Keith Lusher 11.13.24
Amendment 2 which enshrines the right for Floridians to “Forever fish and hunt by the use of traditional methods.” was approved on election day on Tuesday. The amendment received 67% of the vote to pass with only 60% needed.
Amendment 2 states that it would preserve forever fishing and hunting including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife.
It also specifies that the amendment does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Read the full text here
Before and after the election, there has been much confusion over the amendment as those opposed argued that the right to hunt and fish have never been under threat in Florida.
Kitty Block is President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States and CEO of Humane Society International. “To be clear, hunting and fishing are not under threat in the state; Florida law already protects the right to hunt and fish. But Amendment 2 seeks to enshrine and elevate cruel and inhumane methods to the level of a constitutional public right on par with freedom of speech,” said Block in a recent article arguing against the amendment.
Those for the amendment argue that it would remain easier for the state government to make regulations restricting hunting and fishing of various species that may be threatened by excessive fishing and hunting, either recreational or commercial.
A state constitutional right to hunt or fish would make it harder for legislators to create laws that would ban or restrict various forms of hunting or fishing.
Florida Legislature proposed amendment 2 when they recognized that fishing and hunting are major components of Florida’s economy and culture.
With the passing of the amendment, Floridians are hoping that it will have a positive effect on Florida’s conservation of its natural resources.
