Legislature OKs Tax Fairness for Solar Energy to Reach the August Ballot

Florida business groups applaud the Legislature for passing House Joint Resolution 193 and Senate Bill 172 Wednesday. These bills will allow voters to decide on the August primary ballot whether businesses should get the same tax fairness as residential properties for solar energy.

If approved by voters, the initiative would move Florida closer to eliminating a significant tax barrier that is currently preventing many Florida businesses and other energy consumers from investing in solar.

“Increased use of free, homegrown solar energy just makes business sense, especially in a state with such abundant sunshine,” said Randy Miller, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation. “We commend Sen. (Jeff) Brandes and Rep. (Ray) Rodrigues for championing legislation that will give Florida voters the chance to open the market to new solar opportunities and clear the way for retailers to further invest in Florida and in our energy future.”

Said Julio Fuentes, president and CEO of the Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, ”Kudos to the Florida Senate and House, and especially the bill sponsors Sen. Brandes and Rep. Rodrigues, for helping Florida move toward much-needed common sense efforts to expand opportunities for solar investment in Florida. If approved by voters in August, this initiative will provide tax fairness and allow businesses to further invest in themselves.”