The quick answer
Four meaningful solar incentives remain available to Florida homeowners in 2026 — and one major one expired. Here's the complete picture, updated for what actually applies right now.
The federal 30% residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. That's the big news and it's real. But Florida's state-level incentives are intact, and they're more valuable than most homeowners realize — especially net metering, which can be worth thousands of dollars per year for the life of your system.
⚠️ What Changed January 1, 2026
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired for homeowners purchasing solar outright with cash or a loan. On a $22,000 system that credit was worth $6,600. It is gone for direct purchases. Lease and PPA arrangements still access a commercial version through 2027.
30% of system cost
The 30% Investment Tax Credit for homeowners purchasing solar outright was the most powerful solar incentive in US history. On a $22,000 Florida system it was worth $6,600. It is no longer available for cash or loan purchases starting January 1, 2026.
⚠️ Exception: Solar leases and PPAs still qualify for a commercial version of this credit (Section 48E) through 2027. The installer claims it and may pass savings through as lower monthly rates. Battery storage also still qualifies for 30% through 2032.
6% off system cost
Florida exempts all solar equipment and installation labor from the 6% state sales and use tax. This applies automatically — your installer is required to exempt it at the point of sale. No application, no paperwork.
💰 Real savings example: On a $22,000 system, the sales tax exemption saves $1,320 immediately at purchase. On a $35,000 solar + battery system, it saves $2,100. This is money you never pay, not a credit you wait to receive — it's immediate.
100% of added value exempt
Solar increases your home's market value — studies show by 3–4% on average. In Florida, that added value is 100% exempt from property tax assessment. Your tax bill doesn't go up even though your home is worth more.
🏠 Real savings example: A $400,000 Florida home that gains $16,000 in value from solar (4%) would normally trigger ~$320/year in additional property taxes. Florida's exemption eliminates that cost entirely — for the life of the panels. Over 25 years that's $8,000+ in avoided taxes.
Worth $1,500–$2,500/yr
This is Florida's most valuable ongoing solar incentive and the one most homeowners underestimate. Florida law requires major investor-owned utilities — FPL, TECO, Duke Energy, Florida Public Utilities — to credit excess solar generation at the full retail electricity rate.
That means when your panels produce more power than your home uses, the excess flows to the grid and comes right back off your next bill — at the same rate you'd pay for electricity. Effectively your utility becomes a free battery, banking your solar energy and returning it when you need it.
⚡ Why this matters so much: In states like California, net metering was cut to wholesale rates — roughly 75% less valuable overnight. Florida's full retail policy has held. Every kilowatt-hour your panels overproduce is worth $0.145+ to you. Over 25 years, net metering alone is worth $35,000–$55,000 to the average Florida homeowner.
$0 down, no credit check
Property Assessed Clean Energy financing is available throughout Florida. It lets homeowners go solar with zero upfront cost — the loan attaches to your property and repays through your property tax bill over time. No traditional credit score requirements.
📋 Good for: Homeowners who want to avoid a large upfront payment or don't qualify for traditional solar loans. Watch out for: PACE loans can carry higher interest rates than traditional solar loans and transfer to new owners if you sell — disclose to buyers. Always compare rates before signing.
30% of battery cost
While the solar credit expired, battery storage qualifies for its own 30% federal tax credit through 2032 under Section 48E. This applies to the full installed cost of the battery system — equipment, inverter integration, and labor.
🔋 Real savings example: A Tesla Powerwall 3 installed in Florida costs approximately $14,000. The 30% credit brings your net cost to $9,800 — a $4,200 savings. Combined with Florida's sales tax exemption, you're looking at $5,040 total in incentives on a single battery installation.
Why net metering is Florida's biggest hidden incentive
Most homeowners focus on upfront credits and miss the bigger picture. Net metering is worth far more over the life of a solar system than any one-time tax credit — it's just less visible because the savings come monthly rather than as a lump sum.
Here's the math: A properly sized Florida solar system offsets roughly 85% of a home's electricity usage. The remaining 15% it doesn't offset directly gets made up through net metering credits earned during peak production hours. At $0.145/kWh and rising, those credits add up fast.
The reason this matters now more than ever: California gutted its net metering program in 2024, cutting export rates by 75%. Florida legislators have floated similar proposals. The current full retail net metering policy is valuable precisely because it could change — locking in now means locking in the current policy for the life of your system under existing grandfathering rules.
✅ Grandfathering — Lock In Today's Rules
Florida utilities are required to honor net metering agreements for systems already interconnected. If the state changes net metering rules in the future, your system is protected under the policy in effect when you connected. This is a real incentive to act sooner rather than later.
Net metering by Florida utility
Not all Florida utilities offer the same net metering terms. Here's a breakdown of the major providers:
| Utility |
Service Area |
Net Metering |
Rate (~) |
| Florida Power & Light (FPL) | South FL, most of state | Full Retail ✅ | ~$0.148/kWh |
| Tampa Electric (TECO) | Tampa / Hillsborough | Full Retail ✅ | ~$0.145/kWh |
| Duke Energy Florida | Orlando, Central FL | Full Retail ✅ | ~$0.145/kWh |
| OUC (Orlando Utilities) | City of Orlando | Full Retail ✅ | ~$0.145/kWh |
| JEA (Jacksonville) | Duval County | Available* | ~$0.138/kWh |
| LCEC (Lee County) | Fort Myers area | Available* | ~$0.148/kWh |
*JEA and LCEC are municipal/cooperative utilities — confirm current net metering terms directly before signing a contract.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there any way to still get the 30% federal solar credit in 2026? +
Not for direct purchases (cash or loan). However, if you choose a solar lease or PPA, the installation company that owns the system can still claim a commercial version of the credit through 2027 — they may pass savings to you through lower monthly rates. Battery storage also qualifies for the full 30% through 2032 regardless of how you finance it.
How much is the Florida sales tax exemption worth? +
6% of your total system cost — applied automatically by your installer. On a $22,000 solar system that's $1,320. On a $35,000 solar + battery system it's $2,100. It's smaller than the old federal credit but it's immediate — you never pay it in the first place rather than waiting for a tax return.
Does net metering make a big difference in Florida? +
It's arguably the most valuable incentive remaining. Full retail net metering means every excess kilowatt-hour your panels generate is worth the same as one you'd buy from your utility — currently $0.145–$0.148/kWh. Over 25 years that's worth $35,000–$55,000 to the average Florida homeowner with a properly sized system. It's the ongoing savings engine that makes solar work long-term.
What happens to net metering if Florida changes the policy? +
Systems already interconnected under existing net metering agreements are typically grandfathered — meaning they keep the current policy terms even if the rules change for new installations. This is exactly what happened in California. The earlier you install, the more policy protection you have. Florida legislators have discussed net metering reform, making the grandfathering benefit real and time-sensitive.
Are there any local Florida solar rebates? +
A handful of Florida municipalities and utilities have offered modest rebates from time to time — Jacksonville's JEA has had battery storage rebates, and a few local governments offer PACE program incentives. There is no statewide solar rebate program in Florida beyond the sales tax and property tax exemptions. Check your specific city's utility website for any current local programs.