A new poll from the James Madison Institute shows that 64 percent of Florida voters support legalizing recreational marijuana through Amendment 3, with strong backing across various demographics.
Florida voters are showing strong support for legalized recreational marijuana, according to a new poll from the James Madison Institute, with an initiative to enact the measure poised to pass.
Released on Thursday, the poll shows that 64 percent of likely voters favor Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. In contrast, 27 percent oppose the measure, and 12 percent remain undecided. Support is particularly strong among Democrats, with 74 percent in favor, compared to 54 percent of Republicans and 61 percent of Independents.
The initiative garners support across demographics, with 65 percent of men and 62 percent of women backing the amendment. Age-wise, the support is consistent: 62 percent of voters aged 18 to 34, 68 percent of those aged 35 to 54, and 58 percent of voters aged 65 and older are in favor. Ethnically, 66 percent of Black or African American voters, 65 percent of Hispanic voters, and 63 percent of White, non-Hispanic voters support the amendment.
Regionally, the highest levels of support are found in Southwest and North Florida, where 69 percent of voters back the measure. Southeast Florida shows the lowest support, at 59 percent.
“64 percent of likely voters support legalization, reflecting a significant shift in public opinion toward marijuana reform,” the poll summary reads.
The ballot initiative, supported by Smart & Safe Florida, is heavily funded by cannabis retailer Trulieve, which has contributed over $70 million to the effort. If passed, state economists estimate the measure could generate between $195.6 million and $431.3 million in annual sales tax revenue. Additionally, revenue from new tourists drawn to the state by legalized marijuana is projected to add another $43.6 million per year.
Currently, 25 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational marijuana. If ratified by voters in November, Amendment 3 would make Florida the 26th state to do so, aligning it with states such as Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio. The amendment requires 60 percent voter approval in the November election for ratification.
Despite the growing public support, the Republican Party of Florida formally opposed the legalization of recreational marijuana during its Executive Board meeting in Orlando in May. Gov. Ron DeSantis has also spoken out against the measure, alongside a coalition of Republican state lawmakers.
Last month, Sen. Joe Gruters formally endorsed Amendment 3, becoming one of the sole state Republicans to speak in support of the initiative. He subsequently announced proposed legislation that would ban smoking in public spaces statewide, contingent on the voter approval of legalizing recreational marijuana in November.
The bill, positioned as a companion to the recreational marijuana initiative, Amendment 3, seeks to regulate the place and manner of smoking in all forms to “ensure public health and safety,” according to Gruters. He stated during a press event that the legislation is designed to prevent Florida from experiencing the same public smoking issues that he says are seen in cities like Las Vegas and New York City.
“I think we can make it safer. I think it’s time to decriminalize and I think we can control the time, place and manner,” Gruters said. “People don’t want to go outside and smell it. They don’t want to see it in public places.”
The proposed ban would apply to all public spaces, including streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, and common areas of buildings, Gruters said. It would cover smoking tobacco, cigars, vaping, and marijuana products. Gruters explained that the legislation would allow the state to “control the time, place, and manner” of where smoking occurs.