Overview

• Florida Decides HealthCare, supported by the Southern Poverty Law Center and Elias Law Group, filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new law.
• The law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, introduces tighter deadlines, felony penalties, and registration requirements for petition circulators.
• Critics claim the law undermines democratic participation, inflates campaign costs, and discourages grassroots efforts in favor of wealthy interests.
• Proponents, including Sen. Don Gaetz, argue the changes are necessary to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of citizen initiatives.
• The lawsuit seeks to block enforcement of the law, which opponents say is a response to near-successful 2024 initiatives on abortion rights and recreational marijuana.