Renewable-energy tax break bill headed to Rick Scott

Original story: http://floridapolitics.com/archives/237484-renewable-energy-tax-break-bill-headed-rick-scott

The Florida Legislature has passed a bill that will give a renewable-energy tax break to commercial and industrial properties with solar installations.

The measure (SB 90) was sent to Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday after passing the Senate unanimously. If signed into law, businesses that install solar panels to their properties would not have to pay additional property taxes from the increased value of adding such devices.

“The voters of Florida spoke loud and clear in support of an expanded solar market in the sunshine state,” said Sen. Jeff Brandes in a statement. “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 , sponsored by Brandes in the Senate and Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues in the House, carries out a decision by voters last year to extend a tax exemption already provided to residential properties. The tax break would be in place for the next 20 years.

“Tourism is Florida’s leading industry. Visitors and residents alike, will benefit from the energy savings resulting from the passage of this legislation,” said Richard Turner, general counsel and vice President of government Relations for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The hospitality industry is excited to support our lawmakers’ smart policies that promote sustainability and diversify our energy grid.”

The final version of the bill is viewed by those in the solar industry as a more consumer-friendly approach than what had been initially proposed.

_The Associated Press contributed to this report, reprinted with permission.