Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Grants Program

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

14070000 Energy Sustainability & Climate Protection 

Office of Energy, 42010600

Line 1407, GAA FY 20-21; $1,227,682.14

146558

Section 377.804, F.S.

Provide renewable energy and energy efficient technologies matching grants for demonstration, commercialization, research and development projects related to renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and innovative technologies that significantly increase energy efficiency for vehicles and commercial buildings.  Some of the factors to be considered in awarding grants include:

- Availability of matching or other in-kind contributions applied to total project.

- Degree to which the project stimulates in-state capital investment and economic development in metropolitan and rural areas, including the creation of jobs and future development of a commercial market for renewable energy technologies. 

- Technical feasibility of the project.

- Degree to which project incorporates an innovative new technology or an innovative application of an existing technology.

- Degree to which a project generates thermal, mechanical or electrical energy by means of a renewable energy source that has substantial long-term production potential and the degree to which a project demonstrates efficient use of energy and material resources. 

- Degree to which the project fosters overall understanding and appreciation of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.

- Degree of public visibility and interaction.

Cooperative Agreements
Grants

Local Governments
Universities and Colleges
Non-Profits
For-Profits

Only projects relating to the demonstration, commercialization, research and development of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies will be considered for this grant award. 

Grants may be made to any of the following:

1. Established for-profit companies licensed to do business in the state.
2. Universities and colleges in the state.
3. Utilities located and operating withing the state. 
4. Not-for-profit organizations. 
5. Municipalities and county governments.
6. State Agencies
7. Other qualified persons, as determined by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (department).

An applicant is not eligible for award of a grant if the department determines that the applicant: 1) The department has a pending civil or administrative action against the applicant; or, 2) The applicant has entered into a consent order with the department, unless the applicant has satisfied all requirements for corrective actions and has paid all costs, civil penalties, damages, and other financial assessments required by the consent order. 

For competitive grant proposals, pursuant to Rule 5O-1.003, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), the department has established an application process for the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies Grants Program Projects. The maximum amount for an individual award shall be limited to $400,000. The minimum amount for an individual award shall be limited to $50,000. For non-competitive grant proposals, the department may award funds at its own discretion. 

Grant funds shall be awarded and administered through a formal grant agreement negotiated and executed between the department and the grant applicant (recipient). If the department and grant applicant are unable to negotiate an agreement, the grant shall not be awarded to that grant applicant. 

Grant agreements will be limited to no longer than two (2) years in duration, unless approved by the department. Grant funds will be distributed as reimbursements to recipients quarterly or no more frequently than monthly, upon the department's receipt of a formal invoice, supporting documentation, and department grant manager approval for compliance with the requirements of the grant agreement, rules and the Florida Statutes.

Project application notices may be sent via a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA): Request for Grant Proposal posted in the Florida Administrative Register and listed on the department website at: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/offices/energy/

For competitive grant proposals, pursuant to Rule 5O-1.003, FAC, the department has established an application process for the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies Grants Program Projects. The maximum amount for an individual award shall be limited to $400,000. The minimum amount for an individual award shall be limited to $50,000. 

The application submittal deadline shall be stated in the NOFA and as posted on the Department's website.

The application submittal deadline shall be stated in the NOFA and as posted on the department's website. 

Applicants shall be encouraged to provide matching funds. Expenses by a Grantee, and their project partners, starting at the date of a notice of grant award, for the specific project for which a grant is to be awarded, may be considered as match. Approval of expenses as match is subject to negotiation of the grant agreement and prior written approval of the department. Consideration as match is not guaranteed. State funds are not eligible as matching funds or in-kind contributions. 

Written monthly or quarterly progress reports are required, as well as spot-check inspections to verify progress and compliance with the terms and conditions of the binding agreement.

Grant funds should not be comingled with other funds, and accounting records need to be kept showing distribution of grant monies. 

Alexander Mack
Program Administrator
Office of Energy
600 South Calhoun St. #B04 MS: H-1
Phone: (850) 617-7470
Email: Alexander.Mack@FDACS.gov