Florida Constitutional Amendment 5: What You Need to Know

The Basics of Amendment 5

Florida Constitutional Amendment 5 is a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that will appear on the ballot in the 2022 general election. The amendment would establish a minimum wage of $15 per hour in the state of Florida. The current minimum wage in Florida is $10 per hour.

The amendment is supported by a coalition of labor unions, progressive groups, and Democratic lawmakers. Opponents of the amendment include business groups and conservative lawmakers.

Arguments For and Against Amendment 5

Supporters of Amendment 5 argue that it would help to reduce poverty and inequality in Florida. They also argue that it would boost the state's economy by increasing consumer spending.

Opponents of Amendment 5 argue that it would hurt businesses, especially small businesses. They also argue that it would lead to job losses.

The Economic Impact of Amendment 5

A study by the University of Central Florida found that Amendment 5 would have a positive economic impact on Florida. The study found that the amendment would create 100,000 new jobs and boost the state's economy by $3 billion.

However, a study by the Florida Chamber of Commerce found that Amendment 5 would have a negative economic impact on Florida. The study found that the amendment would cost businesses $2.2 billion and lead to the loss of 100,000 jobs.

The Political Impact of Amendment 5

Amendment 5 is a highly partisan issue. Democrats are overwhelmingly in favor of the amendment, while Republicans are overwhelmingly opposed to it.

The amendment is also a potential flashpoint in the 2022 gubernatorial election. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist has endorsed the amendment, while Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis has opposed it.

The Future of Amendment 5

The fate of Amendment 5 is uncertain. The amendment is expected to face a legal challenge after the election. It is also possible that the Florida Legislature could pass a law to override the amendment.

Ultimately, the future of Amendment 5 will be decided by the voters of Florida in the 2022 general election.