Florida could soon add a right to hunt and fish amendment to its state constitution.
A joint resolution, presented as House Joint Resolution 1157 and Senate Joint Resolution 1234, is currently being deliberated in the state legislature. The provision, if passed, would create Section 28 to Article I of Florida’s constitution to “preserve in perpetuity hunting and fishing as a public right.”
If approved by both legislative chambers, it would go before Florida voters as a ballot measure in the 2024 election.
Although home to world-class sportfishing and hunting opportunities, the Sunshine State doesn’t boast this protection. Lawmakers, however, recognize that anti-hunting activists aligned with Democratic-backed environmental groups could threaten Florida’s outdoor heritage.
One of the sponsors, State Representative Lauren Melo (R-District 82), believes the resolution is timely.
“As a native Floridian, growing up hunting and fishing, I couldn’t be more passionate about this great legislation that will preserve our rights for generations to come,” Melo said in a statement to Townhall.com. “With the passage of this bill, my family and all of Florida will continue to enjoy our freedoms in the great state of Florida!”
Melo added, “This is so much more than just reporting about the billions of dollars sportsmen contribute annually to Florida’s economy. This is about allowing us to continue traditions that have been respected and valued for hundreds of years. Based on a study dating back to 2017, about 74% of gun owners say the right to own guns is essential to their sense of freedom—although, today, sportsmen are being banned or censored on social media for posting a family picture of a harvest.”