Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschOctober 13, 2016

Electrical workers have joined Florida firefighters and others in supporting the constitutional amendment to expand solar energy in the Sunshine State. On Thursday, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) announced its endorsement of the Consumers for Smart Solar, the coalition of business, civic, and faith leaders behind Florida Constitutional Amendment 1 on the Nov. […]

Phil AmmannOctober 11, 2016

As solar energy expands across Florida, firefighters say uniform rules on the installation and maintenance of solar panels are necessary to keep first responders safe in case of emergencies at places producing solar energy. That’s why the Florida Professional Firefighters are the latest group supporting the constitutional amendment to promote solar energy production throughout the […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 30, 2016

Most Floridians say they are backing a solar amendment on the ballot this November, even though they may not be entirely sure what it will do. POLITICO Florida is reporting on a new St. Leo University poll that voters are strongly behind the solar ballot initiative Amendment 1, which claims to give Florida residents the […]

Joe HendersonSeptember 16, 2016

In the Aug. 30 primary, Florida voters made it unmistakably clear how they feel about solar energy. Nearly 73 percent of them voted to approve an amendment providing a tax break for businesses that convert to solar power. That was just what backers of clean energy in Florida wanted, of course. Now they have a […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 15, 2016

Florida’s top utility is kicking its solar capacity into high gear, celebrating the halfway mark of an audacious goal of one million solar panels in operation by the end of 2016. Florida Power & Light, the state’s largest solar power generator, announced Thursday the installation of its 500,000th solar panel, part of a plan to […]

Michael MolineSeptember 14, 2016

The lights seem likely to stay on in Florida for the next 10 years, utility industry representatives told the Public Service Commission Wednesday. Reserve margins for the electricity supply should exceed 20 percent during that time, due to increased reliance on natural gas — projected to hold steady at 65 percent of supply. Renewable energy […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 13, 2016

With the recent passage of Amendment 4, you might be under the impression that the Sunshine State is making hay from our abundant natural resource and creating a healthy amount of energy from solar. Not so. In fact, although Amendment 4 is a step in the right direction, it’s actually natural gas that carries the […]

Peter SchorschAugust 28, 2016

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With pro-solar constitutional amendments on ballots this year, it’s a good time to talk about the state of clean energy in Florida. Contrary to the fear-and-loathing narrative that portrays the Sunshine State as a clean energy laggard, the reality is Florida’s energy landscape is bright. Consider these widely repeated claims: “Florida ranks third in solar potential […]

Mitch PerryAugust 17, 2016

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Unlike that other solar power constitutional amendment that Floridians will decide on in the fall, seemingly everyone supports Amendment Four, the only ballot measure on this month’s primary ballot. Virtually everyone that is, except Al Sharpton. The New York City-based activist and MSNBC host bashed the measure while making an appearance last week in Opa-Locka. Amendment […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerJuly 15, 2016

Florida Realtors has announced its support for Amendment 4, a measure on the Aug. 30 primary ballot that would extend a tax break for solar devices on homes to businesses and industrial facilities. The amendment, sponsored by Sen Jeff Brandes and Rep. Ray Rodrigues in the 2016 session, would exempt solar units from both property taxes and tangible personal property taxes […]

Tag: solar energy

Electrical Workers Union latest group saying ‘yes’ to Florida solar Amendment 1

Florida firefighters say solar Amendment 1 ‘protects first responders’

Polling shows voters support solar Amendment 1, without understanding what it does

Joe Henderson: For solar energy supporters, Amendment 1 raises red flags

FPL halfway to sunny goal of 1 million solar panels installed by year’s end

Florida utilities keeping up with demand for electricity

Tom Matthews: Amendment 4 is good start, but natural gas necessary for Florida economy, environment

Eric Silagy: Florida Power & Light endorses solar amendments, urges optimism about clean energy in Florida

Jeff Brandes disagrees with Al Sharpton’s critique of Amendment Four

Florida Realtors announce support for amendment that would extend tax break for solar devices

Florida politics had 11 questions before federal qualifying week. Here are the answers.