GAINESVILLE (AP) — Florida voters this November are being asked to change the state constitution to earmark billions of tax dollars for a host of environmental protection projects.
The Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative, or Amendment 1 on the ballot, would dedicate 33 percent of annual revenue raised through an existing tax on real estate transactions over the next 20 years to conservation projects. That amounts to an estimated $18 billion to $20 billion.
For an amendment to pass, 60 percent of the votes cast must be a “yes.”
Supporters say the amendment will ensure funding for key projects like Florida Forever, which sets aside millions each year for land purchases meant to protect water and wildlife habitat.
Those opposed say the environment can be protected without changing the constitution.
