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Florida Ballot Measures: Historical Ballot Measures Factbook

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Florida voters decided 407 ballot measures since 1900

Between 1900 and 2024, Florida voters have decided on 407 ballot measures. Of those, 288 (71%) were approved and 119 (29%) were defeated.

There have been 332 ballot measures referred to the ballot by the Florida State Legislature and 31 ballot measures referred by a state commission. Florida has two commissions that can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot—the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) and Taxation and Budget Reform Commission (TBRC). Citizens have the power to petition for constitutional amendments, which they have placed on the ballot 44 times. The constitutional amendments that were initiated had the best success at the ballot box, with 75% approved by voters. Legislatively referred measures were approved 71% of the time, and commission-referred measures had an approval rate of 65%.

The inventory of Florida statewide ballot measures is part of Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbook, which will document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States. This ongoing research effort will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and the voting public on how ballot measures have evolved, the issues they've covered, and the role they have played in our civic life.

Explore the topics below for detailed information:
  • This section provides a table to search Florida historical ballot measures by decade and keyword.

  • This section summarizes notable topics voters have decided on.

  • This section highlights measures with the closest and widest margins, as well as the breakdown by topic, decade, and type.

  • This section describes the process of placing a statewide measure on the ballot.

Historic Ballot Measure Lookup Tool
2020-2029 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
2026 LRCAChanges to Budget Stabilization Fund Amendment Increase the amount of funds that may be retained in the budget stabilization fund from 10% to 25% of net general revenue among other changes On the ballot
2026 LRCAExempt Tangible Personal Property Used for Agriculture or Agritourism from Property Taxes Amendment Exempt agricultural-related tangible personal property, such as farm equipment or tools, from property taxes On the ballot
2024 LRCAAmendment 1 Change school board elections from nonpartisan to partisan beginning in 2026 Defeated
2024 LRCAAmendment 2 Provide for a state constitutional right to hunt and fish Approved
2024 CICAAmendment 3 Legalize the recreational or personal use of marijuana Defeated
2024 CICAAmendment 4 Provide for a state constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability Defeated
2024 LRCAAmendment 5 Provide for an annual inflation adjustment for the value of the homestead property tax exemption Approved
2024 LRCAAmendment 6 Repeal a constitutional provision providing for public campaign financing for candidates who agree to spending limits Defeated
2022 LRCAAmendment 1 Authorize the Legislature to prohibit flood resistance improvements from being taken into consideration when determining a property's assessed value for tax purposes Defeated
2022 LRCAAmendment 2 Abolish the Florida Constitution Revision Commission Defeated
2022 LRCAAmendment 3 Authorize the Legislature to provide an additional homestead property tax exemption for certain public service workers Defeated
2020 CICAAmendment 1 Prohibit the state and local governments from allowing noncitizens to vote Approved
2020 CICAAmendment 2 Increase the state minimum wage to $15 by 2026 Approved
2020 CICAAmendment 3 Establish a top-two system for primary elections Defeated
2020 CICAAmendment 4 Require voter-approved constitutional amendments to be approved at a second general election Defeated
2020 LRCAAmendment 5 Increases the period during which a person may transfer "Save Our Homes" benefits to a new homestead property from two years to three years Approved
2020 LRCAAmendment 6 Allows a homestead property tax discount to be transferred to the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran Approved
2010-2019 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
2018 CRCAAmendment 10 Prohibit counties from abolishing certain local offices, changes start date of legislative sessions, and adds an executive office and executive department to constitution Approved
2018 CRCAAmendment 11 Repeal the following: (a) a prohibition against aliens owning property, (b) a requirement for a high-speed ground transportation system, and (c) a provision saying that changes to a criminal statute are not retroactive Approved
2018 CRCAAmendment 12 Prohibit public officials from lobbying for compensation while in office and six years thereafter Approved
2018 CRCAAmendment 13 Prohibit pari-mutuel (a type of betting pool) operations from racing greyhounds or any other dogs for wagering, prohibits persons in Florida from wagering on the outcome of live dog races occurring in the state Approved
2018 LRCAAmendment 1 Increase the amount of a home's value exempted from property tax Defeated
2018 LRCAAmendment 2 Make permanent the cap of 10 percent on annual nonhomestead parcel assessment increases set to expire on January 1, 2019 Approved
2018 CICAAmendment 3 Require voter approval of casino gambling Approved
2018 CICAAmendment 4 Restore the right to vote for most people with prior felony convictions upon completion of their sentences Approved
2018 LRCAAmendment 5 Require a two-thirds vote of legislature to impose or increase tax or fee Approved
2018 CRCAAmendment 6 Make changes to the state’s law regarding the rights of crime victims, the age at which judges are required to retire, and judicial deference Approved
2018 CRCAAmendment 7 Require death benefits for first responders and military members, a supermajority vote for college fees, and adds state college system structure to constitution Approved
2018 CRCAAmendment 9 Ban offshore oil and gas drilling and vaping in enclosed indoor workplaces Approved
2016 CICAAmendment 1 Give residents of Florida the right to own or lease solar energy equipment for personal use while also enacting constitutional protection for any state or local law Defeated
2016 CICAAmendment 2 Legalize medical marijuana Approved
2016 LRCAAmendment 3 Provide property tax exemptions to first responders who have been permanently disabled in the line of duty Approved
2016 CICAAmendment 1 Dedicate 33% of net revenue from the existing excise tax on documents to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund Approved
2016 LRCAAmendment 5 Specify that the value of property owned by senior citizens eligible for the homestead property tax exemption would be determined during the first year in which they apply for the exemption Approved
2016 LRCAAmendment 4 Provide tax exemptions for solar power and other renewable energy equipment included in home, commercial, and industrial property values that would otherwise fall under the tangible property tax bracket Approved
2014 LRCAAmendment 2 Legalize medical marijuana Defeated
2014 LRCAAmendment 3 Authorize governor to fill judicial vacancies by appointing a justice or judge from among at least three, but not more than six, candidates selected by the judicial nominating commission Defeated
2012 LRCAAmendment 10 Provide a tangible personal property exemption on ad valorem taxes and allow counties and municipalities to establish tangible personal property tax exemptions Defeated
2012 LRCAAmendment 11 Allow municipalities and counties to create additional homestead tax exemptions for low-income people above the age of 65 who meet certain requirements Approved
2012 LRCAAmendment 12 Have the chair of the council of state university student body presidents replace the president of the Florida Student Association as the student member of the Board of Governors of the State University System Defeated
2012 LRCAAmendment 1 Prohibit compulsory health insurance and permit the direct payment of health care expenses Defeated
2012 LRCAAmendment 2 Expand the availability of the homestead property tax discount for veterans injured in combat Approved
2012 LRCAAmendment 3 Increase the state's revenue limitation and require excess funds be deposited into a budget stabilization fund until the fund hits its maximum, at which time the money first be spent on public education and then additional excess funds be returned to the taxpayers Defeated
2012 LRCAAmendment 4 Amend the calculations for property assessments and allow for the establishment of an additional homestead tax exemption Defeated
2012 LRCAAmendment 5 Amend the state constitution relative to the changing of court rules, require senatorial approval of state Supreme Court justice appointments, and change the process for judicial impeachments Defeated
2012 LRCAAmendment 6 Prohibit the use of public funds for abortions or health insurance that includes coverage of abortion, with exceptions Defeated
2012 LRCAAmendment 8 Prohibit denials of governmental support on the basis of religious beliefs and allow the use of revenue from the public treasury to fund religious institutions Defeated
2012 LRCAAmendment 9 Allow for an ad valorem homestead property tax exemption for surviving spouses of those killed in their work as a first responder or in the military Approved
2010 LRCAAmendment 1 Repeal the state constitutional provision that provides for public financing of campaigns for those running for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits Defeated
2010 LRCAAmendment 2 Provide for an additional homestead property tax exemption for military members who were deployed in the previous year Approved
2010 CICAAmendment 4 Require that local governments hold a referendum to change or adopt a comprehensive land use plan Defeated
2010 CICAAmendment 5 Establish requirements for the drawing of legislative districts Approved
2010 CICAAmendment 6 Establish requirements for congressional redistricting Approved
