked hands over the world is the official logo of the Socialist Party USA, while the red carnation is the former logo of the SPUSA. The use of both logos was approved by the State Executive Committee of the SPFL in July 2007. In May, 2008, the SEC approved the use of the Red Star Over Florida. In February, 2010, the SEC approved yet another new logo, based on the linked hands over the world and the red star over Florida.
