Vote Solar & Business Groups Commend Governor Rick Scott for Signing onto Solar
SB 90 – Solar Implementing Bill Signed Today
Today, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed solar energy legislation, Senate Bill 90 (SB 90), to increase clean energy, solar production and job creation for Florida. SB 90 enacts Amendment 4, a ballot measure receiving an overwhelming 73 percent voter support during last August 30 primary election. The Republican-backed bill also received tremendous lawmaker approval and passed unanimously in both the Florida Senate and House.
Below are statements from the bill sponsors, Vote Solar, and many statewide associations in response to Governor Scott’s approval of SB 90.
“Governor Scott’s approval comes on the heels of overwhelming support for solar progress over the last year. In August, nearly 3 of every 4 voters embraced the opportunity to move solar forward in the Sunshine State. During the legislative session, every lawmaker, on both sides of the aisle, delivered on that promise,” said Scott Thomasson, Southeast Director for Vote Solar. “Governor Scott’s approval signals that Florida is open for businesses, jobs and private investments. We thank Senator Jeff Brandes and House Leader Ray Rodrigues for working tirelessly on behalf of Floridians to increase energy choices, create local jobs, and promote healthier communities with solar.”
“Governor Scott answered the will of the voters today by signing Senate Bill 90, the sunshine state solar initiative allowing tax exemptions for business to install solar panels as an energy resource. This legislation implemented Amendment 4 from the August 30 primary, which passed by an overwhelming 73 percent vote,” said Senator Jeff Brandes (R, St. Petersburg). “I look forward to continuing our work to diversify Florida’s energy economy, so we can live up to our title as the Sunshine State and lead in renewable energy.”
“I commend Governor Scott for signing Senate Bill 90 and I am proud this legislation will move Florida closer to being a leading state for new solar jobs,” said House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues (R, Estero). “We were able to pass a balanced bill that will boost solar in Florida while ensuring customers are protected, thanks to constructive input from groups like Vote Solar and Solar Energy Industries Association, who helped get this important legislation over this finish line.”
“The Florida Chamber of Commerce applauds Governor Scott for leveling the playing field between commercial and residential solar by signing this bill into law,” said Christopher Emmanuel, Director of Infrastructure and Governance Policy at the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
“The Florida Retail Federation commends Governor Rick Scott for answering the will of the voters and signing SB 90 which implements solar Amendment 4,” said R. Scott Shalley, President of the Florida Retail Federation. “This law will help retailers throughout the sunshine state take advantage of needed incentives for solar energy.”
“A victory lap to the finish line on solar energy today. The Governor signed what 2 million voters called for last election cycle in Amendment 4,” said Julio Fuentes, President of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Our members include more than 604,000 Hispanic owned small businesses who support energy diversity and thank the Governor for signing and allowing this implementing bill to become law.”
“Tourism is Florida’s leading industry. Visitors and residents alike, will benefit from the energy savings resulting from the Governor allowing Amendment 4 to be implemented,” said Richard Turner, General Counsel and Vice President of Government Relations for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The hospitality industry is excited to support our lawmakers’ smart policies that promote sustainability and diversify our energy grid.”
All Florida lawmakers worked closely with clean energy and jobs advocates, including Vote Solar, the Solar Energy Industries Association, Advanced Energy Economy, and The Alliance for Solar Choice, to pass legislation that best serves Florida businesses and residents. The final bill has earned praise from a range of business, consumer and environmental organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, Florida Conservation Voters, and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.