Florida's Proposed Constitutional Amendments Explained

When Florida voters head to the polls Nov. 4 they’ll be faced with three proposed amendments to the state’s constitution. Making heads or tails of those amendments, however, can sometimes be a trick.

Here is a rundown of what voters can expect to see:

Amendment 1 – Water and Land Conversation Funding

This amendment funds the Land Acquisition Trust Fund, providing money for the state to buy, restore, improve and manage conservation lands.

The amendment would require that 33 percent of documentary stamp taxes (real estate document taxes) be earmarked for the fund, which was created in 1963.

This would provide the state fund an estimated $648 million during the Fiscal Year 2015-16, according to the League of Women Voters of Florida. The amendment would expire in Fiscal Year 2034-35.

The amendment would not raise taxes. It would, however, reduce reliance on state legislative funding for environmental and conservation programs, the league reported in its voters’ guide.

Amendment 2 – Medical Marijuana

This hotly debated amendment would pave the way for legalization of marijuana for use in specific medical scenarios. The state Department of Health would be responsible for regulating production and distribution centers and would also be charged with issuing identification cards to patients approved for marijuana use.

The League of Women Voters points out the amendment would not impact the state’s current prohibition on recreational marijuana use.

Amendment 3 – Judicial Appointments

This amendment would give the governor greater abilities to fill judicial vacancies using a list of nominees approved for the post.

A yes vote on this amendment would also enable an outgoing governor to make appointments to the Florida Supreme Court or a district court of appeal instead of waiting for a newly sworn-in governor, the league states. It could reduce the time involved in a judicial vacancy, but would put language related to judicial appointments in the state’s constitution where future changes could be difficult to make, the league points out.

For a complete look at the League of Women Voters of Florida 2014 Nonpartisan Voter Guide, check it out online. The league has also released its position on the amendments. It favors Amendment 1, has no stand on Amendment 2, and is against Amendment 3.