Florida Amendment 13, Ban on Wagering on Dog Races Amendment (2018)

Elections in Florida, 2018

* General election: Nov. 6
* Voter registration deadline: Oct. 9
* Early voting: Oct. 27 - Nov. 3[2]
* Absentee voting deadline: Nov. 6

* Online registration: Yes
* Same-day registration: No
* Voter ID: Photo ID required
* Poll times: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

* * *

On the ballot: U.S. Senate • U.S. House • Governor • Attorney General • State executive offices • State Senate • State House • Special state legislative • Supreme court • Appellate courts • Local judges • State ballot measures • Local ballot measures • School boards • Municipal • Democratic primaries • Republican primaries

Florida Amendment 13

Election date
November 6, 2018
Topic
Gambling and Treatment of animals
Status
a Approved
Type
Commission-referral| Origin
Legislative commission

* * *

List of Florida measuresFlorida Amendment 1Florida Amendment 2Florida Amendment 3Florida Amendment 4Florida Amendment 5Florida Amendment 6Florida Amendment 7Florida Amendment 9Florida Amendment 10Florida Amendment 11Florida Amendment 12Florida Amendment 13Submit

* * *

Florida Amendment 13, the Ban on Wagering on Dog Races Amendment, was on the ballot in Florida as a commission referral on November 6, 2018. It was approved.

|  A "yes" vote supported prohibiting wagering on live dog races, including greyhound races, held in Florida and banning dog races in Florida on which there is wagering.

|

|  A "no" vote opposed prohibiting wagering on live dog races, including greyhound races, held in Florida and banning dog races in Florida on which there is wagering.

|

## Contents

* 1 Election results
* 2 Aftermath
* 3 Overview
* 4 Text of measure
* 4.1 Ballot title
* 4.2 Ballot summary
* 4.3 Constitutional changes
* 4.4 Readability score
* 5 Support
* 5.1 Supporters
* 5.1.1 Endorsements highlighted by the campaign
* 5.1.2 Organizations
* 5.1.3 Current and former lawmakers
* 5.1.4 Congressional, state, and local candidates
* 5.1.5 Municipalities
* 5.1.6 Local elected officials
* 5.1.7 Local greyhound adoption groups
* 5.1.8 Leaders of the equine community
* 5.1.9 Florida veterinarians
* 5.1.10 Florida veterinary clinics
* 5.1.11 Other veterinarians
* 5.1.12 Musicians, artists and authors
* 5.1.13 Local animal shelters
* 5.1.14 Local businesses
* 5.1.15 Florida non-profit organizations
* 5.1.16 Churches and religious figures
* 5.1.17 Animal welfare organizations
* 5.1.18 CRC commissioners
* 5.1.19 Local dog clubs
* 5.1.20 Attorneys and law firms
* 5.1.21 Other endorsements
* 5.2 Arguments
* 5.3 Campaign advertisements
* 6 Opposition
* 6.1 Opponents
* 6.1.1 Organizations
* 6.1.2 Individuals
* 6.1.3 Greyhound adoption groups
* 6.2 Arguments
* 6.3 Campaign advertisements
* 7 Media editorials
* 7.1 Support
* 7.2 Opposition
* 8 Campaign finance
* 8.1 Support
* 8.1.1 Top donors
* 8.2 Opposition
* 8.2.1 Top donors
* 8.3 Methodology
* 9 Polls
* 10 Background
* 10.1 Legality of pari-mutuel betting on dog racing
* 10.2 Gambling in Florida
* 11 Path to the ballot
* 11.1 Proposal 6012
* 11.2 Proposal 67
* 11.3 Lawsuit
* 12 How to cast a vote
* 12.1 Poll times
* 12.2 Registration requirements
* 12.3 Automatic registration
* 12.4 Online registration
* 12.5 Same-day registration
* 12.6 Residency requirements
* 12.7 Verification of citizenship
* 12.8 Verifying your registration
* 12.9 Voter ID requirements
* 12.9.1 Background
* 13 State profile
* 13.1 Presidential voting pattern
* 13.1.1 Pivot Counties (2016)
* 13.1.2 Pivot Counties (2020)
* 14 See also
* 15 External links
* 15.1 Support
* 15.2 Opposition
* 16 Footnotes

## Election results[edit]

Florida Amendment 13

Result | Votes | Percentage

Yes

| 5,407,543 | 69.06%
No | 2,423,126 | 30.94%

Results are officially certified.
Source

## Aftermath[edit]

* * *

This article contains a developing news story. Ballotpedia staff are checking for updates regularly. To inform us of new developments, email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.

* * *

Support Working Animals and other plaintiffs including greyhound trainers, kennels, and suppliers, filed a federal lawsuit in October 2019 seeking to overturn the ban implemented by Amendment 13. The plaintiffs alleged that the amendment was an unconstitutional taking of property without compensation. On April 27, 2020, Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker dismissed the lawsuit. Judge Walker wrote, "Through Amendment 13, Florida has prohibited plaintiffs’ property from being used in a particular manner that the state has determined to be contrary to the health, morals, or safety of the community. Whether Amendment 13′s purpose was to protect the health and welfare of racing dogs or to prohibit wagering on dog races, Amendment 13 is a legitimate exercise of Florida’s police power."[3][4]

On May 11, 2020, Support Working Animals and other individual plaintiffs filed an amended lawsuit in federal court in Tallahassee, Florida, naming Attorney General Ashley Moody as a defendant. The lawsuit argued that Amendment 13 violates equal protection rights under the U.S. Constitution because the measure prohibits wagering on dog racing and not horse racing. The lawsuit said, "From within the pari-mutuel permitholder group, the greyhound racing industry was singled out for a deprivation of their rights based on political animus. This type of baseless categorization for disparate treatment of classes is unconstitutional. The Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution abhors classifications undertaken for the sake of excluding some from benefits but not others without some affirmative justification for doing so."[5]

U.S. District Judge Mark Walker dismissed the amended suit on June 12, 2020, finding that plaintiffs lacked standing to sue Attorney General Ashley Moody over the ban. Walker wrote, "the injuries plaintiffs allege in this case are neither traceable to nor redressable through Florida’s attorney general." Support Working Animals appealed the case to the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on July 13, 2020.[6]

On August 12, 2021, a panel of the Eleventh Circuit upheld Walker's decision and said, "The plaintiffs’ real problem, as we understand their complaint, is with [the amendment] itself — its existence — and the economic consequences that its passage has visited or will visit on their businesses. None of that, though, appears to be due to any past, present, or likely future conduct of the attorney general.” The ruling stated that plaintiffs could refile the lawsuit against the correct parties (not specified).[7]

## Overview[edit]

How did this measure get on the ballot?

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) voted 27-10 to place Amendment 13 on the ballot for the election. The 37-member commission, which meets every 20 years to propose changes to the Florida Constitution, is unique amongst the states. Florida is the only state with a commission empowered to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot. Republicans, including legislative leaders and Gov. Rick Scott, appointed 33 of the commissioners. Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) also served on the commission. Jorge Labarga, chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court, appointed the three remaining members.

Amendment design

Amendment 13 was designed to prohibit pari-mutuel (a type of betting pool) operations from racing greyhounds or any other dogs for wagering beginning on January 1, 2021. The measure was also designed to prohibit persons in the state from wagering on the outcome of live dog races occurring in the state. Amendment 13 authorized the Florida State Legislature to specify civil or criminal penalties for violating the constitutional amendment.[8]

What is the status of dog racing in the United States?

Going into the election, Florida was one of 10 states where wagering on dog races was legal. However, in just six states, including Florida, were there operating dog racing tracks for gambling. Neighboring Alabama also had active race dog racing tracks in 2018. The remaining 40 states had prohibited wagering on dog races.[9] In 1931, the Florida State Legislature passed a law to allow wagering on horse racing and dog racing.[10]

Campaigns for and against Amendment 13

Two committees were registered to support this initiative: Protect Dogs (Yes on 13) and the Committee to Protect Greyhounds. The committees reported a combined total of $3.82 million in contributions and $3.23 million in expenditures. The top donors to the support campaign include the Doris Day Animal League ($1.6 million) GREY2K USA Worldwide and GREY2K USA Education Fund ($885,013). GREY2K USA is a non-profit that, according to its website, works "to pass stronger greyhound protection laws and promote the rescue and adoption of greyhounds."[11][12]

One committee was registered to oppose the measure: the Committee to Support Greyhounds. The committee reported a total of $142,443 in contributions and $141,873 in expenditures. The top donors include Gary Keller ($10,000), National Greyhound Association ($6,000), Mardi Gras Greyhound Foundation ($5,000), and the Iowa Greyhound Association ($5,000).[11]

## Text of measure[edit]

### Ballot title[edit]

The ballot title was as follows:[8]

“  |

ENDS DOG RACING.[13]

|  ”

|
|

### Ballot summary[edit]

The ballot summary was as follows:[8]

“  |

Phases out commercial dog racing in connection with wagering by 2020. Other gaming activities are not affected.[13]

|  ”

|
|

### Constitutional changes[edit]

See also: Florida Constitution

Amendment 13 added a new section to Article X and a new section to Article XII of the Florida Constitution. The following text was added:[8]

Note: Use your mouse to scroll over the below text to see the full text.