2010 LRCAAmendment 8 Establish limits on average number of students assigned per class to each teacher in public schools, as opposed to on actual class size Defeated
2010 LRAQFederal Budget Advisory Question Amend the federal Constitution to require that the federal budget be balanced without raising taxes Approved
2000-2009 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
2008 LRCAAmendment 1 Eliminate constitutional provisions that prevent aliens ineligible for citizenship from possessing real property Defeated
2008 LRCAAmendment 1 Amend exemptions and benefits based on homestead property, provide an exemption on tangible personal property, and limit assessment increase on certain non-homestead real property Approved
2008 CICAAmendment 2 Establish that marriage only be recognized as a union between one man and one woman Approved
2008 CRCAAmendment 3 Exempt property improvements that increase resistance to wind damage or provide renewable energy when assessing the property value Approved
2008 CRCAAmendment 4 Establish a property tax exemption for property that is limited by perpetual conservation protections Approved
2008 CRCAAmendment 6 Provide for the assessment of working waterfront property based upon how it is used Approved
2008 CRCAAmendment 8 Allow counties, upon approval by the voters, to levy a local option sales tax to supplement community college funding Defeated
2006 LRCAAmendment 1 Limit how nonrecurring general revenue may be spent and amend provisions relating to creating the state's financial outlooks and budget Approved
2006 LRCAAmendment 3 Require a 60% vote for voters to approve constitutional amendments Approved
2006 CICAAmendment 4 Require a portion of the tobacco settlement money be used for a statewide tobacco education and prevention program Approved
2006 LRCAAmendment 6 Increase the homestead tax exemption for low-income seniors Approved
2006 LRCAAmendment 7 Provide an ad valorem tax discount for veterans who are 65 or older, who were disabled due to a combat-related injury, and meet other specifications Approved
2006 LRCAAmendment 8 Prohibit the transfer of property taken through eminent domain to a private party unless approved by the Legislature Approved
2004 LRCAAmendment 1 Authorizes the state legislature to enact a law requiring that the parents of a minor must be notified before the minor receives an abortion procedure, with exceptions that can be granted with a judicial waiver. Approved
2004 LRCAAmendment 2 Establish requirements for the submission of citizens' initiatives Approved
2004 CICAAmendment 3 Establish that claimants in medical liability suits who enter a contingent fee agreement with their attorney receive a minimum of 70% of the first $250,000.00 in damages and 90% of damages in excess of $250,000.00 Approved
2004 CICAAmendment 4 Allow Miami-Dade and Broward counties to hold referenda to determine if slot machines can be placed at parimutuel facilities Approved
2004 CICAAmendment 5 Provide for a state minimum wage that covers all employees covered by the federal minimum wage, start the minimum wage at $6.15 per hour, and adjust the minimum wage each year based on inflation Approved
2004 CICAAmendment 6 Repeal the constitutional provisions that requires the state to develop and operate a high speed ground transportation system Approved
2004 CICAAmendment 7 Allow patients the right to review records of health care facilities' or providers' relating to adverse medical incidents Approved
2004 CICAAmendment 8 Prohibit doctors who have been found to have committed three or more incidents of medical malpractice from practicing medicine in Florida Approved
2002 CICAAmendment 10 Establish that no pregnant pig may be confined in a way that it can not turn around, with certain exceptions Approved
2002 CICAAmendment 11 Establish local boards of trustees to administer each state university and establish a statewide governing board to oversee the entire university system Approved
2002 LRCAAmendment 1 Permit the use of the death penalty for capital crimes and establish that the Florida Constitution provides no greater protections from the death penalty than does the federal Constitution Approved
2002 LRCAAmendment 2 Require that the Legislature create a law requiring economic impact statements for constitutional amendments proposed by initiatives Approved
2002 LRCAAmendment 3 Allow revisions to the Miami-Dade County home rule charter, subject to approval by Miami-Dade County voters Defeated
2002 LRCAAmendment 4 Require that laws that provide for exemptions from public records or public meetings requirements must pass both houses of the Legislature by 2/3 majority Approved
2002 CICAAmendment 6 Prohibit the smoking of tobacco in indoor workplaces, with certain exceptions Approved
2002 LRCAAmendment 7 Allow counties to exempt increases in homestead property values resulting from construction of living quarters for senior parents or grandparents Approved
2002 CICAAmendment 8 Require that all four-year-old children be offered the ability to attend pre-kindergarten for free Approved
2002 CICAAmendment 9 Require the Legislature to provide funding so that class sizes do not exceed a set maximum Approved
2000 CICAAmendment 1 Provide for the creation of a monorail system to link the five largest urban areas in Florida Approved
1990-1999 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
1998 CRCAAmendment 10 Establish and expand tax exemptions for municipal and local property and remove limitations on the citizens' ability to communicate with local officials about subjects of public hearings Defeated
1998 CRCAAmendment 11 Make school board elections nonpartisan; allow candidates for governor to run in primary elections without a lieutenant governor; provide that ballot access requirements for minor party candidates cannot be greater than requirements for major party candidates; provide public campaign financing for statewide candidates who agree to campaign spending limits; and allow any voter to vote in any party's primary election if the winner will have no general election opponent Approved
1998 CRCAAmendment 12 Give counties the option to require a criminal background check and a waiting period of three to five days before the sale of a firearm Approved
1998 CRCAAmendment 13 Make various miscellaneous and technical changes to the state constitution Approved
1998 LRCAAmendment 1 Amend the requirements for receiving a historic property granted ad valorem tax exemption Approved
1998 LRCAAmendment 2 Preserve the death penalty as a form of punishment in Florida and align execution methods with the federal Constitution Approved
1998 LRCAAmendment 3 Allow counties and municipalities to provide an additional homestead tax exemption to low-income seniors Approved
1998 LRCAAmendment 4 Allow documents filed at a county branch office to be considered officially filed Approved
1998 CRCAAmendment 5 Create provisions for the conservation of natural resources and establish the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Approved
1998 CRCAAmendment 6 Establish the education of children as a fundamental value of the people of Florida and require the state to provide an efficient, safe, secure, and high quality education system Approved
1998 CRCAAmendment 7 Establish local elections to determine if circuit and county judges should be elected or appointed and provide the procedures for the decided upon systems Approved
1998 CRCAAmendment 8 Amend the roles of executive officers and change what roles were included in the state cabinet Approved
1998 CRCAAmendment 9 Establish that "female and male alike" are equal before the law and have inalienable rights and establish bases on which the rights cannot be denied Approved
1996 CICAAmendment 1 Require a two-thirds vote of voters in an election to approve any new state tax or fee proposed through a constitutional amendment Approved
1996 LRCAAmendment 2 Move the next meeting of the Constitution Revision Commission to 1997 and allow the Commission to review matters relating to taxation or the state budgetary process Approved
1996 LRCAAmendment 3 Increase the number of judicial nominees the judicial nominating commission may make up to six nominations, restructure the Judicial Qualifications Commission, and allow for additional sanctions for judicial misconduct Approved
1996 CICAAmendment 4 Impose a $0.01 per pound fee on sugar grown in the Everglades Agricultural Area, with the funds being used for conservation in the Everglades Defeated
1996 CICAAmendment 5 Provide that those responsible for water pollution in the Everglades Protection Area and the Everglades Agricultural Area pay for the cost of the pollution's abatement Approved
1996 CICAAmendment 6 Establish an Everglades Trust Fund to fund conservation efforts and the abatement of water pollution in the Everglades Approved
1994 LRCAAmendment 1 Establish annual 60-day regular sessions that start the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March Approved
1994 LRCAAmendment 2 Establish a formula for calculating the state's revenue limit, establish that funds above that limit be deposited into the budget stabilization fund, and provide that funds be refunded to taxpayers once the budget stabilization fund is fully funded Approved
1994 CICAAmendment 3 Prohibit the use of gill and other entangling nets and limit the size of other nets to no larger than 500 square feet in mesh area Approved
1994 CICAAmendment 4 Allow initiated constitutional amendments related to limiting the power of government to raise revenue to cover multiple subjects Approved
1994 CICAAmendment 8 Allow for a limited number of casinos in certain counties Defeated
1992 CICAAmendment 10 Limit homestead property valuations for ad valorem tax purposes increases to a maximum of 3% per year Approved
1992 LRCAAmendment 1 Allow for the suspension or delay of an election if there is a state of emergency or impending state of emergency Approved
1992 LRCAAmendment 2 Allow public access to records and meetings of government entities, with certain exceptions prescribed by the legislature Approved
1992 LRCAAmendment 3 Allow counties and municipalities to issue ad valorem tax exemptions on historic properties Approved
