| We bring you this special edition of our eNewsletter to provide useful information about the constitutional amendments on the November 2024 ballot. We hope this helps as you consider the pros and cons of these amendments and how you choose to vote. There are four ways to amend the current Florida Constitution, which was ratified in 1968. These include: (1) joint resolution by the Florida Legislature; (2) proposal before the Florida Constitution Revision Commission; (3) citizens’ initiative; and (4) proposal before the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. This year, there are six proposed amendments, including two by citizens’ initiative, and four by the Florida Legislature. The two amendments placed on the ballot through petitions (i.e., a citizens’ initiative) are Amendments 3 and 4. The four amendment resolutions introduced and passed by the Legislature include Amendments 1, 2, 5 and 6. Below is an outline of the proposals. To review the actual wording of each amendment, please click on the highlighted amendment number. |
If the measure passes, it would overturn Florida’s six-week abortion ban and replace it with legalized abortions up until fetal viability or to protect a patient’s health. This amendment does not mandate unlimited abortion in Florida. The amendment does not override parental notification for an abortion in Florida.
Supporters argue that such a ballot measure is crucial to guarantee Floridians’ right to an abortion, as state amendments are far more difficult to overturn than a legislature’s decision on the matter. Limited abortion access is currently offered to Floridians up to six weeks, but supporters of this amendment state all Floridians deserve the freedom to make personal medical decisions without government intrusion.
Opponents of the measure argue that it is not necessary to enshrine any right to abortion into the state constitution since the state legislature already has the ability to vote and regulate the procedure, without the necessity of a constitutional amendment. Opponents argue the amendment is too vague and will lead to an unregulated abortion industry.