Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) applauded Florida Governor Rick
Scott for signing into law Senate
Bill 90 (SB 90), "Renewable Energy Source Devices," which
extends a property tax exemption for renewable energy installations, including
solar, wind, and geothermal, on both commercial and residential properties. The
legislation implements the Amendment 4 ballot initiative passed by Florida voters
in the statewide primary last August, with 73 percent voting for approval, well
above the 60 percent needed to adopt an amendment of the state constitution.
Gov. Scott's signature follows unanimous approval of SB 90 in both chambers of
the Florida legislature. The legislation goes into effect July
1, 2017.
"We thank Governor Scott for signing this bill to carry
out the desire of Florida voters to see more renewable energy in the
Sunshine State," said Maria Robinson, associate director of energy
policy and analysis for AEE. "By signing the bill to implement Amendment
4, the Governor has removed a critical barrier to growth, allowing for more
residential and commercial customers to choose advanced energy options like
solar power, and spurring growth of advanced energy companies and jobs in Florida."
"Florida has tremendous solar resources and this
legislation will only enhance investment across the state," said Colin
Meehan, Director of Regulatory and Public Affairs at First Solar, a leading
global provider of advanced PV solar systems. "Utility-scale solar is
increasingly competitive and this legislation will help
us continue to do business in
Florida bringing reliable, affordable, clean energy to
Floridians."
First Solar, the largest U.S.-based solar panel
manufacturer, is supplying photovoltaic modules to Coronal Group for use in
three solar plants being built on U.S. military installations in the Florida
Panhandle. Elgin Air Force Base, Holly Naval Base and Saufley
Naval Base will soon be home to solar energy plants with total generating
capacity of 120 megawatts (MW).
"We applaud Florida Governor Rick Scott and
lawmakers from both chambers for enacting the Amendment 4 implementing
legislation. Solar is a massively growing industry that is creating jobs all
across the Sunshine State. Governor Scott's signature today ensures that the
state remains a business-friendly environment, and that solar has the
opportunity to reach its economic potential," said Tom Carlson,
Regulatory & Legislative Affairs Manager at EDF Renewable Energy.
EDF Renewable Energy is one of the largest renewable energy
developers in North America, with over 9 gigawatts (GW) of wind,
solar, bioenergy, and storage developed.
Florida's renewable energy sector is part of a vibrant $6.2
billion advanced energy industry in the state, bigger than the $4.2
billion generated by agricultural exports, according to AEE's 2015
Advanced Energy in Florida market report.
Also, Florida's advanced energy industry is a major statewide
employer per AEE's 2016 employment report:
At 140,000 workers, advanced energy in Florida supports nearly twice
as many jobs as agriculture, more than real estate, and equal to schools,
colleges, and training institutions. Employers expected to add more than 5,000
jobs by the end of last year, a growth rate of 4%.
Background on SB 90
This legislation implements Amendment 4, which exempts tangible personal
property tax on solar or other renewable energy source devices installed on
commercial and industrial property. Ultimately, 80 percent of the assessed
value of a renewable energy source device, which is considered tangible
personal property and is installed on real property on or after January 1,
2018, will be exempt from ad valorem taxation. SB 90 reflects
an extension of the existing tax abatement for solar and renewable energy
devices on residential property. The tax incentives would begin in 2018 and
extend for 20 years. Although the House and Senate versions of the implementing
legislation were very different at the start of session, each side was able to
iron out their differences in order to finalize the legislation that was signed
by the Governor. The House passed an amended version of SB 90, 119-0, on May
3. On May 4, the Senate concurred with the amended version and passed the
legislation 33-0.
The Amendment 4 ballot initiative was offered in the 2016
legislative session by Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg), along
with Representatives Ray Rodrigues (R-Fort Myers) and Lori
Berman (D-Boynton Beach). It was passed by the Florida legislature
in March of that year.
In 2015, advanced energy jobs in Florida, including
solar energy, reached 140,000 workers, more than twice as many as in
agriculture and more than in real estate, with advanced energy jobs expected to
grow 4 percent this year. A report by Navigant Research for AEE valued the Florida advanced
energy market at $6.2 billion in revenue in 2014.
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