- Violates first amendment rights by prohibiting compensation based on the number of petitions gathered: a person who compensates an initiative petition gatherer or entity based on the number of petitions gathered commits a misdemeanor of the first degree. This broad definition impacts individual petition gatherers, as well as established goals/objectives, and even volunteers compensated with gift cards, food, or other awards for meeting goals.
- Petition-gatherers would be required to be Florida residents and register with the Secretary of State prior to obtaining signatures. The House version requires all petition gatherers, including volunteers; the Senate version requires paid petitioners to be residents for at least 29 days.
- Not only does this suppress direct-democracy, but the prohibition on employment by non-residents violets the Privileges and Immunities Clause of Article IV, Section 2 of the US Constitution states that "the citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states.”
- An amendment filed by the bill sponsor contends that a petition gatherer must also disclose with the state if they have been convicted of a felony involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit, regardless if they are a returning citizen or have been adjudicated; further stigmatizing those seeking second chances.
- If the amendment gathers enough signatures for the ballot, these bills would require the ballot to include the name of the initiative sponsor AND the percentage of money raised from in-state sources.
- A statement on the ballot in bold print describing the fiscal impact of the initiative on both the state and local economies. The House version explicitly requires that the amendment include, if it will cost money, a statement IN BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS that the proposal "MAY REQUIRE INCREASED TAXES OR A REDUCTION IN GOVERNMENT SERVICES." The Senate also requires similar disclaimers.
- Requiring a separate ruling by the Florida Supreme Court which must also be printed on the ballot, determining whether the proposed amendment policy could be done by the Legislature instead of changing the Constitution.
