The list below contains summaries of all Florida incentives and laws related to Ethanol.
The Innovation Incentive Program within the Florida Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development provides resources for business projects that allow the state to compete effectively for high-value research and development, including alternative and renewable energy projects. To qualify, an alternative and renewable energy project must involve collaboration with an institution of higher education; provide the state a minimum full return on investment within a 20-year period; include matching funds from the applicant or other available sources; and be located in Florida. Additional criteria may apply. For the purpose of this incentive, alternative and renewable energy means electrical, mechanical, or thermal energy produced using one or more of the following energy sources: ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, biobutanol, biodiesel, biomass, biogas, hydrogen fuel cells, ocean energy, hydrogen, solar, hydro, wind, or geothermal. Incentive awards are subject to state funding availability. (Reference Florida Statutes 288.1089)
The Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies Grants Program and Farm to Fuel Grants Program provide matching grants for demonstration, commercialization, research, and development projects related to renewable energy technologies or bioenergy. Incentive awards are subject to state funding availability. As of June 2011, these programs have not been funded for 2011; however, federal funding may be available through the Florida Energy and Climate Commission to support selected state energy grant programs. (Reference Florida Statutes 377.804 and 570.954)
To stimulate local economic development, landowners may apply to amend the local government comprehensive plan to expand existing uses of rural agricultural industrial centers to include facilities that prepare biomass materials that can be used for the production of fuel, renewable energy, bioenergy, or alternative fuel. In addition, permit applications and local comprehensive plan amendments submitted for projects resulting in the production of biofuels or construction of a biofuel processing facility may be expedited. (Reference Florida Statutes 163.3177 and 403.973)
All gasoline sold or offered for sale by a terminal supplier, importer, blender, or wholesaler in Florida must contain 9-10% ethanol by volume. Ethanol fuel may be derived from any agricultural source. The fuel mandate does not apply to fuel used in aircrafts or watercrafts, fuel sold to a blender, or fuel sold for use in collector vehicles, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, or small engines. If a terminal supplier, importer, blender, or wholesaler is unable to obtain ethanol fuel at the same or lower price as unblended gasoline, then the covered entity may apply for a waiver. (Reference Florida Statutes 526.201-526.207)
When procuring new vehicles under a state purchasing plan, all Florida state agency, state university, community college, and local government fleets must select the vehicles with the greatest fuel efficiency available for a given use class. Exceptions may be made for emergency responder vehicles if these entities provide documentation. In addition, all state agencies must use ethanol and biodiesel blended fuels when available. State agencies administering central fueling operations for state-owned vehicles must purchase ethanol and biodiesel fuels to use in their vehicle fleet as much as possible. (Reference Florida Statutes 286.29)
The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS), in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), must conduct an analysis of fuel additives and biofuels the DOT uses through its central fueling facilities. The DMS must also encourage other state government entities to analyze transportation fuel usage, including the types and percentages of fuels consumed, and report this information to the DMS. (Reference Florida Statutes 287.16)
To create jobs and improve the state's general infrastructure, the Florida State Board of Administration may invest up to 1.5% of the net assets of the system trust fund in technology and growth investments of businesses operating in Florida, including businesses related to biofuels, renewable energy, and other related applications. (Reference Florida Statutes 215.47)
A person operating an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) must purchase an annual decal from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles to be exempt from the excise tax on gasoline. Fueling stations may not fuel a vehicle with propane or compressed natural gas that does not display the proper decal. State and local government AFV fleets are exempt from paying the decal fee. In addition to the state alternative fuel fee, a person fueling a vehicle from their own facility must pay a local alternative fuel fee instead of the excise tax a county levies. (Reference Florida Statutes 206.877)
An individual who wishes to be a wholesale distributor of an alternative fuel must first obtain a license from the Florida Department of Revenue. (Reference Florida Statutes 206.89)
County governments are eligible to receive waste reduction credits for using yard clippings, clean wood waste, or paper waste as feedstock for the production of clean-burning fuels such as ethanol. (Reference Florida Statutes 403.706)