More on Florida Amendment

November 08, 2006 | By PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION

by Steven Geoffrey Gieseler

As noted, Florida's voters made their thoughts on property rights known last night, approving by a more than 2-to-1 margin a constitutional amendment restricting the use of eminent domain for private redevelopment.  The amendment is short but direct; it simply outlaws the transfer to private parties of property taken by eminent domain, unless the Legislature grants an exemption by a 3/5 majority vote.

While the amendment does not address the blight loophole closed by the state law that went into effect in May, the two measures, in concert, will provide real protection for Florida's property owners.