New Section of Article X

Prohibition on racing of and wagering on greyhounds or other dogs.—The humane treatment of animals is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida. After December 31, 2020, a person authorized to conduct gaming or pari-mutuel operations may not race greyhounds or any member of the Canis Familiaris subspecies in connection with any wager for money or any other thing of value in this state, and persons in this state may not wager money or any other thing of value on the outcome of a live dog race occurring in this state. The failure to conduct greyhound racing or wagering on greyhound racing after December 31, 2018, does not constitute grounds to revoke or deny renewal of other related gaming licenses held by a person who is a licensed greyhound permitholder on January 1, 2018, and does not affect the eligibility of such permitholder, or such permitholder’s facility, to conduct other pari-mutuel activities authorized by general law. By general law, the legislature shall specify civil or criminal penalties for violations of this section and for activities that aid or abet violations of this section.

New Section of Article XII

Prohibition on racing or wagering on greyhounds or other dogs.—The amendment to Article X, which prohibits the racing of or wagering on greyhound and other dogs, and the creation of this section, shall take effect upon the approval of the electors.[13]

|

### Readability score[edit]

See also: Ballot measure readability scores, 2018
Using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) formulas, Ballotpedia scored the readability of the ballot title and summary for this measure. Readability scores are designed to indicate the reading difficulty of text. The Flesch-Kincaid formulas account for the number of words, syllables, and sentences in a text; they do not account for the difficulty of the ideas in the text. The Florida Constitution Revision Commission wrote the ballot language for this measure.

The FKGL for the ballot title is grade level 1, and the FRE is 91. The word count for the ballot title is 3, and the estimated reading time is 0 seconds. The FKGL for the ballot summary is grade level 10, and the FRE is 35. The word count for the ballot summary is 16, and the estimated reading time is 4 seconds.

In 2018, for the 167 statewide measures on the ballot, the average ballot title or question was written at a level appropriate for those with between 19 and 20 years of U.S. formal education (graduate school-level of education), according to the FKGL formula. Read Ballotpedia's entire 2018 ballot language readability report here.

## Support[edit]

Protect Dogs- Yes on 13 led the campaign in support of this amendment. Protect Dogs- Yes on 13 describes itself as "a grassroots campaign working to end the cruelty of greyhound racing in Florida."[14]

On its website, Protect Dogs- Yes on 13 wrote:[15]

“  |

Greyhounds are at a disadvantage even before they are born. Thousands are bred annually—many more than are needed to race—in an attempt to create the fastest dogs. These social dogs are forced to spend most of their time alone, confined in warehouse-style kennels with rows of double –stacked cages for 20-23 hours a day. Many racing dogs suffer injuries while racing, and according to state records a racing greyhound dies every three days on a Florida track. Eleven of the remaining 17 greyhound racetracks in the country are in Florida. ... Dog racing is out of sync with society’s values toward animals. Today this kind of wasteful and needless suffering is rejected as a form of gambling or entertainment. According to government records now available, common racing injuries include broken necks and broken backs, dislocations, torn muscles, and paralysis. Electrocutions have also occurred when dogs make contact with a track’s high voltage lure. Some dogs die on the racetrack while others are put down due to the severity of their injuries, or simply because of their diminished value as racers.[13]

|  ”

|
|

### Supporters[edit]

Supporters of Amendment 13 included the following:[16]

#### Endorsements highlighted by the campaign

* Doris Day Animal League
* GREY2K USA
* Humane Society of the United States
* League of Women Voters of Florida
* Attorney General Pam Bondi
* Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida
* Lara Trump
* Congressman Matt Gaetz
* Mike Huckabee
* Florida College Democrats
* Brevard County Professional Firefighters Local 2969
* Florida Federation of Republican Women
* Businessman Michael Dodane

#### Organizations

* Greater Tarpon Springs Democratic Club
* OurRev305
* The Animal Law Section of the Florida Bar Association
* Pinellas County Young Democrats
* Speak Out Brevard
* Indivisible Common Cents Ocala
* Indivisible Venice
* Sarasota-Charlotte Democratic Progressive Caucus
* Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida[17]

#### Current and former lawmakers

* State Rep. Joe Abruzzo (D-81)
* State Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-97)
* State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-49)
* State Rep. Tom Leek (R-25)
* State Rep. Jackie Toledo (R-60)
* Former State Rep. Mike Hill (R-1)
* Former State Rep. Marlene O'Toole (R-33)
* Former Senate President Tom Lee (R-20), the Florida Constitutional Commission member that sponsored the measure
* Former Senate President Don Gaetz (R-1), a Florida CRC member
* State Sen. Dana Young (R-18)
* State Sen. Darryl Rouson (D-19), a Florida CRC member
* Former State Sen. Lisa Carlton (R-24), a Florida CRC member
* Former State Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D-33)
* Former State Sen. Maria Sachs (D-34)

#### Congressional, state, and local candidates

* Jennifer Zimmerman for Congress (District 1)
* Dana Cottrell for Congress (District 11)
* Brad Sostack for Congress (Distict 13)
* Kay Gray for Florida Senate (District 12)
* Annisa Karim for Florida Senate (District 28)
* Jim Bonfiglio for Florida House (District 89)
* Anna Eskamani for Florida House (District 47)
* Vicki Garrett for Florida House (District 1)
* David TK Hayes for Florida House (District 38)
* Kubs Lalchandani for Florida House (District 113)
* Carol Lawrence for Florida House (District 27)
* Sandra Lewis for Florida House (District 46)
* Phil Moore for Florida House (District 53)
* Nicholas Mrozowski for Florida House (District 55)
* Jonathan "JP" Parker for Florida House (District 113)
* Katie Tripp for Florida House (District 25)
* Lee Mangold for Florida House (District 28)
* Joe Wicker for Florida House (District 59)
* Debra Bellanti for Florida House (District 60)
* Jessica Harrington for Florida House (District 64)
* Robert Joseph for Florida House (District 84)
* Rebecca Koelzer for Florida House (District 4)
* Sally Laufer for Florida House (District 65)
* Emma Collum]] for Florida House (District 93)
* James Holcombe for Ormond Beach City Commission (Zone 4)
* Bobby Agagnina for Seminole County School Board (District 4)
* Robert Tager for Congress (District 12)
* Marili Cancio for Florida Senate (District 40)
* Melissa Martin for Florida Senate (District 14)
* Adam Hattersley for Florida House (District 59)
* Colleen Kasperek for Florida House (District 35)
* Sara McFadden for Florida House (District 106)
* Kelly Milam for Florida House (District 93)
* Edward O'Connor for Florida House (District 82)
* Terry Power for Florida House (District 64)
* Geraldine Thompson for Florida House (District 44)

#### Municipalities

* City of Venice
* Hallandale Beach
* Tallahassee
* City of Margate

#### Local elected officials

* Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano
* Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan
* Plantation Mayor Diane Veltri Bendekovic
* Hallandale Beach Mayor Keith London
* Hallandale Beach Vice Mayor Michele Lazarow
* Hallandale Beach City Commissioner Richard Dally
* Cutler Bay Councilman Roger Coriat
* Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca
* North Miami Beach Commissioner Fortuna Smukler
* Lois Paritsky, Ponce Inlet Councilwoman

#### Local greyhound adoption groups

* Greyhound Adoptions of Florida
* Friends of Greyhounds
* Greyhound Rescue and Adoptions of Tampa Bay
* Elite Greyhound Adoptions

