In a decisive outcome on Election Day, a constitutional amendment safeguarding hunting and fishing rights passed with overwhelming support across the state. The measure, known as Amendment 2, garnered approval from over 67 percent of voters, surpassing the required 60 percent threshold to be enacted.
Amendment 2 aims to protect the right to hunt and fish using traditional methods, emphasizing these activities as preferred approaches for wildlife management and conservation. The amendment’s language highlights its intent to “preserve forever fishing and hunting as public rights and responsible means of managing fish and wildlife.”
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The proposal faced opposition from environmental groups like the Sierra Club, but voter turnout showed broad backing for the amendment. Data from the state Division of Elections indicated strong support in every county. In Alachua County, where the vote was most closely contested, the amendment still passed by a margin of 4,400 votes.
Amendment 2 was one of only two constitutional changes approved by voters this year. The other successful measure, Amendment 5, involved adjustments to property taxes and received 66 percent of the vote. Despite strong showings, four other proposed amendments—such as measures to legalize recreational marijuana and protect abortion rights—failed to reach the necessary 60 percent approval threshold.
The results reflect a widespread endorsement of the state’s hunting and fishing heritage, positioning these activities as key elements of conservation efforts and outdoor recreation moving forward.
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