Jim Rosica
Wednesday marks the beginning of “the official digital launch of the summer education campaign” of a proposed constitutional amendment on solar power.
Florida for Solar, Inc., championed by state Sen. Jeff Brandes, and Floridians 4 Lower Energy Costs are joining forces to get “Amendment 4” passed on the Aug. 30 primary ballot.
“Both organizations will be working together to gain support from voters through direct mail, digital and traditional media,” they said in a Tuesday press release.
The amendment would be a sort of tax break: It would exempt solar power equipment on homes from being counted toward a house’s value for property tax purposes.
It also would exempt from taxation solar energy devices on commercial and industrial properties. Those tax breaks would begin in 2018 and last for 20 years.
“Growing the solar market offers great opportunities for our economy,” Brandes said in a statement. “Floridians will have additional clean energy options, lower energy bills and lower taxes on this investment.”
The St. Petersburg Republican sponsored the amendment this past session with state Reps. Ray Rodrigues, a Fort Myers Republican, and Lori Berman, a Lantana Democrat, in the House.
It’s now supported by The Nature Conservancy, Conservatives for Energy Freedom, the Florida Retail Federation, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
“We look forward to our partnership with Floridians 4 Lower Energy Costs and other groups to help move us one step closer to better options for renewable energy equipment in the state,” Brandes said.
Websites:
Florida for Solar — http://floridaforsolar.com
Floridians 4 Lower Energy Costs — http://www.yeson4.org
