This election included 6 amendments. Within this article we will review the 4 amendments that passed.
The state of Florida is notorious for having numerous amendments on the ballot; you may remember the 2018 ballot which included 13 amendments voters had to consider. Thankfully, this election only included 6 amendments. Within this article we will review the 4 amendments that passed and what that means for our community.
Amendment 1 – Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections
Originated by Citizen Initiative, sponsored by Florida Citizen Voters
Amends the Florida Constitution (Article VI Section 2) to state that only citizens of the United States are qualified electors in Florida. There is no functional or financial impact on elections, because the Constitution already mandates that U.S. citizenship is a requirement.
In simple terms, this amendment changed one word; “every” eligible U.S. citizen residing in Florida may vote here to “only” eligible U.S. citizens residing in Florida may vote here.
This change doesn’t have much of an impact on our state as only citizens can legally vote here now.
Amendment 2 – Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage
Originated by Citizen Initiative, sponsored by Florida for a Fair Wage
Amends the Florida Constitution (Article X Section 24) to raise the current $8.56/hour minimum wage to $10.00/hour effective Sept. 30, 2021. This would increase by $1.00/hour each Sept. 30 thereafter until it reaches $15.00/hour in 2026. Starting Sept. 30, 2027, increases would revert to annual adjustments for inflation.
Depending upon your view of economics, this could either give our local economy a boost as the working-class would have additional funds to spend. Alternatively, this could be a detriment to our local economy, specifically our local small businesses who are trying to survive the pandemic.
Amendment 5 – Limitations on Homestead Property Tax Assessments; Increased Portability Period to Transfer Accrued Benefit
Originated by the Florida Legislature
Amends the Florida Constitution (Article VII Section 4) to extend the period when an owner may transfer “Save Our Homes” benefits to a new primary residence. This amendment addressed the reduced portability window resulting from late-year home sales.
The passing of this amendment extended the period from 2 years to 3 years. The 1992 “Save Our Home” limited homestead valuation increases, on which property taxes are based, to 3% annually rather than market value.
Amendment 6 – Ad Valorem Property Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent Combat-Related Disabilities
Originated by the Florida Legislature
Amends the Florida Constitution (Article VII Section 6) to allow a property tax discount on a homestead residence to be transferred to the surviving spouse of a deceased combat disabled veteran. This discount would be in effect until the spouse remarries or sells or otherwise disposes of the property.
This particular exemption is critically important for these surviving spouses. Prior to the passing of Amendment 6, the homestead property discount for veterans expired upon their death, meaning their surviving spouses would face a potential increase in ad valorem property taxes. With the passing of Amendment 6, surviving spouses of certain combat disabled veterans will now retain the benefits of the homestead property tax discount until one of the conditions mentioned above occurs.
