A proposed amendment to the Florida constitution that would give renewable energy and solar-panel tax breaks to businesses will be on August's statewide primary ballot.
House Joint Resolution 193, a bipartisan measure by Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg), Rep. Ray Rodrigues (R-Fort Myers) and Rep. Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach), passed both the state House and Senate on Wednesday. It would exempt solar panels or other renewable energy devices from tangible personal property taxes installed on commercial and industrial property.
“If approved by the voters, we have an opportunity to become a leader in solar and bring thousands of jobs to this state," Brandes said in a news release. "I am confident that the voters will approve this amendment with overwhelming support.”
Once implemented by the legislature, the tax incentives of the amendment will begin in 2018 and extend for 20 years.
The proposed amendment must get a yes vote from at least 60 percent of voters to pass.