Leadership Florida, the Florida Press Association and the Florida Association of Broadcasters plan to air hour-long debates live on TV and radio next January.

Candidates are facing penalties from their national parties if they campaign here because of Florida’s new earlier primary, but organizers say they don’t think that will be a factor.

“The Presidential Elections of 2000 and 2004 clearly evidenced the pivotal role that Florida had, the determinative role," said Jeff Bartel of Leadership Florida. "And we believe that these candidates will wish to participate in these debates.”

Presidential candidates will be invited to participate in the debates if they meet the federal eligibility requirements, appear as a candidate on his or her party’s Florida presidential primary ballot and have at least ten percent support among likely primary voters.