Fla. Gov. Crist calls special legislative session to get offshore oil drilling ban on ballot

Fla. gov calls legislature for oil drilling ban

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Charlie Crist has called a special session of the state Legislature to get a constitutional ban on offshore oil drilling in Florida waters on the November ballot.

Crist on Thursday said the session will be held July 20 to July 23.

Crist has said he has the support of Panhandle legislators, where some beaches have been oiled by the massive Gulf of Mexico spill. But legislative leaders in areas so far unaffected have been uncooperative.

The amendment would require 60 percent approval from voters in November.

Offshore drilling is now banned by Florida statute but could be changed by legislative action. A constitutional ban would require voter approval before it could be reversed.

Crist is running as an independent for the U.S. Senate.