Whats on the Florida Ballot 2024: The Real Story Behind Those Massive Amendments

Florida's 2024 election cycle was a total whirlwind. Honestly, if you felt a bit overwhelmed looking at that long list of constitutional amendments and high-stakes candidate races, you definitely weren't the only one. It wasn't just about the top of the ticket; the Sunshine State saw some of the most expensive and fiercely debated ballot measures in the entire country.

People were basically staring down a choice between keeping the status quo or fundamentally shifting how Florida handles everything from personal freedoms to how we tax our homes.

What Really Happened with Florida’s 2024 Amendments

There were six major constitutional amendments on the table. For any of these to actually become law, they needed a 60% "supermajority" to pass. That’s a pretty high bar to clear. Most of the conversation centered on the "big two"—recreational marijuana and abortion rights.

The Marijuana Debate (Amendment 3)

Amendment 3 was the one everyone was talking about. It would have allowed adults 21 and older to possess up to three ounces of marijuana for personal use. Supporters argued it would create a massive new tax revenue stream and stop people from getting arrested for small amounts. Critics, including Governor Ron DeSantis, worried it would lead to a "permanent smell of weed" in public spaces and only benefit big corporate "pot" companies.

When the dust settled, the "Yes" votes hit about 55.9%. In most states, that’s a landslide win. In Florida? It’s a loss. Because it didn't hit that magic 60% mark, recreational marijuana remains illegal for now.

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The Abortion Amendment (Amendment 4)

This was arguably the most emotional battle on the ballot. Amendment 4 aimed to protect abortion access until "viability" (roughly 24 weeks). It was a direct response to Florida’s current six-week ban. This race saw tens of millions of dollars in advertising.

The results were incredibly close but followed the same pattern as the marijuana vote. About 57.2% of Floridians voted "Yes." Again, that is a majority of the state, but because it fell short of 60%, the current six-week ban stays in place.

The Rest of the Amendments: Who Won and Who Lost?

While the headlines were dominated by pot and pregnancy, there were four other measures that fundamentally changed—or kept—Florida's rules.

• Amendment 1 (Partisan School Boards): This failed. It wanted to make school board candidates list their political party (Republican or Democrat) next to their name. Florida voters said no, keeping these local races nonpartisan.
• Amendment 2 (Right to Hunt and Fish): This one actually passed! It got a whopping 67% of the vote. It enshrines hunting and fishing as a "public right" in the state constitution.
• Amendment 5 (Homestead Exemption Inflation): Homeowners, rejoice. This passed. It basically adjusts a portion of your property tax exemption based on inflation, which should provide a tiny bit of relief as home values skyrocket.
• Amendment 6 (Public Campaign Finance): This failed. It tried to get rid of the state program that gives public money to candidates for statewide office. Since it didn't pass, that public funding system stays active.

Candidates and the Big Red Wave

The presidential race in Florida wasn't much of a nail-biter. Donald Trump carried his home state decisively with about 56% of the vote, beating Kamala Harris by double digits. This solidified the idea that Florida is no longer the "swing state" it used to be. It’s looking pretty solidly red these days.

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In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Rick Scott held onto his seat. He defeated Debbie Mucarsel-Powell by a margin of roughly 55.6% to 42.8%. Scott actually performed better in 2024 than he did in his previous races, even winning over majority-Hispanic areas like Miami-Dade County.

Judicial Retention: Why Were These Judges on My Ballot?

You probably saw names like Renatha Francis and Meredith Sasso on your ballot and thought, "Who are these people?" These were Florida Supreme Court justices up for "merit retention."

In Florida, we don't pick Supreme Court justices in a typical contest. Instead, we just vote "Yes" or "No" on whether they should keep their jobs. Both Francis and Sasso—along with dozens of lower-court appellate judges—were retained by voters. It’s rare for a judge to lose one of these, but it’s the state’s way of giving the public a "check" on the governor’s appointments.

Actionable Steps for the Next Election Cycle

Now that the 2024 results are certified and the dust has settled, what should you do? Staying informed isn't a once-every-four-years task.

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First, check your registration status. Florida has been purging inactive voters from the rolls. If you didn't vote in 2024, or if you've moved recently, head over to the Florida Department of State website to make sure you're still "Active."

Second, track the new legislation. Just because Amendments 3 and 4 failed doesn't mean the issues are dead. Lawmakers in Tallahassee are already discussing how to handle marijuana and healthcare in the upcoming sessions. Watching the Florida Senate and House bills is where the real "sausage-making" happens between big elections.

Finally, don't ignore local races. While the amendments got the glory, your county commissioners and school board members are the ones deciding how your local taxes are spent and what your kids are learning. Those races often come down to just a few hundred votes.

The 2024 ballot proved that Florida is a state of high thresholds and deep divides. Whether you're happy with the results or already planning for 2026, staying engaged with the actual text of the law—not just the TV commercials—is the only way to make your vote count.