Medicaid expansion ballot initiative moves to 2028 election

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The group Florida Decides Healthcare hopes to get an amendment on the ballot to expand Medicaid.

Executive Director Mitch Emerson cited new regulations that started in July as the reason a measure won’t be on the 2026 ballot. Instead, the group will try to have one during the 2028 election.

“When this gets on the ballot in 2028, Floridians are going to say ‘yes’,” Emerson said.

Polling data released by the group showed the group having enough support to cross the 60% threshold needed to amend the state constitution.

However, getting a citizen-led measure on the ballot is not so simple. State lawmakers passed House Bill 1205. Petition circulators now must register with the state and undergo training online. The law also added penalties and fines if the state uncover