1992 CRCAAmendment 4 Change the state budget and planning processes Approved
1992 CRCAAmendment 5 Require that the Legislature establish a Taxpayers' Bill of Rights that establishes taxpayers' rights and responsibilities and government's responsibilities to deal fairly with taxpayers Approved
1992 CRCAAmendment 6 Allow counties and municipalities to levy a one-cent sales tax, if approved by local voters, for local government services Defeated
1992 LRCAAmendment 8 Continue indefinitely the use of gross receipts taxes for constructing educational facilities of the state public education system, continue indefinitely to use some motor vehicle license taxes for constructing public schools and community colleges, and remove certain restrictions on education bond refunding Approved
1992 CICAAmendment 9 Establish that those who have held the same elective office for the preceding eight years may not appear on the ballot for re-election to that office and apply the limitation to the offices of Florida Representative and Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Florida Cabinet, and U. S. Senator and Representative Approved
1990 LRCAAmendment 1 Establish the timing of meetings of the legislature Approved
1990 LRCAAmendment 2 Require a three-day waiting period between the purchase and delivery of any handgun Approved
1990 LRCAAmendment 3 Excuse municipalities from general laws requiring them to spend funds under certain circumstances Approved
1990 LRCAAmendment 4 Provide for the recording of certain legislative votes and open and noticed committee and other legislative meetings Approved
1980-1989 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
1988 CICAAmendment 10 Limit non-economic damages relating to bodily injuries in any action to $100,000 and allow the maximum to be adjusted utilizing a consumer price index Defeated
1988 CICAAmendment 11 Establish English as the official state language Approved
1988 LRCAAmendment 1 Provide for the impeachment of county court judges by the Legislature Approved
1988 LRCAAmendment 2 Give crime victims, or in the case of a homicide, their next-of-kin, the qualified right to be informed, to be present, and to be heard at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings Approved
1988 LRCAAmendment 3 Allow high water recharge land to be classified by law solely on the basis of character or use Approved
1988 LRCAAmendment 4 Allow the Legislature, without approval of the voters, to issue bonds for property acquisition for roads and for constructing bridges Approved
1988 LRCAAmendment 5 Extend the widow property tax exemption to widowers Approved
1988 LRCAAmendment 6 Create the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission to review matters of taxation and the budgetary process Approved
1988 LRCAAmendment 7 Increase the terms for county court judges to six years Defeated
1988 LRCAAmendment 8 Allow for the creation of a civil traffic hearing officer system Approved
1988 LRCAAmendment 9 Authorize creating a Department of Veterans Affairs and a Department of Elderly Affairs Approved
1986 LRCAAmendment 1 Allow the attorney general to appoint a statewide prosecutor to try multi-circuit violations of the criminal laws Approved
1986 CICAAmendment 2 Allow casino gambling in hotels with 500 rooms or more if voters in that county approve, by initiative referendum, casino gambling Defeated
1986 LRCAAmendment 3 Establish the homestead tax exemption as $5,000 plus one-half of the assessed value over $5,000, up to $25,000 Defeated
1986 LRCAAmendment 4 Allow the Attorney General, as provided by law, to request the Supreme Court issue an expeditious advisory opinion on the validity of ballot initiatives and require the Supreme Court to issue such opinion Approved
1986 CICAAmendment 5 Allow the state to operate a lottery Approved
1984 LRCAAmendment 1 Extend the exemption of homesteads and personal property from forced sale to any natural person Approved
1984 LRCAAmendment 2 Allow for the disbursement of state funds via electronic means, magnetic tape, or any other transfer medium and remove obsolete language about countersigning of warrants by the Governor Approved
1984 LRCAAmendment 3 Establish that uniform rules of procedure be established by the judicial nominating commissions at each level of the court system and that proceedings of the commissions shall be open to the public Approved
1984 LRCAAmendment 4 Establish that legislators' speech and debate relating to their legislative duties is privileged and that they can not be questioned on it in any place other than the legislature Defeated
1984 LRCAAmendment 5 Allow county commissioners to be elected in the manner prescribed by law and allow boards of county commissioners to be made up of five or seven members Approved
1984 LRCAAmendment 6 Require that a person be a member of the Florida state bar for the preceding five years to be eligible to be a county court judge and allow a person to be eligible to be appointed or elected as a county court judge in a county with a population of 40,000 or less if they are a member in good standing with the state bar Approved
1984 LRCAAmendment 7 Alter rules regarding general obligation bonds issued by the state Approved
1984 LRCAAmendment 8 Provide for a levy on gross receipts to allow the continuation of funding of bonds for public education construction Approved
1982 LRCAAmendment 2 Establish that Florida's protection against unlawful searches and seizures aligns with the federal constitution's protections against unlawful searches and seizures Approved
1982 LRCAAmendment 3 Provide that a person charged with a crime shall be entitled to release before trial, with exceptions Approved
1980 LRCAAmendment 1 Abolishes the Florida Constitution Revision Commission Defeated
1980 CICAAmendment 1 Establish a homestead exemption of $25,000 from certain ad valorem school millage levies, provide procedures for the enactment of the exemption from the millage levies, and allow for ad valorem tax relief for permanent resident renters Approved
1980 LRCAAmendment 1 Authorize an ad valorem tax exemption for a renewable energy source device and the property where it is installed Approved
1980 LRCAAmendment 2 Allow for the issuance of revenue bonds to fund housing Approved
1980 LRCAAmendment 2 Provide for a constitutional right of privacy Approved
1980 LRCAAmendment 2 Modify the jurisdiction of the state Supreme Court Approved
1980 LRCAAmendment 3 Allow counties and municipalities, upon approval by a referendum of local voters, to grant certain ad valorem tax exemptions Approved
1980 LRCAAmendment 3 Establish that publishing the title of a bill in the legislative journals serves as the first reading required by the State Constitution Approved
1980 LRCAAmendment 4 Allow for expanded local homestead and ad valorem tax exemptions Approved
1980 LRCAAmendment 4 Allow for the issuance of bonds for water facilities Approved
1980 LRCAAmendment 5 Remove certain limits on the use of the "second gas tax" to finance bonds for roads Approved
1980 LRCAAmendment 5 Allow business inventories and livestock to be classified for tax purposes or exempted from taxation Approved
1970-1979 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
1978 CRCAAmendment 1 Modify Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII, X, XI and XII of the state constitution Defeated
1978 CRCAAmendment 2 Establish that no person shall be deprived of any right on account of their sex Defeated
1978 CRCAAmendment 3 Require single-member legislative districts and establish provisions for reapportionment of legislative and congressional districts Defeated
1978 CRCAAmendment 4 Eliminate the executive cabinet and reassign the duties of the executive cabinet Defeated
1978 CRCAAmendment 5 Establish a five-member public service commission and establish a public counsel to represent the people before the commission Defeated
1978 CRCAAmendment 6 Amend the process for selecting circuit and county court judges and increase the terms of county court judges from four to six years Defeated
1978 CRCAAmendment 7 Amend various provisions relating to taxes, tax exemptions, and government finances Defeated
1978 CRCAAmendment 8 Amend the appointment procedures, responsibilities, and roles of the state board of education, commissioner of education, and board of regents Defeated
1978 CICAAmendment 9 Allow for gambling casinos in certain areas, with taxes on such casinos being used for free public schools and local law enforcement Defeated
1976 CICAAmendment 1 Establish ethics requirements and procedures for public officials and candidates Approved
1976 LRCAAmendment 1 Authorize local taxes for water management purposes and limit the taxes to not more than one mill Approved
1976 LRCAAmendment 2 Require that there be a Supreme Court Judge from each appellate district, require that Supreme and appellate judges be re-elected every 6 years, and require that the governor make appointments to fill vacancies based on the Judicial Nomination Commission's recommendations Approved
1976 LRCAAmendment 3 Amend rules regarding functioning of the Judicial Qualifications Commission Approved
1976 LRCAAmendment 4 Allow for property tax exemptions, tax revenue usage, and issuance of bonds for community redevelopment Defeated
1976 LRCAAmendment 5 Allow for the issuance of bonds for financing or refinancing housing and related facilities Defeated
1976 LRCAAmendment 6 Limit the number of full time government employees to 1% of state population and part-time employees to 10% of full time employees Defeated
1976 LRCAAmendment 7 Establish procedures for legislative nullification of rules or regulations created by the executive branch Defeated
1976 LRCAAmendment 8 Require that increases in governmental supported retirement system funds be fully funded by the governmental unit Approved
1976 LRCAAmendment 9 Establish a capitol and mansion commission to be in charge of the furnishing, decorating, and alteration of the capitol building complex and the governor's mansion Defeated
