Historic City News readers voting in St Johns County will be electing our next President and Vice President, United States Senator, Representative in Congress, and State Senator in just three weeks.

Depending on where you live, you may also be voting for the Mayor of the City of St Augustine and two new city commissioners, two seats on the Anastasia Mosquito Control District, one on the Airport Authority, one on the Soil and Water Conservation District and one the Port, Waterway and Beach District, or possibly commissioners to the City of St Augustine Beach, all seats being vitally important to us as citizens.

But, in addition to those individual offices and a vote for or against the retention of three justices to the Florida Supreme Court, and four to the District Court of Appeals, there will be a second page of your ballot where you will find a place to vote on four amendments to the Florida Constitution.

Being considered are the following amendments:

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No. 1
Constitutional Amendment, Article X, Section 29

Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy Choice

This amendment establishes a right under Florida’s constitution for consumers to own or lease solar equipment installed on their property to generate electricity for their own use.

State and local governments shall retain their abilities to protect consumer rights and public health, safety and welfare, and to ensure that consumers who do not choose to install solar are not required to subsidize the costs of backup power and electric grid access to those who do.

The amendment is not expected to result in an increase or decrease in any revenues or costs to state and local government.

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No. 2
Constitutional Amendment, Article X, Section 29

Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions

Allows medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating medical conditions as determined by a licensed Florida physician.

Allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana. The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers.

Applies only to Florida law. Does not immunize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession or production of marijuana.

Increased costs from this amendment to state and local governments cannot be determined. There will be additional regulatory costs and enforcement activities associated with the production, sale, use and possession of medical marijuana. Fees may offset some of the regulatory costs.

Sales tax will likely apply to most purchases, resulting in a substantial increase in state and local government revenues that cannot be determined precisely. The impact on property tax revenues cannot be determined.

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No. 3
Constitutional Amendment, Article VII, Section 6, Article XII

Tax Exemption for Totally and Permanently Disabled First Responders

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize a first responder, who is totally and permanently disabled as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty, to receive relief from ad valorem taxes assessed on homestead property, if authorized by general law.

If approved by voters, the amendment takes effect January 1, 2017.

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No. 5
Constitutional Amendment, Article VII, Section 6, Article XII

Homestead Tax Exemption for Certain Senior, Low-Income, Long-Term Residents; Determination of Just Value

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to revise the homestead tax exemption that may be granted by counties or municipalities for property with just value less than $250,000 owned by certain senior, low-income, long-term residents to specify that just value is determined in the first tax year the owner applies and is eligible for the exemption.

The amendment takes effect January 1, 2017, and applies retroactively to exemptions granted before January 1, 2017.

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