The Tampa Bay Water Wise program is offering rebates to builders of new single-family and multi-family homes that become Florida Water Star℠ (FWS) certified. Florida Water Star℠ certification means that homes are inspected and certified to meet specific water-efficiency criteria for indoor fixtures and appliances, landscape design and irrigation systems.
Single Family homes that achieve Florida Water StarSM certification can receive a rebate for $1,000 per home. Multi-family homes can receive $100 for each certified indoor unit and $850 per 6,000 sq. ft. of outdoor landscaping that is certified. Multi-family certified units must meet FWS residential silver criteria for the indoors, while common and outdoor areas must meet FWS commercial criteria.
See requirements and more about the process below.
On average, home values typically increase by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills. With utility savings estimates at $530, that’s more than a $10,000 increase in value that builders can offer potential home buyers.
In addition, builders receive marketing support through free display plaques and customizable brochures, as well as free educational support including real estate staff training and Accredited Professional training for irrigation and landscape contractors.
Lastly, we’ve taken the guesswork out of landscape design with this Residential Landscape Design Pattern Book which has 13 designs that meet the criteria for the Florida Water Star Silver Certification.