Florida Marijuana Campaign Fails To Qualify Legalization Initiative For November Ballot, State Officials Say

OG article by Kyle Jaeger

February 2, 2026

Smart & Safe Florida's campaign to qualify a marijuana legalization initiative for the November 2026 ballot failed, according to the Florida Department of State. The effort fell short of the required 880,062 valid signatures, submitting only 783,592 as of the deadline. Over 1.4 million were collected initially, but challenges included litigation, invalidations (e.g., 71,000 disputed signatures and 200,000 struck for missing petition text), and criminal probes into alleged fraud. The campaign claims the count is premature and may pursue recounts or challenges. Opposition from Gov. Ron DeSantis's administration, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and others labeled it flawed. The proposal banned public smoking/vaping and addressed prior criticisms. Meanwhile, 21 other initiatives also missed thresholds, ending ballot hopes for legalization this cycle.