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Loading...There are 6 Florida window replacement programs in over 39 local organizations. You’ll find them below, along with their description, how the programs work and where to apply.
Updated: August 18, 2024
There are many reasons you may need to replace one or many windows: leaking air (and money), broken, windows at the end of their lifespan, or you may want to prevent future weather problems with impact resistant windows.
Windows are expensive and our Homeowners Major Repairs Survey shows many Floridians struggle to find money to pay for new window(s):
- > 41% of Florida homeowners planning repairs want to change window(s) in the next 3 years.
- > 27% of Florida homeowners needing to replace window(s) have to postpone it.
- > And 63% postpone changing window(s) for financial reason.
So, you’re certainly not alone maybe wondering how to pay new window(s).
The good news; there are government programs helping homeowners replace windows in Florida.
> Florida Weatherization Assistance Program
> Florida rural residents (USDA)
> LIHEAP
> Taxes Incentives: Windows Credits
Common issues with Florida home windows
Florida’s climate is tough on windows. Even though many homes are newer, the harsh sun and storms wear out windows faster than most states.
- High heat & UV rays: The sun intensity in Florida can cause window frames to warp, crack, and fade faster over time.
- Moisture & humidity: Frequent rain and high humidity lead to mold growth, mostly around frames and seals.
- Broken windows: Hurricanes, tropical storms and strong winds often crack and break windows, or frames become damaged with wind debris.
- Foundation settlement: Shifting foundations due to soft and water saturated soil conditions during the rainy and storms summer season can lead to windows sticking, becoming misaligned or cracking.
Before deciding to completely replace 1 or many windows, you can see if it’s worth having them repaired or doing it yourself. Already decided to have new window(s)? You have to decide among different window models then who will install your window.
Next step is paying for new windows. But when you have a limited budget or simply can’t afford them, that is where government programs are useful. You can find them below.
What are the window replacement programs in Florida?
There are a few official government programs available for window replacement. The programs cover different reasons to replace windows and your income level.
Each program provides funding their own ways, target different groups of homeowners and help you fund window replacement in various ways. It’s important to know, there’s no program only for window replacement. Each program usually allow you to update or repair many part of your home, including windows.
Window replacement programs eligibility
Windows program eligibility varies based on income and where you live. You can start with this overview as reference:
| Cities & Suburbs | Rural | |
|---|---|---|
| Low income | PACE, WAP, SHIP, Safe Home, LIHEAP, Tax credits, cities & counties, State | USDA, PACE, SHIP, Safe Home, Tax Credits, WAP, LIHEAP, cities & counties, State |
|
Medium/High income |
PACE, Safe Home, Tax credits, Traditional loans, State. | USDA, PACE, Safe Home, Tax credits, Traditional loans, State. |
Important reminder: Programs such as Weatherization, LIHEAP, and city or county assistance programs determine eligibility based on the median income in your area. This means that even if you have a moderate income, you might qualify for these programs if you live in a wealthier area. In other words, it’s better to verify your edibility with each programs first before thinking you won’t be able to receive funding for windows.
Florida PACE Program
The Florida’s PACE Program (Property Assessed Clean Energy) help any homeowners to finance energy-efficient improvement, including windows replacement, by offering financing options that are repaid through property taxes.
| Pace fixed rates: | 6% to 12.99% |
| Credit Score: | No minimum credit score and pre-payment penalties. |
| Time to decision: | Immediate pre-approval. |
| Coverage: | Offered in all Florida cities and counties. |
| Projects: | Windows, Doors, Shutters, Roof, Gutters, Generators, Pool pumps, Garage doors, HVAC, Solar Panels, Water Heaters, Electric car chargers. |
Eligibility: You must own your home. No bankruptcy. Not behind on your mortgage and property taxes.
Program’s steps:
- 1- Pre-approval.
- 2- Select an approved contractor.
- 3- Contractor helps you determine your renovation cost.
- 4- Your approval to the programs. Also determines your repayments.
- 6- Renovation and installation.
- 7- A third party come to verify the work have been done.
- 8- Repayment start.
Florida SHIP
What is SHIP?
SHIP (State Housing Initiative Partnership Program) provides funding to local organizations, cities and counties to help homeowners with home improvements and window replacement fit into the SHIP program. SHIP provides financial assistance to low-income families and individuals for home improvement projects, including window upgrades.
Who is SHIP for?
The program target very low, low and moderate income families.
How can I find eligibility?
The local organization closest to you participating in SHIP will be able to guide you.
How can I find a local organization offering SHIP?
We have 1 article covering all important Florida home improvement programs and it include the counties and cities offering the SHIP program. Please note, even if your county or city does not offer SHIP, it may have funding from other home improvement Federal and State funds.
