Florida Alternative Fuel Dealer
Hydrogen and Biofuels Tax Exemption
Through July 1, 2010, the sale or use of the following is exempt from Florida state sales, rental, use, consumption, distribution, and storage tax: 1) hydrogen powered vehicles and related materials, and hydrogen fueling stations, up to a maximum of $2 million in taxes in each fiscal year in aggregate; 2) materials used in the distribution of biodiesel (B10-B100) and ethanol (E10-E100), including fueling infrastructure, transportation, and storage, up to a maximum of $1 million in taxes in each fiscal year for all taxpayers. Gasoline fueling station dispenser retrofits for ethanol (E10-E100) distribution also qualify for this exemption. (Reference Florida Statutes 212.08)
Hydrogen and Biofuels Investment Tax Credit
A credit against the state sales and use tax is available for costs incurred between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2010, for the following: 1) 75% of all capital, operation and maintenance, and research and development costs incurred in connection with an investment in hydrogen-powered vehicles and hydrogen vehicle fueling stations in the state, up to a maximum of $3 million in each fiscal year for all taxpayers; and 2) 75% of all capital operation and maintenance, and research and development costs incurred in connection with an investment in the production, storage, and distribution of biodiesel (B10-B100) and ethanol (E10-E100) in the state, up to a maximum of $6.5 million in each fiscal year for all taxpayers. This includes the costs of constructing, installing, and equipping such technologies; gasoline fueling station dispenser retrofits for ethanol (E10-E100) distribution also qualify.
Credits may be used in tax years beginning January 1, 2007, and ending December 31, 2010. If the credit is not fully used in any one tax year because of insufficient tax liability on the part of the corporation, the unused amount may be carried forward and used in tax years beginning January 1, 2007, and ending December 31, 2012. For tax years beginning January 1, 2009, any entity which is allowed the investment tax credit may transfer the credit, in whole or in part, to any taxpayer by written agreement without transferring ownership interest in the qualified property.
(Reference House Bill 7135, 2008, and Florida Statutes 220.192)
Ethanol Mandate
Beginning December 31, 2010, all gasoline sold or offered for sale in the state by a terminal supplier, importer, blender, or wholesaler must contain 9-10% ethanol by volume (E10). 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 vehicle, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, or small engines. If a terminal supplier, importer, blender, or wholesaler is unable to obtain ethanol fuel or E10 at the same or lower price as unblended gasoline, then the covered entity may apply for a waiver. (Reference House Bill 7135, 2008)
Alternative Fuels Study
The Florida Energy and Climate Commission (FECC) is required to conduct a study to evaluate and recommend lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with all renewable fuels including biodiesel, renewable diesel, biobutanol, and ethanol derived from any source. FECC must also evaluate and recommend that all renewable fuels introduced into state commerce reduce lifecycle GHG emissions by an average percentage. FECC may also evaluate and recommend the benefits associated with the creation, banking, transfer, and sale of GHG emissions credits among fuel refiners, blenders, and importers. FECC must submit specific recommendations to the state legislature no later than December 31, 2010. (Reference House Bill 7135, 2008)
Alternative Fuel License
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)
