Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed overhaul of the state’s ballot initiative process could create a significant roadblock for President Donald Trump’s long-standing casino ambitions in the state, particularly in the Miami area.
The proposal, which aims to tighten restrictions on citizen-led constitutional amendments, would make it far more difficult for voters to expand gambling in the state—an essential step for any non-tribal casino project, including one Trump has eyed for his Doral resort.
DeSantis’ plan would eliminate traditional petition-gathering methods and impose strict new rules, including criminalizing the collection of more than two signatures on a petition. The Republican governor argues the changes are necessary to “reinforce the integrity” of Florida’s petition process, stating that “our constitution should not be for sale to the highest bidder, so the reform is needed,” as per CNN.
Critics say the move would effectively eliminate the referendum process that has been used in the past to bypass legislative roadblocks on issues like marijuana legalization and the minimum wage.
“This would all but destroy the citizens’ initiative process in Florida. Period. End of story,” said Ben Pollara, a Democratic strategist who has led past referendum efforts in the state.
Florida’s 2018 constitutional amendment requires any gambling expansion to be approved by voters through a referendum. If DeSantis’ restrictions are enacted, securing such approval could become nearly impossible—posing a major setback for Trump or any other developer looking to establish a casino outside the control of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Daniel Wallach, a gaming law expert, described the proposal as “unprecedented for a state as populous as Florida” and said it would “seal off competition for sports betting and casino gambling.”
Attorney John Lockwood, who specializes in Florida’s gambling regulations, added “Trump or any other developer would run head-on into this legislation” if they sought to open a casino.
Trump has long sought to bring a casino to South Florida, particularly at his Trump National Doral Miami resort, which sits just outside the 15-mile exclusion zone protecting the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
The Seminole Tribe, which holds exclusive rights to sports betting and table games in Florida, stands to benefit the most from DeSantis’ plan by further securing its monopoly over the state’s gaming industry.
The tribe has been a key financial backer of DeSantis, donating millions to his political efforts, including his failed 2024 presidential bid. In return, DeSantis brokered a highly lucrative gaming compact in 2021, granting the tribe exclusive rights to mobile and in-person sports betting.
Despite DeSantis’ push, Florida lawmakers have yet to fully embrace the proposal. In a rare rebuke, Republican legislative leaders have expressed skepticism about the need for a special session to advance the plan.
The move also adds another layer to the complex and at times strained relationship between DeSantis and Trump. While the two were at odds during the 2024 Republican presidential primary, they have since reconciled, with DeSantis attending a recent Trump-hosted event for Republican governors at Mar-a-Lago and playing golf with the president.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/01/27/93165-desantis-39-referendum-crackdown-could-hinder-trumps-florida-casino-ambitions-says-cnn