1974 LRCAAmendment 1 Continue the school construction program for area vocational-technical centers, community colleges, universities; extend the program to K-12 public schools; and support the program through bonds payable from the gross receipts taxes Approved
1974 LRCAAmendment 2 Extend the second gas tax until January 1, 2025, amend the purposes that bonds may be issued for transportation purposes, and allow these bonds to be secured any legally available revenues Defeated
1974 LRCAAmendment 3 Change the name for the office of "Tax Assessor" to "Property Appraiser" Approved
1974 LRCAAmendment 4 Establish procedures for the operation and appointment of members of the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission Approved
1974 LRCAAmendment 5 Establish procedures and rule for the Judicial Qualifications Commission Approved
1974 LRCAAmendment 6 Allow political subdivisions to become joint owners of electrical energy generating or transmission facilities Approved
1974 LRCAAmendment 7 Establish that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of a physical disability Approved
1972 LRCAAmendment 1 Reorganize the state trial courts into a uniform court system, provide standards for the selection and discipline of judges, and establish a court administration system Approved
1972 LRCAAmendment 2 Allow for the issuance of bonds for outdoor recreation, natural resources conservation and related purposes Approved
1972 LRCAAmendment 2 Allow for bonds for establishing a fund from which to make loans to students Approved
1972 LRCAAmendment 3 Allow for single subject constitutional amendments via citizen initiative Approved
1972 LRCAAmendment 4 Continue the use of some motor vehicle licensing revenue for education purposes Approved
1972 LRCAAmendment 5 Clarify language allowing for the willing of property to a spouse if there is no minor child Approved
1972 LRAQEqual Opportunity Education Straw Ballot Measure Advise officials that there should be "equal opportunity for quality education for all children" regardless of race, creed, color, or place of residence Approved
1972 LRAQForced Busing Straw Ballot Measure Advise officials to prohibit forced busing and guarantee children can attend school closest to home Approved
1972 BIReferendum 1 Allow for $200 million in bonds to buy environmentally endangered lands and $40 million in bonds for outdoor recreation projects Approved
1972 LRAQSchool Prayer Straw Ballot Measure Advise officials to amend the U.S. Constitution to allow prayer in public schools Approved
1971 LRCACorporate Income Tax Amendment Allow for an income tax on corporations Approved
1970 LRCAAmendment 2 Defeated
1970 LRCAAmendment 1 Establish that those who are 18 and who meet residency requirements are electors of the county where they have resided for at least six months Defeated
1970 LRCAAmendment 2 Establish that 18 is the age of legal adulthood Defeated
1970 LRCAAmendment 3 Amend the state constitution relating to the Judicial Department Defeated
1970 LRCAAmendment 4 Allow for the issuance of bonds for pollution control facilities and waste disposal facilities Approved
1970 LRCAAmendment 5 Restrict sales of state submerged lands to only when in the public interest Approved
1970 LRCAAmendment 6 Establish the term of office for members of the House of Representatives as four years Defeated
1970 LRCAAmendment 7 Allow school boards to levy ad valorem taxes for capital improvement purposes, if approved by local voters Defeated
1960-1969 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
1969 LRCARevenue Bonds and Tax Anticipation Certificates Amendment Allow for the issuance of revenue bonds or tax anticipation certificates until June 30, 1975, for higher education Approved
1968 LRCAAllow School Board Appointment of Superintendents Amendment Allow school boards to appoint the superintendent of schools Approved
1968 LRCAAmendment 1 Ratify the Florida Constitution of 1968 Approved
1968 LRCAAmendment 2 Amend various provisions relating to the conduction of elections Approved
1968 LRCAAmendment 3 Amend provisions relating to the administration of counties and cities Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 10 Allow the board of county commissioners for Orange County to revise justice of the peace district boundaries in Orange County Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 11 Establish that each condemnation of property jury shall be composed of twelve jurors Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 12 Provide for a special legislative session solely for the purpose of organization after November general elections Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 13 Exempt stock in trade, inventory, and livestock from ad valorem taxation Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 1 Establish that constitutional revisions adopted by convention be submitted to the electors at the next general election Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 2 Provide for the terms of employment of appointive county superintendents of public instruction Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 3 Provide presidential voting rights for residents not yet meeting state qualifications Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 4 Establish regulations on the appearance of the state flag Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 5 Give the electorate power to provide for consolidation of municipal and county governments of Hillsborough County Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 6 Authorize the Legislature to require county judges to be members of the Florida bar Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 7 Establish that the legislature shall determine the number of county judges in each county and their monetary jurisdiction Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 8 Establish requirements for state judges, provide a procedure for the selection, discipline, retirement and removal of judges, and establish the Judicial Qualifications Commission Approved
1966 LRCAAmendment 9 Create separate offices for the 13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney and Hillsborough County Prosecuting Attorney Criminal Court of Record Approved
1965 LRCAAmendment 1 Prescribe the number of appellate districts within the state and the number of judges to serve each district Approved
1965 LRCAAmendment 2 Authorize the legislature to provide an additional county judge in Lake County Approved
1965 LRCAAmendment 3 Establish that the Palm Beach County clerk of the circuit court shall also be the clerk of the criminal court of record Approved
1965 LRCAAmendment 4 Allow for the issuance of up to $300,000,000 of bonds for construction and reconstruction of roads Defeated
1965 LRCAAmendment 5 Expand the definition of “motor vehicles” for taxation purposes Approved
1964 LRCAAmendment 10 Increase the number of judicial circuits Approved
1964 LRCAAmendment 11 Provide an additional legislative method of revising or amending the constitution Approved
1964 LRCAAmendment 12 Extend the second gas tax until January 1, 2018 Defeated
1964 LRCAAmendment 13 Establish that in Sarasota County, the first $2,000 of the assessed valuation on home and contiguous property be taxable for school purposes only Approved
1964 LRCAAmendment 1 Provide for apportionment of the Florida legislature Defeated
1964 LRCAAmendment 2 Limit the length of the term of boards for colleges and universities to nine years Approved
1964 LRCAAmendment 3 Amend provisions relating to the use of revenue from motor vehicles licensing for capital outlay, debt service and other school purposes Approved
1964 LRCAAmendment 4 Authorize the principal of state school funds to be used for capital outlay for higher learning and public schools Defeated
1964 LRCAAmendment 5 Allow for the appointment of the superintendent of public instruction in several counties Approved
1964 LRCAAmendment 6 Establish that the Superintendent of Public Instruction for Taylor County be appointed by the County Board of Public Instruction Approved
1964 LRCAAmendment 7 Provide for the continuity of governmental operations in periods of emergency resulting from disasters caused by enemy attack Approved
1964 LRCAAmendment 8 Eliminate the Commissioner of Agriculture's supervision of matters relating to public lands and the Bureau of Immigration Approved
1964 LRCAAmendment 9 Authorize civil trials in branch courthouses in Dade County Approved
1963 LRCAAmendment 1 Provide for the election of the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Commissioner of Agriculture at the 1964 general election for a two-year term and then establish that such positions be up for election in 1966, for terms of four years Approved
1963 LRCAAmendment 2 Authorize the issuance of bonds for capital outlay at institutions of higher learning Approved
1963 LRCAAmendment 3 Allow the Outdoor Recreational Development Council to be able to issue revenue bonds, revenue certificates or other evidences of indebtedness for outdoor recreation and natural resources conservation Approved
1962 LRCAAmendment 1 Provide for the apportionment and number of legislatures in the House of Representatives and Senate Defeated
1962 LRCAAmendment 2 Provide that the Superintendent of Public Instruction to be appointed by the County Board of Public Instruction in certain counties Approved
1962 LRCAAmendment 3 Establish that the Speaker of the House may appoint a committee to investigate impeachable allegations Approved
1962 LRCAAmendment 4 Authorize Pasco County to hold civil jury trials in any branch courthouse within the county Approved
1962 LRCAAmendment 5 Establish that the State Attorney of the Fourth Judicial Circuit shall be the prosecuting attorney for the Criminal Court of Record of Duval County Approved
1962 LRCAAmendment 6 Change the procedures for setting the number of circuit court judge Defeated
1962 LRCAAmendment 7 Revise the preamble of the state constitution Approved
1962 LRCAAmendment 8 Clarify the state borders by using references to latitudes and longitudes and extend the coastal boundaries as permitted by US and international law Approved
