2020 Florida Constitutional Amendments

The 2020 General Election ballot will have six amendments – four by citizen initiative and two by the Florida Legislature.  It is critical that you learn about the amendments to understand how they will impact you and your business.

The information below is an overview of each amendment including the order, title and summary. Each amendment is linked (click on the blue wording for each) to additional information including the financial impact, full text, and status overview as provided by the Florida Division of Elections.  For more information on the amendment process in Florida, please visit Florida Division of Elections –  Constitutional Amendments.

AMENDMENT 1
Citizenship Required to Vote in Florida Elections
Official Ballot Summary: This amendment provides that only United States Citizens who are at least eighteen years of age, a permanent resident of Florida, and registered to vote, as provided by law, shall be qualified to vote in a Florida election.
Sponsor: Florida Citizen Voters

AMENDMENT 2
Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage  
Official Ballot Summary: Raises minimum wage to $10.00 per hour effective September 30th, 2021. Each September 30th thereafter, minimum wage shall increase by $1.00 per hour until the minimum wage reaches $15.00 per hour on September 30th, 2026. From that point forward, future minimum wage increases shall revert to being adjusted annually for inflation starting September 30th, 2027.
Sponsor: Florida for a Fair Wage
The Manatee Chamber opposes Amendment 2.  Click here to find out why we oppose it and what it means to our business community. 

AMENDMENT 3
All Voters Vote in a Primary Election for State Legislature, Governor and Cabinet
Official Ballot Summary: Allows all registered voters to vote in primaries for state legislature, governor, and cabinet regardless of political party affiliation. All candidates for an office, including party nominated candidates, appear on the same primary ballot. Two highest vote getters advance to general election. If only two candidates qualify, no primary is held and winner is determined in general election. Candidate’s party affiliation may appear on ballot as provided by law. Effective January 1, 2024.
Sponsor: All Voters Vote, Inc.

AMENDMENT 4
Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments
Official Ballot Summary: Requires all proposed amendments or revisions to the state constitution to be approved by the voters in two elections, instead of one, in order to take effect. The proposal applies the current thresholds for passage to each of the two elections.
Sponsor: Keep Our Constitution Clean PC

AMENDMENT 5
Limitation on Homestead Assessments
Official Ballot Summary: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution, effective date January 1, 2021, to increase, from 2 years to 3 years, the period of time during which accrued Save-Our-Homes benefits may be transferred from a prior homestead to a new homestead.
Sponsor: The Florida Legislature/House (HJR 369)

AMENDMENT 6
Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities
Official Ballot Summary: Provides that the homestead property tax discount for certain veterans with permanent combat-related disabilities carries over to such veteran’s surviving spouse who holds legal or beneficial title to, and who permanently resides on, the homestead property, until he or she remarries or sells or otherwise disposes of the property. The discount may be transferred to a new homestead property of the surviving spouse under certain conditions. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2021.
Sponsor: The Florida Legislature/House (HJR 877)