#### Leaders of the equine community

* Mike Azzaro, inductee in Museum of Polo Hall of Fame, 6 time US Open Champion, 3 time US Open MVP
* Carol Harris, inductee in American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame
* Bart Evans, inductee in Museum of Polo Hall of Fame
* Naomi Katzowitz, DVM, P.A.
* Lauren Biddle, member of Team USPA
* Chris Nevins, professional polo player
* Lucas Alberto Criado, professional polo player
* Marcos Bignoli, professional polo player
* Chris Stratemann, Manager of the Orchard Hill Polo Team
* Rick Thompson, notable horse transporter
* Robert Evans, professional polo player
* Gillian Johnston, professional polo player
* Amanda Cabel, owner of Rocksteady Farm
* Rona Garm, owner of Long Creek Farm
* Lindsay Harms, Curzon Square Farm
* Gus Whitelaw, Marathon Farm
* Jeff Hunt, farrier
* Robin Butchard, Leather Stocking
* Augustin Arellano, professional polo player
* Ingrid Taskin, Red Fences Farm

#### Florida veterinarians

* Dr. Kati Allison, DVM
* Dr. Nicole Amon, DVM, CVA
* Dr. Michael Boyarin, DVM
* Dr. Camille Andrews, DVM
* Dr. Patricia Campbell, DVM, CVA, MBA
* Dr. Randall Cannon, DVM
* Dr. Jodi Collins, DVM
* Dr. Betsy Coville, DVM
* Dr. Donna Craig, DVM
* Dr. Simon Czamanski, DVM
* Nikki Korda, DVM
* Dr. Frances Ramirez, DVM, MSBA
* Dr. Madalyn Duffy, DVM
* Dr. Robert Encinosa, DVM
* Dr. Laura Eslinger, DVM
* Dr. Bruce Ferguson, DVM, MS
* Dr. Carina Ferrante, DVM
* Dr. Jane Fishman, DVM
* Dr. Steven Gottschalk, DVM
* Dr. Jonathan Greenfield, DVM
* Dr. Jill Grether, DVM
* Dr. Stephen Iulo, DVM
* Dr. Jacqueline Johnson, DVM
* Dr. Soraya Juarbe-Diaz, DVM, DACVB
* Dr. Dena Long, DVM
* Dr. Nicole Mayne, DVM
* Dr. Lauren MacDonald, DVM
* Dr. Joan McMindes, DVM, PA
* Dr. John Middleton, DVM
* Dr. Harold Ott, DVM
* Dr. Paul Reifer, DVM
* Dr. Michelle Waldrop, DVM
* Dr. Caterine Wendt, DVM
* Dr. Sy Woon, DVM
* Dr. Kyra Marsigliano, DVM
* Dr. Lisa Bump, DVM
* Dr. Constance Mannes, DVM

#### Florida veterinary clinics

* Animal Eye Doctors
* Animal General Hospital
* Edgewater Pet Clinic
* St. Cloud Veterinary Center
* Trinity Oaks Pet Wellness Center
* Banfield the Pet Hospital
* Callaway Animal Hospital
* Davie Vet Clinic
* DPC Veterinary Hospital
* Emergency Pet Hospital of Collier County
* Flagler Animal Hospital
* Hammocks Veterinary Hospital
* Jacaranda Animal Hospital
* Nease Animal Hospital
* Park Animal Hospital
* Sanlando Springs Animal Hospital
* Sunset Veterinary Surgery
* Veterinary Associates of Jacaranda
* Village Royale Animal Clinic

#### Other veterinarians

* Dr. Elizabeth Berliner, DVM, DABVP
* Dr. Daniel Fletcher, PhD, DVM
* Dr. Margaret McEntee, DVM
* Dr. Carolyn McDaniel, DVM
* Dr. James Morrissey, DVM

#### Musicians, artists and authors

* Henry Gross, Singer, Songwriter
* Lee Brovitz, Producer, Bassist, Songwriter
* Kristen Levine, Author
* Martha Clark Gill, Artist
* Black Dog Brown Dog Art
* The Hummingbirds
* Mindy Z. Colton Fine Art
* NuBlu Revu
* Jerry Wilkes, Author
* Naugahyde Park

#### Local animal shelters

* Alachua County Humane Society
* Alaqua Animal Refuge
* Almost Home Rescue
* Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County
* Brevard Humane Society
* Canine Castaways
* Cat Depot
* DARE Dachshund Rescue
* Daytona Beach German Shepherd Rescue
* Diamonds in the Rough Farm
* Dobie-Rescue of North Florida, Inc.
* Edgewater Animal Shelter
* Englewood Animal Rescue
* First Coast No More Homeless Pets
* Flagler Humane Society
* Florida Keys SPCA
* For Paws and Tails
* Gulf Coast Humane Society
* Halifax Humane Society
* Humane Society of Broward County
* Humane Society of Marion County
* Humane Society of Tampa Bay
* Humane Society of the Treasure Coast
* Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County
* Jacksonville Humane Society
* Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue
* Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida, inc.
* Last Hope Rescue FL
* Leon County Humane Society
* Lil Rascals Dog Rescue
* Moonracer Animal Rescue
* Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue
* NWFL Great Dane Rescue
* Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League
* Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
* Pet Rescue by Judy
* Sophie's Circle
* Southeast Volusia Humane Society
* SPCA Florida
* SPCA Tampa Bay
* St. Augustine Humane Society
* Suncoast Animal League
* Tampa Pets

#### Local businesses

* A Much Kneaded Massage
* Adogable Pets
* All Dogs Hair Haven
* American Financial Advisors, Inc.
* Amy Stanberry Acupuncture
* Anderson Allergy & Asthma
* Artistic Air Conditioning
* Atlantic Law Center
* Bark Avenue Bakery
* Bark of the Town
* Beach Express
* Benson's Canine Cookies
* Best Books, Inc.
* Book Warehouse Inc
* Canine Glamour Club
* CAPE CORAL Residential Realty
* CaterMasters
* CMi AC & Electrical
* Coldwell Banker Hartung & Noblin, Inc.
* Concrete Analysis And Testing Laboratories
* Cool Critters Studio LLC
* Courteous Canine, Inc.
* Cowgirl Pizza
* Crave It Fitness
* Cynthia Davis, MD, PA
* Del Campo Dermatology and Laser Institute
* Dog Lovers of Tarpon
* Doggie Dayz Daycare & Training
* Dr. Kathleen Anderson, DC
* Earth Pets Natural Pet Market
* Earthwise Pet Supply
* Fishkind and Associates
* Fitness International LLC
* Flow Carpets
* Galuppi's
* Greypit Inc.
* Gypsy Junque
* Heartwired Technical Solutions
* Hip Dog Canine Hydrotherapy
* Hollywood Houndz LLC
* I Nails and Spa
* Imperial Dry Cleaners
* Insurance Time
* Jax and Cali
* Joey D's Restaurant and Bar
* Jupiter Dive Center
* KLP Consulting
* Louise's Pet Connection
* Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
* Lux Carwash
* Madeira Public Relations
* Market on South
* Mary's LB Inc
* MEZE 119
* Mojo's Backyard
* Olde Fields Clothing Co.
* Palm Harbor Pet Grooming
* Pasco Signs
* Pawsitively Posh Pooch and Classy Cats Too
* Penryn Partners
* Piglets Pantry Dog Bakery
* Pet Paradise Resort
* Pet Pros
* Rain Dogs Pet Grooming
* Revolutionary Martial Arts
* RGU Color
* Rock & Brews
* Rock Pamper Scissors
* Salon Roxy
* San Carlos Realty, Inc.
* Sandy Levy/Visual Impact Photography
* Sanford Mower Sales and Services
* Scottie Paws Pet Resort & Spa
* Screaming Goat Tacqueria
* Sebring Medical Hearing
* Shandra's Pet Salon
* Shape Shifters Fitness
* Silly Willie's
* Six Ten Brewing
* Summit Automotive
* Taco Bout It
* Temptations Catering and Event Planning
* The Coop Antiques
* The Hound's Meow
* The Mutt Hutt Grooming
* The Nest
* The Pet Nanny Lakeland
* The Pets Natural Choice, Inc.
* Total Martial Arts and Fitness
* Tri Star Karate
* Twery's
* Urban Artist Florida Studio LLC
* Urology Professionals
* Veritext Legal Solutions
* Vero Beach Book Center
* Vieux Carre Salon
* Wholesome Hound Natural Pet Food Market
* Won Love Dog Training
* Woof Gang Bakery - Flemming Island
* Woof Gang Bakery – Wellington
* Woof Gang Bakery- Lake Mary
* Your Personal Pet Sitters

#### Florida non-profit organizations

* Imagine Our Florida, Inc.
* Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center

#### Churches and religious figures

* First Congregational United Church of Christ, Ocala
* The Rev. George Moyser, The Episcopal Church of South Carolina

#### Animal welfare organizations

* American Humane
* American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
* Animal Allies, Inc.
* Animal Defense Coalition
* Animal Legal Defense Fund
* Animal Rights Foundation of Florida
* Be the Solution
* Best Friends Animal Society
* Big Cat Rescue
* Community Cats of Bonita Springs
* Concerned Citizens for Animal Welfare
* Doris Day Animal League
* Dudley Doing Right
* Epic Outreach
* FAMU Student Animal Legal Defense Fund
* Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations
* Florida Voices for Animals
* GREY2K USA Education Fund
* Gulf Shore Animal League
* Humane Society Legislative Fund
* Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association
* Hush Puppy Haven
* Justice for Ponce
* Pets Ad Litem
* Paws for a Cause University of Tampa
* Save the Animals Store
* Silverback Peace Group
* South Florida Wildlife Center
* Voices of Chance Animal League (VOCAL)

#### CRC commissioners

* CRC Commissioner Brecht Heuchan
* CRC Commissioner Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch

#### Local dog clubs

* Villages' Greyhound Dog Club
* Sunshine State's Bichon Frise Club

#### Attorneys and law firms

* Maria Kazouris, Esq.
* Pamela Polani, Esq.
* Mary M. Stewart, Esq.
* Andrew Smith, P.A.
* Welt & Rheaume, P.A.
* Rick Ruhl, Esq.

