Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Understanding Amendment 4: Tax exemptions for solar devices or renewable energy source devices

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– Florida TaxWatch, the state’s premier nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog, has always committed itself to educating and informing Florida voters on critical policy issues affecting them. As part of this critical mission, we have released the 2016 Florida Primary Voter Guide, featuring an in-depth analysis of Amendment 4 that will assist voters in making an informed decision on August 30th.

Guide to Amendment 4

Amendment 4 would authorize the Legislature to exempt the assessed value of solar or renewable energy source devices from the tangible personal property tax, and to authorize the Legislature to prohibit such devices from being considered in assessing the value of real property.

“Amendment 4 could not only save money for small and mid-size businesses, those savings can be passed on their customers," said Dominic M. Calabro, president and CEO of Tallahassee-based Florida Taxwatch. “Being green is good business sense in today’s environment. It’s a great thing to do in the Sunshine State, and I think it has very substantial support.”

“Florida TaxWatch has been a leader in voter education for the last 36 years and we encourage all voters to read our guide when making a decision on Amendment 4,” said Florida TaxWatch Executive Vice President Robert Weissert. “This detailed guide explains what the Amendment is and what a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote means. It is crucial that Floridians understand what exactly they are voting for before heading to the polls.”

Amendments 1, 2, 3 and 5 will be voted on during the General Election, taking place on November 8th. Florida TaxWatch will release a second voter guide analyzing those amendments in October. Read the 2016 Florida Primary Voter Guide here.