Survey Showed Fund Balance Swayed Florida Amendment 1 Support

New research indicates voters are less likely to support Amendment 1 after learning the state's rainy day fund is full.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a brass balance scale with a gold coin on one side, representing fiscal policy information. — A survey of Florida voters showed support for Amendment 1 dropped significantly after participants were informed the state's rainy day fund is at its maximum. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Does knowing a state rainy day fund is already full make you less likely to support expansion?

A survey of 1,000 Florida voters revealed that support for Amendment 1 dropped from 63% to 50% when participants were informed that the state Budget Stabilization Fund is already at its constitutional maximum. The findings highlight how specific financial context influences public opinion on the ballot initiative.

Why it matters

The survey results suggest that voter perception of ballot measures can shift significantly when provided with concrete information about current state fiscal reserves. This demonstrates the impact of transparency on civic engagement and voter decision-making processes.

The Budget Stabilization Fund currently holds $5 billion, having tripled from $1.5 billion since 2019. Prior to the survey, only 20% of respondents were aware that the fund had already reached its constitutional maximum.

The players

Ron DeSantis

He is the current Governor of Florida who has publicly opposed Amendment 1.

Sachs Media

This organization is a research and communications firm that conducted the survey of Florida voters.

The details

Researchers conducted the study on Sept. 23-24, 2026, using a randomized split-group approach to measure the influence of fund status context. Governor Ron DeSantis previously voiced his opposition to the amendment on Sept. 14, 2026, urging a no vote.

The rainy day fund stood at $1.5 billion in 2019.
The legislature passed HJR 5019 in June 2025.
Governor DeSantis urged a no vote on Sept. 14, 2026.
Sachs Media conducted the survey from Sept. 23-24, 2026.

Elections
Sept. 18
Election Handicappers Upgraded Florida Governor Race Outlook
Elections
Sept. 20
Florida Senate Race Tied in New Polling
Political Parties
Sept. 23
Judge Ended Florida Campaign Spending Limits

Political Context

Opponents of the amendment and those advocating for the fund's current structure argue that mandatory contributions are unnecessary given existing reserve levels. This perspective challenges the necessity of the constitutional changes proposed in HJR 5019.

Voters will need to decide whether to support the amendment based on their understanding of the state's $5 billion rainy day fund. Understanding these financial details may alter how taxpayers weigh the potential impact of the measure on their personal civic obligations.

The takeaway

The data indicates that voters are highly responsive to fiscal information when considering ballot initiatives. Staying informed on the current state of emergency funds can provide clarity when evaluating future legislative proposals.