Florida Heat Pump Leasing & Installation Guide

Nathan Healy
Certified by Nathan Healy
Updated: February 2026
Quality home solutions since 2011
Palmetto serves thousands of customers across 25 states with an over 85% approval rating

Florida’s warm, humid climate makes heat pumps an ideal year-round solution for efficient home cooling and heating. Whether you’re in Miami’s tropical zone or Tallahassee’s milder north, heat pumps can significantly reduce your energy costs while keeping your home comfortable. Palmetto helps Florida homeowners navigate heat pump options, incentives, and professional installation to maximize savings and performance.

01

Benefits of Palmetto Heat Pumps

Say goodbye to clunky old systems and surprise repairs. Palmetto Comfort Plan gives you a brand-new heat pump, installation, and full support, all wrapped into one subscription.

Year round comfort

Year Round Comfort

A high-efficiency heat pump keeps your home cool in summer, warm in winter, and your energy use in check all year long.

Forget the maintenance

Forget the maintenance

With a Comfort Plan subscription, installation and maintenance are fully covered, no surprise bills, no weekend DIY.

Rewards for renewing

Rewards for renewing

Stick with us and earn credits toward your next system upgrade. It’s our way of saying thanks for building a cleaner, comfier future with us.

02

Buy it or finance it. Your comfort, your call

There’s no wrong way to get cozy. Here’s how the options stack up, so you can choose what works best for you.

Cash

Loan

Payment schedule $0 upfront, then monthly subscription Full price upfront $0 upfront, then monthly payment
Term length 10 or 12 years None Variable
End of term options Flexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system No credits to new system No credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives
Payment schedule$0 upfront, then monthly subscription
Term length10 or 12 years
End of term optionsFlexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Cash

Payment scheduleFull price upfront
Term lengthNone
End of term optionsNo credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Loan

Payment schedule$0 upfront, then monthly payment
Term lengthVariable
End of term optionsNo credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

03

Heat Pump Financing in Florida

While Florida’s state-level HOMES and HEAR rebate programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act have not yet launched as of 2026, homeowners can still take advantage of the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000 for heat pump installations. Additionally, some utility companies in Florida offer modest rebate programs (typically $150-$500) for high-efficiency HVAC systems, though these vary by service area and are subject to annual budget approvals. Palmetto’s Comfort Plan lease offers $0 upfront cost as an alternative to purchasing a heat pump outright.

Federal IRA Tax Credit

Up to $2,000

The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations through 2032.

Eligibility: Available to homeowners who purchase and install a qualifying heat pump system. Claimed on your annual federal tax return.

Learn more →

Palmetto Comfort Plan: $0 Upfront Heat Pump Leasing

Even without local rebates, Palmetto’s Comfort Plan makes upgrading easy. You get a high-efficiency heat pump installed with $0 upfront cost, predictable monthly payments, and all maintenance and repairs included for the life of the plan.

Incentive information is based on publicly available data as of 2026 and may change. Contact program administrators to verify current availability and eligibility requirements. Florida’s state rebate programs (HOMES and HEAR) are still in development and have not launched as of February 2026.

04

Florida Electricity Prices

Understanding Florida’s electricity costs is essential when considering home heating and cooling options, especially as rates continue to fluctuate.

Florida’s electricity rates have risen significantly in recent years, jumping from 11.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024—a nearly 18% increase that impacts every household’s monthly budget.

Heat pumps offer a practical solution to rising energy costs. Because they’re 2-3x more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same comfort, helping offset rate increases.

As electricity rates continue to shift, investing in an efficient heat pump means lower energy consumption for decades. The more rates rise, the more you save compared to conventional heating and cooling systems.

Price of Energy: Florida vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
11.9¢
15.0¢
13.9¢
16.0¢
15.2¢
16.5¢
14.1¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Florida

Florida Utility Providers

Florida’s electricity rates vary significantly by provider. According to 2023 data, costs range from about 12¢ to 18¢ per kWh across major utilities—with most falling near the state average of 15.20¢ per kWh.

Municipal utilities and cooperatives like Orlando Utilities Commission and Clay Electric Cooperative typically offer lower rates due to their nonprofit structure and local focus. Investor-owned utilities like Duke Energy Florida tend toward higher rates, reflecting infrastructure investments and regulatory costs.

Heat pumps shine across this pricing spectrum. Their exceptional efficiency means lower electricity consumption regardless of your utility provider—often cutting heating and cooling costs significantly compared to traditional HVAC systems, even in higher-rate areas.

