JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the General Election draws closer, First Coast News is on your side with a closer look at the amendments that are on the ballot in Florida this year.
Amendment 2 deals with hunting and fishing, one of the most common outdoor activities in the Sunshine State.
"It's very peaceful, it's my getaway," said John Arbour, who like countless other people, enjoys casting a line into the St. Johns River.
"It's nice to catch something but I don't have to, I'm pretty satisfied with the peace and quiet," Arbour said.
Amendment 2 calls to preserve that peace and quiet by changing the Florida Constitution. The text of Amendment 2 reads, "Fishing, hunting, and the taking of fish and wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, shall be preserved forever as a public right."
But hunting and fishing are already legal in Florida.
"They have a good system in place for that," said Arbour. "I think Florida is on top of it even more than other states."
Hunting and fishing are managed by Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which sets seasons and licensing requirements for people to be able to hunt and fish in Florida. Furthermore, the text of the amendment goes on to say that if Amendment 2 becomes law that it would not limit the authority of FWC.
The term "traditional methods" in the text of the amendment drew concern from conservationists as well as those in the fishing community as to whether large nets would be allowed to be used to gather excessive amounts of fish.
Part of a statement from FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto that was released in September reads, "Amendment 2 does not change or alter the existing net ban or the ability for it to be enforced. 'Traditional methods' does not undo regulation, nor reset FWC's regulatory authority. Moreover, the net ban is protected by the constitution already."
FWC states that it will continue regulatory authority over all fish and wildlife in Florida, including setting seasons, bag limits and licensing, whether or not Amendment 2 receives the 60% of the vote it would need to pass.
In the meantime, Arbour enjoys an afternoon on the water and the occasional bite on the line.
"I've been pretty lucky lately, it's a hobby for me," Arbour said. "I think it's fine, everyone I talk to seem to enjoy it, nothing said about anything strange or out of the ordinary or unseasonal."