A bipartisan opposition coalition has successfully defeated a utility company - backed measure to remove restrictions on solar power in the state of Florida . “This is such a punch in the jaw to the utilities that sponsored this amendment,” said Scott Thomasson, director of new markets at Vote Solar, in an interview. The measure was voted down , failing to win the 60 % it needed to pass despite more than $ 25 m in support from large energy companies . The coalition opposing the measure is made up of solar companies , environmental organisations , Tea Party groups and elected officials . Florida law only allows utilities to sell electricity to customers ; the Solar Choice amendment would have removed that limitation .
A bipartisan opposition coalition has successfully defeated a utility company - backed measure to remove restrictions on solar power in the state of Florida . The measure was voted down , failing to win the 60 % it needed to pass despite more than $ 25 m in support from large energy companies . The coalition opposing the measure is made up of solar companies , environmental organisations , Tea Party groups and elected officials . Florida law only allows utilities to sell electricity to customers ; the Solar Choice amendment would have removed that limitation .