Florida Budget Incorporates HVAC Rebates for IRAs

TL/DR –

The Florida legislature has approved a nearly $117.5 billion 2024-2025 budget plan which includes more than $346 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for Home Efficiency Rebates and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates. The rebates apply to the installation of high-efficiency HVAC systems and home upgrades that result in energy savings, with different eligibility based on households’ income levels. It is now on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to decide whether to accept the federal funding for the state’s next fiscal year starting in July.

Florida Legislature Approves $346 Million Federal Funds for Energy Efficiency Rebates

Florida residents hoping to install energy-efficient HVAC systems and make their homes energy loss-resistant may have a chance to benefit from federal rebates. The Florida Legislature has approved a budget plan for 2024-2025, allocating over $346 million of the state’s share of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) fund for energy efficiency rebates.

The next step lies in the hands of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who vetoed the administration of the rebates last year. He needs to decide on accepting the federal funding for the fiscal year starting in July.

A spokeswoman for the governor, Julia Friedland, states that the governor will scrutinize all appropriations in the General Appropriations Act before making a final decision.

The IRA Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, worth $4.5 billion, offer direct-to-consumer payments for qualifying energy-efficient HVAC appliances. The Home Efficiency Rebates, $4.3 billion, cover installation of such appliances and home upgrades that lead to substantial energy savings.

The Department of Energy will oversee the rebate programs, leaving the day-to-day administration to individual states and territories. Only five states have currently applied for funding. States have until August 16, two years post the IRA enactment, to apply.

Should a state government reject the rebate funding, five members of Congress plan to redirect control of the rebates to local communities. House Resolution 6536, introduced last year, proposes to grant local governments in relevant states the authority to receive grants for both rebate programs.

Resolution co-sponsor Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost criticized Gov. DeSantis for blocking access to federal funds, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to clean energy. The bill is presently in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, assigned to a subcommittee on energy, climate, and grid security.

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