#### Other endorsements

* Greyhound Companions of New Mexico
* National Greyhound Adoption Program
* Last Chance for Animals
* Professor Marc Bekoff
* Tampa Bay Young Republicans[18]

|

### Arguments[edit]

* Florida Sen. Dana Young (R-18) said, “It’s time for Florida to move beyond mandated greyhound racing."[16]
* Carey Theil, co-founder of Grey2K USA, an organization opposed to greyhound racing, said, "Commercial greyhound racing is cruel and inhumane. Every three days, a greyhound dies at a Florida dog track. Greyhounds endure lives of confinement, and many suffer serious injuries."[19]
* Kate MacFall, the Florida director of The Humane Society of the United States, issued a statement regarding a lawsuit filed by the president of the Florida Greyhound Association, in which she indicated her support for Amendment 13 by saying, "This lawsuit is dead on arrival. It is a desperate attempt to prevent voters from having a voice on whether greyhound confinement and deaths should continue. It was filed because greyhound breeders know that when Amendment 13 appears on the ballot, Floridians will vote yes for the dogs."
* The League of Women Voters of Florida argued, "This is primarily a gambling issue, and the League has held a consistent position against gambling."[20]

### Campaign advertisements[edit]

The following videos were released by Protect Dogs- Yes on 13:[21]

Title: "The People Will Protect the Dogs"

Title: "Greyhound Racers Can't Handle the Truth"

Title: "Every Three Days a Dog Dies at a Florida Racetrack"

Title: "Mike and Carlos are Voting Yes on 13"

## Opposition[edit]

Support Greyhounds led the campaign in opposition to this amendment. Support Greyhounds described its mission as, "preserving the proud tradition of Florida greyhound racing and educating the public about these amazing athletes and pets."[22]

### Opponents[edit]

The following individuals, organizations, and greyhound adoption groups opposed the amendment:[23][24][25]

#### Organizations

* Save My Constitution
* Libertarian Party of Florida[26]
* Florida Taxwatch[27]
* The Florida Chamber of Commerce
* The Florida Greyhound Association
* Greyhound Adopters for Racing[23]
* Brevard Kennel Club[28]
* Republican Party of Palm Beach County[29]
* Florida Farm Bureau
* Florida Cattlemen's Association
* The National Rifle Association
* The Lexus Project, Legal Defense for Animals[30]
* Tampa Bay Downs[31]
* Florida Family Policy Council[32]
* Unified Sportsmen of Florida
* United Kennel Club[33]
* Future of Hunting in Florida
* Florida Sportsmen United Political Committee
* Florida Association of Kennel Clubs[34]
* Clean Constitution[35]
* National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA)[34]
* American Greyhound Council[34]
* Florida Greyhound Racing Association[34]
* Jacksonville Dog Fanciers' Association[36]

#### Individuals

* A.J. Grant, owner of a kennel that supplies greyhounds to the Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club[19]
* James Blanchard, president of the Florida Greyhound Association, who filed a lawsuit against Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner arguing that the amendment's ballot title and summary are inaccurate and misleading and do not inform voters of the true effects of the measure
* Marion P. Hammer, the past president of the National Rifle Association and executive director of Unified Sportsmen of Florida[37]

#### Greyhound adoption groups

* Heartland Greyhound Adoption
* Race Place Retire Greyhound Adoption
* Greyhound Pet Adoption Las Vegas
* Greyhound Retirement Adoption Care and Education
* After the Track Greyhound Adoption
* 4 Greyhound Racers
* ACT Greyhounds
* Adopt A Greyhound Atlanta
* Adoptable Greythounds of Florida
* Alabama Greyhound Rescue and Adoption Center
* Allies for Greyhounds
* Arizona Adopt A Greyhound
* Awesome Greyhound Adoptions
* Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions
* Bluegrass Greyhound Adoption
* Box to the Wire Greyhound Adoption
* California Greyhound Adoption Promotion
* Camp Greyhound
* Connecticut Greyhound Adoption (GPA)
* Crazy for Greyhounds Adoption
* Everything Grey Greyhound Haven
* Everything Greyt
* Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption Sarasota
* FastK9’s Greyhound Adoption
* Fly Girls United
* Forever Home Greyhound Adoptions
* Gemini’s Pampered Greyhounds
* Gillian’s Greyhound Adoption
* God’s Greyts Greyhound Group
* Going Home Greyhounds
* Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions
* GPA Charleston
* GPA Greater Northwest
* GPA Massachusetts Adoption Center
* GPA Tampa Bay
* Greyed A Greyhound Assistance and Placement Services
* Greyhound Action League of Buffalo
* Greyhound Adoption of Ohio
* Greyhound Alliance
* Greyhound Angels Adoption of New Jersey
* Greyhound Crossroads
* Greyhound Pet Adoption Florida Southeast
* Greyhound Pets of America — Canada
* Greyhound Pets of America Indianapolis
* Greyhound Pets of America Lexington
* Greyhound Pets of Arizona
* Greyhound Pets of Atlantic Canada
* Greyhound Placement Service of New Hampshire
* Greyhound Rescue Foundation of Tennessee
* Greyhound Rescue of New York
* Greyhound Support Transport
* Greyhounds as Pets Northeast Florida
* Greyt Love Retirement
* Greytful Hearts Greyhound Rescue
* Greythounds of Eastern Michigan
* GST’s Sun State Greyhound Adoption
* Halfway Home Greyhound Adoption
* Hounds of the Heartland
* Iowa Greyhound Park Adoption Center
* It’s a Grey Area Greyhound Adoption
* James River Greyhounds
* Keystone Greyhounds
* Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option
* Midwest Greyhound Adoption
* Music City Greyhound Adoption
* New Mexico Greyhound Connection (GPA)
* Northern Greyhound Adoptions
* Northern Lights Greyhound Adoption
* Northern Sky Greyhound Adoption Association
* Northwest Canadian Greyhound League
* Paws on the Mountain Greyhound Adoption
* Personalized Greyhounds
* PRO Greyhound
* Project Racing Home Greyhound Adoptions
* Pups Without Partners Greyhound Adoption
* Pure Michigan Greyhound Adoption (GPA)
* Racing Home Greyhound Adoption
* Rainbow’s End Greyhound Adoption
* Running the Rail Greyhound Adoption
* Second Chance Greyhounds
* Southern California Greyhound Adoption Legion
* Star City Greyhound Adoptions
* Sunburst Project
* The League of Extraordinary Greyhounds
* Triangle Greyhound Society
* Wheeling Island Greyhound Adoption Center

|

### Arguments[edit]

On its website, Support Greyhounds wrote:[38][39]

“  |

The truth is Racing Greyhounds like many working breeds such as Labrador Retrievers who are used when hunting, Sled Dogs who participate in racing, horses who race or participate in show jumping, or even dogs who herd sheep or then participate in agility contests - are all animals with jobs which keep them happy, healthy, in top condition and accomplishing what they have been bred to do for centuries. ... Greyhounds are amazing athletes, working dogs who for generations have been born to run.[13]

|  ”

|
|

Greyhound Adopters for Racing featured the following argument on its website:[40]

“  |

We have each reached the conclusion, through living with our former racing Greyhounds and seeing them in their working lives at farms, training facilities and in racing kennels, that Greyhound racing is NOT “cruel and inhumane” to the Greyhounds, and should be continued, in the best longterm interests of our breed.[13]

|  ”

|
|

* A.J. Grant, owner of a kennel that supplies greyhounds to the Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club said, "We will let you in [to the facility]. You can come see for yourself. We've got nothing to hide. Don't accuse me of abusing these dogs and running them to death if you don't have any proof."[19]

