Florida’s constitutional history is unique. In less than two centuries, Florida has had six different constitutions. Our current constitution, ratified in 1968, has been amended more than 145 times, most recently in 2024. Florida also has the greatest number of ways to amend its constitution of any state. There are five paths to the statewide ballot: (1) joint resolution by the Florida Legislature; (2) the Florida Constitution Revision Commission; (3) initiative petition; (4) a constitutional convention; and (5) the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. Each proposed amendment is required to embrace a single subject. For the 2026 election cycle, three amendments will appear on the ballot, all of which reached the ballot as joint resolutions passed by the Florida Legislature — two originating during the regular 2026 session and one during a June 2026 special session called to address property taxes. Per constitutional requirements, each of the proposed amendments concern only a single subject. It is our pleasure to provide this 2026 Amendment Guide. We hope it is of value to Florida voters as they evaluate each of the three constitutional amendments that will be presented to them on their ballot. Each amendment is unique and should be considered seriously. Repealing an amendment that has passed would require a new ballot initiative garnering 60 percent of the vote in a subsequent election. As always, the mission of The James Madison Institute is to inform citizens so that, together, we may chart the course of making Florida an even more prosperous state. It is in that context that we offer this analysis.
Introduction
On Election Day, November 3, 2026, millions of Floridians will cast their votes. In addition to electing a Governor, Cabinet officials, members of Congress, all 120 members of the Florida House of Representatives, and 20 members of the 40-member Florida Senate, the ballot tasks Floridians with considering proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution. These amendments, if approved, will become part of the state’s governing document and can have lasting impacts on Florida’s future. Constitutional initiatives play a pivotal role in the governance of the state, and thus warrant careful consideration. For this election, the three proposed constitutional amendments on the November ballot originate from one source: the Florida Legislature. Regardless of how a measure makes it to the ballot, all amendments require a 60 percent voting majority to pass. Additionally, each method for proposing constitutional amendments establishes different hurdles before an amendment can reach the ballot. For a legislatively-referred proposed amendment, 60 percent of both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate must agree to put the proposed amendment on the ballot. This is called a joint resolution. Petition-initiated amendments must meet signature requirements before proceeding through the qualification process and appearing before voters. As voters and engaged citizens of Florida, it is our civic duty to responsibly educate ourselves on important changes to the Florida Constitution. On the pages that follow, readers will find an analysis of each ballot initiative.
| Type | Title | Subject | Description |
| Florida Legislature | Amendment 1 | State Budget/Fiscal Policy | Raises the cap on Florida’s budget stabilization (“rainy day”) fund from 10% to 25% of general revenue, requires annual transfers into the fund, and sets conditions for withdrawals. |
| Florida Legislature | Amendment 2 | Taxation/Agriculture | Exempts tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism, that is located on agricultural land, from ad valorem taxation, effective for tax year 2027. |
| Florida Legislature | Amendment 3 | Taxation/Homestead Exemption | Increases the homestead property tax exemption on a phased schedule, requires a path toward eliminating non-school homestead taxes, restricts local governments’ use of property tax revenue, and lowers the assessment growth cap on other property. |
Click here to read the English version of the 2026 Florida Amendment Guide
Click here to read the Spanish version of the 2026 Florida Amendment Guide
