You might've seen the headlines or heard the chatter at the coffee shop, but let's get one thing straight right away: neither Amendment 3 nor Amendment 4 passed in Florida. Honestly, it’s a bit of a wild story because a clear majority of people actually voted "yes" for both. In most places, that would be a total win. But Florida has this specific, high-bar rule that says you need 60% of the vote to change the state constitution.
Basically, the 2024 election cycle was a massive showdown over weed and abortion rights, and even though millions showed up to say "let's do this," they hit a legal brick wall. Amendment 3, which was all about legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over, ended up with about 55.9% of the vote. Close? Sure. But in Tallahassee, close doesn't count. Amendment 4, the big push to protect abortion access and roll back the six-week ban, did slightly better at roughly 57.1%. Again, it wasn't enough to clear that 60% hurdle.
If you're wondering did amendment 3 and 4 pass in florida, the technical answer is no, but the political answer is a lot more complicated.
The 60% Rule: Why Most People Getting Their Way Wasn't Enough
It feels kinda weird, right? If 57% of people want something, you'd think they’d get it. That’s usually how democracy works. But Florida is one of the toughest states in the country when it comes to ballot initiatives. Since 2006, the state has required a supermajority of 60% for any constitutional amendment to go through.
The history of this rule is actually pretty funny in a "politics is weird" kind of way. People often point to a 2002 amendment about—believe it or not—pregnant pigs. Back then, voters passed a measure to stop farmers from keeping pregnant sows in tiny crates. It passed with a simple majority, but it annoyed some lawmakers so much that they pushed for the 60% threshold to stop "frivolous" things from getting into the constitution. The irony? The 2006 amendment that created the 60% rule only passed with about 57.8% of the vote. If that same rule had been in place for itself, it wouldn't have passed.
So, when we look at why Amendment 3 and 4 failed, it wasn't because they were unpopular. They were actually very popular. They just weren't "60% popular" in the face of some heavy-duty opposition.
What happened with Amendment 3 (Marijuana)?
Amendment 3 was the recreational weed measure. It would have allowed adults over 21 to possess up to three ounces of pot. The "Yes on 3" campaign was one of the most expensive in U.S. history, with companies like Trulieve pouring over $140 million into it.
- The Vote: 55.9% Yes / 44.1% No.
- The Result: Defeated.
- Current Law: Marijuana remains legal in Florida only for medical use with a state-issued card.
Governor Ron DeSantis was a huge opponent here. He argued that if it passed, the whole state would "smell like weed." He used state agencies to run ads against it, which caused a lot of friction with supporters who felt tax dollars shouldn't be spent on political campaigning. Even though Donald Trump eventually said he'd vote "yes" on it, the GOP base in Florida remained split enough to keep it under that 60% line.
What happened with Amendment 4 (Abortion)?
This one was even more high-stakes. Amendment 4 aimed to stop the government from banning abortion before "viability"—usually around 24 weeks. This was a direct response to Florida’s current law, which bans most abortions after just six weeks of pregnancy.
- The Vote: 57.1% Yes / 42.9% No.
- The Result: Defeated.
- Current Law: The six-week ban stays in place.
The "No on 4" side, backed heavily by the Governor and various religious groups, argued the amendment was too vague and would lead to "abortion on demand." They ran a very aggressive campaign that focused on the word "viability" and whether doctors or "healthcare providers" would be the ones making the calls. On the other side, supporters felt the six-week ban was way too extreme since many women don't even know they're pregnant at six weeks.
Real-World Impact: Life in Florida After the Vote
Since these didn't pass, things basically stayed the same, but with a lot more tension. For marijuana, the medical market is still huge, but you still need that doctor's recommendation and the annual fees. If you're caught with weed without a card, you’re still looking at potential criminal charges.
For abortion, the impact is much more immediate. Florida remains one of the most restrictive states in the South. Women seeking care after six weeks generally have to travel out of state—often to North Carolina or further north—which is expensive and difficult.
Is this the end for these issues?
Probably not. Florida has a history of things failing once and then passing later. Medical marijuana actually failed to hit 60% in 2014, but then it came back in 2016 and passed with a massive 71% of the vote.
There's already talk about 2026. Proponents are looking at the data, seeing that they have a majority, and trying to figure out how to flip that extra 3% or 4% they need. It’s a long, expensive process to get these things on the ballot, but the appetite is clearly there.
Actionable Steps for Floridians
If you're living in Florida and feeling a certain way about these results, there are actual things you can do rather than just venting on social media.
🔗 Read more: Percentage of American population by race: What the numbers actually tell us right now
If you wanted Amendment 3 to pass:
- Check out the "Smart & Safe Florida" campaign for updates on potential 2026 runs.
- If you have a qualifying condition, look into the current medical marijuana program—it’s the only legal way to possess cannabis in the state right now.
- Keep an eye on the Legislature. Sometimes, seeing a 56% majority makes lawmakers more open to "decriminalization" bills, even if they won't go full recreational.
If you wanted Amendment 4 to pass:
- Groups like "Floridians Protecting Freedom" are still active. They’re tracking how the six-week ban is affecting healthcare across the state.
- Understand the current law. There are very narrow exceptions for the life of the mother and cases of rape or incest (with documentation), but the 15-week and 6-week marks are strictly enforced.
- Get involved in local elections. State representatives and senators are the ones who can change these laws without a constitutional amendment.
The bottom line is that Florida is a "57% state" living under "60% rules." Whether you're happy about the results or frustrated, the data shows that the state is right in the middle of a massive cultural shift. The 2024 election didn't settle these debates—it just set the stage for the next round. Keep your voter registration updated and stay tuned for the 2026 petitions, because they’re likely coming.