By Cassady Quintana
In the 2024 election, Floridians had the opportunity to vote on crucial constitutional amendments and key statewide races that could influence the state’s future. These measures included topics such as the legalization of recreational marijuana, updates to abortion rights, and adjustments to property tax exemptions.
This article will summarize how residents in Central Florida’s counties cast their votes on these important state issues, along with a look at local commissioner races that could shape governance in the region.
Key Ballot Issues and Results in Central Florida
1. State Constitutional Amendments:
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Amendment 1 (Partisan election of members of district school boards): NO
Amendment 1 proposes changing school board elections in Florida from non-partisan to partisan races, requiring candidates to declare a party affiliation on the ballot.
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Amendment 2 (Right to fish and hunt): YES
This amendment would add the right to fish and hunt to the Florida State Constitution. A “yes” vote would protect these activities by limiting lawmakers' ability to impose bans or significant restrictions on hunting or fishing methods, as noted by the James Madison Institute.
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Amendment 3 (Adult personal use of marijuana): NO
This amendment would permit adults aged 21 and over in Florida to use marijuana recreationally, with specific limits on possession amounts. A "no" vote would maintain the state's existing marijuana laws without these changes.
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Amendment 4 (Amendment to limit government interference with abortion): NO
A "yes" vote would permit abortions in Florida up to the point of viability—when medical professionals determine that a fetus could survive outside the womb—or in cases necessary to protect the mother’s life. A "no" vote would uphold the current six-week abortion restriction.
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Amendment 5 (Annual adjustments to the value of certain homestead): YES
A “yes” vote would adjust the homestead exemption to account for inflation. For instance, with an 8% inflation rate, the exemption could increase from $25,000 to $27,000, as illustrated by the James Madison Institute. A “no” vote would keep the exemption fixed at its current level, regardless of inflation changes.
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Amendment 6 (Repeal of public campaign financing requirement): NO
This amendment would eliminate the state’s provision of public funds for candidates running for statewide offices, such as governor, attorney general, and chief financial officer, according to the James Madison Institute.
2. Central Florida Commissioner Races:
Orange County:
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District One: Nicole Wilson(D)/Austin Arthur(R)
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District Three: Mayra Uribe(D)/Linda Stewart(R)
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District Five: Kelly Semrad (D)/Steve Leary (R)
Osceola County:
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District One: Peggy Choudhry (D)/Disvany Martinez (R)
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District Three: Brandon Arrington (D)/Fior D’Aliza Frias (R)
Seminole County:
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District Five: Gary Carney (D)/Andria Herr (R)
3. U.S. President Senate, and Congress Races and Results:
U.S. president:
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Donald Trump (R) / Kamala Harris (D)
U.S. Senate Race:
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Rick Scott (R) / Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D)/ Feena Bonoan (L)
U.S. House - District 9 (Osceola and (parts of) Orange County):
- Darren Soto (D) / Thomas Chalifoux (R) / Marcus Carter (NPA)
U.S. HOUSE - district 10 (central/east orlando):
- Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D)/Willie J. Montague (R)
U.S. HOUSE - district 11 (west orlando):
- Barbara Harden Hall (D)/Daniel Webster (R)
4. Additional County Measures:
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Orange County Charter Amendment #2 - Continued Existence of Affordable Housing Trust Fund: YES
This amendment would update the County Charter to ensure the permanent existence of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. This fund, directed by the County Commission, would be used to create and maintain affordable housing, potentially financed by fees from new commercial and residential developments and other sources. It would specify the fund’s purpose, revenue sources, appropriation, and spending, require an annual audit, establish its ongoing status, and include guidelines for implementation by ordinance, administration, and oversight.
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Orange County Charter Amendment #8 - county protected lands: YES
Amending the Orange County Charter to define "County Protected Lands" as County owned (in whole or in part), operated, or maintained public parks and recreation areas, and environmentaly sensitive lands acquired by the County for environmental, ecological, or recreational purposes; and requiring that any County Commission action authorizing the disposition of County Protected Lands or change to another use must be approved by a majority-plus-one County Commission vote.
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Orange County Charter Amendment #9 - establish rural boundary and rural areas: YES
Establishing a Rural Area (unincorporated lands located outside the County's Urban Service Area, municipal joint planning areas, Growth Centers, Innovation Way Overlay, Horizon West Vilages, and Boggy Creek Expansion Area on the e fective date) where County comprehensive plan amendments increasing density or intensity, and ordinances removing lands from the Rural Area, must be approved by a majority-plus-one vote of the entire membership of the County Commission.
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Orange County Charter Amendment #10 - Voluntary Municipal Annexations And Land Use in Rural Areas: YES
Revise the County Charter to create a process for voluntary municipal annexation, ensuring that the comprehensive plan and land development regulations of Orange County govern exclusively within rural areas once lands are annexed into a municipality. Furthermore, Orange County will have the authority to approve or deny these voluntary annexations with an affirmative vote of at least a majority plus one of the entire county commission.
Overall
As the dust settles on the 2024 election, the results reflect the diverse perspectives of Floridians on critical issues that will shape the state's future. With significant constitutional amendments approved and local races decided, residents are now poised to see how these changes will influence their communities and everyday lives.
The outcome of these votes demonstrates the importance of civic engagement and the power of each voice in shaping the policies that affect us all. As we move forward, staying informed and active in local governance will be essential for fostering the growth and well-being of our beloved Central Florida.
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