A newly filed bill aims to encourage the development of solar energy while ensuring agricultural lands used for solar installations are restored once solar facilities reach the end of their use.

Crestview Republican Rep. Nathan Boyles filed the measure ( HB 193 ). Fleming Island Republican Sen. Jennifer Bradley filed an identical bill ( SB 200 ) in the Senate, cosponsored by Pensacola Republican Sen. Don Gaetz .

The bill aims to protect and preserve Florida’s farmlands, encourage the growth of solar energy in the state, regulate solar facility development and strengthen oversight of storm protection planning.

Under the legislation, counties would be able to adopt ordinances that require solar facilities that have a capacity of one megawatt or more to be decommiss

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