Rep. Trey Radel resigned from office today. 

Gov. Rick Scott's office said he will call a special election to fill the seat held by the freshman congressman who was busted on cocaine charges in the fall.

However, any special election would take a minimum of 113 to 120 days from the time Gov. Scott could sign an executive order to hold a special election, according to Collier Supervisor of Elections qualifying officer Dave Carpenter.

Such a special election, which would cost an estimated $2 million, takes that length of time predominantly because by statute there must be a 45-day lead time between the time overseas absentee ballots are mailed and a vote can be held. This 45 day requirement would apply to both a special primary election and a special general election.

Right now, the qualifying deadline for the Dist. 19 congressional seat that represents Collier and Lee counties in Southwest Florida for the fall election is between April 28 and May 2.

A primary election could be held in mid to late March, based on the statutory requirements.

The earliest a general election could be held would be 113 days from today, or May 20, after candidate qualifying for the November election is past.

THIS STORY is FREE. Stay tuned for updates.