1962 LRCAAmendment 9 Revise wording regarding the division of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial Departments Approved
1960 LRCAAmendment 1 Amend the number and organization of the district courts of appeal and the number of judges for each district court of appeal Approved
1960 LRCAAmendment 2 Provide for original absentee registration for members of the armed forces and their families who are outside the United States Approved
1960 LRCAAmendment 3 Revise the administration of the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission Defeated
1960 LRCAAmendment 4 Establish the allocation of excise taxes collected by the state or under its authority from the operation of pari-mutuel pools Defeated
1960 LRCAAmendment 5 Provide for jury trials of civil suits in certain municipalities within Volusia and Highlands Counties and revise provisions relating to the administration of the court system in counties Approved
1960 LRCAAmendment 6 Allow the County of Brevard to hold civil jury trials in any branch courthouse within the county Approved
1950-1959 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
1959 LRCAAmendment 1 Amend provisions relating to the apportionment of the legislature Defeated
1958 LRCAAmendment 1 Allow the legislature to link proposed constitutional amendments in an election so that all must be approved for any one to be enacted Defeated
1958 LRCAAmendment 2 Eliminate the Hillsborough County solicitor and transfer the duties to the State Attorney of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida Approved
1956 LRCAAmendment 10 Amend provisions relating to the general fund and finances regarding county officers in Escambia County Approved
1956 LRCAAmendment 11 Allow for the establishment of civil service systems and civil service boards for non-elected and non-appointed municipal, county, and state employees and officers Approved
1956 LRCAAmendment 12 Provide for civil jury trials in Pinellas County and establish the administration of such trials Approved
1956 LRCAAmendment 1 Revise the state court system Approved
1956 LRCAAmendment 2 Allow for home rule in Dade County Approved
1956 LRCAAmendment 4 Establish the procedure for calling an extra session of the state legislature Approved
1956 LRCAAmendment 5 Reapportion the Florida Senate and House of Representatives Defeated
1956 LRCAAmendment 6 Provide for an additional judge for the Criminal Court of Record of Duval County Approved
1956 LRCAAmendment 7 Eliminate the Office of County Special Tax School District Trustees and transfer its duties to the County Board of Public Instruction Approved
1956 LRCAAmendment 8 Allow for the appointment of County Superintendents of Public Instruction in Duval, Sarasota, Dade, and Pinellas Counties Approved
1956 LRCAAmendment 9 Eliminate the office of County Solicitor in Dade County and transfer those duties to the State Attorney of the 11th Judicial Circuit Approved
1954 LRCAAmendment 1 Revise provisions relating to extra sessions of the legislature and the compensation of legislators Approved
1954 LRCAAmendment 2 Prohibit the use of state funds for toll roads extending into more than three counties Defeated
1954 LRCAAmendment 3 Allow for additional county judges in counties with a population of more than 125,000 Approved
1954 LRCAAmendment 4 Increase the number of days the Governor has to approve or veto bills for 10 days to 20 days Approved
1954 LRCAAmendment 5 Establish procedures for allowing the county tax assessor to assess municipal taxes Approved
1954 LRCAAmendment 6 Establish that the County Tax Assessor in Monroe County is to assess all property in the county for all tax districts Approved
1954 LRCAAmendment 7 Revise the Escambia County court system Approved
1952 LRCAAmendment 10 Revise the Escambia County court system Defeated
1952 LRCAAmendment 11 Require that all money collected by Escambia County officers be paid into the county general fund and be used for the salaries, expenses, and compensation of officers of Escambia County Defeated
1952 LRCAAmendment 1 Use money from the licensing of motor vehicles for state education capital project funds Approved
1952 LRCAAmendment 2 Increase the number of Justices on the state Supreme Court to ten and make other changes regarding the operation of the judiciary Defeated
1952 LRCAAmendment 3 Allow for county home rule Defeated
1952 LRCAAmendment 4 Provide for additional Circuit Judges for the Second Judicial Circuit Defeated
1952 LRCAAmendment 5 Create the 40th senatorial district, representing Bay and Washington Counties Defeated
1952 LRCAAmendment 6 Create the 39th senatorial district, representing Monroe County Defeated
1952 LRCAAmendment 7 Establish that the County Tax Assessor in Monroe County assesses the county for all tax districts Defeated
1952 LRCAAmendment 8 Transfer the duties of the County Solicitor in Dade County to the State Attorney of the 11th Judicial Circuit Defeated
1952 LRCAAmendment 9 Establish that the County Tax Assessor for Lee County assesses for all tax districts in the county Defeated
1950 LRCAAmendment 1 Establish a juvenile court system Approved
1950 LRCAAmendment 2 Use the federal census as the state census Approved
1950 LRCAAmendment 3 Require laws to be single subject, require that laws have a title, and require law revisions to be published at length Approved
1950 LRCAAmendment 4 Create the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida in Monroe County Approved
1950 LRCAAmendment 5 Allow for an additional county judge in counties with a population greater than 250,000 Approved
1940-1949 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
1948 LRCAAmendment 10 Establish that the County Tax Assessor for Pinellas County assesses for all tax districts in the county Approved
1948 LRCAAmendment 11 Make the Judge of the Court of Record of Escambia County an elective office with a term of six years Approved
1948 LRCAAmendment 1 Establish that all excise taxes upon gasoline or other motor fuel products be used for public highway, street, and airport purposes Defeated
1948 LRCAAmendment 2 Allow for the issuance of bonds for educational purposes Defeated
1948 LRCAAmendment 3 Create the 39th and 40th senatorial districts in Monroe, Washington, and Calhoun Counties Defeated
1948 LRCAAmendment 4 Establish qualifications for members of the legislature and set their compensation and reimbursement Approved
1948 LRCAAmendment 5 Allow the legislature to revise an entire article of the state constitution at once, rather than revising it section by section, and submitting it to voters Approved
1948 LRCAAmendment 6 Provide for the compensation and duties of retired Justices of the state Supreme Court and Circuit Judges Approved
1948 LRCAAmendment 7 Establish that the County Tax Assessor for St. Lucie County assesses for all tax districts in the county Approved
1948 LRCAAmendment 8 Establish that the County Tax Assessor for Broward County assesses for all tax districts in the county Approved
1948 LRCAAmendment 9 Establish that the County Tax Assessor for Volusia County assesses for all tax districts in the county Approved
1946 LRCAAmendment 1 Amend various provisions relating to the administration of government in Orange County Approved
1946 LRCAAmendment 2 Establish that the County Tax Assessor for Hillsborough County assesses for all tax districts in the county except for Plant City Defeated
1946 LRCAAmendment 3 Establish that the County Tax Assessor for Bay County assesses for all tax districts in the county Defeated
1946 LRCAAmendment 4 Allow, by a concurrent resolution of the State and House of Representatives, for the appointment of a director of the budget Defeated
1946 LRCAAmendment 5 Establish provisions relating to legislative appropriations Defeated
1946 LRCAAmendment 6 Establish Judge of the Court of Record for Escambia County and County Solicitor for Escambia County as elective offices Defeated
1944 LRCAAmendment 10 Establish that the County Tax Assessor for Hillsborough County assesses for all tax districts in the county Approved
1944 LRCAAmendment 1 Set tax rates Approved
1944 LRCAAmendment 2 Establish new legislative districts and provide for reapportionment of the legislative districts Defeated
1944 LRCAAmendment 3 Limit the number of Justice of Peace Districts in any county to five Approved
1944 LRCAAmendment 4 Establish state attorneys, judges of the criminal courts of record and county solicitors as elected positions Approved
1944 LRCAAmendment 5 Prohibit denying or restricting a person’s right to work based on membership or non-membership in a labor union Approved
1944 LRCAAmendment 6 Establish a uniform system of county and municipal government Defeated
1944 LRCAAmendment 7 Amend provisions relating to the terms of those appointed or elected to fill vacancies Approved
1944 LRCAAmendment 8 Provide for five county commissioners districts in each county Approved
1942 LRCAAmendment 1 Create a State Board of Administration with powers relating to bonds Approved
1942 LRCAAmendment 2 Allow legislatively referred constitutional amendments to be placed on the ballot with a three-fourths vote of both houses Approved
1942 LRCAAmendment 3 Create a commission relating to the conservation of birds, game, fur bearing animals, and fresh water fish Approved
1942 LRCAAmendment 4 Provide for the election of Circuit Judges Approved
1942 LRCAAmendment 5 Allow a board or commission to make rules and regulations about salt water fish and products conservation Approved
1942 LRCAAmendment 6 Provide for 40 Senate districts and redistricting every ten years Defeated
1942 LRCAAmendment 7 Provide for redistricting of Dade County Commissioners Districts Approved
1942 LRCAAmendment 8 Limit the amount of money that can be taken from a person's income by the courts to pay for debt obligations Defeated
1942 LRCAAmendment 9 Allow for certain corporate property tax exemptions Defeated
1940 LRCACounty Commissioner's Districts Amendment Allow for the creation of County Commissioner’s districts in each county Defeated
1940 LRCAParole Commission Amendment Allow for the creation of a Parole Commission Approved
