Florida Redistricting Maps Face Legal Challenges After Legislative Approval
Civil rights groups plan legal challenges after Florida lawmakers approved Governor DeSantis’ controversial congressional redistricting maps.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Civil rights groups announced plans for legal challenges Wednesday after the Florida Legislature approved Governor Ron DeSantis’ redrawn congressional maps, with critics arguing the redistricting process violates state constitutional protections against partisan gerrymandering.
Common Cause Florida said it is exploring legal options following the Legislature’s approval of the mid-decade redistricting maps. The organization’s executive director Amy Keith argued that the maps fail to meet fairness criteria established by Florida voters.
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Debate
The legislative approval coincided with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that addressed racial considerations in drawing districts. DeSantis argued the federal court ruling nullifies state constitutional prohibitions against political gerrymandering.
Keith disputed the governor’s interpretation of the Supreme Court decision. “So, the ruling that came down today does not change the fact that states have a right to make partisan gerrymandering illegal in their states, and that is what the people of Florida did in 2010 and that is what makes the map that we’re seeing on the floor today unconstitutional in the state of Florida,” Keith said.
Opposition From Advocacy Groups
Protesters gathered outside the Florida Capitol where lawmakers convened in special session to address the redistricting matter. Genesis Robinson from Equal Ground was among those speaking at the demonstration on April 28, one day before the maps received final approval.
According to Keith, polling conducted by Common Cause in September showed opposition to partisan redistricting crossed party lines. “When we did our poll in September, we certainly found that Democrats, Republicans, independents, even” supported fair redistricting practices, Keith said, though her complete statement was not included in available reports.
Legal Challenges Expected
The approval sets up potential court battles over the constitutionality of the new congressional boundaries. Fair Districts amendments passed by Florida voters in 2010 established standards designed to prevent partisan manipulation of district lines.
Common Cause Florida and other advocacy organizations argue the governor’s maps violate these constitutional protections. The groups maintain that state-level prohibitions against gerrymandering remain valid despite the federal Supreme Court’s ruling on racial considerations in redistricting.
The redistricting process represents a rare mid-decade redrawing of congressional boundaries, typically conducted only after each decennial census. DeSantis called the special legislative session to approve the new maps ahead of future election cycles.
