FAIR believes that it’s critically important for communities to recover quickly after disasters and catastrophic events. People need to be able to go about their day-to-day lives and live safely and comfortably in their homes; businesses need to open their doors to customers and quickly become operational again to service their communities. Solar provides a valuable supplement to the FP&L grid, especially during these post-catastrophe times. Property owners should be able to make the choice to invest in solar energy without having to worry about additional taxes.
As you know, Amendment 4 will be on the August primary ballot – unanimously supported by the Legislature. It will exempt renewable energy devices from several burdensome taxes for a twenty-year period. Amendment 4 will bring economic and environmental benefits for Floridians by abating taxes on solar energy equipment. It will reduce the cost of energy, create local jobs and open up the opportunity for solar power for Floridians with financing that will serve a more diverse consumer base.
For instance, it will exempt solar systems from the tangible personal property tax which can add as much as 5 cents per kilowatt-hour to the cost of solar power. We should make it easier—not costlier—for families and businesses to take advantage of the sun’s abundant energy.
Amendment 4 Grows Florida’s Economy
Developing solar power is important for Florida’s economy because it can create local jobs throughout the state, protect against rising power bills low and keep our energy dollars at home working in our communities. Florida currently sends billions of dollars for fuels from out-of-state like coal and natural gas. Much of this could be diverted to support local jobs and businesses by taking advantage of the free energy from the sun. Florida ranks third in the nation for rooftop solar potential, yet ranks fourteenth nationally in installed solar. Enacting favorable solar policies, such as the tax abatement offered by Amendment 4, could help Florida catch up to other states that are already creating jobs in the solar industry and contributing millions of dollars in economic development.
Amendment 4 Preserves Our Environment
The passage of Amendment 4 would not just support Florida’s economy but also protect its environment. The impacts of climate change are becoming clear with higher tides and more flooding as the sea level rises. We must show leadership and adopt clean, renewable energy to do our part in protecting our communities and treasured places from further environmental harm.
How You Can Endorse
To endorse Amendment 4, please fill out the attached endorsement form and email it to yes4solar@gmail.com. Endorsements will be featured on the Yes4Solar Facebook page. Additional information is on the attached fact sheet and at www.yeson4.org.