Solar panel tariffs threaten to slow industry growth in Florida

Fees on solar panel imports imposed this week by the Trump administration threaten to increase customer costs and cut solar energy growth by as much as 11% over the next five years, but some in the industry remain optimistic that the roadblock will be temporary. A Riviera Beach-based solar panel manufacturer could even benefit from increased demand. More from the Palm Beach Post, the New York Times, and the L.A. Times.

See also:
» Solar Energy Industries Association: President's decision on solar tariffs is a loss for America
» Washer, solar tariffs threaten Jacksonville gains
» Babcock Ranch prepared for new solar technology tariff
» Trump's solar panel tariff scrambles traditional GOP, Democratic party views

Florida Supreme Court going live on Facebook

In a decision praised by those who believe transparency could help unlock the mysteries of the judicial system, the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday announced it will become one of the first courts in the world to air its proceedings on social media. Full news release from the Supreme Court is here. Also read more at the Palm Beach Post and the Tallahassee Democrat.

Florida quietly cut deal to cap fees in water wars

Florida has worked out a deal to cap the amount of money that will be paid to law firms hired to help the state in its long-running water war with Georgia. Some Republican legislators last year complained about the escalating costs and initially refused to sign off on any additional payments. [Source: AP]

Florida researchers handed greening boost

Three University of Florida (UF) scientists will use $10.52 million in federal grants to study ways to help beleaguered citrus growers cope with citrus greening disease, including research on genetic editing that may produce potentially resistant fruit and trees. Full news release from UF, here.

Nurse shortages in Florida might be reduced by new multi-state license

Florida nurses can apply now for a multi-state license, which might boost their employment options. In turn, the state’s decision to make it easier for out-of-state nurses to come to Florida could reduce workforce shortages, especially during the busier winter months. [Source: Naples Daily News]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida House looks to spend $50 million on opioid battle [CBS Miami]
The Florida House wants to target $50 million toward opioid treatment and prevention in the upcoming year and spend about $1 million on a statewide prescription-drug database, the top House health-care budget writer said Tuesday.

› Mayport’s newest ship stuck in Canada until at least middle of March [Florida Times-Union]
The next few months will be much colder than expected for the crew of the USS Little Rock as they ride out frigid temperatures in Montreal, Canada instead of acclimating to the warmer climate of Northeast Florida.

› Why will Atlanta United train some in Florida? [My AJC]
Atlanta United will leave its $60 million training facility in six days and continue its preseason training in Florida. Because the team will spend a lot of time outside working on tactics and fitness, the team would prefer weather that is slightly more comfortable.

› CEO Nancy Tower’s goal for Tampa Electric: renewable energy [Tampa Bay Times]
Tampa Electric Co.’s future will be green if new CEO Nancy Tower has anything to say about it. Speaking at a panel Tuesday, Tower outlined her vision for pushing the Tampa-based utility toward renewable energy.

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› South Florida bank seeks incentives to expand headquarters [South Florida Business Journal]
An unidentified bank that fits the description of Miami Lakes-based Bank United has applied for taxpayer incentives to expand its headquarters here and add 170 new full-time jobs.

› Florida House committee eyes menu of potential tax cuts [Palm Beach Post]
A further reduction in a business-lease taxes, lifting sales taxes on diapers and aircraft and holding sales-tax “holidays” were among proposals that a key House committee heard Monday as lawmakers start to put together a tax-cut package for the coming year.

› Jaguars owner Shad Khan appointed to NFL’s new joint player-owner committee on social justice [Florida Times-Union]
Jaguars owner Shad Khan was appointed Tuesday to a new NFL joint player-owner committee that focuses on social justice.

› Tampa micro housing advocates find big demand for living small [Tampa Bay Times]
When Omar Garcia announced plans to transform a vacant downtown office building into 120 micro apartments of about 300 square feet each, the calls and checks poured in.