Despite united opposition from the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, AARP, ratepayer advocate Florida Public Counsel J.R. Kelly and others, a House subcommittee voted Tuesday in favor of a bill that would allow investor-owned electric utilities to charge ratepayers for speculative oil and natural gas exploration, fracking and drilling ventures in other states.

Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, sponsored HB 1043, which the Energy and Utilities Subcommittee passed by a 9-6 vote. If the bill receives final approval, it would allow utilities with at least 65 percent natural gas-fueled generation to charge customers, rather than shareholders, for "prudent" investments in gas reserves and associated expenses.

RELATED: Eminent domain and a BBQ: When they cut a pipeline through your land

FPL is the only electric utility in Florida that uses that much natural gas. FPL officials have repeatedly stated they have no plans to conduct oil or natural gas drilling or fracking in Florida.

Kelly said the Florida Public Service Commission would still have to approve the investments, but if the wells don’t produce as expected, the utility would not have to give ratepayers a refund. In addition, earthquakes, water pollution and other environmental issues could crop up. The PSC lacks authority to regulate companies outside Florida, he said.

RELATED: Natural gas pipeline construction approved, will supply FPL

Florida statutes define an electric utility’s purpose as generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, but tapping into energy reserves outside the state isn’t part of their core operations, Kelly said.

"There are no guarantees in the natural gas exploration, drilling, fracking world," Kelly said.

AARP Florida Advocacy Manager Jack McRay expressed disappointment after the vote: "It is a basic free-market principle that if you bear the risk, you deserve the reward. This legislation turns that principle on its head. The legislation asks ratepayers to foot the bill for risky utility company exploration projects in other states. This legislation is a prime example of intervening in the marketplace to pick winners and losers — and AARP believes ratepayers would be the losers."

RELATED: Protesters to target Sabal Trail, other gas pipelines as Trump departs

Rep. Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, voted against the bill, saying she that she doesn’t want to approve anything speculative that could end up hurting those on fixed incomes.

Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, R-Orlando, who opposed it, said: "We couldn’t find a consumer who was willing to come in here and say this is a good idea. The folks paying the bill are in unison against it."

Those in favor of the bill — including Rep. Jason Fischer, R-Jacksonville, who started his career as an engineer at FPL, and Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota — said allowing utilities to invest in natural gas ventures will drive down costs for consumers.

"I trust Florida Power & Light. I feel like they are the experts in this area," said Rep. Kimberly Daniels, D-Jacksonville, in lending her support.

Last May, in a win for FPL customers, the Florida Supreme Court reversed a PSC decision allowing FPL to charge ratepayers for a fracking venture in Oklahoma.

The bill next moves to the full House Commerce Committee. A Senate version of the legislation, SB 1238, has received fast-track consideration and passed unanimously out of the Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee , AARP said.