The Florida Supreme Court approved a ballot proposal that would provide funding for the Land Acquisition Trust Fund. The funding will be secured by requiring 33 percent of net revenues from the documentary tax paid on real estate transactions be used for conservation land purchases, trails, beaches, protecting drinking water sources, encouraging fish and wildlife programs and paying debt service on bonds. The “Water and Land Conservation” amendment could potentially raise approximately $5 billion over 10 years. The measure has the support of the four Audubon chapters, the Native Plant Society chapters and scenic byway groups.
A Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative may also appear on the November 4, 2014 ballot. If enacted, this measure would allow for the cultivation, purchase, possession and use of marijuana to treat certain medical conditions when recommended by a physician. The amendment was introduced by People United for Medical Marijuana on March 26, 2009. John Morgan, head of the Orlando-based Morgan and Morgan law firm, is a major supporter of the initiative. Supporters claim they have reached the threshold of 110,000 signatures required for Supreme Court review of the language for the ballot initiative.