Siding with Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Supreme Court decided that a state law requiring payment of "legal financial obligations" properly carried out a constitutional amendment restoring voting rights to felons who have completed their sentences.

DeSantis asked the court for what is known as an "advisory opinion" in the midst of a federal lawsuit challenging the law, which was approved by the Republican-dominated Legislature and signed by the governor last spring.

The amendment's "use of the broad phrase 'all terms of sentence' can only reasonably be understood to similarly encompass 'the ultimate sanctions imposed,' including 'costs.' Or in the words of the sponsor's counsel, the phrase encompasses 'all obligations' or 'all matters,' " the court decided Thursday.