Marijuana measure sponsor won't appeal invalidated signatures

OG article by Stephany Matat

November 27, 2025

Smart and Safe Florida, the group sponsoring a Florida ballot measure for adult-use marijuana, announced on November 25, 2025, that it will not appeal a circuit court ruling upholding the invalidation of 200,000 petition signatures. The decision follows Circuit Judge John Cooper's order, which confirmed the Florida Division of Elections' interpretation of the law. The initiative requires 880,062 valid signatures by February 1, 2026, to appear on the 2026 midterm ballot. As of November 25, the division reports over 675,000 valid signatures, though updates occur monthly, and a new state law allows supervisors of elections 60 days to review petitions after receipt and payment. Smart and Safe Florida has submitted more than 1,010,000 signed petitions and expressed confidence in meeting the signature threshold if counts are processed accurately. The group urged state officials to handle remaining petitions promptly, stating that the public deserves accurate counting. It also encouraged individuals to contact local supervisors of elections or the campaign to verify invalidated petitions. Secretary of State Cord Byrd's office did not respond to comments, but Byrd praised the ruling on X, commending his legal team.