September 17, 2007
Floridians for a Legal Playing Field v. Floridians Against Expanded Gambling
Case Number(s):
SC06-2505

Transcript:

Summary:

Floridians for a Level Playing Field sponsored a 2004 citizens initiative to allow slot machines in South Florida. Floridians Against Expanded Gambling and other opponents alleged there was widespread fraud in the petition drive and asked the circuit court to keep the proposed constitutional amendment off the ballot. The circuit court denied that request and the measure went to voters statewide on the 2004 ballot. It was approved. The circuit court later granted summary judgment in favor of the initiative sponsors, agreeing that the election results, in effect, cured the allegations of fraud. The First District Court of Appeal reversed that decision, concluding that the election could not cure the fraud, and remanded for a trial to determine whether the sponsors obtained the constitutionally required signatures for submission to voters.