Malcolm Rivera
The Florida Constitution can be amended through a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, a state constitutional convention process, or a commission referral process. The Florida Constitution Revision Commission and the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission have the power to propose amendments, and Florida is the only state with commissions that can do so. Amendments can also be proposed through an initiative petition, which starts with a registered political committee acting as the petition sponsor. Petition circulators must take and pass an online training program before registering with the state. To get on the 2026 General Election ballot, an initiative petition must be signed by 880,062 voters. All amendments require at least 60% voter approval to pass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ways to amend the constitution | 5 |
| Legislative process | A joint resolution |
| Citizen-initiated process | Ballot measure with 8% signatures from the last presidential election |
| State constitutional convention process | Initiative petition with 15% signatures from the last presidential election |
| Commission-referral process | Commission referrals from the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission |
| Voter approval | 60% supermajority |
| Petition circulators | Must pass an online training program and register with the State |
| Signature verification | Cost may be increased by the Supervisor of Elections |
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What You'll Learn
Citizen-initiated constitutional amendment
Florida citizens can amend the state constitution through a citizen-initiated process, one of five ways to propose constitutional changes in the state. The other methods are a joint resolution by the Florida Legislature, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, a Constitutional Convention, and the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission.
The citizen-initiated process for amending the Florida Constitution starts with a registered political committee acting as the petition sponsor. The sponsor can only support one initiative petition per election cycle. To get on the ballot, initiative petitions must be signed by a minimum number of registered Florida voters. For the 2026 General Election ballot, for instance, an initiative petition must be signed by 880,062 voters. Starting July 1, 2025, petition circulators must take and pass an online training program before registering with the state. Once registered, they can circulate petitions for more than one petition sponsor.
To pass, proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution require at least 60% approval from voters. Each amendment must concern a single subject and be clear and straightforward.
Repealing an amendment that has passed would require a new ballot initiative that garners 60% of the vote in a subsequent election.
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Legislative joint resolution
Florida citizens can amend the Florida Constitution through a legislative joint resolution, which is one of the five ways to propose an amendment. The other four ways are the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, Citizens' Initiative, Constitutional Convention, and the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission.
A legislative joint resolution requires support from 60% of both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate to be put forward as a proposed amendment. This process is also known as a legislatively-referred proposed amendment. The joint resolution method has been used multiple times in the past, including in 1968, when three joint resolutions led to the revision of the Florida Constitution.
The legislative joint resolution process is a way for Florida citizens to directly propose amendments to the state's constitution. It is an important tool for citizens to have a say in how their state is governed and to make changes that they believe are necessary. The relatively high bar of requiring 60% approval from both the House and the Senate helps to ensure that any proposed amendments have significant support and are carefully considered before being placed on the ballot for voters to decide on.
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Commission-referral process
Florida citizens can amend the state constitution through a Commission-referral process, which involves the Constitution Revision Commission or the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. This is one of five ways to propose amendments to the Florida Constitution, alongside legislative joint resolution, citizens' initiative, constitutional convention, and legislative referral.
The Commission-referral process for amending the Florida Constitution typically begins with the Constitution Revision Commission or the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. These commissions are responsible for proposing amendments to the constitution. The specific procedures and requirements for these commissions to propose amendments may vary, but they ultimately play a crucial role in initiating the process.
Once an amendment is proposed by one of these commissions, it undergoes a rigorous review process. The proposed amendment is carefully scrutinized to ensure it meets the necessary criteria and adheres to any applicable rules and guidelines. This review process helps maintain the integrity of the amendment process and ensures that only well-crafted and valid amendments advance further.
After a proposed amendment clears the initial review, it enters the ballot qualification stage. This stage involves gathering signatures from registered Florida voters who support placing the amendment on the ballot. The specific number of required signatures can vary depending on the election cycle and other factors, but it generally represents a significant portion of the electorate. Petition circulators play a vital role in this stage by collecting signatures and advocating for the amendment.
The Commission-referral process culminates in the placement of the proposed amendment on the statewide ballot. For an amendment to be successfully adopted, it must receive at least 60% approval from Florida voters. This high threshold ensures that any changes to the constitution reflect the will of a substantial majority of the state's citizens. The Commission-referral process thus empowers Florida citizens to have a direct say in shaping their constitution.
