Florida Gov. Rick Scott has signed a law that will allow property tax exemptions for solar, wind, and geothermal installations on commercial and residential properties, after the measure passed a state ballot with 73% approval and produced unanimous agreement in both chambers of the state legislature.
Scott, last known for banning references to “climate change” and “global warming” in state communications, was in the unfamiliar position of receiving praise from industry bodies like Advanced Energy Economy.
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“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, AEE’s associate director of energy policy and analysis. “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. “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.”
“Solar is a massively growing industry that is creating jobs all across the Sunshine State,” said Tom Carlson, regulatory and legislative affairs manager at EDF Renewable Energy, a North American renewables giant with more than nine gigawatts of installed wind, solar, bioenergy, and storage. “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.”
