Watch CBS News

Florida Court Approves Controversial Solar Amendment For November Ballot

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — Voters will soon get the opportunity to vote on a utility-backed solar power initiative in Florida that opponents argue is meant to mislead the public.

The state's Supreme Court narrowly ruled Thursday that a constitutional amendment dealing with solar power can appear on November's ballot. The court split 4-3 over whether the proposal would mislead voters.

The proposal would allow homeowners the right to install solar panels. It also would allow local and state governments to continue regulating the use of solar power.

The court majority contended the amendment is worded clearly and doesn't violate the state's single-subject requirement.

Justice Barbara Pariente wrote a scathing dissent, saying the amendment is designed to fool those favoring solar power. That's because homeowners are already allowed under existing law to install solar panels.

Amendment backers have gathered enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.