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FLORIDA - Florida could once again become a battleground over recreational marijuana as advocates work to place a new legalization amendment before voters in 2026 after a previous effort fell short.
Supporters of legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida are pushing to bring a revised proposal back to the statewide ballot in the November 2026 election.
The renewed effort follows the defeat of a similar measure in 2024, when a majority of voters supported legalization but the amendment failed to reach the 60 percent approval required to change the state constitution.
The campaign is being led by Smart and Safe Florida, the same organization behind the earlier initiative.
Under state law, the group must collect at least 880,062 valid voter signatures by February 1, 2026, to qualify for the ballot.
Organizers say they are confident they can meet that threshold, despite earlier setbacks that resulted in a large number of signatures being invalidated due to technical requirements related to petition language.
The proposed amendment would allow adults aged 21 and older to legally possess and use marijuana under state law.
It would not permit public smoking or vaping and would include restrictions designed to prevent marketing or packaging that appeals to children.
Florida already allows medical marijuana, which was approved by voters in 2016, but recreational use remains illegal.
Before appearing on the ballot, the proposed amendment must also pass a review by the Florida Supreme Court to ensure it complies with legal standards and accurately reflects its purpose to voters.
If the measure qualifies and is approved in 2026, Florida would join a growing number of states that have legalized recreational marijuana, marking a significant shift in the state’s drug policy.