The 2018 general election in Florida presented voters with a slate of constitutional amendments that addressed voting access, taxation, criminal justice, and governance structure. These ballot measures generated intense debate, legal challenges, and significant media attention across the state.
Below you will find a detailed overview of the proposed amendments, how they performed on election night, and the practical implications for Florida residents and policy outcomes.
| Amendment Number | Short Title | Summary | Status on November 6, 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | All Voters Vote | Required all candidates for the same office in primary and general elections to be grouped on a single combined ballot. | Passed with 73.6% of the vote |
| 2 | Voting Rights Restoration for Felons with Incarceration, Probation, Parole Completion | Restored voting rights to most people with felony convictions upon completion of sentence, excluding murder or sexual offenses. | Passed with 64.5% of the vote |
| 3 | Voting System Standards and Security | Authorized the legislature to create a comprehensive statewide vote-by-mail system and set security standards. | Passed with 70.0% of the vote |
| 4 | Voter Eligibility and Felon Restoration Implementation | Required completion of sentence, including parole or probation, for felons except those convicted of murder or sexual offenses. | Passed with 68.3% of the vote | }
| 5 | Tax Limitations and Exemptions | Increased supermajority requirements for imposing, authorizing, or raising new taxes or fees. | Passed with 91.3% of the vote |
| 6 | Victim’s Rights | Established additional legal rights for crime victims, including notification, restitution, and protection at parole hearings. | Passed with 90.1% of the vote |
| 7 | Public Funding of Elections and Ethics | Created a system for public campaign financing for state offices and set ethics rules for officials and lobbyists. | Passed with 75.1% of the vote |
| 8 | School Class Size Reduction and Educational Standards | Modified class size limits for grades pre-K through 3 and removed elected state school board members from the State Board of Education. | Passed with 64.7% of the vote |
Amendment 1 All Voters Vote
Amendment 1 aimed to streamline ballot positioning by grouping all candidates for the same office on a single primary and general election ballot, regardless of party affiliation. Supporters argued this reduced confusion and partisan manipulation of ballot order, while critics raised concerns about diminished party differentiation.
Amendment 2 Felon Voting Rights Restoration
This amendment proposed by voters, not the legislature, sought to automatically restore voting rights to most people with felony convictions after they completed their sentences, excluding those convicted of murder or sexual offenses. The measure reflected a national conversation on criminal justice reform and reintegration.
Amendment 3 Vote-by-Mail and Election Security
By establishing a framework for vote-by-mail and setting baseline security standards, Amendment 3 sought to modernize Florida’s election infrastructure. The proposal responded to concerns about voting accessibility and cybersecurity, particularly highlighted in recent national elections.
Amendment 4 Felon Voting Rights Implementation
While similar to Amendment 2, this voter-initiated amendment clarified that felons must complete all terms of their sentence, including parole or probation, before regaining eligibility. It explicitly excluded individuals convicted of murder or sexual offenses from automatic restoration.
Amendment 5 Tax Limitations
Amendment 5 increased the threshold for raising taxes and fees, requiring a supermajority vote in the legislature. Proponents claimed it offered stronger taxpayer protection, whereas opponents warned it could limit funding for public services and infrastructure during emergencies.
Key Takeaways for Florida Voters
- Felons completing sentences gained voting rights, with exclusions for murder and sexual offenses.
- Ballot design changed to group all candidates for an office together, reducing partisan ballot order advantages.
- Vote-by-mail infrastructure and election security were formalized through state standards.
- Tax increases became harder to implement due to supermajority requirements.
- Crime victims received enhanced legal rights, including restitution and parole hearing notifications.
- Public campaign financing and ethics rules were introduced for state-level offices.
- Class size rules for early grades were modified, and elected school board members were removed from the state board.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Amendment 2 restore voting rights to all felons in Florida?
No, Amendment 2 restored voting rights to most felons after they completed their sentences, but it specifically excluded individuals convicted of murder or sexual offenses.
What did Amendment 1 change about how candidates appeared on ballots?
Amendment 1 placed all candidates for the same office on a single combined ballot in both primary and general elections, rather than separating them by party.
Why did Amendment 5 pass with such a high margin of approval?
Amendment 5 passed overwhelmingly because it raised the legislative threshold for imposing, authorizing, or raising new taxes or fees, a move widely supported by taxpayer advocacy groups.
What practical impact did Amendment 8 have on Florida schools?
Amendment 8 adjusted class size limits for early grades and removed elected school board members from the State Board of Education, shifting some appointment authority to the governor and altering governance structure.