Constitutional Amendment No. 4: Collins Center for Public Policy
October 19, 2010 Leave a comment
Sponsor/Originator: Florida Hometown Democracy
Title on Ballot: Referenda required for adoption and
amendment of local government comprehensive land
use plans.
Official Summary: Establishes that before a local
government may adopt a new comprehensive land use
plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the
proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote
of the electors of the local government by referendum,
following preparation by the local planning agency,
consideration by the governing body and notice.
What it would do: Amendment 4 would give local
voters a veto over changes in comprehensive plans.
Arguments for: Local governments have proven
themselves incapable of placing the public interest
before the interests of real estate developers. Let the
people vote on the proposed changes.
Arguments against: The amendment would require
votes on every change, no matter how minor.
Ballots would be long and involved. Voters would be
overwhelmed. Growth would grind to a halt, and the
state’s economy would remain mired in recession
About Stephen E. McGaughey
Coral Gables Watch 