HB 491 Summary - Energy

• Establishes a Florida Farm Renewable Energy Production Credit providing 1 cent per kilowatt-hour for electricity produced from renewable energy on operational farms, limited to $10 million per fiscal year through 2027, with priority allocation to historically underserved producers.

• Creates multiple energy efficiency grant programs: Residential Energy Efficiency Upgrades Program for low-income households, Wastewater Treatment Plant Energy Program for public facilities, and Farm Renewable and Efficiency Demonstrations Program for agricultural producers.

• Requires Public Service Commission to adopt rules for a Renewable and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard mandating utilities increase renewable energy use, subject to legislative ratification by February 1, 2023.

• Establishes greenhouse gas reduction goals (50% by 2030, 90% by 2050, 100% by 2055) and creates greenhouse gas registry requiring state entities, universities, utilities, and large businesses to track and report emissions beginning January 2023-2025.

• Authorizes floating solar installations on state stormwater management systems, establishes state building energy benchmarking program, and provides consumer protections for residential solar energy system purchasers.