Florida Solar Incentives Overview
Florida is the Sunshine State for a reason—with over 300 sunny days per year, solar makes perfect sense. Florida has strong net metering policies, generous tax exemptions, and utilities that actively support rooftop solar.
Current Incentive Summary
| Incentive | Value | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Federal ITC (PPA/Lease only in 2026) | 30% via 48E (company claims it) | Through Dec 2027 (PPA/Lease only) |
| Net Metering | Full retail rate | All IOUs |
| Property Tax Exemption | 100% exemption | All homeowners |
| Sales Tax Exemption | 6% exemption | All solar equipment |
Federal Tax Credit Update: What Changed in 2026
Important 2026 Update: The 30% residential ITC (25D) for homeowner-purchased solar systems (cash or loan) expired on December 31, 2025. There is no longer a federal tax credit for purchased systems.
- PPA/Lease: Solar company claims a 30% commercial credit (48E) through Dec 2027, typically passes savings to you as lower rates
- Purchased systems (cash/loan): No federal credit available in 2026
- Stackable: Combines with Florida tax exemptions
- Requirements: System must be at your primary residence
Example savings:
Every home is different. Chat with our AI to get numbers specific to your address, usage, and utility.
Florida Property Tax Exemption
Florida provides a 100% property tax exemption for residential renewable energy systems. This means installing solar will NOT increase your property taxes—any added value from solar is completely exempt.
- Exemption: 100% of added value is exempt
- Automatic: Applied when you install solar
- Savings: Can save $1,500-$4,000/year in property taxes over 20+ years
Sales Tax Exemption
Florida waives the 6% state sales tax on all solar equipment. This includes panels, inverters, mounting hardware, wiring, and battery storage systems.
- Savings: $1,000-$2,000 on typical system
- Automatic: Applied at point of sale by installer
- Covers: All solar equipment + batteries
Net Energy Metering
Florida requires investor-owned utilities to offer full retail net metering. This is one of the best net metering policies in the country—you receive credit at the exact rate you pay for electricity.
How Net Metering Works in Florida
- Credit Rate: Full retail rate ($0.13-0.16/kWh)
- System Size Limit: Up to 115% of annual usage
- Annual Payout: Excess credits paid in January
- Grandfathering: Rates locked for 20+ years
| Utility | Service Area | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| FPL | Most of Florida | Full retail |
| Duke Energy | Central/North Florida | Full retail |
| TECO | Tampa Bay | Full retail |
| FPU | North Florida | Full retail |
Utility Programs
FPL (Florida Power & Light)
- Net Metering: Full retail rate
- SolarTogether Program: Community solar option
- Energy Efficiency Rebates: Available for qualifying upgrades
Duke Energy Florida
- Net Metering: Full retail rate
- EnergyWise Home Program: Rebates for efficiency upgrades
- Solar Rebates: Occasional promotional offers
Tampa Electric (TECO)
- Net Metering: Full retail rate
- Energy Conservation Programs: Rebates available
- Solar Water Heating Incentives
Local Utility Programs
Several Florida municipalities and co-ops offer additional incentives:
- Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC): Battery rebate programs
- JEA (Jacksonville): Battery incentive programs
- City of Tallahassee: Energy efficiency loans
- Boynton Beach: Energy Edge Rebate program
- Dunedin: Solar Energy Grant Program
Calculate Your Total Savings
Here's how to estimate your total incentives when going solar in Florida:
Example: 10kW System ($23,000)
| System Cost | $23,000 |
| Federal ITC (PPA/Lease only in 2026) | -$6,900 |
| Sales Tax Exemption (6%) | -$1,380 |
| Net Cost After Incentives | $14,720 |
What's the best way to maximize Florida solar savings?
Follow these steps:
- Install now to lock in grandfathered net metering rates
- Explore PPA/Lease options to benefit from the 30% commercial credit (48E) on your taxes
- Add battery storage for backup power during hurricanes
- Size your system to 100-115% of annual usage
- Get quotes from multiple installers
How to Claim Your Incentives
- Federal ITC: Claim on IRS Form 5695 when filing taxes
- Property Tax: Automatic—no application needed
- Sales Tax: Applied at point of sale
- Net Metering: Sign up through your utility
- Local Programs: Apply through your specific program