1940 LRCAState Ad Valorem Property Taxes Amendment Prohibit state ad valorem taxes on real or personal property, except intangible personal property Approved
1940 LRCAState Supreme Court Amendment Establish a seventh Supreme Court Justice, allow the court to act in divisions, and designate the Chief Justice as chief administrative officer Approved
1940 LRCAUse of Parimutuel Tax Funds Amendment Allow for the equal allocation and distribution of taxes collected on parimutuel gambling Approved
1940 LRCAWidow Tax Exemption Amendment Give all widows a $500 taxation exemption Approved
1930-1939 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
1938 LRCAHomestead Tax Exemption Amendment Provide for a homestead property tax exemption Approved
1938 LRCALaws Regarding Municipalities Amendment Require state laws regarding municipalities be uniform and require publication of proposed changes to state laws regarding municipalities Approved
1938 LRCANational Guard Amendment Establish a Florida National Guard Approved
1938 LRCARaising of Revenue for the State Amendment Require the state to raise funds to provide for education and to pay existing indebtedness Approved
1936 LRCAAllow for State Public Assistance System Amendment Allow the state to create and fund a uniform statewide public assistance system for residents who, "age, infirmity, or misfortune, may have claims upon the aid and sympathy of society" Approved
1936 LRCACity of Key West Municipal Corporation Amendment Allow the Legislature the power to establish, alter or abolish, a municipal corporation known as the City of Key West Approved
1934 LRCAAmendment 1 Provide for 15 judicial circuits and the number of judges within each Approved
1934 LRCAAmendment 2 Provide for up to $5,000 in tax exemptions on homesteads Approved
1934 LRCAAmendment 3 Allow counties to prohibit the sale of alcohol within the county by vote of the county electors Approved
1934 LRCAAmendment 4 Provide for a grand jury in certain cases and establish certain procedures for criminal trials Approved
1934 LRCAAmendment 5 Establish a uniform system of county and municipal government Approved
1934 LRCAAmendment 6 Provide tax exemptions to movie studios Approved
1934 LRCAAmendment 7 Allow the Legislature the power to establish, alter or abolish, a municipal corporation known as the City of Jacksonville Approved
1932 LRCACounty Commissioner Districts Amendment Establish county commissioner districts Defeated
1932 LRCAState Supreme Court Amendment Amend provisions related to the composition and organization of the state Supreme Court Defeated
1930 LRCAIndustrial Plant Tax Exemption Amendment Exempt certain industrial plants from taxation for fifteen years Approved
1930 LRCAInheritance Tax Amendment Allow for a state inheritance tax up to the same rate as the federal government tax rate Approved
1930 LRCAMotor Vehicle Taxation Amendment Establish that motor vehicles shall only be subject to one tax Approved
1930 LRCAState and Local Bonds Amendment Allow the state to issue bonds for certain purposes and require voter approval for counties, districts, and municipalities to issue bonds Approved
1920-1929 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
1928 LRCAClassification and Administration of Municipalities Amendment Require general laws for the classification and administration of municipalities Defeated
1928 LRCACompensation and Qualifications of Legislators Amendment Establish the pay and eligibility requirements of state legislators Defeated
1928 LRCALocal and Special Laws Amendment Require publications or an election for the state legislature to pass local or special laws Approved
1928 LRCASchool Districts and Tax Levy Amendment Allow for counties to be divided into schools districts with three elected school trustees to run each district and allow for the levy of a district school tax Defeated
1926 LRCACounty School Funds Amendment Define the revenue sources for the County School Fund Approved
1926 LRCAState Supreme Court Chief Justice Amendment Provide for the selection and term of the Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court Approved
1926 LRCAUse of Property by Foreigners Amendment Revise provisions relating to the rights of foreigners to own and use property Approved
1924 LRCAApportionment of the Legislature Amendment Provide for 33 senatorial districts and a system for representatives based on county population Approved
1924 LRCADuval County Government Amendment Allow the Legislature to establish a local government throughout Duval County Defeated
1924 LRCAProhibition of Income and Inheritance Taxes Amendment Prohibit income or inheritance taxes and exempt $500 of the head of a family's personal property from taxation Approved
1924 LRCASpecial Tax School District Bonds Amendment Allow for the creation of special tax school districts and for such districts to issue bonds of up to 20% of the assessed value of taxable property in the district Approved
1924 LRCATaxation and Exemptions Amendment Allow for uniform and equal taxation rates, special rates of taxation on intangible property, and certain tax exemptions Approved
1922 LRCAAdditional Circuit Court Judges Amendment Allow the Legislature to appoint additional circuit court judges in circuits with a population over 75,000 people Approved
1922 LRCACreation of School Districts and Taxes Amendment Allow for the creation of school districts and the levy of up to a 10 mill school tax in each school district Approved
1922 LRCALegislative Districts and Representatives Amendment Provide for 38 senatorial districts and a system for representatives based on county population Defeated
1922 LRCAPayment of State Officers' Salaries Amendment Establish that the salaries of state officers be paid monthly Approved
1920 LRCARoad System Bonds Amendment Allow the state to issue bonds for building and maintaining a system of good roads and bridges Defeated
1910-1919 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
1918 LRCAAlcohol Prohibition Amendment Enact state prohibition on alcohol, beginning January 1, 1919 Approved
1918 LRCAMaximum School Tax Amendment Increase the maximum school tax to 10 mills Approved
1916 LRCAReapportionment of the Legislature Amendment Provide for a Senator from each county and a system for the number of representatives for each county based on county population Defeated
1916 LRCAVoter Eligibility Amendment Amend the eligibility rules for the right to vote Defeated
1916 LRCAWidows' Tax Exemption Amendment Create a tax exemption for widows and those disabled by war or misfortune Approved
1914 LRCACounty Officers Amendment Eliminate the office of county treasurer and establish the term of office for county tax assessor and collector as four years Approved
1914 LRCACourt System Amendment Establish the state court system Approved
1914 LRCAState Militia Officers Amendment Establish procedures and protocols for officers of the state militia Approved
1912 LRCAExtra Judge for Duval County Amendment Provide for an extra circuit court judge in Duval County, paid for by Duval County Approved
1912 LRCASpecial Tax School District Bonds Amendment Allow for the issuance of bonds by special tax school districts and allow for the levy of taxes to pay for those bonds. Approved
1910 LRCAEscambia County Court of Record Amendment Revise the operation of the Court of Record in Escambia County Approved
1910 LRCAEstablishment of Courts Amendment Revise the procedures for establishing new judicial circuits Approved
1910 LRCAProhibition of Alcohol Amendment Enact a state prohibition on alcohol, beginning July 1, 1911 Defeated
1900-1909 Ballot Measures
YearTypeTitleDescriptionResult
1908 LRCAAdditional Judicial Circuits Amendment Amend provisions relating to allowing for additional judicial circuits Defeated
1908 LRCAJudicial Salaries Amendment Establish that the Legislature shall set judicial salaries Defeated
1908 LRCATax for State Educational Institutions Amendment Provide for a 1 mill tax to support and maintain certain state educational institutions Defeated
1906 LRCAAmending the State Constitution Amendment Revise the process for amending the state constitution Defeated
1906 LRCABoard of Drainage Commissioners Amendment Create a Board of Drainage Commissioners to manage swamps and overflowed lands Defeated
1906 LRCACourt of Record in Escambia County Amendment Establish a Court of Record in Escambia County Defeated
1906 LRCACriminal Courts of Record Judicial Salaries Amendment Set the salaries of judges of Criminal Courts of Record Defeated
1906 LRCASalaries of Judicial Officers Amendment Set the salaries of Supreme Court justices and Circuit Court judges Defeated
1904 LRCACounty Court Systems Amendment Establish the county court systems Defeated
1904 LRCAManufacturing Municipal Tax Exemption Amendment Allow for a municipal tax exemption for manufacturing businesses Defeated
1904 LRCAMaximum County School Tax Amendment Increase the maximum county tax for public schools Approved
1904 LRCAState Judicial System Amendment Revise the state judicial system Defeated
1904 LRCASupreme Court Decisions Amendment Establish that Supreme Court decisions do not take effect until filed Defeated
1904 LRCATerms of County Officers Amendment Increase the terms for certain county officers Defeated
1904 LRCAUniform System of Municipal Government Amendment Establish a uniform system of government for municipalities Defeated
1902 LRCAChanges to State Supreme Court Amendment Increase the number of state Supreme Court justices and change quorum requirements for the court Approved
1902 LRCAJudicial Circuits Amendment Provide for eight judicial circuits and eight circuit judges Approved
1900 LRCACounty Commissioner Districts Amendment Provide for the creation of county commissioner districts and the election of such county commissioners Approved
1900 LRCAProhibition of Special Incorporation Laws Amendment Prohibit special incorporation laws Approved
1900 LRCARepresentation of New Counties Amendment Provide for representation in the legislature for new counties Approved
1900 LRCAState Seal and Flag Amendment Establish the description of the state seal and state flag Approved

