DAYTONA BEACH, FL – October 2, 2024 - At the September meeting of the Daytona Regional Chamber Board of Directors, the Board approved the following position statement regarding Constitutional Amendment 3 that will appear on the ballot for the November Election.
The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce joins the Florida Chamber of Commerce in opposition to the passage of Amendment 3 “Recreational Use of Marijuana.” We are opposed to placing issues in our Constitution that can be solved through the legislative process. Additionally, as written, Amendment 3 does not adequately protect the interests of business and causes uncertainty about property rights and the Legislature’s ability to set restrictions.
Chairman of the Board, Mike Sibley, James Moore & Co. stated, “It is of great concern that special interest groups can pay to put something in our constitution, that could be solved through our legislative process. Additionally, this amendment has been written specifically and purposefully to limit the ability of the legislature to implement regulations.”
The Nation's Constitution has only been amended 27 times in over 230 years. In contrast, Florida’s Constitution has been amended more than 144 times since 1970. Additionally, Florida has more paths to constitutional amendments than any other state—five, to be exact. These include resolutions from the Legislature, revisions by the Constitution Revision Commission, citizen initiatives, conventions, and proposals from the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission.
“As an advocate for business, we believe it’s important to address issues that will be detrimental to business. In this instance, we have great concerns about the liability for our employers including the absence of standardized restrictions creating uncertainty and potential legal challenges for businesses trying to comply with inconsistent local regulations,” stated Chamber President and CEO, Nancy Keefer.
Sibley added, “We share the Florida Sheriff’s Association belief that the negative impacts recreational marijuana has on communities, businesses, schools and families, will add strain on our first responders who work so hard to provide a safe community for all.”
For more information on why this amendment is bad for business and communities visit www.flbizagainsta3.com.
For more information about the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, visit www.daytonachamber.com.
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Contact: Kelly L. Amy, Member Engagement & Communication Director
kelly@daytonachamber.com or (386) 229-5759
