Florida Prosecutors Widen Marijuana Petition Probe Following Broward County Elections Visit
Florida state prosecutors have significantly expanded a criminal investigation into the Smart & Safe Florida campaign, the group sponsoring a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana, following a recent audit of the Broward County Supervisor of Elections office. With a critical February 1 deadline approaching for the campaign to verify nearly 880,000 signatures for the 2026 ballot, the Attorney General’s Office has issued urgent requests to local election officials across the state to turn over documents related to suspected fraudulent petition circulators.
The expansion of the probe was formalized after Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay sent a letter to county election supervisors, asserting that the state has “reason to believe” that fraudulent practices are widespread. The letter, which demands the submission of specific forms by the close of business Friday, suggests that previously identified instances of fraud are merely the “tip of the iceberg.” Attorney General James Uthmeier supported this move, stating on social media that the alleged petition fraud appears to touch nearly all of Florida’s 67 counties. This escalation directly follows an in-person audit in Broward County, after which Secretary of State Cord Byrd cited “matters of great concern” that likely warrant criminal prosecution.
However, the investigation has met with strong objections from both the campaign and local election officials. Smart & Safe Florida has categorically denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the administration of Governor Ron DeSantis is utilizing law enforcement and bureaucratic hurdles to derail a legitimate democratic initiative. Representatives for the campaign contend they are complying with all state laws and that the state is intentionally slowing the verification process. Broward County Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott clarified that the investigation targets independent petition circulators rather than his staff, yet he expressed frustration with the state’s approach. Scott noted that his office felt “attacked” by the sudden scrutiny and questioned the timing of these demands during the busiest week of the verification period, though he affirmed his office is fully cooperating with authorities.
This intensifying legal conflict serves as the backdrop for the campaign’s second attempt to place recreational marijuana legalization before Florida voters. A similar amendment failed to pass in 2024 after falling short of the required 60% supermajority vote. The current initiative faces higher hurdles, including new state rules that have invalidated tens of thousands of signatures from “inactive” voters and out-of-state petition gatherers. Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier remain vocal opponents of the measure, characterizing the amendment as corporate-driven and harmful to the state’s quality of life. As the final signature count looms, the outcome of this investigation could determine whether the measure qualifies for the November 2026 general election ballot.
youtube.com
miamiherald.com
caribbeannationalweekly.com
local10.com
tampabay.com
wlrn.org
ground.news
mjbizdaily.com
mjbizdaily.com
