Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorMay 16, 2018

In 1968 the voters of Florida adopted a new state Constitution. The new Constitution provided for three ways to change the document in the future — by an initiative process, by a joint resolution of the Legislature, and by revision through an appointed Constitutional Revision Commission (CRC). At the time — no other state used […]

Staff ReportsMay 10, 2018

The political committee behind a proposed constitutional amendment limiting gambling Wednesday said it “continues to gain momentum in critical areas of the effort, including fundraising, grassroots and social media.” Voters In Charge sponsored the “Voter Control of Gambling” amendment, which will appear on the November ballot as Amendment 3. The amendment would tie the hands of the […]

Drew WilsonMarch 15, 2018

A new poll found Florida voters have mixed feelings on Constitution Revision Commission proposals that would ban offshore drilling and move the goal posts on ballot amendments. The Clearview Research poll found 54 percent of voters were on board for a constitutional amendment to ban offshore oil and gas drilling, while 42 percent were against […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 14, 2018

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“Leave it be until Amendment 3,” says a new ad from the group behind a constitutional amendment on voter control of gambling expansion that will be on November’s statewide ballot. Voters In Charge, the political committee backing the Voter Control of Gambling Amendment, on Wednesday announced “a 30-second television ad, a 60-second radio ad, as […]

Jim RosicaOctober 4, 2017

A Constitution Revision Commission committee on Wednesday began considering whether to change Florida’s primary election system, including buttoning up what’s known as the “write-in loophole.” That allows a write-in candidate to close a primary. The commission’s Ethics and Elections Committee heard from advocates and some of the state’s elections supervisors, but took no action. Here’s how […]

Jim RosicaJuly 13, 2017

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Former state Rep. Tom Grady will take Jimmy Patronis‘ place on the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), Gov. Rick Scott announced Thursday evening. In picking Grady, a Naples attorney and a friend of Scott’s, the governor passed over the three alternates he previously selected to fill an empty seat on the commission, which will review the state’s governing document […]

Jim RosicaJuly 5, 2017

The new president of The Florida Bar says the organization is standing by to offer “technical legal” support to the Constitution Revision Commission as it readies to amend the state’s governing document, which could include changes affecting the judicial branch. But Michael J. Higer, a partner in Berger Singerman’s Miami office, won’t say which public […]

Jim RosicaMarch 16, 2017

The Constitution Revision Commission has launched a website and announced an organizational meeting next Monday. The meeting will be 2-4 p.m. in the Capitol’s Senate chamber, with a brief agenda of “Welcoming Remarks, Oath of Office, Rules of the Commission, Ethics Briefing.” The panel, which convenes every 20 years, will review and suggest changes to the state’s […]

Drew WilsonMarch 9, 2017

A bill that would extend a constitutional amendment to stop large spikes a property’s taxable value is ready for a floor vote in the House. HJR 21 cleared the House Commerce Committee with a 24-2 vote, and previously made it through the House Ways and Means Committee with a 16-1 vote. Back in 2008, Florida […]

Michael MolineFebruary 23, 2017

A lively debate on governing principles broke out Thursday as a House committee voted unanimously to ask the voters to raise the threshold for amending the Florida Constitution. HJR 321 would require approval by 66 2/3 percent of the voters to change the state’s foundational document. At present, that requires 60 percent approval. Sponsor Rick […]

Tag: constitutional amendments
Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zeleneskyy, Vladimir Putin. Image via AP

Jack Cory: It is time to do away with the Constitutional Revision Commission

Gambling amendment supporters steaming ahead

Poll: Voters unsure on offshore drilling ban, ballot amendment rules

‘Leave it be’: New ad for gambling initiative out

Constitution review panel could tackle ‘write-in loophole’

Rick Scott names Tom Grady to constitutional review panel

Florida Bar will focus on ‘protecting the courts’ during constitutional revision process

Constitution Revision Commission to hold first meeting

Bill limiting property tax assessments ready for House floor

House panel votes to raise the bar for proposed constitutional amendments