* Jack Cory of the Florida Greyhound Association responded to arguments of cruelty to greyhounds during transport and racing, arguing that “We probably have a better safety transportation record than Greyhound Bus Lines or than a school system or than a nursing home does. So all of the allegations by political activists are just that. They're mirrors and they're smoke and they're political activists. Athletes die. Athletes get hurt. Athletes have heart attacks after a strenuous football game or a baseball game. It happens. It's unfortunate.”[41]

### Campaign advertisements[edit]

The following videos were released by the Committee to Support Greyhounds:[42]

Title: "No Plan"

Title: "Static2"

Title: "Friends Hipocrisy Final"

Title: "The Cinderella Story of Yodel"

## Media editorials[edit]

See also: 2018 ballot measure media endorsements

### Support[edit]

* The Sun Sentinel said: "YES. This effectively bans greyhound racing in Florida by prohibiting wagering on the dogs, although not on races conducted out of state. Although the sport’s popularity has been sagging along with the state’s revenue from it, state law requires Florida’s 11 dog tracks to continue racing in order to keep their card rooms and slot machines. The chief objection to Amendment 13 is that such an issue doesn’t belong in the Constitution. Trouble is, the potent lobby for breeders and handlers persistently blocks the Legislature from outlawing this brutal “sport,” in which dogs are often injured and die and are tightly caged when not racing. Amendment 13 deserves to be ratified."[43]
* The Naples Daily News said: "We recommend approval of the amendment based on two principles: the state shouldn’t force a business to operate in ways that have proven unprofitable, and animals should be treated humanely. Forty states ban dog racing. Florida is one of just six states where dog racing is legal and operational. A 2004 Florida Senate report says the Legislature first authorized wagering on dog races nearly 90 years ago. Times have changed dramatically. It’s way past time to end dog racing."[44]
* The Palm Beach Post said: "Two more CRC-sponsored amendments also have merit. Amendment 12 would expand ethics rules on lobbying. Amendment 13 would ban the outdated and inhumane activity of greyhound racing."[45]
* The Florida Times-Union said: "This amendment would ban dog racing as of Dec. 31, 2020 while continuing to allow dog tracks to offer other types of gambling such as poker rooms. State law mandates that in order to operate certain other forms of gambling, a certain number of greyhound races must be held. The Legislature has refused to “decouple” dog racing from the other forms of gambling, thus interfering in the free market. Because the Legislature refuses to act, amending the Constitution is the only method left."[46]
* The Herald-Tribune said: "This prohibition is long overdue. It should have been imposed by the Legislature but various efforts failed. There will be no significant loss, except to the owners and trainers of racing dogs, if the amendment is approved. We recommend voting YES, for Amendment 13."[47]
* The Daily Commercial said: "YES. It’s time to end the archaic sport of dog racing in Florida."[48]
* The Independent Florida Alligator said: "Vote YES - Ends Dog Racing would put an end to greyhound racing involving betting over the next two years. We agree with animal rights activists — the inhumane way in which the dogs are raced and treated must come to an end."[49]
* The Orlando Sentinel said: "Dog racing is an anachronism with far too much baggage when it comes to the potential for mistreating animals. Reason enough for Floridians to vote yes on Amendment 13."[50]
* The Miami Herald said: "But dog-racing has become a loss leader, a sideshow to slots and card rooms. Amendment 13 allows them a graceful exit from this anachronistic form of entertainment."[51]

### Opposition[edit]

* The News-Press said: "No on Amendment 13: The proposal ends commercial dog racing by 2020, but those who bet could still wager on races occurring in other states. Forty states already ban the activity and we support animal rights groups who want to protect the dogs where accidents, death and drugging are a part of the sport. Dog racing is dying in the state and soon, because of pressure from groups, other laws will be changed to discontinue it and allow tracks, like the one in Bonita Springs, to be profitable through card games, slots and other gaming."[52]

* The Tampa Bay Times said: "The proposal would outlaw betting on greyhound racing by the end of 2020, though it would allow tracks to continue some other pari-mutuel offerings. Whatever your view on dog racing, its disposition doesn’t belong in the Constitution. On Amendment 13, the Tampa Bay Times recommends voting No."[53]

* The Tallahassee Democrat said: "[Amendments 5, 7, 10, 12, and 13] are the detritus of the Constitution Revision Commission, with little or no impact on the lives of average Floridians, the kind of multi-tasking snowballing the CRC littered its amendments with — unrelated topics cobbled together in take-it-or-leave-it propositions. For most of them, we say leave it."[54]

* Your Observer said: "Dog racing is waning. Rather than clutter Florida’s constitution with provisions on dogs and pigs, let the marketplace determine the future of the sport. Its declining economics most likely will bring it to an end. We recommend: Vote no"[55]

* The Treasure Coast Newspapers said: "This issue should be addressed by the Legislature, not in the state's primary governing document."[56]

## Campaign finance[edit]

See also: Campaign finance requirements for Florida ballot measures
Total campaign contributions:

Support: |  $3,382,554.34
Opposition: |  $142,443.50

Two committees were registered to support this initiative: Protect Dogs (Yes on 13) and the Committee to Protect Greyhounds. The committees reported a combined total of $3.82 million in contributions and $3.23 million in expenditures. The top donors to the support campaign include the Doris Day Animal League ($1.6 million) GREY2K USA Worldwide and GREY2K USA Education Fund ($885,013). GREY2K USA is a non-profit that, according to its website, works "to pass stronger greyhound protection laws and promote the rescue and adoption of greyhounds."[11][57]

One committee was registered to oppose the measure: the Committee to Support Greyhounds. The committee reported a total of $142,443 in contributions and $141,873 in expenditures. The top donors include Gary Keller ($10,000), National Greyhound Association ($6,000), Mardi Gras Greyhound Foundation ($5,000), and the Iowa Greyhound Association ($5,000).[11]

### Support[edit]

| Committees in support of Amendment 13

Supporting committees| Cash contributions| In-kind services| Cash expenditures
Protect Dogs (Yes on 13)| $3,127,997.71| $250,732.70| $3,068,747.71
Committee to Protect Greyhounds| $2,250.00| $1,573.93| $2,321.48
Total| $3,130,247.71| $252,306.63| $3,071,069.19
| Totals in support

Total raised:| $3,382,554.34
Total spent:| $3,323,375.82

#### Top donors[edit]

The top donors to the support campaign are as follows:[11]

Donor  |  Cash  |  In-kind  |  Total

|
|
|

Doris Day Animal League  |  $1,600,000.00  |  $0.00  |  $1,600,000.00
Grey2K USA Worldwide and GREY2K USA Education Fund  |  $698,500.00  |  $186,512.82  |  $835,012.82
Animal Wellness Action  |  $200,00.00  |  $0.00  |  $200,000.00
K-M Revocable Trust  |  $50,00.00  |  $0.00  |  $50,000.00
Richard Schechter  |  $60,000.00  |  $0.00  |  $60,000.00

### Opposition[edit]

| Committees in opposition to Amendment 13

Opposing committees| Cash contributions| In-kind services| Cash expenditures
Committee to Support Greyhounds| $115,684.50| $26,759.00| $115,114.41
Total| $115,684.50| $26,759.00| $115,114.41
| Totals in opposition

Total raised:| $142,443.50
Total spent:| $141,873.41

#### Top donors[edit]

The top five largest donors in opposition to Amendment 13 are below:[11]

Donor  |  Cash  |  In-kind  |  Total

|
|
|

Gary Keller  |  $10,000.00  |  $0.00  |  $10,000.00
National Greyhound Association  |  $6,000.00  |  $0.00  |  $6,000.00
Mardi Gras Greyhound Foundation  |  $5,000.00  |  $0.00  |  $5,000.00
Iowa Greyhound Association  |  $5,000.00  |  $0.00  |  $5,000.00
Steve Schlachter  |  $5,000.00  |  $0.00  |  $5,000.00

### Methodology[edit]

To read Ballotpedia's methodology for covering ballot measure campaign finance information, click here.