My Safe Florida Home Program
This government program offers up to $10,000 in financial assistance and grants to Florida homeowners for storm-hardening & hurricane projects, which may include the installation of impact-resistant windows and doors for hurricane protection.
The program will restart applications on July 1st 2024. About $200 Millions have been allocated in 2024 and about 20,000 Florida homeowners will be able to upgrade and strengthen their homes.
What the program does?
- 1- You get a free wind hardening inspection to see how your home can be made more storm and hurricane resistant.
- 2- The inspector will give recommendation to harden your home in a report.
- 3- If some improvement are recommended you can then apply to the Safe Florida Home program.
Where do I apply for a free inspection?
More My Safe Florida details and FAQ here.
Florida Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) (40+ resources)
What is WAP?
WAP is a Federal program from the Department of Energy. In Florida, WAP aims to reduce energy costs for homeowners, and one of the measures is window replacement for energy efficient windows. You can learn more about eligibility and apply for this free Florida window replacement, contact your local WAP organization.
Who is WAP for?
The program target low-income families, including the elderly and disabled, by making their homes more energy-efficient.
What else WAP can do for your home?
It can help replace or fix the following:
- – Air infiltration with weather stripping, caulking, thresholds, minor repairs to walls, ceilings and floors, and doors and windows replacement.
- – Install attic and floor insulation (floors in northern Florida counties only)
- – Install attic ventilation
- – Apply solar reflective coating to manufactured homes
- – Install solar screens
- – Repair or replace inefficient heating and cooling units
- – Repair or replace water heaters
| Spent per Home | Homes Weatherized | Budget | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida |
$8,009 |
6,800 | $78M |
Where can I apply?
You can contact your local WAP organization.
Florida (LIHEAP) (40+ resources)
What’s LIHEAP?
The LIHEAP program (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) provides funding to help low-income households with energy-related bills. It can help Florida residents with heating bills in the winter and cooler bills in summer. It occasionally offers assistance for window replacements to improve energy efficiency which reduce energy bills.
Who is LIHEAP for?
LIHEAP provides funding to help low-income households with energy-related bills. It can help with heating bills in the winter and cooling bills in summer. Find your local LIHEAP organization below to check eligibility for this government program.
What are LIHEAP eligibility requirements?
There are only a few:
- – 1 your household income (monthly and yearly) and number of people living there.
- – Energy bill, Utility termination notice, Photo ID, Social security ID, etc.
More LIHEAP info and eligibility
Who is my local organization managing LIHEAP?
Counties and cities (many programs)
Most major counties and cities have programs covering window replacements. You can find them all on this Florida home improvement grant resource. The can find window programs for the following counties with this resource:
– Miami-Dade county
– Broward county
– Hillsborough county
– Palm Beach county
– Brevard county
– Leon county
– Orange county
If you live in a rural area, look below for related rural resources.
Florida Rural residents (1 program)
This USDA program provides loans and grants to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Windows replacement are part of this program.
How much money can I get?
- – Maximum loan is $40,000
- – Maximum grant is $10,000
- – Loans and grants can be combined.
Contact your local USDA office
Windows Replacement Incentives: Tax Credits (2 programs)
There are 2 good tax credits that are making the replacement of windows much more affordable in Florida this year.
Federal Tax Credit for Windows
The Federal Inflation Reduction Act gives Florida homeowners tax credits when you update part of your home for energy efficiency. Many parts of your home are covered by this program and windows replacement are part of this tax credit.
What’s covered and what are the tax credits?
Homeowners can claim 30% of the cost associated with the follow renovations (windows replacement are included):
| Windows and skylights: | Credit max of $600 |
| Exterior doors: | Credit max of $500 ($250 per door) |
| Electric panel upgrades: | Credit max of $600 |
| Air source heat pumps: | Credit max of $2,000 |
| Heat pump water heaters: | Credit max of $2,000 |
| Central air conditioners: | Credit max of $600 |
| Insulation: | Credit max of $1,200 |
| Certified energy audit: | Credit max of $150 |
Florida Sales Tax Exemption for Impact Resistant Windows
Florida Department of Revenue suspended for 2 years its sales tax for new impact resistant windows, doors and garage doors. This exemption should finish in June 2024. The exemption saves you the 6% sales tax.
Frequent Questions: Window Replacement Programs
Is there a Florida window replacement program for seniors?
There’s no specific window replacement program for seniors only. Seniors can apply to all programs on in this page.
Is there a free window replacement program Florida?
While some programs are free, not all of them let you have free windows. It is recommended you verify with each programs for your situation to be 100% certain.
What is the window replacement rebate in Florida?
Most utilities will offer you rebates when you change windows for energy efficient windows.
Call or visit your utility site because all offer energy rebates for window replacement.