Why does Florida need 60% of the vote to pass constitutional amendments?

If a majority of Floridians had their way, recreational marijuana would be legalized and access to abortion would be expanded, as Amendment 3 on the ballot received 55% support and Amendment 4 received 57% support.

However, Florida is one of four states that require a 60% supermajority to change the constitution.

“I’m still just processing what just happened,” said voter Emma Jasinsk.

Ironically, Florida approved this change in 2006 with 57% of the vote, something many Floridians were unaware of in that election.

“I had no idea it was supposed to be 60%, I was very surprised,” said voter Terry Hickey.

While the supermajority standard may seem strange, Nova Southeastern law professor Bob Jarvis said there is a reason behind the higher bar.

“Since 1986, more than 100 amendments have been proposed to the Florida Constitution,” Jarvis said. “Some people think the numbers should be higher, that we have made too many changes to our constitution. The good thing about requiring a supermajority is that if the amendment passes, you know it didn’t just pass.”

Jarvis doesn’t believe lawmakers have much interest in returning to a simple majority — meaning any such effort would have to be initiated by voters.

“They’re going to have to start a campaign, somebody’s going to have to fund it, and then, ironically, they’re going to have to get 60% to bring it back down to 50% plus one,” Jarvis said.

Professor Jarvis says the higher bar for amendments demonstrates another reason why people need to get to the polls if they want to see change.

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