Ballotpedia completed an inventory of Florida ballot measures from 1900 to 2024. Florida voters have decided on 407 ballot measures placed on the ballot by successful citizen initiatives, the Florida State Legislature, and state commissions. The types of measures decided included advisory questions, bond issues, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, initiated constitutional amendments, and commission-referred ballot measures. Two hundred eighty-eight (288) measures were approved, and one hundred nineteen (119) measures were defeated.

The inventory of Florida statewide ballot measures is part of Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbook, which will document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States. This ongoing research effort will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and the voting public on how ballot measures have evolved, the issues they've covered, and the role they have played in our civic life.

Notable topics

Direct democracy and constitutional amendments

  • In 1906, voters defeated an amendment that would have made changes to the legislative referral process for constitutional amendments, requiring a three-fifths vote of all the members elected to each chamber. In 1942, voters approved an amendment authorizing the state legislature to place constitutional amendments on the ballot with a three-fourths vote of each chamber.
  • In 1948, voters expanded the legislature's power by authorizing it to revise an entire article of the state constitution at once—rather than revising it section by section as required under existing law—subject to a three-fifths vote in each legislative chamber, publication in each county, and voter approval in a general or special election. Voters passed changes to this power of constitutional revision in 1964, allowing either branch of the legislature to propose by joint resolution a revision of the entire Constitution or a revision or amendment of any portion of it.
  • Florida voters approved an amendment in 1966 providing for constitutional conventions. However, in 1968, voters adopted a new constitution without a provision for the legislature to call a constitutional convention. The 1968 constitution does authorize citizens to petition for a constitutional convention question. The petition requires valid signatures equal to 15% of the votes cast in the last presidential election.
  • With the adoption of the 1968 constitution, voters also created the Florida Constitution Revision Commission. The commission is tasked with examining the constitution, holding public hearings, and referring constitutional amendments to the ballot no later than 180 days before an election.
    • Voters defeated a measure to abolish the commission in 1980 with 57% of voters opposing the measure.
    • In 1996, voters approved an amendment to move the next meeting of the Constitution Revision Commission to 1997 and allow the Commission to review matters relating to taxation or the state budgetary process.
    • In 2022, voters defeated a legislatively referred constitutional amendment that would have abolished the state Constitution Revision Commission. It needed 60% of the vote to pass, but received 54%.
  • Florida is one of 16 initiative states that require ballot initiatives to address a single-subject. This requirement was adopted in 1972 with the approval of Amendment 3. In 1994, voters made an exception to the single-subject rule for initiated constitutional amendments related to limiting the power of government to raise revenue.
  • In 2002, voters approved an amendment to require the state legislature to pass a law requiring economic impact statements for initiated constitutional amendments.
  • With the approval of Amendment 4 in 1986 and subsequent laws, the Florida Attorney General is required to request an advisory opinion from the Florida Supreme Court on every initiative filed.
  • Florida adopted its first supermajority requirement in 1996 when it approved Amendment 1 to require new state taxes and fees to be approved by a two-thirds vote. A 60% supermajority requirement was adopted for all constitutional amendments with the approval of Amendment 3 in 2006.
  • Florida voters created the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which is authorized to refer amendments to the ballot, with the approval of Amendment 6 in 1988, requiring the commission to meet in 1990 and every 10 years after. In 1998, voters approved an amendment proposed by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission that changed the meeting schedule from every 10 years to every 20 years.
  • In 2020, voters defeated an initiative that would have required constitutional amendments to be approved by voters at a second general election to become effective.

