Reference: (Article X is Miscellaneous)
Article X, Section ??
Ballot Title:
TAX REBATE FOR THE PURCHASE OF SOLAR WATER HEATERS
Ballot Summary
America is dependent on foreign oil and non-renewable
energy sources. Drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico, burning coal, and
importing oil are unattractive options for meeting the energy needs of the “Sunshine State.” To reduce our dependence on these energy sources, this amendment
implements a tax rebate on the purchase and installation of solar water
heaters as a matter of Homeland Security. Provides definitions and requires
the legislature to promptly implement this amendment.
Full Text:
Tax Rebate For The Purchase Of Solar Water Heaters
(Some wording below taken from SOLAR ENERGY STANDARDS ACT - Section 377.705, Fla. Stat.
http://www.flaseia.org/legislation/sec377.705.htm)
America’s dependence on foreign oil and non-renewable
energy sources has made us vulnerable to the whims and wishes of powerful
corporations and foreign nations. Drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico or
the pristine Alaskan wilderness, mining and burning coal, and importing oil
from the unstable middle east are unattractive options for meeting the energy
needs of Florida. To reduce our dependence on these energy sources, this
amendment implements a tax rebate on the purchase and installation of solar
water heaters and requires builders to offer reasonably priced solar
alternatives to electric and gas powered water heaters and electric lighting.
This is a matter of Homeland Security. Nicknamed the Sunshine State in 1970, Florida is the perfect environment in which to take advantage of the endless
supply of clean, inexpensive solar energy. Solar energy has been in limited
use in Florida for more than 30 years. The use of solar radiation to provide
energy for water heating, space heating, space cooling, and other uses,
through suitable absorbing equipment on or near a residence or commercial
structure, must be extensively expanded and encouraged. Unfortunately, the
initial costs with regard to the production of solar energy have been
prohibitively expensive. However, because of increases in the cost of
conventional fuel and the uncertainty of the supply of foreign oil, certain
applications of solar energy are becoming competitive, particularly when
life-cycle costs are considered. The use of solar water heaters is a step
toward reducing our dependence on foreign oil and other polluting fossil
fuels. The state shall provide rebates for the purchase of solar water
heaters and require builders to offer solar water heaters at reasonable
prices.
Provisions:
1. There will be a rebate of $1,000 or 50 percent of the
purchase and installation costs of solar water heaters, whichever is less.
2. Homeowner associations and condominium associations
will not be able to prohibit the installation of solar water heaters,
although reasonable restrictions may be placed on installations that face the
street.
3. Builders must offer reasonably priced solar
alternatives to electric or gas water heaters.
4. Builders must offer solar lighting alternatives, such
as solar tubes and solar electric lights at a reasonable price.
Funding:
Payment of the costs associated with this amendment will
be funded by the implementation of a 2 percent impact fee on the purchase of
any new electric or gas water heater for installation in any Florida residence. In three years this will be increased to a 5 percent impact fee.
(a) For purposes of this section, the following words and terms shall have the stated meanings:
“Non-renewable energy sources” include oil, coal, and natural gas.
"Solar energy" refers to energy obtained
from radiation emitted by the Sun.
“Solar radiation” is energy emitted by the sun in
the form of particles that can be converted into electric power.
“Absorbing equipment” refers to solar collecting
panels such as those used in pool heating.
“Residence” means the house, apartment, or other
dwelling in which someone lives.
“Commercial structure” refers to a physical place
of business.
“Initial costs” refer to the purchase price and
installation of a solar water heater.
“Conventional fuel” means fossil fuel.
“Life-cycle costs” include expenses incurred for
maintenance and replacement of equipment.
“Fossil fuels” are any carbon-containing fuels,
such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas, derived from the decomposed remains
of prehistoric plants and animals.
“Property tax” is the taxes a property owner pays
for a specific property.
“Reasonable prices” means fair market prices,
comparable to those of similar products.
“Impact fee” is an additional cost paid by the purchaser.
(b) Legislation. In the next regular legislative session
occurring after voter approval of this amendment, the Florida Legislature
shall adopt legislation to implement this amendment in a manner consistent
with its broad purpose and stated terms, and having an effective date no
later than July 1 of the year following voter approval. Such legislation
shall include, without limitation, provisions for administrative enforcement;
and the requirement and authorization of agency rules for implementation and
enforcement. Nothing herein shall preclude the Legislature from enacting any
law constituting or allowing a more expansive rebate program than is provided
in this section.
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