Constitution of the State of Florida
1968
Florida's current constitution was drafted by a revision commission and ratified by voters in November 1968, replacing the previous constitution of 1885 that had grown unwieldy through decades of amendment. The 1968 revision was a thoroughgoing modernization: it streamlined the executive branch by reducing the number of independently elected cabinet officers, strengthened the legislature, and updated civil rights protections in response to the constitutional changes of the 1960s. Florida's constitution is also notable for its provision establishing a Constitutional Revision Commission that convenes automatically every twenty years with the power to place amendments directly on the ballot, a mechanism used in 1978, 1998, and 2018, giving Florida an unusually systematic process for periodic constitutional review.
Preamble
We, the people of the State of Florida, being grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, in order to secure its benefits, perfect our government, insure domestic tranquility, maintain public order, and guarantee equal civil and political rights to all, do ordain and establish this constitution.
Declaration of Rights
All natural persons, female and male alike, are equal before the law and have inalienable rights, among which are the right to enjoy and defend life and liberty, to pursue happiness, to be rewarded for industry, and to acquire, possess and protect property. Basic rights.-- All natural persons, female and male alike, are equal before the law and have inalienable rights, among which are the right to enjoy and defend life and liberty, to pursue happiness, to be rewarded for industry, and to acquire, possess and protect property; except that the ownership, inheritance, disposition and possession of property by aliens ineligible for citizenship may be regulated or prohibited by law. No person shall be deprived of any right because of race, religion, national origin, or physical disability. Religious freedom.-- There shall be no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting or penalizing the free exercise thereof. Religious freedom shall not justify practices inconsistent with public morals, peace or safety. No revenue of the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.