State flag, boundaries, and language

  • Florida voters approved the state seal and flag in 1900. In 1966, voters formalized the proportions of the state seal and flag in the state constitution with the approval of Amendment 4.
  • In 1962, voters approved an amendment clarifying the state borders by using references to latitudes and longitudes and extending the coastal boundaries as permitted by US and international law.
  • Voters approved an amendment establishing English as the official state language in 1988, with 84% of voters supporting the amendment.

Advisory questions

  • Florida voters have decided on four legislatively referred advisory questions.
    • In 1972, voters approved three nonbinding questions demonstrating their support for passing a federal ban to prohibit forced busing; providing "equal opportunity for quality education for all children" regardless of race, creed, color, or place of residence; and passing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to allow prayer in public schools. All received at least 74% of the vote.
    • In 2010, voters approved a nonbinding question showing support for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to require that the federal budget be balanced without raising taxes. It received support from 72% of voters.

Abortion

  • Florida voters have defeated two amendments related to abortion because neither reached the 60% supermajority requirement:
    • In 2012, with 45% voting in favor and 55% opposed, voters defeated Amendment 6, which would have prohibited the state from spending public funds for abortions or health insurance that includes abortion coverage, with certain exceptions, and would have added language to the Florida Constitution providing that it cannot be interpreted to "create broader rights to an abortion" than the U.S. Constitution.
    • In 2024, Florida voters defeated an amendment that would have added the following language to the state's Declaration of Rights: "… no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.” The margin was 57% in favor to 43% opposed.

Other topics

  • In 2020, an amendment that would have established a top-two open primary system for primary elections for state legislators, the governor, and cabinet (attorney general, chief financial officer, and commissioner of agriculture) in Florida failed to meet the 60% supermajority requirement for approval, with 57% supporting it.
  • Florida voters adopted Amendment 11 in 1998, which provided for public campaign financing for statewide offices. The amendment was approved with 64.12% of voters in favor and 35.88% opposed. Voters considered two amendments to repeal the public financing provisions in 2010 and 2024, but neither received 60% of the vote to be adopted.
  • In 2024, voters adopted the right to hunt and fish.

Statistics

Closest and widest margins

Of the 407 ballot measures, two were decided by less than a percentage point of the vote. The five closest measures are below:

Closest vote margins for Florida statewide ballot measures, 1900-2024
Measure Year Yes votes No votes Vote margin Outcome
# % # %
Florida Amendment 10, Tax Exemptions for Municipal and Local Property and Communications with Local Officials Amendment
1988
1,754,747
49.83%
1,766,490
50.17%
-0.33%
Defeatedd
Florida Amendment 6, Repeal of Public Financing for Statewide Campaigns Amendment
2024
5,032,882
50.39%
4,955,737
49.61%
0.77%
Approveda
Florida Amendment 1, Solar Energy Subsidies and Personal Solar Use Measure
2016
4,560,682
50.79%
4,418,788
49.21%
1.58%
Approveda
Florida Amendment 4, Slot Machines at Parimutuel Facilities Initiative
2004
3,631,261
50.83%
3,512,181
49.17%
1.67%
Approveda
Florida Amendment 6, Circuit and County Court Judges Amendment
1978
1,058,574
49.14%
1,095,736
50.86%
-1.73%
Defeatedd


The following five measures had the widest vote margins by percentage:

Widest vote margins for Florida statewide ballot measures, 1900-2024
Measure Year Yes votes No votes Vote margin Outcome
# % # %
Florida State Social Welfare System Amendment
1936
197,927
92.03%
17,149
7.97%
84.05%
Approveda
Florida Homestead Tax Exemption Amendment
1938
119,628
91.27%
11,442
8.73%
82.54%
Approveda
Florida Laws Regarding Municipalities Amendment
1938
99,996
90.74%
10,204
9.26%
81.48%
Approveda
Florida Amendment 2, Crime Victims Rights Amendment
1988
3,629,963
90.19%
394,617
9.81%
80.39%
Approveda
Florida Amendment 5, Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Amendment
1992
4,258,446
90.02%
472,325
9.98%
80.03%
Approveda

Florida ballot measure topics

Florida ballot measures have addressed 140 unique topics, with some addressing multiple topics in one measure. The top 10 most common topics addressed are:

  1. State judiciary structure (48 measures)
  2. State judicial authority (34 measures)
  3. Local government organization (33 measures)
  4. Local government finance and taxes (27 measures)
  5. Property tax exemptions (26 measures)
  6. Homestead tax exemptions (21 measures)
  7. Tax and revenue administration (20 measures)
  8. State judicial selection (20 measures)
  9. Property taxes (19 measures)
  10. Administrative organization (19 measures)

By the decade

The average number of measures per decade was 31, and the average number of measures approved per decade was 69%. The decade with the most ballot measures was the 1960s, which featured 54 ballot measures. Forty-six ballot measures (86%) were approved, and eight measures (14%) were defeated. The decade with the highest approval rate was the 2000s, which featured 32 ballot measures, with all but three approved. The decade with the lowest approval rating was the 1900s, which saw only seven of the 21 ballot measures approved.

By type

See also: Types of ballot measures in Florida

There are five different types of ballot measures in Florida. Legislatively referred constitutional amendments have appeared on the ballot the most number of times (327), with voters approving 70% of them. Initiatives have appeared on statewide ballots 44 times—33 were approved. Florida is also the only state with commissions empowered to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot. The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (FCRC) and the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission (TBRC) have referred 31 amendments to the ballot, with 20 approved and 11 defeated.

Citizen-initiated measures had the best success at the ballot box, with 75% of the 44 measures approved. Commission-referred measures had the lowest approval rate, with 65% of the 31 measures approved.

Background

Citizen-initiated ballot measures

In Florida, citizens have the power to initiate constitutional amendments. The initiated constitutional amendment process was established with the adoption of a new state constitution in 1968.

The number of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment is equal to 8% of the votes cast in the last presidential election. Proponents must obtain signatures equaling at least 8% of the district-wide vote in the most recent presidential election in at least half (14) of the state's 27 congressional districts. A 60% vote is required for voter approval. In 2006, voters passed an amendment establishing the 60% vote requirement.

Legislatively referred ballot measures

In Florida, the state legislature has the power to refer constitutional amendments, bond measures, and advisory questions to the ballot.

A 60% vote is required during one legislative session for the Florida State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. Amendments on the ballot must be approved by 60% of voters to pass.

A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the state legislature to place an advisory question or bond issue on the ballot. The governor must sign the legislation. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.

Commission-referred constitutional amendments

According to Article XI of the Florida Constitution, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot. The Constitution Revision Commission convenes every 20 years, beginning in 1977. The Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission is also empowered to refer constitutional amendments related to taxation and the state budget to the ballot. The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission convenes every 20 years beginning in 2007. Florida is the only state with commissions empowered to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot.

See also


Footnotes