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Senate Bill 90

Solar Tax Exemption Legislation Passes Unanimously

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Bill reduces tax burden on renewable energy properties for 20 years

Senate Bill 90, Renewable Energy Source Devices, by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) passed the Florida Senate today with unanimous support, following unanimous approval of the Florida House of Representatives yesterday. The tax exemption will apply for 20 years on solar and renewable energy devices.
“The voters of Florida spoke loud and clear in support of an expanded solar market in the sunshine state,” stated Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg). “Reducing property taxes on solar and renewable energy devices will bring more solar energy to Florida. The unanimous support of the legislature shows that we are dedicated to expanding the share of renewables in our energy portfolio, and I am excited to continue to advocate for energy reform.”
The bill implements Amendment 4, which passed with 73 percent support by the voters on the 2016 primary election. The bill exempts 80% of the value of solar and renewable energy devices from property taxes on real and tangible personal property. This reflects an extension of the existing exemption in law for solar and renewable energy devices on residential property. The exemption encourages expansion of solar and renewable energy production in Florida, complimenting an industry that has experienced significant growth in recent years. The tax exemption of the bill will begin in 2018 and extend for 20 years.
For more information on SB 90 please visit http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/00090

Clean Energy Advocates, Solar Businesses Urge Swift Implementation of SB 90 as Florida’s Legislature Convenes

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As the 2017 Florida Legislative Session begins tomorrow on Tuesday, March 7, clean energy advocates and solar businesses are urging elected leaders in Tallahassee to swiftly and cleanly implement Amendment 4, the solar tax abatement proposal, which passed in Florida’s August primary with 73 percent support.

An Amendment 4 implementation bill – SB 90 – was introduced in December by state Senator Jeff Brandes and has already passed two committees.

The next steps for SB 90 are hearings in the Finance and Tax Subcommittee, the Appropriations committee and then a vote before the full Senate. A companion bill in the House of Representatives is still pending, and expected to be filed by state Representative Ray Rodrigues soon.

Patrick Altier, President of FlaSEIA (a trade association representing solar photovoltaic and solar thermal contractors, installers, manufacturers, distributors, engineers, and designers) and an Ocala-based solar contractor said, “Voters across the political spectrum have demonstrated their strong support. It’s time for the Sunshine State to allow low cost solar and provide energy from a homegrown renewable fuel source to keep down energy costs.” 

“Given that the Florida legislature unanimously passed this measure last session and placed it on the ballot, we are optimistic that SB 90 will be quickly and cleanly implemented to enact the will of Florida’s voters,” said Susan Glickman, Florida Director foe the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. “We will be on the lookout for any attempts to add provisions that might hinder solar development. Our goal is to ensure continued progress and the growth of Florida’s solar market.”

Amendment 4 implementation bill passes committee unanimously

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Legislation enacts property tax exemptions for solar and renewable energy source devices

Senate Bill 90, renewable energy source devices, passed the Senate Committee on Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities today. The bill passed with unanimous support. If adopted, the legislation will exempt solar and renewable energy devices from property tax in Florida.
“Floridians expect access to more renewable energy in the Sunshine State,” stated Senator Brandes. “This bill will further encourage growth in clean energy jobs in our state. We will be in a better position to take advantage of increased energy diversity while addressing environmental concerns. Florida should be a leader in solar, and the passage of this bill brings us one step closer to that reality.”
The bill implements Amendment 4, which passed with 73 percent support by the voters on the 2016 primary election. The bill exempts solar and renewable energy devices from property taxes on real and tangible personal property installed on commercial and industrial property. This reflects an extension of the existing exemption in law for solar and renewable energy devices on residential property. The proposal encourages expansion of solar and renewable energy production in Florida, complimenting an industry that has experienced significant growth in recent years. The tax exemption of the bill will begin in 2018 and extend for 20 years.
For more information on SB 90 please visit http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/0090
 

Statement by Vote Solar After Passage of Senate Bill 90 in Legislative Committee Today

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Sunshine State Continuing to Show Gains in Solar Energy

Vote Solar, an advocacy organization working to make solar a mainstream energy resource across the U.S., issues the following statement today in response to legislative activity in Florida. 

“We applaud Senator Jeff Brandes for his continued leadership on solar energy development in Florida. He is a true champion for solar and today helped assure unanimous passage of Senate Bill 90 in the first legislative committee meeting. Senate Bill 90 will help to unlock the sunshine state’s full solar potential,” said Scott Thomasson, Director of New Markets for Vote Solar. 

“This bill comes at just the right time to grow the market in Florida, as The Solar Foundation announced today that Florida gained 1,700 solar jobs in 2016. Florida voters sent a clear mandate with 73 percent of voters agreeing to remove tax penalties on solar, and now it’s up to our state legislators to implement Amendment 4 into law by passing Senate Bill 90.”

Vote Solar is a non-profit organization working to foster economic development and energy independence by bringing solar energy to the mainstream nationwide. Learn more at www.votesolar.org