Solar Rebates in Florida (2026)

Florida has no state solar rebate or state income tax credit, but it offers something arguably more valuable: a permanent property-tax exemption on solar-added home value, a permanent sales-tax exemption on solar equipment, and statewide 1:1 net metering. With Florida average residential rates at $0.16/kWh and abundant sunshine, the no-rebate problem is offset by exceptional production and full-retail export credit. The 30% federal 25D credit applies. Solar payback in Florida averages 6–9 years — among the strongest in the country. The biggest watchpoint is net metering politics: SB 1024 (2022) tried to gut net metering and was vetoed by Governor DeSantis; the legislature has not revived it through 2025.

Florida solar programs available

Program	Amount	Type	Authority	Deadline
Federal 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit	30% of cost	Tax credit	IRS	Dec 31 2032
Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy	100% of added home value	Tax credit	Florida Department of Revenue	Permanent
Sales Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems	100% of equipment sales tax	Tax credit	Florida Department of Revenue	Permanent
Net Metering (1:1 retail rate)	Full retail rate per kWh exported	Net metering	Florida PSC	Ongoing
Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF)	Up to $50,000 low-interest	Loan	SELF nonprofit	Ongoing
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)	Up to 100% project finance	Loan	Multiple PACE administrators	Ongoing
JEA Solar Net Billing (Jacksonville)	Wholesale rate buyback (lower)	Net metering	JEA municipal utility	Ongoing
Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) Net Metering	Tiered rate buyback	Net metering	OUC municipal	Ongoing

Eligibility quick check

Does Florida 1:1 net metering apply to all utilities?

Investor-owned utilities (FPL, Duke, TECO) follow the PSC 1:1 rule. Municipal utilities (JEA, OUC, Lakeland, Tallahassee) and rural cooperatives set their own — most are similar but a few use lower wholesale rates.

How do I apply for the property-tax exemption?

File Form DR-418C with your county property appraiser. Submit before the property assessment date (typically January 1).

How to stack with the federal credit

Florida programs combine with the federal 25D 25D Credit (30% of cost, no cap) — see the 25D guide for filing instructions and forms.

Worked stacking example

Tampa homeowner with 8 kW system at $20,000: 30% federal 25D = $6,000 + sales-tax savings ~$1,200 (6%) + 1:1 net metering credit = effective payback 7 years.

Frequently asked questions

How much does solar save in Florida? +

Average 8 kW system in Florida produces ~12,000 kWh/year. At $0.16/kWh that is $1,920/year. Total system cost $20,000 → 30% credit = $14,000 net → 7.3-year payback.

What happens if Florida ends net metering? +

SB 1024 (2022) attempted to phase out 1:1 net metering and impose grid fees on solar customers. Governor DeSantis vetoed it. Legislative attempts may return — installs completed under current rules grandfather for 20 years.

Are there hurricane-related solar concerns? +

Florida solar must meet wind-load standards (typically 150+ mph for coastal counties). Modern systems with proper engineering survive Category 4 hurricanes — but battery backup adds resilience value beyond rebates.

Can I claim the property-tax exemption on a primary or secondary home? +

Both. The exemption applies to any Florida residential property with eligible solar improvement.

Is JEA a worse net metering deal than FPL? +

Yes. JEA pays wholesale (~$0.04/kWh) for excess generation. FPL pays full retail (~$0.13/kWh). For Jacksonville homeowners this matters — battery storage has stronger economics on JEA territory.

Are batteries eligible for Florida sales-tax exemption? +

Yes. The state exemption covers the entire solar energy system including batteries — written broadly enough to include storage components.

Does PACE financing affect my mortgage? +

PACE is a property-tax-attached loan. It transfers with the home but most mortgage lenders require PACE payoff at refinance. Check before signing.

Are there utility-specific Florida rebates? +

No major investor-owned utility offers a solar PV rebate in 2026. OUC operates a small loyalty rebate. Most value comes from the federal credit + property/sales-tax exemptions + net metering.

Florida payback vs other states? +

Florida ranks top-10 nationally for solar payback despite no state rebate, thanks to high production + 1:1 net metering + tax exemptions.

Can renters get solar in Florida? +

Federal 25D requires homeownership. Sunrun and SunPower offer leases that include 25-year warranties without homeowner credit eligibility — but the leasing company captures the federal credit.