## Polls[edit]

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

The following poll was conducted by Cherry Communications and commissioned by the Florida Chamber of Commerce to gauge voter support and opposition toward the amendments on Florida's 2018 ballot. A total of 605 likely voters were polled, including 237 Republicans, 249 Democrats, and 119 others.[58]

Support and Opposition for Amendment 13

Poll | Support | Oppose| Undecided| Margin of error| Sample size
Florida Chamber of Commerce Poll
5/25/18 - 6/2/18 | 47%| 36%| 17%| +/-4.0| 605
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

## Background[edit]

### Legality of pari-mutuel betting on dog racing[edit]

As of 2018, Florida was one of 10 states where dog races upon which there is wagering was legal. However, in just six states, including Florida, were there operating dog racing tracks for gambling. Neigboring Alabama also had active race dog racing tracks in 2018. This information was provided by Grey2K USA, which endorsed this measure and was a top donor to the support campaign. The states counted below as those in which pari-mutuel wagering on dog races is illegal includes states in which pari-mutuel wagering in general is illegal.[59]

### Gambling in Florida[edit]

Prior to 1931, gambling was outlawed in Florida. The Florida State Legislature passed a law to allow wagering on horse racing and dog racing, which Gov. Doyle Carlton (D) vetoed. Legislators voted to override the governor's veto, enacting the law on June 5, 1931. In 1935, the state legalized slot machines, but then repealed the law in 1937 following voters banning slot machines through ballot measures in multiple counties.[10]

In 1987, the state launched the Florida State Lottery after voters approved an amendment the previous year. The vote was 63.57 percent to 36.43 percent.[10]

The Seminole Tribe of Florida began operating a bingo hall in 1979. In 1988, Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), allowing tribes to establish casino gambling on tribal land. The act permitted states to form compacts with tribes to regulate Class III gaming, but not to regulate Class I and Class II gaming. Class I and Class II gaming were defined to include traditional tribal gaming with minimal prizes, bingo, and card games. Class III was defined to include all other games not considered Class I or Class II, such as roulette, craps, keno, slot machines, pari-mutuel wagering, and lotteries. In 1991, the Seminole Tribe sued Gov. Lawton Chiles (D), arguing that the state government failed to negotiate in good faith a compact to allow the tribe to establish a Class III gaming. The case was brought before the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in the state's favor, in 1996.[10] In 2010, the Seminole Tribe negotiated a Class III gaming compact with Republican Gov. Charlie Crist. The compact allowed the Seminole Tribe to operate blackjack at five facilities through 2015 and required the tribe to share revenue with the state.[60] In 2015, Gov. Rick Scott (R) formed a new 20-year compact with the Seminole Tribe, which added craps and roulette to the agreement and gave the tribe the exclusive right to blackjack.[61][62][63]

On November 2, 2004, 50.83 percent of statewide voters supported an initiative, Amendment 4, to allow voters in Miami-Dade and Broward counties to authorize slot machines at pari-mutuel facilities, such as horse racing, greyhound racing, and jai alai exhibititions, that existed and were licensed during the two years prior.[64] On May 18, 2017, the Florida Supreme Court struck down a local law allowing slot machines in Gadsden County, concluding that the state constitution only allowed slot machines in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.[65]

## Path to the ballot[edit]

See also: Florida Constitution Revision Commission, 2018 proposals

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission referred the constitutional amendment to the ballot for the general election on November 6, 2018.[66] The Florida CRC is a 37-member commission provided for in the state constitution that reviews and proposes changes to the Florida Constitution. The CRC refers constitutional amendments directly to the ballot for a public vote, which makes the commission unique amongst the states. Florida is the only state with a commission empowered to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot. The CRC convenes every 20 years.

### Proposal 6012[edit]

In the CRC, the ballot measure was known as Proposal 6012. The measure needed to receive the vote of 22 commissions. On April 16, 2018, a total of 27 members (72.97 percent) voted "yes" on Proposal 6012. Ten members (27.03 percent) voted "no" on the proposal.[66]

Proposal 6012 was a revision of Proposal 67.[66]

The following table illustrates how individual commissioners voted on Proposal 6012:[67]

Commissioner  |  Appointed by  |  Occupation  |  Vote

|
|
|

Anna Marie Hernandez Gamez |  Senate president  |  Former President, Cuban American Bar Association; Attorney  |  d
Arthenia Joyner |  Chief Justice  |  Former State Senator; Attorney  |  d
Belinda Keiser |  Governor  |  Vice Chancellor, Keiser University  |  a
Bob Solari |  Senate president  |  County Commissioner, Indian River County; Former President and Manager, RMS Financial Services; Former President and Director, International Citrus Corporation and Incitco Realty, Inc.  |  d
Brecht Heuchan |  Governor  |  CEO, ContributionLink, LLC; Owner, The Labrador Company  |  a
Carlos Beruff (Chair)  |  Governor  |  CEO, Medallion Homes  |  a
Carolyn Timmann |  Senate president  |  Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller of Martin County  |  a
Chris Nocco |  House speaker  |  Sheriff of Pasco County  |  a
Chris Smith |  Senate president  |  Former State Senator; Attorney  |  d
Chris Sprowls |  House speaker  |  State Representative  |  a
Darlene Jordan |  Governor  |  Executive Director, Gerald R. Jordan Foundation; Former Assistant Attorney General of Massachusetts  |  a
Darryl Rouson |  House speaker  |  State Senator  |  a
Don Gaetz |  Senate president  |  Former State Senator; Retired Vice Chairman, VITAS Healthcare Corporation  |  a
Emery Gainey |  Governor  |  Director of Law Enforcement, Victim Services & Criminal Justice, Florida Department of Legal Affairs  |  a
Erika Donalds |  House speaker  |  Member, Collier County School Board; CFO, CCO, and Partner, Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC  |  a
Frank Kruppenbacher |  Governor  |  Chairman, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority; Attorney  |  a
Fred Karlinsky |  Governor  |  Co-Chair, Greenberg Traurig’s Insurance Regulatory and Transactions Practice Group  |  a
Gary Lester |  Governor  |  Developer and VP, The Villages for Community Relations; President, The Villages Charter School  |  d
Hank Coxe |  Chief Justice  |  Former President, The Florida Bar; Attorney  |  d
Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch |  Senate president  |  Former Mayor of Sewall's Point; Realtor  |  a
Jeanette Nuñez |  House speaker  |  State Representative  |  a
John Stemberger |  House speaker  |  President & General Counsel, Florida Family Policy Council  |  d
John Stargel[68] |  Governor  |  Judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court |  d
Jose Felix Diaz |  House speaker  |  State Representative  |  d
Lisa Carlton |  Governor  |  Former State Senator; Co–Owner and Manager, Mabry Carlton Ranch  |  a
Marva Johnson |  Governor  |  Chair, Florida State Board of Education; Regional VP of State Government Affairs, Charter Communications  |  a
Nicole Washington |  Governor  |  State Policy Consultant, Lumina Foundation  |  a
Pam Bondi |  Automatic  |  Attorney General |  a
Pam Stewart |  Governor  |  Commissioner, Department of Education |  a
Patricia Levesque |  Senate president  |  Executive Director, Foundation for Florida’s Future; CEO, Foundation for Excellence in Education |  a
Rich Newsome |  House speaker  |  Senior Partner, Newsome Melton  |  a
Roberto Martinez |  Chief Justice  |  Former U.S. Attorney for South Florida; Attorney  |  a
Sherry Plymale |  Senate president  |  Former Member, State Board of Community Colleges  |  a
Timothy Cerio |  Governor  |  Former General Counsel to Governor Scott; Attorney  |  a
Tom Grady |  Governor  |  Former State Representative; CEO, Continental Equities Group and GradyLaw  |  a
Tom Lee |  House speaker  |  State Senator; VP and Director, Sabal Homes of Florida  |  a
William “Bill” Schifino, Jr. |  Senate president  |  President, The Florida Bar; Attorney  |  d

### Proposal 67[edit]

Commissioner Tom Lee was the lead sponsor of Proposal 67. The proposal was designed to prohibit wagering on greyhound and other dog races. On March 20, 2018, Proposal 67 was approved 18 to 14 with five commissioners not voting.[69] Proposal 67 needed to receive a simple majority vote of the commissioners to move forward.

