Bills Extending Renewable Energy Tax Exemption to Commercial Properties in Florida Clears First Senate Stop

A pair of Senate bills that would encourage businesses to install solar panels in Florida cleared their first committee stop on Tuesday without opposition although environmentalists continued to push for broader tax exemptions and tax cuts.

In 2008, 61 percent of voters approved a constitutional amendment to provide the tax exemption for renewable energy and wind resistance improvements to residential properties in Florida. Last year the Legislature passed HB 277, which implemented the amendment but only for renewable energy.

Florida energy bill becomes law, includes biofuel tax exemptions

New energy legislation in the state of Florida became law April 14 despite Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s failure to sign the bill. The legislation, HB 7117, contains several measures aimed to encourage the development and expansion of the renewable energy sector within the state, including biofuels production and distribution. The bill also addresses policies and restrictions for growing certain strains of algae and cyanobacteria.

The bill specifically addresses biodiesel, ethanol and renewable fuel, which is defined as a fuel produced from biomass that is used to displace fossil transportation fuels. Under the legislation, a sales tax exemption is established for materials used in the distribution of B10-B100, E10-E100 and other renewables.