Maddox, who stepped down as party chief more than a week ago, joins a field that includes U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa and state Sen. Rod Smith, a former prosecutor in Gainesville who sent serial killer Danny Rolling to Death Row.

Both have been in the race for months, amassing close to half a million dollars apiece in campaign contributions.

Kirk Wagar, a Coral Gables attorney who will serve as Maddox's campaign finance co-chairman, along with Democratic fundraiser Richard Swann, said he's undaunted by those figures.

''They got some quick love money,'' Wagar said. ``We'll be there.''

All three candidates are already touting endorsements: former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham for Davis, former state Attorney General Bob Butterworth for Smith and U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler for Maddox.

Maddox, who grew up in Hialeah, had three elected officials from across the state -- including Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson -- file his official paperwork in Tallahassee.

Maddox may have an edge in name recognition, having been on a statewide ballot: In 2002, he lost the Democratic nomination for attorney general to then-Sen. Buddy Dyer of Orlando, who lost in the general election to Republican Charlie Crist.

Maddox's entry apparently solidifies the field for the Democrats.

Still in flux is the Republican field, which for the first time in years lacks the Bush brand.

Still, Republican heavyweights are in the mix: Maddox's announcement comes a week after Crist declared his candidacy, and Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is expected to make it official as soon as this week.

Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings has also expressed interest in running, but Monday brushed aside questions as to whether she would jump into the governor's race.

''When my time is right,'' said Jennings.