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Florida Amendment 2, Fishing and Hunting: Newspaper Notes

Election day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m

Do you know the Florida Amendments 2024?

Florida voters will face six constitutional amendment proposals on the Nov. 5 ballot. Each needs at least 60% of the vote to be enshrined in the Florida Constitution.

Are you still unsure what each amendment means and whether you will vote “yes” or “no”? In this story we highlight Change 2 – Amendment to the Right to Hunt and Fish – to help you prepare for Election Day, which will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In this story, we highlight Amendment 2 and offer the recommendations (where available) of the editorial boards of two Florida newspapers in the USA TODAY NETWORK and four other newspapers in the Sunshine State. Although Florida is home to nearly two dozen newspapers and 16 websites are part of the USA TODAY network, a small portion of newspapers provide editorial advice during the U.S. general election. However, every newspaper has covered Florida's changes in the 2024 election with stories that explain what they mean for their readers. Below is a list of newspapers with links to their websites if you would like to do further research on Amendment 2.

How many newspapers are there in Florida?

Below is a list of Florida newspapers:

  • Daytona Beach News-Journal, news-journalonline.com
  • Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, jacksonville.com
  • FLORIDA TODAY, covering the Space Coast, floridatoday.com
  • Gainesville Sun, Gainesville.com
  • Lakeland Ledger, theledger.com
  • (Fort Myers) News Press, news-press.com
  • Miami Herald, miamiherald.com
  • Naples Daily News, naplesnews.com
  • Northwest Florida Daily News, nwfdailynews.com
  • Ocala Star Banner, ocala.com
  • Orlando Sentinel, orlandosentinel.com
  • Palm Beach Daily News, palmbeachdailynews.com
  • Palm Beach Post, palmbeachpost.com
  • Panama City News-Herald, newsherald.com
  • Pensacola News Journal, pnj.com
  • St. Augustine Record, staugustine.com
  • South Florida Sun-Sentinel, sun-sentinel.com
  • Tallahassee Democrat, Tallahassee.com
  • Tampa Bay Times/Tampa Tribune, tampabay.com
  • TCPalm or Treasure Coast Newspapers, covering Martin County, St. Lucie County and Indian River County, tcpalm.com

Which Florida newspapers offer Editorial Picks or Florida Change Endorsements?

For the 2024 general election, the editorial boards of six Florida newspapers in most cases made recommendations or advice — endorsements to vote — on the six Florida amendments on the ballot.

Florida Amendments 2024: Amendment 2, Fishing and Hunting Rights Amendment

Sponsor: Florida Legislature

Summary: Proposing an amendment to the state constitution to permanently preserve fishing and hunting, including using traditional methods, as a public right and a preferred means of responsible management and control of fish and wildlife. Specifies that the amendment does not limit the powers granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section of Article IV of the State Constitution.

A closer look at Amendment 2: Pros and Cons of the Florida Hunting and Fishing Ballot Initiative

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Florida Amendment 2: Establishes the constitutional right to hunt and fish

FLORIDA TODAY's John A. Torres discusses Amendment 2 on the November ballot with USA Today Florida Network reporters John Kennedy and James Call.

TCPalm, also known as Treasure Coast Newspapers, is part of the USA TODAY network, covering Indian River County, Martin County and St. Lucie County in Florida.

TCPalm: NO

The TCPalm editorial team recommends a no vote on Amendment 2.

Why: “It has been nearly 190 years since Florida created its constitution. For the reasons stated above, we see no reason to amend the Constitution for something that has never caused controversy.”

Florida Amendment 2: Vote yes or no to the Florida Amendments? What Amendment 2 means: fishing and hunting forever

The Palm Beach Post is part of the USA TODAY Network.

The Palm Beach post: NO

The Palm Beach Post editorial board recommends a no vote on Amendment 2.

Why: “If ever there was a right not enshrined in the Florida Constitution, this is it. By law, Florida residents already enjoy hunting and fishing privileges. The constitutional promise of the amendment raises major problems that should concern anyone who values ​​the state's wildlife and natural habitats. These three strikes alone justify rejection. …Amendment 2 would ban all hunting and fishing bans, even if they serve to conserve an endangered species. It establishes “traditional” hunting and fishing methods “… as a public right and preferred means for the responsible management and control of fish and wildlife.” Therein lies the rub. Hunting and fishing are not the only ways to manage and control fish and wildlife. Also nature and landscape protection work. But these efforts will take a back seat to “traditional means,” whatever that means.”

Tampa Bay Times: NO

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board recommends a no vote on Amendment 2.

Why: “This is a ridiculous change that does not belong in the state constitution, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or not. First, let's state the obvious: Florida is a great place for fishing and hunting. The lifestyle and recreation that comes with enjoying Florida's natural resources has thrived since the state's founding. Hunting and fishing are multibillion-dollar industries that shape Florida's character, support tens of thousands of jobs and underpin entire communities. Visitors come to Florida for the outdoors, and its wild lands and waterways are key reasons people vacation here, move here, open businesses here and stay here. Hunting and fishing are among the most thriving pursuits in Florida. They are not threatened. But they could be if Floridians pass this amendment.”

Miami Herald: NO

The Miami Herald editorial board recommends a no vote on Amendment 2.

Why: “The November 5 general election measure preserves the right to fish and hunt in perpetuity, including through the use of traditional methods as a public right and preferred means of responsible fish and wildlife management and control. Florida law already protects these rights, but advocates say a constitutional amendment is needed to prevent attempts to ban or restrict them. However, there are no credible proposals to stop Floridians from hunting or fishing. Even if that were the case, it would be virtually impossible for the conservative legislature or state regulators to go along. This is one of the reasons why Amendment 2 is misleading. Another reason is that if the amendment is approved by at least 60% of voters, it could be used to challenge even the most sensible hunting and fishing regulations, even if the voting language states that it is “Does not limit the powers granted to fish and fisheries authorities Wildlife Conservation Commission, the main regulator of such activities.”

Orlando Sentinel: NO

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board recommends a no vote on Amendment 2.

Why: “Amendment 2 Could Have Devastating Impact on Florida Habitat and Wildlife: The Sentinel Endorses a No to Florida’s Hunting and Fishing Amendment, the Convoluted Language of which Gives the State Too Much Power.”

South Florida Sun Sentinel: NO

The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board recommends a no vote on Amendment 2.

Why: “Keep hunting and fishing out of the Constitution: Amendment 2 protects much more than just the right to fish and hunt, which are already enshrined in state law. The extremely negative impact of the change on wildlife management and ethical hunting practices should prompt even avid sportsmen to vote a resounding no.”

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