Ron DeSantis Opposes Florida GOP Endorsement of Amendment 1

Governor Ron DeSantis recommended a no vote on Amendment 1, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand Florida's budget stabilization fund. The measure, which was approved by the Florida Legislature in 2025 via HJR 5019, seeks to increase the fund's cap from 10% to 25% of general revenue collections and mandate annual deposits of up to $750 million.

DeSantis called the proposal "foolish," arguing that the rainy day fund is already maxed out at $5 billion and the state has run record surpluses. He asserted that additional revenue should instead be used to lower taxes, provide local government grants for homestead property tax exemptions, and remove tolls. While he opposes Amendment 1, he supports Amendment 3, which proposes significant property tax cuts for homeowners.

The Republican Party of Florida officially endorsed both Amendment 1 and Amendment 3 on Monday. Party Chairman Evan Power and former House Speaker Daniel Perez defended the reserve fund expansion as a necessary hedge against unexpected economic recessions and emergencies, such as storms, to avoid raising taxes or raiding the budget. Both amendments will appear on the November 3 general election ballot and require 60% voter support to pass.