The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners directed staff to draft materials exploring whether to reestablish a residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program in the county.

Industry representatives described statutory changes made in 2024 (SB 770) that they say add consumer protections: mandatory third‑party ability-to-pay verification, recorded application confirmations, contractor oversight, and other safeguards. "This is completely private capital," a PACE presenter said, adding that the program uses non‑taxpayer funds and can finance home improvements such as roofs, impact windows, and septic-to-sewer conversions.

Opponents and numerous residents urged caution. Witnesses and speakers raised past examples of alleged predatory conduct and warned that placing a lien on a homeowner’s property tax bill can lead to serious consequences for vulnerable households. "It puts a lien on your house — and if you fall behind, you risk losing your home," said Stell Bailey (speaker 14), reflecting public concerns voiced during the meeting.

What the board decided: By unanimous vote the board did not adopt a PACE program but instructed staff to prepare draft implementation materials, proposed local consumer protections, and examples from other counties to support a future deliberation. Commissioners emphasized they want stronger local safeguards in addition to the 2024 statutory changes before any final decision.

Details and consumer protections discussed: PACE providers present described an ability-to-pay test (annual payment not exceeding 10% of household income in the examples given), recorded phone calls confirming terms, contractor registration/oversight and the requirement to notify primary mortgage holders. Providers said typical assessment amounts average about $25,000 with minimums near $5,000 and that many improvements reduce insurance costs for homeowners.

Next steps: Staff and the county attorney will return with draft resolution language, options for local-level consumer protections (for example, strengthened disclosure on the tax bill, contractor registration, and reporting requirements), and any fiscal/legal implications for county offices (property appraiser, tax collector) before the board considers whether to reauthorize the program.