What Is the PACE Program?
PACE stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy. It's a government-backed financing program that lets homeowners pay for major home improvements — including a new roof — without a traditional loan or credit check. Instead of monthly payments to a lender, you repay the cost through an assessment added directly to your annual property tax bill.
In Florida, PACE is authorized under state law and administered through approved providers like Ygrene, Renew Financial, and Hero (Benji). Your local county — whether that's Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach — has to participate in the program for you to use it. The good news: all three South Florida counties are active PACE territories.
How Does PACE Actually Work for a Roof Replacement?
Here's the simple version of how it works from start to finish:
- You apply online — takes about 10–15 minutes. Approval is based on home equity and property tax payment history, not your credit score.
- You get approved — typically within 24–48 hours. Approval amounts in South Florida commonly range from $10,000 to $75,000+ depending on your home's equity.
- Your roofing contractor gets paid directly — once the work is complete and inspected, the PACE provider pays the contractor. You don't touch the money.
- You repay through your property taxes — the amount is split over 5, 10, 15, or 25 years and added to your annual tax bill. Typical annual payments for a $20,000 roof over 10 years run roughly $2,400–$2,800/year depending on the interest rate.
What's the Interest Rate on PACE Financing?
This is where you need to read the fine print. PACE interest rates in Florida typically run between 6.99% and 9.99% APR, though some programs go higher. That's not the lowest rate on the market, but for homeowners who can't qualify for a home equity loan or don't want to use a credit card, it's a real, workable option. Always ask for the full amortization schedule before you sign.
Who Qualifies for PACE Financing in South Florida?
PACE has one of the most accessible approval processes of any home improvement financing. You generally qualify if:
- You own the property (not a renter)
- You're current on your property taxes and mortgage
- You have enough equity in the home to cover the assessment
- The property is in a participating county — again, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach all qualify
There is no minimum credit score requirement. That's the biggest reason homeowners in areas like Homestead or Miramar turn to PACE — it opens the door when traditional lenders won't.
Is PACE a Good Idea for a Roof in Florida?
Honest answer: it depends on your situation. Here are the real pros and cons South Florida homeowners should know before signing up.
The Pros
- No credit check — approval is equity-based
- Covers 100% of the project cost with no money down
- Long repayment terms reduce the annual impact on your budget
- Helps you get a compliant roof before hurricane season — critical when you're in Miami-Dade, where the building code is the strictest in the country
- A new roof can immediately lower your homeowners insurance premium, which partially offsets the repayment cost
The Cons
- The assessment stays with the property — if you sell your home, buyers and their lenders may require you to pay it off at closing
- Interest rates are higher than a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or personal loan from a credit union
- Citizens Insurance and some private carriers in Florida have flagged PACE liens as a concern — it can complicate your insurance coverage if not disclosed properly
- If you fall behind on property taxes, the PACE lien has priority — that's a serious risk worth understanding
One more Florida-specific note: PACE does not replace an insurance claim. If your roof was damaged by a storm, you should pursue the claim first. PACE is best used for deductibles, upgrades beyond what insurance covers, or full replacements when there's no storm damage involved.
Can PACE Pay for a Roof in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach?
Yes — all three counties are active. Homeowners in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Pembroke Pines, and throughout the tri-county area can apply. Permits are pulled county-by-county, and PACE providers work with licensed contractors who know the local inspection process. Note that Miami-Dade has its own product approval requirements (the Miami-Dade NOA system) that your contractor must follow regardless of how the project is financed.
How to Use PACE with a Roofing Contractor
Not every roofing contractor is enrolled with PACE providers. At VICE Roofing, we work with homeowners to navigate financing options and can walk you through what the PACE process looks like for your specific project — whether that's a tile re-roof in Coral Gables, a metal roof in Weston, or a flat roof replacement on a commercial property. The key is making sure your contractor pulls the permit, passes inspection, and submits the completion certificate so the PACE provider can release funds correctly.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
PACE is one of several ways to finance a new roof in South Florida without draining your savings. It's not perfect for everyone, but for the right homeowner — especially one who needs a roof now before the next hurricane season and doesn't want to wait on bank approval — it can be a genuine lifeline. The most important step is understanding all your choices side by side before you commit.
VICE Roofing offers multiple payment paths with transparent terms and no pressure. Learn about our no-credit-check financing options — including PACE, Hearth, and other plans — and get a free estimate so you know exactly what you're working with before you sign anything.