For homeowners seeking to fortify their homes against hurricanes or invest in energy-efficient upgrades, PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing offers a flexible way to fund improvements without upfront costs. This program, available in select states, attaches repayment to property taxes, making it easier to invest in long-term resilience.
Below, we break down where PACE is available, how it works in each state, and what projects qualify—with a focus on hurricane-prone regions like Florida.
PACE financing allows homeowners to finance qualifying upgrades—like impact windows, solar panels, or roofing—through a voluntary property tax assessment. Repayment occurs over 5–25 years, and the obligation transfers to the next owner if the home is sold. Key features include:
PACE is ideal for Floridians preparing for hurricane season, as it covers impact-resistant windows, doors, and roofs that protect homes while lowering insurance premiums.
While PACE is available for commercial properties in over 36 states, residential PACE (R-PACE) is currently active in three states, each with unique program frameworks:
Florida leads the nation in leveraging PACE for hurricane preparedness. Homeowners can finance impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofing, and solar panels—upgrades proven to withstand Category 5 winds. Terms range from 5 to 25 years, with no income or credit score requirements.
For example, Miami-Dade County residents often use PACE to install impact windows, which not only protect against storms but also reduce cooling costs year-round.
Local providers like USA Home Improvement streamline the process, ensuring projects meet PACE guidelines while maximizing durability and energy savings.
California's Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program stands as the largest and most active in the nation. Since 2014, the state's Loss Reserve Program has covered 98,395 residential PACE financings, totaling $2.4 billion.
The program's impact varies regionally. Coastal cities like San Diego prioritize flood mitigation, while inland areas like Sacramento focus on solar energy to offset rising utility costs..
Eligible projects include:
Homeowners can access 100% upfront financing with repayment terms stretching from 5 to 30 years, all tied to property tax assessments. Interest rates typically range from 6% to 9%, often lower than unsecured personal loans.
Missouri's PACE program, initially authorized for both residential and commercial projects, is undergoing significant changes. While historically offering financing for energy efficiency and storm-resistant upgrades, recent legislation has shifted the landscape. For example, 2021 reforms mandated income verification, contractor vetting, and subordination of PACE liens to mortgages.
Key details:
Today, Missouri's program primarily focuses on commercial PACE (C-PACE), which continues to thrive statewide. For example, the $35M Gateway Studios retrofit in St. Louis showcases C-PACE's ongoing impact.
While residential PACE options are limited, Missouri's experience underscores the importance of robust consumer protections and adaptable financing models—lessons that reinforce the value of established programs like Florida's for hurricane-ready home improvements.
While residential PACE remains limited, five states recently enacted C-PACE legislation (Georgia, Idaho, Hawaii, New Jersey, and New Mexico), signaling the potential for future R-PACE expansion:
These states are critical to watch for potential R-PACE adoption, especially in hurricane-prone regions like Georgia and New Jersey.
For Floridians, PACE isn’t just financing—it’s an investment in hurricane survival, offering a lifeline for homeowners in this hurricane-prone region. Impact windows and reinforced roofs funded through PACE prevent costly storm damage while lowering insurance premiums by 15–30%.
Here at USA Home Improvement, we can help you align these upgrades with local building codes, ensuring compliance and durability. For more information, or to get a quote, contact us today.