Florida TaxWatch Releases Voter Guide for 2020 Constitutional Amendment Ballot Proposals

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released the 2020 Florida Taxpayers’ Voter Guide to Florida’s Constitutional Amendments providing taxpayers with independent analysis and voting recommendations for each of the six proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot during the 2020 general election. In analyzing each proposed amendment, FTW considered the impact of the amendment, the arguments made by parties both for and against its implementation, the amendment’s fiscal impact on Florida taxpayers, and its appropriateness as a constitutional amendment. As a part of the 2020 Voter Guide, FTW also includes the full text of each proposed amendment and a notes page for voters to jot down their own thoughts on these issues and take it with them to the polls.

Florida TaxWatch Chairman and former Florida State Senator Pat Neal said, “The six amendments before Florida voters on this year’s ballot have the power to significantly change the way Floridians vote and amend our laws, alter how Florida’s large and small companies do business, and revise homestead property tax benefits. Each of the amendments under consideration is consequential and Florida TaxWatch is proud to again provide the in-depth analysis needed to help educate our fellow citizens in preparation for Election Day.”

Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said, “The Florida Constitution is our state’s fundamental organic law and Florida TaxWatch strongly believes that its contents should be limited to matters that are essential to the wellbeing and governance of our state and its taxpayers. In offering this Voter Guide, we are proud to provide Florida taxpayers with the thoughtful and thorough analysis they need to make informed decisions on the issues before them. As we prepare for the 2020 general election, Florida TaxWatch encourages all voters to do their part to educate themselves on local and state ballot issues and make their voices heard with their informed vote.”

Florida TaxWatch’s Constitutional Amendment Voting Recommendations

Amendment 1: Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections

FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: NO

Amendment 2: Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage

FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: NO

Amendment 3: All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor, and Cabinet

FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: YES

Amendment 4: Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments

FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: YES

Amendment 5: Limitations on Homestead Property Tax Assessments; Increased Portability Period to Transfer Accrued Benefit

FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: YES

Amendment 6: Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities

FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: YES

Proposed constitutional amendments numbers 1 through 4, which deal with citizenship requirements to vote, minimum wage, voting in primary elections, and voter approval of constitutional amendments, respectively, have been placed on the November ballot by citizens’ initiatives. Proposed constitutional amendments numbers 5 and 6, which deal with the transfer of homestead property tax discounts and the transfer of Save Our Homes portability, respectively, have been placed on the November ballot by joint resolutions of the Florida Legislature.

Read the full 2020 Florida Taxpayers’ Voter Guide to Florida’s Constitutional Amendments here.

About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute for more than forty years and the trusted eyes and ears of Florida taxpayers, Florida TaxWatch works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on citizens and businesses. Florida TaxWatch is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants, and does not accept government funding. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled Florida TaxWatch to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the citizens it serves since 1979. For more information, please visit www.floridataxwatch.org.