Which AC rebates and incentives are available to Florida homeowners in 2026?
Florida utility rebates from FPL, Duke Energy, and TECO and manufacturer seasonal promotions can reduce the installed cost of a high-efficiency AC or heat pump. Here's what's available in 2026, how to qualify, and what changed with the federal tax credit.
Replacing an AC system is a significant investment. Florida utility rebates from FPL, Duke Energy, and TECO and manufacturer seasonal promotions can meaningfully offset the cost — but only if you qualify and the paperwork is filed correctly. The federal 25C tax credit that previously applied to high-efficiency equipment expired at the end of 2025, so this guide focuses on the incentives still available to Florida homeowners in 2026, what equipment qualifies, and how the rebate process works through NewHVACDeals.
Key Takeaways
<ul><li>The federal 25C tax credit expired December 31, 2025 — it is not available for systems installed in 2026</li><li>FPL, Duke Energy, and TECO each offer rebates for high-SEER2 equipment — amounts vary by utility and efficiency tier</li><li>Manufacturer seasonal rebates change quarterly — the intake checks current promotions</li><li>Rebates typically require AHRI-matched systems installed by a licensed contractor</li><li>The intake identifies your utility from your ZIP and verifies rebate eligibility during the equipment review</li></ul>
What happened to the federal tax credit (25C)?
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) previously offered a federal tax credit for qualifying high-efficiency central air conditioners and heat pumps. That credit expired on December 31, 2025. Systems installed in 2026 are not eligible for the 25C credit, and equipment pricing on this site already reflects its absence.
If you are reading older guidance, you may still see references to the 25C credit and its annual limits — those applied to equipment placed in service through the end of 2025, not to 2026 installations. For the most current federal guidance, consult the IRS and ENERGY STAR resources linked below, and confirm with your tax professional.
The practical takeaway for Florida homeowners: utility rebates and manufacturer promotions remain available in 2026 and are often the more immediate benefit anyway, because they apply at or near the time of purchase rather than at tax time.
Florida utility rebates: FPL, Duke Energy, TECO.
Florida's major electric utilities offer rebates for qualifying high-efficiency AC and heat pump installations. Each utility has its own program rules, qualifying equipment list, and rebate amounts.
FPL (Florida Power & Light): Residential AC rebates for SEER2 16+ equipment. Heat pump rebates for qualifying models. FPL serves most of South Florida, the Treasure Coast, and Southwest Florida including Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Duke Energy Florida: Residential AC and heat pump rebates for qualifying high-efficiency equipment. Duke Energy serves most of Pinellas, Pasco, and parts of central Florida.
TECO (Tampa Electric): Residential AC rebates for qualifying SEER2 tiers. TECO serves most of Hillsborough County and parts of surrounding counties.
Rebate amounts vary by utility, equipment type, and efficiency tier, and the qualifying equipment lists change periodically. The intake identifies your utility from your ZIP and checks current rebate eligibility as part of the equipment review. Rebates are usually processed after installation with the contractor submitting the paperwork on your behalf.
Manufacturer rebates and seasonal promotions.
Equipment manufacturers — Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, Bosch — run seasonal rebate promotions that change quarterly. These are typically instant rebates applied at the time of purchase when buying qualifying systems. Amounts vary by brand, equipment tier, and promotion period.
Manufacturer rebates are separate from utility rebates — they can stack. The intake checks current manufacturer promotions for the equipment path recommended for your home. These change frequently, so the best source is the live check during your equipment review.
How NewHVACDeals handles rebates.
Rebate eligibility is verified during the equipment recommendation phase — not promised upfront without checking. The intake identifies your utility territory from your ZIP. During the equipment review, we check whether your selected equipment qualifies for utility rebates (based on AHRI certificate and SEER2 rating) and whether any manufacturer promotions apply.
After installation, we provide the documentation you need: AHRI certificate, invoice showing equipment model numbers and installation date, and utility rebate submission (where the contractor handles filing). If federal or state incentives change, the equipment review reflects what is current at the time you install. We don't provide tax advice — consult your tax professional about any credits you intend to claim.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a federal tax credit for a new AC in 2026?
- No. The federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired December 31, 2025 and does not apply to systems installed in 2026. Florida utility rebates and manufacturer promotions remain available — the intake checks your eligibility.
- Can I combine utility rebates and manufacturer promotions?
- Yes. Utility rebates and manufacturer promotions are separate programs that can stack. The federal 25C tax credit is no longer available for 2026 installations. Your total benefit depends on equipment qualification for each program.
- Which Florida utilities offer AC rebates?
- FPL, Duke Energy Florida, and TECO all offer residential AC and heat pump rebates for qualifying high-efficiency equipment. The intake identifies your utility from your ZIP.
- Does NewHVACDeals handle the rebate paperwork?
- Utility rebate submissions are handled as part of the installation scope where the contractor files on your behalf. We provide the supporting documentation — AHRI certificate and itemized invoice — that rebate programs require.
- What SEER2 rating qualifies for rebates?
- Typically 16 SEER2 or higher, but specific thresholds vary by utility and program. The intake checks current requirements for your utility territory.
Sources checked
Technical standards and program rules change. These references were checked while preparing this guide, and the final equipment recommendation still depends on saved intake and field verification.
- ENERGY STAR — Federal Income Tax Credits
ENERGY STAR
- FPL Residential Rebates
Florida Power & Light
- Duke Energy Florida Rebates
Duke Energy
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Written by a Florida State Certified Class A Air Conditioning Contractor and Plumbing Contractor. Verify on myfloridalicense.com.