It is important to note that the Commission-referral process may have specific nuances and variations depending on the particular commission involved and the timing of the election cycle. Florida's constitution has evolved over time, and the procedures for amending it may be subject to change as well. Therefore, staying informed about the most current information and guidelines is essential for citizens who wish to actively participate in the Commission-referral process for amending the Florida Constitution.
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Convention-referred constitutional amendment
Florida citizens can amend the state constitution through a constitutional convention, one of five ways to get a proposed amendment on the statewide ballot. The other four methods are joint resolution by the Florida Legislature, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, Citizens' Initiative, and the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission.
A constitutional convention is a gathering of elected delegates who propose amendments to a state constitution. The delegates are typically chosen specifically for the task of reviewing and amending the constitution. The convention is usually held in response to a perceived need to address significant issues or make substantial changes to the constitution.
The process of amending the Florida Constitution through a constitutional convention typically involves the following steps:
- A call for a constitutional convention: This can be initiated by citizens, public officials, or organisations who believe that the constitution requires significant revisions.
- Delegate selection: Delegates are typically chosen by the people, either through elections or some other democratic process. These delegates represent the diverse interests and perspectives of Florida's citizens.
- Convention proceedings: The delegates meet, debate, and draft proposed amendments. This process may involve public hearings, committee discussions, and negotiations to reach consensus on the specific changes to be proposed.
- Proposal submission: The proposed amendments are finalised and submitted to the appropriate authorities, following any specific guidelines or procedures outlined by Florida law.
- Voter approval: For a proposed amendment to be ratified and become part of the Florida Constitution, it requires at least 60% approval from voters. This is a crucial step in ensuring that any changes to the constitution reflect the will of the people.
It is important to note that each method for proposing constitutional amendments, including a constitutional convention, may have specific requirements and procedures outlined by Florida law. These requirements may include the number of signatures needed on petitions, the approval process for placing an amendment on the ballot, and the voting majority required for ratification. Florida citizens interested in initiating or participating in the constitutional amendment process should familiarise themselves with the relevant laws and procedures.
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Petition circulators
Florida citizens can amend the state constitution through a process called the "initiative petition". This process starts with a registered political committee, known as the petition sponsor, who can only sponsor one initiative petition per election cycle. To get a proposed amendment on the statewide ballot, petition circulators must gather signatures from a minimum number of registered Florida voters. For the 2026 General Election ballot, an initiative petition must be signed by 880,062 voters.
Starting July 1, 2025, petition circulators must take and pass an online training program before registering with the state. Once registered, they can circulate petitions for more than one petition sponsor. It's important to note that the citizenship and residency requirements for petition circulators are not always in effect, and non-Florida residents or non-US citizens may be able to register as circulators for certain petitions.
The role of a petition circulator is crucial in the process of amending the Florida Constitution. Circulators are responsible for gathering the required number of signatures to get a proposed amendment on the ballot. They must comply with the state's requirements, including the upcoming mandate for online training and registration. By taking on this task, circulators play a vital part in ensuring that citizens' voices are heard and that proposed amendments have a chance to be considered and voted on by Floridians.
Additionally, there are costs associated with the initiative petition process that petition circulators should be aware of. Supervisors of Elections in each county are responsible for setting and posting the cost of signature verification online. These costs include operating and personnel expenses related to comparing signatures, printing, and postage for the verification notice. The petition sponsor is responsible for paying these costs to the Supervisor of Elections before signed petitions can be verified.
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Frequently asked questions
Florida citizens can amend the Florida Constitution through a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, a state constitutional convention process, or a commission referral process.
The citizen-initiated process, also known as an initiative petition, starts with a registered political committee acting as the petition sponsor. The petition sponsor must collect signatures from a minimum number of registered Florida voters, which is 8% of the votes cast in the last presidential election. For the 2026 General Election ballot, an initiative petition must be signed by 880,062 voters. Starting July 1, 2025, petition circulators must take and pass an online training program before registering with the State.
The commission referral process involves two commissions that have the power to refer amendments: the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. The Constitution Revision Commission convenes every 20 years, starting in 1977, while the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission convenes every 20 years, starting in 2007. Florida is unique in empowering these commissions to refer constitutional amendments directly to the ballot.
