Florida Legislature Passes Solar Tax Abatement

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Both chambers of Florida’s state legislature voted to place C.S./H.J.R.193 and C.S./H.B.195 on the August primary ballot on Wednesday, according to a release from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. According to the alliance, the bi-partisan policy measures would remove a barrier to renewable energy installations – by exempting, for 20 years, the assessed value of renewable energy devices from the real property tax and the onerous tangible personal property tax.

Per the announcement, a coalition of business, conservative, consumer, solar industry, faith-based and environmental organizations are applauding the efforts of State Sen. Jeff Brandes and State Rep. Ray Rodrigues for passing this legislation, aiming to lower the cost of solar power in the Sunshine State.

The alliance says that this policy, once approved by voters in August and implemented by the state legislature, will help Floridians save money by reducing the tax burden that currently exists for solar. Specifically, the release asserts that this change will allow Floridians to lock in energy savings, create jobs and spur economic development in local communities while bringing much needed diversity to the state’s energy mix.

Key organizations supporting this measure include the following:

  • Christian Coalition;
  • Conservatives for Energy Freedom;
  • Florida Retail Federation;
  • Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association;
  • Florida Solar Energy Industries Association;
  • Southern Alliance for Clean Energy; and
  • The Nature Conservancy.

Mike Antheil, director of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association, agrees that this move will create jobs and encourage employment growth.

“Solar jobs are growing at 20 times the national average,” says Antheil. “We will grow more jobs in Florida as we lower the cost of solar power.”

Susan Glickman, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s Florida director, concurs, saying, “Reducing the cost of energy is a win for consumers, a win for job creation and a win for the state’s economy. Reducing taxes will help unlock solar power in the Sunshine State.”

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