On November 10, 2005 Former Governor Jeb Bush signed an executive order [PDF - 70 KB] to develop a statewide comprehensive energy plan. On December 14th, 2005, the Department hosted the 2005 Florida Energy Forum [PDF - 1.6 MB], bringing together energy experts and business, industry and environmental leaders to share their insight and expertise on Florida’s current and future energy demands.

As a result, the State of Florida through the Department of Environmental Protection developed the 2006 Florida Energy Plan [PDF - 767 KB] evaluating the state’s current and future energy needs and outlining proposals for reducing regulatory barriers, diversifying energy sources, encouraging conservation and providing economic incentives to develop alternative energy technology.

By evaluating Florida’s current and future energy supply and demand, the Department developed a suite of recommendations that provide the basis for a far-reaching energy strategy. The completed plan was issued to Former Governor Jeb Bush on January 17, 2006 by the Department of Environmental Protection.

The recommendations were submitted as Senate Bill 888 and passed by the 2006 Florida Legislature. The bill created the Florida Renewable Energy Technologies & Energy Efficiency Act and the Florida Energy Commission. The bill establishes the Renewable Energy Technologies Grants Program, the Solar Energy System Incentives Program, and provides a sales tax holiday for energy efficient products. In addition, the bill amends the Florida Power Plant Siting Act to streamline permitting for new power plants and promote the use and development of biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen and other renewable fuels.