The 2024 Florida Amendment Series: Amendment 2 - Recommendation
Bottom Line: There will be six proposed constitutional amendments on Florida’s ballots in November’s general election. Four of those proposed amendments were referred by the Florida legislature and two were citizen led proposals which met all requirements for consideration by voters. The second of the six proposed amendments set to appear on our ballots this year would constitutionally protect hunting and fishing within the state. Here’s how the proposal will appear on our ballots in November:
Florida Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment
Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife. Specifies that the amendment does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section 9 of Article IV of the State Constitution.
A "yes" vote supports establishing a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Florida.
A "no" vote opposes establishing a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Florida.
In support of the measure the state rep who sponsored the amendment said: (This) is about the heritage of Florida. Many people don’t realize the economic value fishing and hunting provides our great state, combining just over $15 billion annually. People come from all over the world to catch our tarpon and snapper, and chase our turkeys and ducks. Passing this legislation is a powerful statement that we support and champion our fishing and hunting traditions, and we want to protect (them) for our future.
In opposition to the proposed amendment the organization NoTo2.org has stated: Even though the planet has lost 69% of its wildlife over the past 50 years, this amendment would create a fundamental right in the Florida Constitution to Hunt and Fish using 'traditional methods’. This ill-advised amendment could be used to override protections for fish stocks such as effectively nullifying the prohibition on Gill Nets that are a wall of death in the sea."
My recommendation is a “No” vote on Amendment 2 which will likely put me at odds with most Floridians as I expect that this amendment will pass. My reason for opposing this proposal is twofold. First, hunting and fishing as outlined in this proposed amendment is already legal in Florida. The passage of this proposal doesn’t inherently have a policy impact within the state. Second, as a conservationist, I’ve long fought to protect Florida’s waterways and natural habitats including threatened and endangered wildlife within them.
The amendment notes the use of “traditional methods”, however multiple forms of “traditional methods”, for example certain nets used for fishing, are currently banned in Florida. The passage of this amendment could result in legal challenges to Florida’s existing protections for wildlife, placing the outcome of these decisions in the hands of court rulings. At best, this proposed amendment is unnecessary. At worst, it could undermine existing conservation efforts.
The proposed amendment needs a minimum of 60% support to pass.