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Floridians may finally get to take advantage of the vast amounts of sunshine to power their houses. A new state law will offer incentives for homeowners to switch to solar energy. As Matt Horn reports, the law is a good first step, but there is still work to be done.

Governor Rick Scott toured start up company Bing energy. State funds are helping the company grow. Another new state law also approved by Scott will help the sunshine state live up to its name…offering incentives for people to switch to solar.

”They have to look at what works for their family. We need to get a return on investment,” said Governor Rick Scott.

In 2008 – Florida voters approved a measure forbidding a property appraiser from raising a homes taxable value because the homeowner installed solar. But Lawmakers ignored the mandate until this past spring. Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda sponsored the measure that hadn’t gone any where for four years.

”We’ve done the right thing by the people, we’ve respected their will. We’ve respected what they’ve wanted to do and it’s going to be good for the state of Florida and good for the environment,” said Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda.

Solar Energy companies call the legislation a step in the right direction. ”A lot more incentives and we’ll see a lot more business come to Florida,” said Al Simpler.

Supporters still worry Florida hasn’t done enough.

”The three surrounding states, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia all have more incentive than the state of Florida,” said Simpler.

But the new law will allow Floridians to take full advantage of the sun – and save money in the long run for doing it.