Florida Supreme Court

Florida Court Narrowly Approves Solar Amendment for Ballot

Florida voters will get a chance to vote on a utility-backed solar power initiative.

The Florida Supreme Court narrowly ruled Thursday that a constitutional amendment dealing with solar power can appear on November's ballot. The court split 4-3 over whether the proposal would mislead voters.

The proposal would allow homeowners the right to install solar panels. It also would allow local and state governments to continue regulating the use of solar power.

The court majority contended the amendment is worded clearly and doesn't violate the state's single-subject requirement.

Justice Barbara Pariente wrote a scathing dissent, saying the amendment is designed to fool those favoring solar power. That's because homeowners are already allowed under existing law to install solar panels.

Amendment backers have gathered enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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