### Lawsuit[edit]

Florida Greyhound Association v. Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner

Lawsuit overview

Issue: Whether the ballot language is inaccurate and misleading
Court: Filed in Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit of Leon County, Florida, moved to Florida Supreme Court
Ruling: Judge ruled the amendment be taken off the ballot. Supreme Court reversed lower court's ruling, amendment to appear on ballot.
Plaintiff(s): Florida Greyhound Association and its president, James Blanchard| Defendant(s): Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner and the Florida Department of State
Plaintiff argument:
The amendment's ballot title and summary are inaccurate and misleading and do not inform voters of the true effects of the measure | Defendant argument:
The ballot language is not misleading
Source: Sun Sentinel

In the complaint, the Florida Greyhound Association argued that the ballot title, "ENDS DOG RACING" is false. The Association further argued the following:[70]

“  | If passed, proposed Amendment 13 would not "end dog racing"; it would only prohibit gaming and pari-mutuel facilities from racing dogs in Florida when done in connection with a wager for money or other thing of value. The amendment does not prohibit a Florida pari-mutuel or gaming operation from racing dogs in other states, or from racing dogs in this state when not done in connection with a wager for money or other thing of value, nor does the amendment prohibit persons who are unrelated to gaming or pari-mutuel operations from racing dogs in Florida.[13] |  ”

|
|

Kate MacFall, the Florida director of The Humane Society of the United States, said in a statement, "This lawsuit is dead on arrival. It is a desperate attempt to prevent voters from having a voice on whether greyhound confinement and deaths should continue. It was filed because greyhound breeders know that when Amendment 13 appears on the ballot, Floridians will vote yes for the dogs."[71]

On July 6, 2018, it was reported that Judge Karen Gievers decided to skip holding a trial and make her ruling in the lawsuit based on legal arguments alone. The support committee, Protect Dogs, has been barred from testifying in the case. Lee Collins with Protect Dogs said, “There's no question with what the facts are in this case, so it's a legal argument that's going to be made by both sides and the judge is going to make a decision. So this is what we expected, and this is relatively typical in this circumstance.”[72]

On August 1, 2018, Judge Karen Gievers ruled that the amendment must be taken off the ballot. In her order, she wrote, "Contrary to the words presented for consideration by the voters, the amendment would not end dog racing, nor would it eliminate wagering on dog racing. In short, proposed Amendment 13 is misleading and inaccurate and incomplete[...]" Gievers' ruling also stated, "If the CRC (Constitution Revision Commission) wanted Florida voters to be able to rethink the relationship between live animal racing and the operation of slot machines, or to be able to adopt as a constitutional fundamental value the humane treatment of animals, the CRC could have included the appropriate language in the ballot and summary."[73] The Protect Dogs campaign and Attorney General Pam Bondi said they would appeal the decision.[74]

The Protect Dogs campaign and Attorney General Pam Bondi said that they would appeal the decision. Christine Dorchak, president and general counsel of Grey2K USA, said, “We want the people to finally make a judgment on this cruel activity, and that’s why we are confident that this misguided judgment will not stand." Grey2K USA is a major donor to the Amendment 13 support campaign. Dorchak predicted that the ruling would be overturned on appeal and said, “I don’t think anyone’s here to throw stones, but this [the ruling] is really a nearly 30-page diatribe. It’s not the kind of ruling we would expect to see from a court in Florida.”[73]

On August 2, 2018, the state's chief deputy solicitor general appealed the decision, which also put an automatic stay on the case, meaning that the measure could still appear on the ballot. Parties to the case requested the matter be heard in the Florida Supreme Court and requested an expedited hearing process.[75]

On September 7, 2018, the Supreme Court reversed the lower court's ruling, ordering the amendment to appear on the ballot.[76]

## How to cast a vote[edit]

See also: Voting in Florida

### Poll times[edit]

In Florida, all polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote. Florida is split between Eastern and Central time zones.[77]

### Registration requirements[edit]

To vote in Florida, one must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and a legal resident of Florida and the county in which he or she intends to vote.[78][79]

Voters may retrieve registration applications at the following locations:[78]

* Local elections offices
* Public assistance agencies
* Disability services agencies
* Independent living centers
* Military recruitment offices
* Public libraries
* Offices that issue driver's licenses
* Fishing and hunting license shops

A registration form is also available online. The form can be printed and submitted via mail.[79]

### Automatic registration[edit]

Florida does not practice automatic voter registration.

### Online registration[edit]

See also: Online voter registration

Florida has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

### Same-day registration[edit]

Florida does not allow same-day voter registration.

### Residency requirements[edit]

To register to vote in Florida, you must be a resident of the state. State law does not specify a length of time for which you must have been a resident to be eligible.

### Verification of citizenship[edit]

See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

Florida does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration.

### Verifying your registration[edit]

The page Voter Information Lookup, run by the Florida Department of State, allows residents to check their voter registration status online.

### Voter ID requirements[edit]

Florida requires voters to present photo identification with a signature while voting.[80][81]

The following list of accepted ID was current as of November 2019. Click here for the Florida Secretary of State's page on accepted ID to ensure you have the most current information.

* Florida driver’s license
* Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
* United States passport
* Debit or credit card
* Military identification
* Student identification
* Retirement center identification
* Neighborhood association identification
* Public assistance identification
* Veteran health identification card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
* License to carry a concealed weapon or firearm issued pursuant to s. 790.06
* Employee identification card issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the federal government, the state, a county, or a municipality

A voter who presents an ID without a signature must show a second form of identification that includes the voter’s signature.

#### Background[edit]

In 1977, the Florida Legislature required every voter to present an ID in order to vote. In 1998, the legislature required voters to present a photo ID.[81]

As of April 2021, 35 states enforced (or were scheduled to begin enforcing) voter identification requirements. A total of 21 states required voters to present photo identification at the polls; the remainder accepted other forms of identification. Valid forms of identification differ by state. Commonly accepted forms of ID include driver's licenses, state-issued identification cards, and military identification cards.[82][83]

## State profile[edit]

Demographic data for Florida

| Florida| U.S.
Total population:| 20,244,914| 316,515,021
Land area (sq mi):| 53,625| 3,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White:| 76%| 73.6%
Black/African American:| 16.1%| 12.6%
Asian:| 2.6%| 5.1%
Native American:| 0.3%| 0.8%
Pacific Islander:| 0.1%| 0.2%
Two or more:| 2.4%| 3%
Hispanic/Latino:| 23.7%| 17.1%
Education
High school graduation rate:| 86.9%| 86.7%
College graduation rate:| 27.3%| 29.8%
Income
Median household income:| $47,507| $53,889
Persons below poverty level:| 19.8%| 11.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Florida.

* * *

**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

### Presidential voting pattern[edit]

See also: Presidential voting trends in Florida

Florida voted Republican in three out of the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016.

#### Pivot Counties (2016)

Ballotpedia identified 206 counties that voted for Donald Trump (R) in 2016 after voting for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012. Collectively, Trump won these Pivot Counties by more than 580,000 votes. Of these 206 counties, four are located in Florida, accounting for 1.94 percent of the total pivot counties.[84]

#### Pivot Counties (2020)

In 2020, Ballotpedia re-examined the 206 Pivot Counties to view their voting patterns following that year's presidential election. Ballotpedia defined those won by Trump won as Retained Pivot Counties and those won by Joe Biden (D) as Boomerang Pivot Counties. Nationwide, there were 181 Retained Pivot Counties and 25 Boomerang Pivot Counties. Florida had three Retained Pivot Counties and one Boomerang Pivot County, accounting for 1.66 and 4.00 percent of all Retained and Boomerang Pivot Counties, respsectively.

More Florida coverage on Ballotpedia

* Elections in Florida
* United States congressional delegations from Florida
* Public policy in Florida
* Influencers in Florida
* Florida fact checks
* More...

## See also[edit]

2018 measures

* 2018 ballot measures
* Gambling on the ballot
* Treatment of animals on the ballot
* 2018 legislative sessions

Florida

* Florida ballot measures
* Florida ballot measure laws
* Florida Constitution Revision Commission
* Florida Constitution Revision Commission, 2018 proposals

News and analysis

* Ballot measure lawsuits
* Ballot measure readability
* Ballot measure polls

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## External links[edit]

* Proposal 6012

### Support[edit]

* Protect Dogs - Yes on 13 campaign website
* Protect Dogs - Yes on 13 Facebook page
* Protect Dogs - Yes on 13 Twitter page
* Protect Dogs - Yes on 13 Instagram page

### Opposition[edit]

* Committee to Support Greyhounds campaign website
* Committee to Support Greyhounds Facebook page
* Committee to Support Greyhounds Twitter page

