Placement: Unfinished Business
Action Requested: Discussion
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Hear a City Staff Presentation on Florida PACE and Discuss the Program’s Potential Operation in Port St. Lucie
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Submitted By: Carmen A. Capezzuto, M.P.A., Director of Neighborhood Services
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Vision to support opportunities for all people to thrive.
Executive Summary (General Business): On August 18, 2025, the City Council received a special presentation from Florida PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) providers. Representatives from FortiFi Financial, Ygrene Energy Fund, Renew Financial, and Home Run Financing attended to share information on the benefits of PACE programs for residential property owners, as well as program requirements and recent consumer protection measures enacted by the Florida Legislature. Following the presentation, the City Council directed staff to collaborate with the PACE representatives to gather additional details and address questions before drafting a proposed City ordinance.
Presentation Information: The Neighborhood Services Director and staff will provide a brief presentation highlighting staff research and facilitate any questions from the Council during their discussions.
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council hear staff’s presentation and provide direction.
Background: Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a financing mechanism, originally established in 2010, that enables property owners to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resiliency improvements through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill. The PACE program is established under Florida Statute §163.08 and implemented through agreements between local governments and PACE providers. Repayment of a PACE loan is tied to the property and placed as a lien on the property via the County Tax Collector Office.
Issues/Analysis: In 2024, Senate Bill 770 (SB 770) and House Bill 927 (HB 927) were introduced to strengthen consumer safeguards and give local governments the authority to decide whether to offer PACE programs in their communities. SB 770 was signed into law by Governor DeSantis and took effect on July 1, 2024. This legislation fundamentally restructured Florida’s PACE program, aiming to resolve long-standing legal disputes between statewide PACE agencies and local governments while enhancing consumer protections for residential property owners.
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: While St. Lucie County is exploring PACE adoption, county approval does not authorize the program within city limits. The City of Port St. Lucie must adopt its own ordinance and enter agreements with PACE districts before financing can be offered locally.
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments: Staff presentation, August 18, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 25239-09
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Carly Fabien, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.