Through voluntary tax, you can harden home for hurricanes

As Floridians, we have seen our share of severe storms over the years and know the devastating impact they can have. With the 2018 hurricane season predicted to be another busy one, many residents are eager to prepare their homes but may not know what resources are available to them.

One such resource is Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), a financing option for residential and commercial property owners across Palm Beach County. PACE financing is made possible through a public-private partnership that empowers owners to harden their homes or make energy improvements, and to pay for them over time through a voluntary, additional line item on their property taxes. Because PACE is funded entirely by private capital, these improvements and their benefits can be achieved at no cost to local government budgets.

From roof-to-wall connections, impact-resistant windows and wind-rated doors, to rooftop solar and high-efficiency air-conditioning systems, PACE-financed upgrades can help make homes safer, more efficient and more resilient. Since many families may not have the funds available to pay for these types of improvements up front, PACE can help homeowners space out payments over time. What’s more, these improvements may lower insurance premiums or utility bills, depending on the type of project and characteristics of the home.

Residential PACE can also stimulate local development by increasing demand for contractor services. Across the country, PACE has created or sustained thousands of good-paying jobs, including many within family-owned small businesses that have served communities’ needs for HVAC, roofing and other services for decades.

The leading PACE providers also offer Floridians strong consumer protections to ensure a positive experience at every step of the process.

As with any major project, homeowners should research and compare options to find the best solution for their family. PACE is an assessment that stays with the property when it is sold, which may not be the best financing option for every homeowner. But for many, it provides an affordable way to accomplish home upgrades before the next big storm.

REBECCA HARVEY, BOYNTON BEACH Editor’s note: Rebecca Harvey is sustainability coordinator for the city of Boynton Beach.