When it comes to the installation of solar panels for homes on residential real property the Florida legislature has affirmed that the State of Florida has no intention of taxing the sunshine.
Property Tax Reform for Solar Panels for Homes
Things are starting to look promising for Florida homeowners seeking the installation of solar panels for their home. The Florida legislature, both in the House and Senate unanimously approved for signing a bill that would prohibit the local Florida property tax assessor from adding the value of solar panels to the homes property tax assessment.
As stated in the related summary of the bill this measure was supported by Florida voters during the 2008 general election as a ballot amendment. The unanimous vote in both the Senate 39-0 and House 119-0 is now awaiting the signature of Florida Governor Scott and the provisions would take effect July 1, 2013. This is a small step forward for the residential solar panel installation market and gives many homeowners relief when looking to install solar panels for their home.
Florida has long lagged behind many other states particularly in residential solar panels for homes. Many people say that it is the cost of solar panels for homes that has kept people from installing solar panels but other argue that it has to do with prohibitive policy which this bill finally eliminates. Once a homeowner installs solar panels to reduce their energy bill they will not have to worry about their property taxes encroaching or eliminating their savings. Many assessors in Florida have not previously added taxes for home solar panels, but that was based on choice not law.
We congratulate our legislature for coming together in this truly bipartisan issue without objection and giving certainty to homeowners wishing to install solar panels on their home in Florida. Homeowners looking to install solar panels now have the certainty that their solar pool heating panels, solar photovoltaic PV panels, inverters, solar storage tanks, solar water heating panels, solar pumps and accessories will not add to their property tax bill. Certainty is what we believe as an industry will lead to a more competitive solar market in the State of Florida. Florida already has one of the most progressive solar energy net-metering policies and solar access laws. This policy adds to that benefit.
The bill was supported by the Florida Solar Energy Industries association, The Vote Solar Initiative, and sponsored by Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, Rep Diaz, Rep Berman and Rep Santiago. We thank them all for their efforts and look forward to Governor Rick Scott signing this bill into Law.
