Principal Attorney, Tax Abatement

NextEra Energy•Juno Beach, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

NextEra Energy is seeking an experienced Tax Abatement Attorney to join our legal team, specializing in property tax matters within the energy sector. This role will focus on securing tax incentives, managing abatement processes, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal tax regulations for renewable energy projects, traditional generation facilities, and transmission infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in property tax law, energy-related incentives, and government relations.

Requirements

Member in Good Standing of State Bar
Juris Doctorate
Bachelor's Degree
Experience: 2+ years

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive tax abatement strategies for solar, wind, battery storage, and traditional energy projects
Navigate Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements and negotiate favorable terms with local taxing authorities
Manage Industrial Development Agency (IDA) applications and maintain ongoing compliance requirements
Structure transactions to maximize available tax credits including Investment Tax Credits (ITC) and Production Tax Credits (PTC)
Draft and review legal documents including abatement applications, PILOT agreements, and incentive contracts.
Maintain detailed records of abatement filings and outcomes for audit and reporting purposes.
Ensure compliance with property tax assessment procedures and deadlines across multiple jurisdictions
Challenge excessive property tax valuations through administrative appeals and litigation when necessary
Monitor changes in tax legislation affecting energy infrastructure and renewable energy projects
Coordinate with external counsel on complex multi-jurisdictional matters
Partner with development, finance, and operations teams during project planning phases to identify tax optimization opportunities
Provide legal guidance on the tax implications of asset transfers, mergers, and acquisitions
Support regulatory filings and rate case proceedings involving tax components
Collaborate with accounting teams to ensure proper tax provision calculations and reporting
Build and maintain relationships with local government officials, assessors, and economic development agencies
Represent the company in negotiations with taxing authorities and local communities
Coordinate with external tax consultants and specialized legal counsel as needed
Provides written and oral legal advice to clients
Anticipates and guards against legal risks involving the organization
Works to ensure budget compliance and avoids the need for outside counsel
Ensures disclosure of potentially material legal issues to senior leadership
Performs other job-related duties as assigned