Statement of AEE upon Passage by Florida Voters of Amendment 4, Exempting Solar, Renewable Energy from State Property Tax
[Washington, D.C. - Aug. 30, 2016] — Today, Advanced Energy Economy, a national business group active in Florida, issued the following statement upon reports of preliminary returns indicating voters have approved Amendment 4 on Florida's statewide primary ballot.
“Thanks to today’s vote, the Sunshine State is going to see a lot more solar installed and see the jobs that go with it grow,” said Graham Richard, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy. “Approval of Amendment 4 by the voters shows that Floridians want to make it cheaper and easier for homeowners and businesses to get the renewable energy they want. We thank Senator Brandes and Representatives Rodriguez, Berman, and Eagle for their leadership in this successful effort. We look forward to seeing the continued growth of Florida’s advanced energy industry thanks to policies like this that will spur economic growth and create jobs across the state.”
“The overwhelming support of Amendment 4 by Florida voters shows that the Florida market for advanced and alternative energy is open for business. The clean energy jobs which will be created here will continue the job growth in our state and I look forward to continuing to champion reforms to our energy market in support of a more diversified range of affordable options for Florida consumers,” said Florida State Senator Jeff Brandes (R—St. Petersburg), the sponsor of Amendment 4.
Background
Voters were asked to approve constitutional Amendment #4 in the statewide primary on Aug. 30. Amendment 4 which would extend a property tax exemption for renewable energy devices, including solar, on commercial and residential properties. The Vote Yes on 4 campaign describes the issue and explains the ballot language here. The ballot initiative was put forth by State Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) along with Representatives Ray Rodrigues (R-Fort Myers) and Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach), and passed by the Florida legislature in March of this year. The bill was supported by Rep. Dane Eagle (R-Cape Coral).
In 2015, advanced energy jobs in Florida, including solar energy, reached 140,000 workers, more than twice as many as in agriculture and more than in real estate, with advanced energy jobs expected to grow 4 percent this year. A report by Navigant Research for AEE valued the Florida advanced energy market at $6.2 billion in revenue in 2014.
About Advanced Energy Economy
Advanced Energy Economy is a national association of businesses that are making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. Advanced energy encompasses a broad range of products and services that constitute the best available technologies for meeting energy needs today and tomorrow. AEE’s mission is to transform public policy to enable rapid growth of advanced energy businesses. AEE and its State and Regional Partner organizations are active in 26 states across the country, representing more than 1,000 companies and organizations in the advanced energy industry. Visit AEE online at www.aee.net
Background Materials:
- The 2016 Advanced Energy Jobs in Florida report is here.
- The 2015 Advanced Energy in Florida market report is here.
- Advanced Energy Now 2016 Market Report (U.S., global revenue) is here.
- Download the graph "Florida Employment by Industry" here.
- Download photo of AEE CEO Graham Richard here.
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Media Contact:
Monique Hanis
Director, Media Relations & Publications
Advanced Energy Economy
The business voice of advanced energy
202-391-0884 | mhanis@aee.net | www.AEE.net |