Florida Legislature Debates Capping Net Metering Credits Amid Utility Lobbying

The Florida legislature is currently debating House Bill 1247 and a companion Senate measure that would cap net metering export credits at 75% of the retail rate, down from the current full retail-rate compensation that Florida restored after a brief rollback attempt in 2022. The bills are backed by Florida Power & Light and Duke Energy Florida, which argue that non-solar ratepayers are subsidizing solar owners through fixed grid-cost recovery. A coalition of homeowner associations, solar contractors, and environmental groups including the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association has organized in opposition, citing an estimated 120,000 Florida households who made purchase decisions based on current net metering policy. As of March 2026, the House version passed committee with a 12–8 vote and is headed to the full House floor. The Senate version remains in the Commerce Committee. Governor DeSantis has not publicly committed to signing or vetoing either bill. The legislation would grandfather existing solar customers for five years from the bill's effective date if passed. Florida added approximately 1.4 GW of residential solar in 2025 and ranks second nationally in residential solar installations. Homeowners currently considering solar in Florida are advised to complete installations before any bill takes effect, as existing customers would retain current rates under the grandfathering provision.