How Amendment 3, vaccine mandates and school vouchers will shape Florida under the leadership of Byron Donalds
Republican Gov.-elect Byron Donalds ran on the promise of continuing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ agenda.
In a historic election, Florida elected its first Black governor in Byron Donalds, as well as retaining U.S. Senator Ashley Moody as a Republican. Donalds ran on a promise to continue the legacy of his predecessor, Governor Ron DeSantis. Despite polls indicating a narrow lead of 4 points, Donalds ultimately secured victory with just 1.3 points, or approximately 107,000 votes.
As a political scientist with over two decades of experience in Florida, it's clear that Donalds' campaign promises foreshadow the direction in which he intends to lead the state.
One of the most significant changes under Donalds will be the implementation of Amendment 3, which was passed by Floridians on November 3. This amendment to the state constitution will alter the traditional home rule principle, limiting local governments' spending from tax revenue to core categories such as public safety, schools, and natural resources.
This shift may result in rural areas struggling to maintain essential services, forcing them to seek aid from the state. DeSantis has already called for a special session to address Amendment 3 before Donalds assumes office, with plans to further restrict home rule by limiting local governments' ability to raise revenue through additional taxation.
The GOP's supermajority in the Florida House of Representatives has been lost, making it more difficult for Donalds to control the state's agenda in the same manner as DeSantis did during his tenure. Donalds has reaffirmed his support for DeSantis' efforts to limit home rule, including restrictions on local control over land development and removal of elected officials from office.
However, Donalds plans to extend this executive authority further by conducting more audits of local governments and removing additional officials as he deems necessary.
An equally important choice for Donalds will be the appointment of a new Florida Surgeon General. Currently occupied by Dr. Joseph Ladapo, the position grants the power to declare public health emergencies, forcibly quarantine individuals, and set vaccine mandates for illnesses not covered by the state Legislature's framework of seven childhood vaccine mandates.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ladapo emerged as a prominent advocate for medical freedom and a vaccine skeptic. He has opposed all vaccine mandates and proposed dropping mandates for four vaccines required for school attendance, including chickenpox and hepatitis B.
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