Florida Utilities Electricity Rates

Florida Power & Light Co
15.01¢
-6%
Duke Energy Florida, LLC
18.05¢
+13%
Tampa Electric Co
16.60¢
+4%
JEA
13.21¢
-17%
Orlando Utilities Comm
12.58¢
-21%
Withlacoochee River Elec Coop
12.32¢
-23%
Lee County Electric Coop, I…
14.52¢
-9%
Sumter Electric Coop, Inc
13.04¢
-18%
Clay Electric Cooperative, …
12.55¢
-22%
City of Lakeland – (FL)
12.26¢
-23%
City of Tallahassee – (FL)
13.03¢
-19%
FL Average
15.20¢
-5%
US Average
16.0¢

05

Florida Heat Pump City Guides

Explore detailed heat pump installation guides for cities across Florida. Each guide includes local utility rates, incentives, and climate-specific recommendations.

06

Palmetto Reviews

Ready to start saving with a heat pump?

Speak with a Palmetto heating & cooling expert to find out exactly how much you can save.

Get a Free Quote
07

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, heat pumps work exceptionally well in Florida’s climate. Unlike northern states where extreme cold can reduce efficiency, Florida’s mild winters allow heat pumps to operate at peak performance year-round. They provide both heating and cooling in one system, making them ideal for the state’s hot, humid summers and moderate winter temperatures.

Florida homeowners also benefit from lower operating costs compared to traditional HVAC systems, especially with electricity rates at 14.2¢ per kWh. Palmetto makes heat pump installation accessible through flexible options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and included maintenance, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Heat pump costs in Florida typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a complete system, depending on your home’s size, the unit’s efficiency rating, and installation complexity. Florida homeowners who purchase a system outright may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local utility rebates that can further reduce upfront costs.

Palmetto offers two ways to get a heat pump that fit different budgets and preferences. The Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes a predictable monthly payment with all maintenance and repairs covered for life. Alternatively, direct purchase means you own the equipment outright and can take advantage of available tax credits and rebates, making heat pumps more accessible regardless of your financial situation.

Top heat pump brands for Florida homeowners include Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and Rheem—all known for reliable performance in hot, humid climates. These manufacturers offer high SEER2 ratings (16+) and models specifically designed to handle Florida’s demanding cooling loads while providing efficient heating during cooler months.

When selecting a heat pump, consider factors beyond brand name, including proper sizing for your home, installation quality, and warranty coverage. Palmetto offers both a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and full maintenance coverage, or direct purchase options that may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits, ensuring you get quality equipment with flexible payment options.

Yes, Florida homeowners can access heat pump rebates through federal programs and some local utility incentives. The federal Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations when you purchase the system directly. Some Florida utility companies also offer additional rebates or incentives for energy-efficient heat pump upgrades.

Rebate availability varies by location and utility provider across Florida, so it’s worth checking with your local utility company for current programs. Keep in mind that these incentives typically apply to direct purchase options where you own the equipment outright. If you choose a lease option like Palmetto’s Comfort Plan, the upfront cost is already $0, though federal tax credits wouldn’t apply.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Florida depends on your financial situation and preferences. Buying means paying upfront but owning the equipment outright, with potential access to federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Leasing through a plan like Palmetto’s Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage in your monthly payment.

For Florida homeowners concerned about maintenance costs or lacking cash for a large purchase, leasing offers predictable expenses and hassle-free service. If you have available funds and want to maximize long-term savings through tax incentives and eventual ownership, buying may be the better option. Consider your budget, how long you plan to stay in your home, and whether you prefer handling maintenance yourself or having it covered.

Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Florida. They use significantly less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems, which translates to lower utility bills—especially valuable given Florida’s 14.2¢ per kWh electricity rate and year-round cooling needs. Most homeowners see a return on investment within 5-10 years through energy savings alone.

Palmetto makes heat pumps more accessible with two payment options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase that may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. The financial benefits depend on your current system’s efficiency and energy usage, but Florida’s climate makes heat pumps one of the most cost-effective upgrades available.

The right heat pump size for your Florida home depends on square footage, insulation quality, ceiling height, and cooling load. Most Florida homes between 1,500-2,000 square feet need a 2.5 to 3-ton unit, while larger homes over 2,500 square feet typically require 4 to 5 tons. A professional energy assessment ensures proper sizing for your specific home.

Proper sizing is critical in Florida’s humid climate—an oversized unit cycles on and off too frequently, wasting energy and failing to dehumidify effectively, while an undersized unit struggles during summer heat. Palmetto provides expert assessments and offers heat pumps through our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or through direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.