House Bill 143 (HB 143) establishes a tax credit program for owners of "resilient buildings," which are defined as buildings that hold specific Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications. Building owners can apply for a tax credit against their tax liability, which is limited to one claim per building. To qualify, owners must submit an application to the Department of Environmental Protection by March 1 of the year following their building's LEED certification, providing necessary documentation such as proof of certification and a commitment to report annual energy use data. The tax credit amounts vary based on the level of LEED certification and can be claimed for up to five years. The bill also establishes the Florida Resilient Building Advisory Council to recommend policies for enhancing resilient building practices in the state.
Additionally, the bill amends the Florida Statutes to include the new tax credit under section 220.197 in the calculation of "adjusted federal income," ensuring it is recognized in tax calculations. It clarifies that certain existing credits should not lead to duplicate additions to taxable income in subsequent years. The language in section 220.13 is adjusted to prevent double counting of tax benefits by ensuring that the same amount cannot be claimed as both a deduction and a credit. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, coinciding with the start of the next fiscal year.
Statutes affected: H 143 Filed: 213.053, 220.02, 220.13