FL S1678

Creates the Energy Equity Task Force adjunct to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to recommend policies for a fair and equitable transition to renewable energy in minority, underserved, rural, and low-income communities

Task force consists of at least 11 members reflecting the state's ethnic and gender diversity, with 9 appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture (including community representatives, an environmental justice expert, an electrical worker representative, energy industry liaisons, and an environmentalist), 1 by the Senate President, and 1 by the House Speaker

Duties include recommending policies for equitable siting of energy infrastructure such as utility-scale and industrial solar arrays, ensuring compatibility with local comprehensive plans

Task force must also examine strategies to help minority, underserved, rural, and low-income communities transition to energy efficiency through appliances, weatherization, and other methods to lower energy costs

Report of recommendations due to the Governor, Commissioner of Agriculture, Senate President, and House Speaker by September 30, 2023, after which the task force expires; effective date of July 1, 2022