QUICK RECAP OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON THE BALLOT

In recent years, Florida voters have faced a slew of constitutional amendments. In 2018, there were a dozen. In 2016, there were four. In 2020, Florida voters are expected to check the box on 6 amendments. 

There are pros and cons to deciding state law this way. According to Florida TaxWatch, amendments to the state’s constitution are used as a substitute for legislation. Proponents of amendments say they are needed because the legislature can take too long to pass new law.

Voters will be the judge. (Literally, take a look at amendment 4.)

AMENDMENT 1

Citizenship requirement to vote in Florida elections

The two key phrases are “every citizen” and “only a citizen.” Right now, the constitution guarantees the right to vote to “every citizen of the United States.” The state constitution would be revised to “only a citizen.” It doesn’t really matter, though, because noncitizens are already barred from voting under Florida law. 

AMENDMENT 2

Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage 

This amendment would gradually increase Florida’s minimum wage from the current $8.56 an hour (or $5.54 for tipped employees) to $15 an hour by 2026. Under the proposed initiative, minimum wages increase but the tip credit remains constitutionally frozen at $3.02. This results in doubled labor cost to employers ($15 minus $3.02 = $11.98/hour).

AMENDMENT 3

All voters vote in primary elections for state legislature, governor and cabinet

If it passes, every voter gets to put a check next to his or her favorite candidate in the primary election, regardless of party affiliation, and the top two vote getters face off in the general election. The amendment would apply only to state officials — legislature, governor and cabinet positions such as attorney general. Currently, Florida has a closed primary system. For example, only Democrats can vote for Democratic candidates in the primary election.   

AMENDMENT 4

Voter approval of constitutional amendments

If passed, future constitutional amendments or revisions would need to be approved by 60% or more of voters. It would also require the amendment to appear on two ballots (different election years) to pass, instead of one. 

AMENDMENT 5

Limitation on homestead assessments 

The homestead assessment — also known as the Save Our Homes benefit — would give homeowners three years to transfer tax breaks to a new property. Currently, the law only gives homeowners two years to transfer the tax credit. 

AMENDMENT 6

Ad valorem discount for spouses of certain deceased veterans who had permanent, combat-related disabilities.

If passed: When a veteran with combat-related disabilities dies, the homestead property tax discounts would carry over to the spouse until he or she remarries or sells the property. If the spouse sells the home, the same discount could carry over to the next property. 

Sara Matthis thinks community journalism is important, but not serious; likes weird and wonderful children (she has two); and occasionally tortures herself with sprint-distance triathlons, but only if she has a good chance of beating her sister.