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Are there Florida utility rebates for a new AC, and what's the catch?

Yes, but they're smaller and more conditional than they look. FPL gives an instant $200, Duke up to about $1,000, and TECO up to $550 - each with fine print that quietly disqualifies you if you miss it, like using a non-approved contractor or skipping a required energy check first.

The rebate is real, but so is the fine print - miss the participating contractor or the energy-check-first step, and the discount quietly disappears.

The facts

  • FPL's $200 instant AC rebate requires an FPL Participating Independent Contractor, a full indoor-and-outdoor system, and a minimum efficiency of SEER2 15.2 - a non-participating contractor means no rebate. (Source: FPL A/C Rebate)
  • Duke Energy Florida's HVAC rebates run up to about $1,000, but you must complete a Home Energy Check first and get a qualifying recommendation; install before you ask and you can be disqualified. (Source: Duke Energy HVAC rebate)
  • TECO (Tampa Electric) pays $40 at SEER2 15.20 or $550 at SEER2 16.20, deducted from your invoice, but the application has to be submitted within 90 days of installation. (Source: Tampa Electric heating & cooling)
  • The big federal rebates you may have heard about - up to $14,000 (HEAR) and $8,000 (HOMES) - are not claimable in Florida right now: after initially returning the funds, the state accepted them back, but the program has not launched yet and is registration-only pending federal approval. (Source: Florida Energy Saver Program (FDACS))
Florida AC rebates and the catch
UtilityUp toThe catch
FPL$200 instantApproved contractor, full system, SEER2 15.2
Duke Energy FL~$1,000Home Energy Check must come first
TECO$550Apply within 90 days, SEER2 16.20 for the top tier
Federal HEAR/HOMESup to $14,000Not open in Florida yet - registration only

A rebate is a discount on the job, not the reason to do it. See what the whole system costs in Florida first - snap the label on your outdoor unit and get one real price, then stack any rebate you qualify for on top.

See your real Florida price →