Florida Direct Democracy Restrictions Challenge

A pro-voting lawsuit challenging the Florida Republican legislature’s efforts to curtail direct democracy. 

Background

Florida Decides Healthcare and voters are suing the state over a recent law that makes it harder to participate in the  ballot initiative process. House Bill 1205 (H.B. 1205) requires petition circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, requires petition circulators to re-register with the state under stricter requirements  and shortens the petition delivery period to 10 days. The plaintiffs argue the law subjects people to steep fines and criminal penalties in violation of the First and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. They seek a court order blocking enforcement of the law.

Why It Matters

Floridians have used the ballot initiative process to pass popular reforms despite opposition from state leadership, including authorizing the use of medical marijuana, restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated people, and raising the minimum wage. HB 1205 is the latest example of the Republican legislature’s efforts to curtail direct democracy.

Latest Updates

• May 4, 2025: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.