Florida Amendment 1 - Health Insurance Mandates

Florida's GOP-dominated Legislature has packed the November ballot with 11 proposed amendments dealing with everything from taxes to abortion.

Amy Keller | 9/4/2012

Main Sponsors: Sen. Mike Haridopolos (R-Merritt Island) and Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Longwood)

Title: Health Care Services

What It Does: Prohibits laws or rules compelling anyone to buy health insurance but would not apply to the federal law that requires virtually all Americans to carry coverage.

Background: The measure — a rehash of an earlier proposal rejected by the Florida Supreme Court — holds little sway in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision upholding the individual mandate. The measure could prevent the state from implementing a Massachusetts-like health care law down the road, particularly if the federal health care law is repealed.

Proponents: Florida Chamber of Commerce

Opponents: Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida

Budget Impact: None

» See all of Florida's 2012 Amendments here.

Tags: Politics & Law, Florida-Amendments-2012

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