Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida’s Recommendations on the Proposed Amendments to the Florida Constitution

After weeks of research, endless hours of discussion, and a membership vote, the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida has determined positions on the 13 Constitutional Amendments that will be on the November ballot.

A huge thanks to former State Senator Arthenia Joyner for sharing background information on the Constitution Revision Commission amendments (6-13). Those were particularly challenging because multiple issues (good and bad) were bundled together with confusing results.

A summary of each proposed amendment can be found below, with DPCF’s summary in parenthesis.

Please note — these will appear on all Florida ballots. Local municipalities may have additional questions.

For a printable version in English, click here.

For a printable version in Spanish, click here.

2018 Ballot Amendments Recommendations

#1 – NO

Increases the amount of a home’s value exempted from property tax (Will force local governments to cut public services or raise local taxes)

#2 – NO

Makes the cap on non-homestead (2nd homes and commercial) property assessment increases permanent (Will continue to limit resources available for public services)

#3 – YES

Requires voter approval of casino gambling (Removes authority to expand gambling from the legislature and returns it to voters)

#4 – YES

Restores right to vote for most people with felony convictions upon completion of sentences (Gives 1.5 million Floridians the right to vote after paying their debt to society)

#5 – NO

Requires 2/3 vote of legislature to impose or increase tax or fee (Will tie the hands of future legislatures making it nearly impossible to address budget needs, such as teacher raises and natural catastrophes)

#6 – NO

Adds a Marsy’s Law (victims’ rights) to state constitution, increases judicial retirement age; prohibits judges from deferring to admin agencies to interpret law (Victims’ rights already protected in the Constitution; Eliminates an existing provision that protects the constitutional rights of the accused)

#7 – NO

Requires death benefits for first responders and military members, a supermajority vote for college fees, and adds state college system structure to constitution (3/4 majority vote to increase fees makes it very difficult to meet university needs)

#8 – [REMOVED FROM BALLOT]

#9 – YES

Bans offshore oil and gas drilling and vaping in enclosed indoor workplaces (Concern for the environment overrides concern about putting vaping in the Constitution.)

#10 – NO

Prohibits counties from abolishing certain local offices, changes start date of legislative sessions, and adds an executive office and executive department to constitution (Takes away control granted to charter counties limiting ability to respond to local conditions)

#11 – NO

Repeals some obsolete language; repeals a provision saying that changes to a criminal statute are not retroactive (Impact of criminal statute portion is unclear and disputed. Other repealed provisions are already unenforceable or expired)

#12 – NO

Prohibits public officials from lobbying for compensation while in office and 6 years thereafter (Applied too broadly at local level; will not solve problems of money and influence in politics)

#13 – YES

Prohibits betting on dog races (Ends legal wagering on inhumane dog racing)

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Sources: Ballotpedia; League of Women Voters of Florida