ENERGY STAR products installed in 2026 no longer earn the federal 25C tax credit: per the IRS, it covers improvements placed in service through December 31, 2025. ENERGY STAR ratings still matter for comfort and cooling costs, and Florida homeowners can still pursue the My Safe Florida Home grant and insurance wind mitigation discounts.
Did the Federal Energy Tax Credits End?
Yes, for 2026 installs. The IRS page for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) says the credit covers qualifying improvements placed in service through December 31, 2025. That credit covered items such as qualifying windows, exterior doors, insulation, heat pumps and home energy audits, with annual limits. The Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D) for solar and similar property is likewise not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. If you installed qualifying property in 2025, you may still be able to claim it on your 2025 return with Form 5695. Talk to a tax professional about your own return.
Do ENERGY STAR Ratings Still Matter in Florida?
Yes, for performance rather than taxes. In Brevard County, cooling dominates energy use, so window solar heat gain (SHGC), insulation levels and equipment efficiency still affect your bills. An ENERGY STAR label is a useful shortcut when comparing products, but it no longer unlocks a federal credit for 2026 installs. For impact windows, also compare the Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA, which matters for permits and insurance.
What Still Helps Florida Homeowners in 2026
My Safe Florida Home grant
The state My Safe Florida Home program offers a free wind mitigation inspection and, when funded by the Legislature, grants of up to $10,000 toward roof, window and exterior door upgrades. Per the official eligibility article, the home must have had an MSFH inspection within the prior 24 months, an insured value of $700,000 or less, and a build date before January 1, 2008, and work completed before grant approval is denied. Funding opens and pauses by cycle, so check the program site for current status.
Insurance wind mitigation discounts
Florida law requires insurers to offer premium discounts or credits for construction features that reduce windstorm loss, such as opening protection and roof-to-wall connections (section 627.0629, Florida Statutes). You receive them by giving your insurer a current wind mitigation inspection report after the work is done. The amount varies by insurer and policy, so ask your agent for a quote using the report.
How ELSO Helps
We are a remodeling contractor, not a tax adviser. Our role is to quote work that matches your wind mitigation inspection report, provide our license number and product approvals for a grant file, pull permits and pass inspections so your paperwork is complete. See our impact windows and doors page, our 2026 Florida grants and rebates guide, or request a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ENERGY STAR windows qualify for a tax credit in 2026?
No. Per the IRS, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) covers qualifying improvements placed in service through December 31, 2025. ENERGY STAR windows installed in 2026 do not qualify. Windows installed in 2025 may still be claimed on a 2025 return with Form 5695, so check with a tax professional.
Is ENERGY STAR still worth paying for in Florida?
Often, yes. Cooling is the biggest energy load in Brevard County homes, so low solar heat gain windows and efficient equipment can lower bills and improve comfort. The label is a quick way to compare products, even though it no longer earns a federal credit for 2026 installs. Weigh the price difference against expected savings.
What Florida incentives replace the federal credit?
None replace it directly. The state My Safe Florida Home program offers a free wind mitigation inspection and, when funded, grants of up to $10,000 for eligible homes toward windows, doors or roof upgrades. Florida law also requires insurers to offer wind mitigation discounts for qualifying improvements.
Related Guides
Sources
- IRS - Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C)
- IRS - Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D)
- My Safe Florida Home - official program site
- My Safe Florida Home - grant eligibility
- Section 627.0629, Florida Statutes
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