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## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Counties could add additional early voting days from October 22 through October 26 and/or November 4.
2. ↑ Counties could add additional early voting days from October 22 through October 26 and/or November 4.
3. ↑ News-Journal Online, "Judge rejects challenge to greyhound racing ban," accessed April 29, 2020
4. ↑ WUFT.org, "Dog Racing Supporters Challenge Constitutionality Of Amendment 13 In Federal Lawsuit," accessed April 29, 2020
5. ↑ News 4 Jax, "Greyhound racing ban faces revised lawsuit in Florida," accessed May 12, 2020
6. ↑ Jacksonville Business Journal, "Challenge to ban on greyhound racing is shot down," accessed June 16, 2020
7. ↑ Law.com, "Federal Appeals Court Rejects Challenge to Greyhound Racing Ban," August 13, 2021
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Florida Constitution Revision Commission, "Proposal 6012," accessed April 16, 2018
9. ↑ GREY2K USA, "Greyhound Racing in the United States," accessed April 24, 2018
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Florida Senate Committee on Regulated Industries, "Legalized Gambling in Florida - the Competition in the Marketplace," November 2004
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Florida Division of Elections, "Campaign Finance Database," accessed December 11, 2018
12. ↑ Grey2k USA Worldwide, "About," accessed July 4, 2018
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source. Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content
14. ↑ Protect Dogs, "Home," accessed July 8, 2018
15. ↑ Protect Dogs, "About," accessed July 8, 2018
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `support`
17. ↑ Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida, "2018 Ballot Amendments Recommendations," accessed October 14, 2018
18. ↑ TBYR, "2018 Florida Constitutional Amendments Recommendations," accessed November 1, 2018
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Click Orlando, "Florida voters to decide fate of greyhound racing," accessed July 21, 2018
20. ↑ Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `women`
21. ↑ YouTube, "Protect Dogs- Yes on 13 YouTube Channel," accessed October 8, 2018
22. ↑ Support Greyhounds, "About," accessed July 8, 2018
23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Florida Politics, "Over 60 greyhound adoption groups oppose racing ban," accessed August 1, 2018
24. ↑ Ballotpedia staff, email communication with member of Committee to Support Greyhounds, October 17, 2018
25. ↑ Greyhound Adopters 4 Racing, "81 Adoption Groups Say No to 13," accessed October 19, 2018
26. ↑ Libertarian Party of Florida, "LPF Voting Recommendations for the 2018 FL Ballot," accessed October 19, 2018
27. ↑ Florida Taxwatch, "2018 Florida Voter Guide," accessed October 19, 2018
28. ↑ Brevard Kennel Club, "Home," accessed October 19, 2018
29. ↑ Palm Beach GOP on Facebook, October 18, 2018, 11:40 am Facebook post, accessed October 19, 2018
30. ↑ The Lexus Project on Facebook, "Home," accessed October 19, 2018
31. ↑ Tampa Bay Downs, "Home," accessed October 19, 2018
32. ↑ Florida Family Action, "2018 Ballot Amendment Voter Guide," accessed October 19, 2018
33. ↑ UKC Dogs, "UKC Opposes Amendment 13 in Florida," accessed October 19, 2018
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 American Kennel Club, "Florida Court Ruling: Amendment to Ban Greyhound Racing Will Be on State Ballot in November," accessed October 19, 2018
35. ↑ Clean Constitution, "Home," accessed Octiber 19, 2018
36. ↑ Jacksonville DFA on Facebook, "Home," accessed October 19, 2018
37. ↑ Sunshine State News, "OPPOSE Constitutional Amendment 13," accessed October 19, 2018
38. ↑ Support Greyhounds, "Truth," accessed July 8, 2018
39. ↑ Support Greyhounds, "About racing greyhounds," accessed July 8, 2018
40. ↑ Greyhound Adopters for Racing, "A global community of greyhound advocates," accessed August 1, 2018
41. ↑ News 4 Jax, "Anti-racing advocates call attention to greyhound hauling," accessed July 24, 2018
42. ↑ YouTube, "Committee to Support Greyhounds YouTube Channel," accessed October 19, 2018
43. ↑ Sun Sentinel, "Five good — seven bad — amendments for Florida’s Constitution | Editorial," accessed October 8, 2018
44. ↑ Naples News, "Editorial: Our recommendations on gambling-related amendments," accessed October 10, 2018
45. ↑ Palm Beach Post, "Editorial: Reject ‘bundled’ amendments 6, 7 and 10 offered by CRC," accessed October 13, 2018
46. ↑ Jacksonville, "Editorial: Sorting out confusing amendments for the voters," accessed October 15, 2018
47. ↑ Herald Tribune, "Editorial: Amendments 10, 11, 12, 13," accessed October 18, 2018
48. ↑ Daily Commercial, "Our Opinion: Our recommendations on the amendments," accessed October 23, 2018
49. ↑ The Independent Florida Alligator, "The Alligator's endorsements for Constitutional amendments and referenda," accessed October 31, 2018
50. ↑ The Orlando Sentinel, "Editorial: Florida's Election 2018: Our endorsements for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and the amendments," accessed October 31, 2018
51. ↑ Miami Herald, "Learn how 12 Florida amendments affect your life, and your wallet, before you vote," accessed November 4, 2018
52. ↑ News-Press, "Editorial: Proposed amendments too much of a gamble; vote 'no' on 11 of them," accessed October 8, 2018
53. ↑ Tampa Bay Times, "Times recommends: Vote yes on Amendment 4, no on all of the rest," accessed October 8, 2018
54. ↑ Tallahassee Democrat, "Florida's constitutional amendments: Vote 'yes' on 4 and 11, 'no' on rest | Our opinion," accessed October 12, 2018
55. ↑ Your Observer, "A look at the rest of the questions on the ballot," accessed October 13, 2018
56. ↑ Treasure Coast Palm, "How to vote on 12 constitutional amendments on Nov. 6 ballot | Our view," accessed October 13, 2018
57. ↑ Grey2k USA Worldwide, "About," accessed July 4, 2018
58. ↑ Sunshine State News, "Poll Points to Trouble for Many Ballot Proposals," accessed July 24, 2018
59. ↑ GREY2K USA, "Greyhound Racing in the United States," accessed April 24, 2018
60. ↑ Bureau of Indiana Affairs, "Class III Gaming Compact Approved for Seminole Tribe of Florid," July 7, 2010
61. ↑ Miami Herald, "Deal: Florida Gov. Rick Scott signs $3 billion gambling compact with Seminole Tribe," December 7, 2015
62. ↑ Politifact, "New gaming compact offers Florida biggest guaranteed share of any state, Seminoles say," February 11, 2016
63. ↑ Florida Politics, "Blackjack cash bolsters state budget," November 14, 2017
64. ↑ Florida Department of State, "Amendment 4," accessed December 8, 2017
65. ↑ CBS Miami, "Florida Supreme Court Rules Against Slot Machines," May 18, 2017
66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 66.2 Florida Constitution Revision Commission, "Proposal 6012 Overview," accessed April 16, 2018
67. ↑ Florida Constitution Revision Commission, "Proposal 6012 Vote," April 16, 2018
68. ↑ Stargel was a subsititute commissioner for Jose “Pepe” Armas
69. ↑ Florida Constitution Revision Commission, "Proposal 67," accessed April 16, 2018
70. ↑ [miamiherald.typepad.com/files/fga-v-secretary-of-state-complaint.docx Miami Herald, "FGA vs. FL Sec State Court Filing," accessed July 15, 2018]
71. ↑ Sun Sentinel, "Greyhound association sues over amendment to ban dog racing," accessed July 15, 2018
72. ↑ News 4 Jax, "Trial canceled for greyhound amendment suit," accessed July 21, 2018
73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 Flagler Live, "Judge Throws Dog Racing Ban Off November Ballot, Calling It “Outright Trickeration”," accessed August 2, 2018
74. ↑ The Capitolist, "Circuit court judge strikes down amendment that would ban dog racing in Florida," accessed August 2, 2018
75. ↑ Florida Politics, "Plaintiffs, defendants request greyhound racing ban case ‘pass through’ to Supreme Court," accessed August 6, 2018
76. ↑ Florida Watchdog, "Amendment 8 struck, three others stay on ballot," accessed September 8, 2018
77. ↑ Florida Secretary of State, "FAQ - Voting," accessed October 17, 2019
78. ↑ 78.0 78.1 Florida Division of Elections, "National Voter Registration Act (NVRA)," accessed October 6, 2019
79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 Florida Division of Elections, "Register to Vote or Update your Information," accessed October 6, 2019
80. ↑ Florida Division of Elections, "Election Day Voting," accessed September 29, 2019
81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 Florida Division of Elections, "Florida History: Voter ID at the Polls," accessed September 29, 2019
82. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Voter Identification Requirements|Voter ID Laws," June 5, 2017
83. ↑ The Washington Post, "Do I need an ID to vote? A look at the laws in all 50 states," October 27, 2014
84. ↑ The raw data for this study was provided by Dave Leip of Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections.

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