There are six Florida Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot in 2024.  The following is a brief overview, and our recommendations.  For a more complete description and analysis, please use the League of Women Voters Vote411 web site.

Recommendation Summary

• Vote NO on Amendment 1

• Vote NO on Amendment 2

• Vote YES on Amendment 3

• Vote YES on Amendment 4

• Vote NO on Amendment 5

• Vote NO on Amendment 6

 

Amendment 1 – Make School Board elections partisan

School Board elections in Florida are currently non-partisan, meaning that a candidate’s party is not shown on the ballot and candidates are prohibited from advertising their party affiliation.  This measure would make these races partisan, limiting voter participation.  The Florida State Team recommends voting NO on Amendment 1

Amendment 2 – The Right to Hunt and Fish

This amendment would enshrine the right to hunt and fish in the Florida Constitution.  While we appreciate these are cherished pastimes that are often shared from generation to generation, we do not believe this is an appropriate topic for the Florida Constitution.  The Florida State Team recommends voting NO on Amendment 2

Amendment 3 – Legalization of recreational marijuana

This amendment would allow adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products.  Recreational marijuana has been legalized in a growing number of states.  The Florida State Team recommends voting YES on Amendment 3.

Amendment 4 – Protect a woman’s right to abortion

The Republican-controlled Florida Legislature passed and Governor Ron DeSantis signed a near-total abortion ban.  We must protect a woman’s right to reproductive healthcare, and those decisions should be between the woman and her physician.  The Florida State Team recommends voting YES on Amendment 4.

Amendment 5 – Adjustment to homestead property tax exemptions

Florida provides a property tax exemption for owner-occupied real estate (homesteads).  In recent years the Republican-controlled legislature has created additional homestead exemptions for multiple groups that they deem to be popular and sympathetic, such as seniors, veterans, first responders, and teachers.  However, the real purpose of this expansion is to erode the tax base of cities that rely on property taxes for operations.  The Florida State Team recommends voting NO on Amendment 5.

Amendment 6 – Public financing of political campaigns

In Florida, candidates for state-wide office (Governor, Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs) have access to state funding for campaigns.  While the process is flawed (Ron DeSantis received state funds, with no limitation on his private fundraising), this approach needs revision, not repeal.  The Florida State Team recommends voting NO on Amendment 6.