Florida proposal bans reparations for slavery

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, filed an amendment to the Florida Constitution that would ban reparations for slavery.

The constitutional amendment would need to be passed by the Florida Legislature to appear on the November 2024 ballot for voter approval.

“Florida voters deserve a voice on whether their tax dollars should be used as a political football to further the agendas of candidates or elected officials who engage in race baiting tactics for political gain,” Ingoglia said.

The proposed amendment prohibits the state, a county, a municipality or any other political subdivision from paying compensation in the form of reparations to an individual who is a descendent of an enslaved individual, according to the proposal.

A California task force to study reparation proposals was created for the state legislature in 2023. The proposal reportedly noted a potential cost of $800 billion.