Floridians learn more about the six Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, and millions of Florida voters have already cast their ballot ahead of Election Day.
A guide to Florida’s 6 Constitutional Amendments on the ballot
In addition to voting on candidates, Florida voters will also get the opportunity to decide on six constitutional amendments that will appear on their ballot.
Below, Spectrum News has outlined what each amendment would do, why supporters back the amendment, and why detractors oppose it.
Amendment 1
What it would do: Makes school board races partisan
Currently, a candidate for school board in Florida does not have to say whether they are a Republican, Democrat or Independent, nor does party affiliation appear next to their name on the ballot.
If this amendment passes, that would change.
Starting in 2026, candidates would have to disclose their party affiliation.
Supporters believe it offers more information to voters. Opponents argue politics should stay out of education.
Amendment 2
What it would do: Enshrine a right to hunt/fish in Florida’s Constitution
You already have the right to hunt and fish in Florida. But if this amendment passes, it would preserve that right in the state’s Constitution and stand as a blocker to any future challenges to hunting and fishing.
Supporters believe that added protection is valuable. Opponents argue it’s unnecessary and might hinder attempts to protect animals from questionable forms of hunting or fishing.
Amendment 3
What it would do: Legalize recreational marijuana use
Medicinal use of marijuana is already legal in Florida. If this amendment passes, recreational marijuana use would become legal too.
Under the amendment, people 21 and older would be legally allowed to possess 3 ounces of marijuana at a time.
Existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers would be authorized to sell the marijuana. The state would control the process of licensing other entities to cultivate, process and sell marijuana.
Supporters believe marijuana does not need to be outlawed like other substances, and that legalizing it would allow law enforcement to focus on stopping more deadly drug use and create additional tax revenue for Florida.
Opponents argue legalizing marijuana could create a smell in public, hurt quality of life and unfairly benefit certain corporations.
Amendment 4
What it would do: Protect abortion rights up to “viability”
Currently, Florida outlaws abortion after six weeks of a pregnancy. If this amendment passes, it would protect access to abortion up to “viability.”
Viability is not defined in the amendment, though most doctors suggest it would be the 23-24 week mark.
This amendment would put Florida’s abortion policy back in line with federal protections that used to exist under the Roe v. Wade ruling.
Supporters believe the Florida legislature went too far with its six-week abortion ban, and that the government should not be involved with these decisions.
Opponents argue the amendment is misleading, too vague and the life of a fetus should be protected.
Amendment 5
What it would do: Incorporate inflation into how homestead exemptions are determined
Currently, Florida homeowners are given a homestead exemption on their primary residence. Right now, that includes a $25,000 exemption on property taxes.
If this amendment passes, that $25,000 exemption can be adjusted for inflation.
For example, if the Consumer Price Index shows 4% inflation, the homestead exemption would also go up 4% (from $25,000 to $26,000).
Supporters argue the homestead exemption becomes less valuable over time if inflation is not factored in.
Opponents fear the loss of tax revenue might hurt budgets for necessary government services.
Amendment 6
What it would do: Repeal a program giving statewide candidates public campaign funding
Currently, candidates for statewide office in Florida (governor, attorney general, chief financial officer, agriculture commissioner) can accept public money to campaign, in exchange for agreeing to certain rules on spending limits.
If this amendment passes, that program would no longer exist.
Supporters believe that money would be better spent on other things. Opponents argue taking the option of public money away would make it harder for non-wealthy candidates to run, and give more power to wealthy donors.
These amendments need at least 60% support from voters to become part of the Florida Constitution.
Early voting turnout numbers across Central Florida
Early voting is underway in Florida, with local Supervisor of Elections' offices reporting big turnout numbers so far.
Voters have until Sunday, Nov. 3, to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Turnout across all Florida (as of Oct. 24 at 11 a.m.):
Mail: 1,672,046
Early Voting: 1,146,153
Unofficial Turnout: 2,818,199
Registered Republican
Mail: 606,191
Early Voting: 620,022
Registered Democrat
Mail: 709,736
Early Voting: 313,682
Other + No Party Affiliation
Mail: 355,875
Early Voting: 212,419