Why It Matters: Passage of Amendment 2, the proposed right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife constitutional amendment in Florida, on November 5 would not only ensure the protection of our shared, time-honored traditions of hunting and fishing from unnecessary limitations or outright bans, but also the continuation of conservation funding through the American System of Conservation Funding. This funding, which was over $90 million in 2023 in Florida, benefits not only game species and the opportunities they provide for sportsmen and women, but also non-game species and the public at large.
Highlights:
- Amendment 2, which was introduced in the legislature as House Joint Resolution 1157 and championed by Florida Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Representative Lauren Melo, placed the right to hunt and fish constitutional amendment on the ballot for Florida voters to consider on Election Day.
- With the support of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and many other in-state and national conservation partners, HJR 1157 passed the House of Representatives 116-0 and then passed the Senate 39-1 during the 2023 legislative session, highlighting its strong, bipartisan support.
- Amendment 2 needs 60% of the vote to officially amend the Constitution of the State of Florida to include the right to hunt and fish.
- If Amendment 2 is passed, Florida would become the 24th state to adopt a right to hunt and fish constitutional amendment, joining all other Southern states.
Amendment 2’s language reads: “SECTION 28. Fishing, hunting, and the taking of fish and wildlife. —Fishing, hunting, and the taking of fish and wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, shall be preserved forever as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife. This section does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section 9 of Article IV.”
Anti-sportsmen organizations continually lead efforts to persuade the public to believe that hunting, fishing, and harvesting wildlife are a privilege, subject to emotionally driven public sentiments to alter policies and regulations, rather than science-based facts. Amendment 2 is a proactive measure to ensure that the sporting traditions of Floridians are protected for generations to come. It does not limit the power of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), such as the power to set season dates and bag limits, nor does it impact private property rights or legalize methods of take that are currently illegal. Hunters and anglers will still be required to purchase hunting and fishing licenses.
CSF encourages our readers from Florida to support Amendment 2 and to get out and vote on November 5. We also applaud the continued efforts of the Florida Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, our partners, the FWC, and the greater sportsmen’s community for supporting this important initiative.
Planning to be afield or on the water on election day? Click here to find materials for early or absentee voting to make sure your voice rings loud at the polls in support of hunting, fishing, and professional fish and wildlife management.
