(A) In its discretion, the City Council may order a recount of the returns of any election prior to the final certification of the results, stating the reason for the recount.
(B) Any candidate or elector may file a protest for a recount of the election returns pursuant to Fla. Stat. Ch. 102. The City Council shall consider the protest as provided in Fla. Stat. Ch. 102. Any such candidate or elector who files a protest shall deposit the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00), which shall not be refundable, with the City Clerk upon delivery of the protest.
(C) The recount of the ballots shall be scheduled with the supervisor of elections at the earliest possible date after the protest of the election returns is received by the City Clerk.
(D) If a recount cannot be conducted prior to the meeting at which the City Council is to certify the election returns, the officials elected to office shall be sworn in at the meeting certifying the returns.
(Ord. 2001-08, passed 2-1-01)