Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschAugust 28, 2016

Agriculture-Commissioner-Adam-Putnam-L-and-FPL-President-and-CEO-Eric-Silagy-simultaneously-pull-the-switches-on-the-first-two-beams-at-the-Manatee-Solar-E-1024x1024.jpg

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 […]

Jim RosicaMay 31, 2016

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 […]

Staff ReportsMay 27, 2016

A pair of groups pushing solar energy-related changes to the state constitution will collaborate on an effort to pass Amendment 4 on the August 2016 ballot. Florida for Solar, Inc., spearheaded by Sen. Jeff Brandes, and Floridians 4 Lower Energy Costs will combine forces in order to try to surpass the 60 percent threshold needed for […]

Julie DelegalApril 17, 2016

Jim Kallinger and Dick Batchelor wrote in Context Florida last week that voters should support “Amendment 1,” which seeks to regulate solar energy in Florida. They disclose at the end of the article that they work for “Consumers for Smart Solar.” But voters may not know that “Consumers for Smart Solar” is a bankrolled front […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

Legislation that would exempt the value of solar-power and other “renewable energy” equipment from Floridians’ property tax bills was unanimously cleared by a Senate panel Monday. Part of the legislation (SB 172/SJR 170), sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes, would create a constitutional amendment required to enact the measure. It would have to be […]

Ryan RayNovember 30, 2015

A panel of state economists and analysts estimated Monday one of two dueling ballot initiatives dealing with solar energy voters may consider will not have any affect on state or local government spending should it pass. The meeting was the panel’s second on the topic, and confirmed the estimate as well as drafted a definitive […]

Ryan RayNovember 23, 2015

A panel of state economists and analysts estimated Monday one of two dueling ballot initiatives dealing with solar energy voters may consider on the November 2016 elections will not have any impact on state spending should it pass. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference, a slate of economists for the Legislature and executive branch, held a […]

Peter SchorschNovember 17, 2015

Notorious former lobbyist Jack Abramoff tells anyone who will listen he really wants to improve his image. Fronting a shady, dark money organization is not the best way to go about it. Tuesday morning, Abramoff enters the Florida solar energy fray with an appearance at a news conference hosted by Conservatives for Energy Freedom. The media […]

Tag: solar energy
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

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

PR campaign to launch for solar amendment

Solar groups to unite in support of Amendment 4

Julie Delegal: Pro-solar consumers beware: Vote no on Amendment 1

Jeff Brandes’ renewable energy bills easily clear committee

State economists confirm estimate “Smart Solar” amendment will not increase public spending

State economists say “Smart Solar” amendment unlikely to have fiscal impact

Tough questions for Jack Abramoff, in Tallahassee today for shady solar advocates