Florida Citizens to Vote on Hunting and Fishing Ballot Initiative

Amendment 2 on Florida’s ballot preserves fishing and hunting as a public right. (Photo by Bill Konway)

Before the polls close, Florida voters will have the opportunity to vote for more than just the next president of the United States. They can cast a vote to decide whether or not to put hunting and fishing rights in the state constitution.

According to news.wfsu.org, the legislature put the proposed constitutional amendment, Amendment 2, titled “Right to Fish and Hunt” on the ballot. The measure’s supporters have raised significantly more money than opponents, and political experts say the proposal will likely receive the support of 60 percent of voters to pass.

The amendment summary says, in part, that the measure would “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.”

According to Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power, the limited polling he’s seen on Amendment 2 has up to 68 percent support.

“It doesn't seem to have organized opposition,” Power said. “I think it's sitting at a pretty good place, if you look at the polling. I think barring a catastrophic thing, I think it passes.”

Some who oppose the bill have argued that it would result in hunters gaining rights over private property owners, but Power dismisses that idea.

“What we're seeing in some liberal states is that they don't want people to hunt and fish. They want to take away their guns, gun rights,” Power said. “I think this is moving in the idea of protecting people's individual rights.”

Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried said she worries how the Republican-dominated Legislature would carry out the amendment if it passes. For example, could it undo the 1994 voter-approved ban on gill nets?

“On its face, it is just to protect hunting and fishing,” Fried said. “We already have that. That is already in our state's statutes. That's already a way of life. And as somebody who hunts and fishes, I have the right to do so today. So, that is the question, what is the impact of its passing and what additional powers and changes will come from it?”

According to finance information posted on the state Division of Elections website, the Vote Yes on Amendment 2 political committee had raised $1.228 million in cash as of Saturday, October 26, 2024, and had spent nearly $964,000.

NoTo2.Org had raised $95,829 in cash and spent $66,872 as of Saturday.