text: Articles 2014	February	3rd	Dems seek energy-efficient sales tax holiday	Dems seek energy-efficient sales tax holiday
  Monday, February 3, 10:56 AM ESTBy Jim Turner, The News Service of FloridaTwo Democratic lawmakers have filed measures to create a month-long sales tax holiday for purchases of energy-efficient appliances.
  However, the measures are expected to be overtaken in the Republican-dominated Legislature by an effort featuring Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam�s energy agenda for the 2014 session, including a similar sales tax holiday. That effort should be rolled out in a couple of weeks.
  The tax-free items would include compact fluorescent or light-emitting diode (LED) lighting fixtures, programmable thermostats, ceiling fans, dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, clothes washers, water heaters, and air-conditioner units that meet or exceed energy efficient requirements under the Environmental Protection Agency�s Energy Star program.
  The exemption wouldn�t apply for products purchased for commercial uses.
  Meanwhile, Putnam�s proposal should be ready by the second week of February, Aaron Keller, Putnam�s spokesman, said in an email on Friday.
  Putnam�s proposal also is expected to include an effort to cut in half the 7 percent sales tax on energy used by businesses, an expansion to commercial properties of an existing residential property-tax exemption on installing renewable-energy systems, and undertaking a study on Florida�s future natural-gas demands.
  Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, has proposed (SB 362) a 12-day period in June for hurricane-related items to be sales-tax free.
  The governor�s office has projected the discount when offered for 15 days would save consumers up to $20 million.
  Bradley�s measure goes before the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee today.
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