The High Speed Rail Amendment to the Florida Constitution
In November of 2000, Florida Voters expressed their anger over increasing traffic congestion and gridlock plaguing our interstate system. Floridians overwhelmingly approved a Constitutional Amendment that ensured a High Speed Rail System would be built to provide for the future of this state. Nearly Three Million voters cast their ballots in favor of the amendment, but our elected Governor refuses to honor the will of the people. Below is the text of the Constitutional Amendment passed by the voters and ignored by our Governor.
Amendment to the Florida Constitution
Article X, Section 19
High Speed Ground Transportation System
To reduce traffic congestion and provide alternatives to the traveling public, it is hereby
declared to be in the public interest that a high speed ground transportation system
consisting of a monorail, fixed guideway or magnetic levitation system, capable of
speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour, be developed and operated in the State of
Florida to provide high speed ground transportation by innovative, efficient and effective
technologies consisting of dedicated rails or guideways separated from motor vehicular
traffic that will link the five largest urban areas of the State as determined by the
Legislature and provide for access to existing air and ground transportation facilities and
services. The Legislature, the Cabinet and the Governor are hereby directed to proceed
with the development of such a system by the State and/or by a private entity pursuant
to state approval and authorization, including the acquisition of right-of-way, the
financing of design and construction of the system, and the operation of the system, as
provided by specific appropriation and by law, with construction to begin on or before
November 1, 2003.