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SJR 864

Elector Votes Required to Approve an Amendment to or a Revision of the State Constitution

2025 Regular Session

Bill would have required Florida constitutional amendments to pass with supermajority voter approval (60%+) instead of simple majority, making constitutional changes harder to achieve.

Died in Ethics and Elections
#(adopted) #constitutionalamendments
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 864

Legislative bill overview

SJR 864 would have proposed a constitutional amendment requiring Florida voters to approve changes to the state constitution through a supermajority vote (likely 60% or higher) rather than the current simple majority (50% plus one). The bill died in the Ethics and Elections Committee without advancing to a floor vote.

Why is this important

Constitutional amendments are fundamental expressions of state sovereignty and voter will. Changing the approval threshold directly affects how easily Floridians can modify their governing document—making amendments harder to pass requires broader consensus but also potentially freezes the constitution against majority preferences. This is particularly significant in Florida, where constitutional amendments appear frequently on ballots.

Potential points of contention

  • Democratic representation: Supporters argue supermajority requirements ensure broad consensus; opponents contend they allow minorities to block amendments favored by majorities, undercutting direct democracy
  • Practical impact on ballot initiatives: Florida relies heavily on citizen-initiated constitutional amendments; higher thresholds could prevent popular reforms (education, environmental protections) from passing despite majority support
  • Partisan motivation: Timing and sponsorship warrant examination—supermajority rules often benefit whichever party currently opposes certain constitutional changes, raising questions about whether this serves the public interest or partisan advantage

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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