Broward County Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) & Cool Roofing
Managing high energy costs in South Florida starts with your roof. Learn how the Broward County Family Success LIHEAP program assists with utility burdens and how Planet Roofing helps homeowners achieve long-term electric bill relief through energy-efficient roofing systems and flexible financing.
Understanding Broward County's Family Success & LIHEAP Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded initiative administered locally by the Broward County Family Success Administration Division (FSAD).
In South Florida's sub-tropical climate, residential cooling accounts for over 50% of summer electric bills. LIHEAP provides financial assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income households to help prevent utility disconnections, offset energy costs, and ensure a safe, temperature-controlled living environment.
How County Utility Assistance Connects to Planet Roofing Services
Understanding the distinct roles of the official county program and our roofing services ensures you receive both immediate utility bill relief and a permanent, long-term solution to high energy costs:
- 1. County Utility Relief (Immediate Support): Apply directly on the official Broward County portal (broward.org/FamilySuccess) for LIHEAP emergency utility grants paid directly to FPL to cover active electric bills or prevent disconnection.
- 2. Addressing the Underlying Problem (Permanent Relief): In South Florida, 50%+ of summer electric bills are caused by solar heat penetrating old, dark, or unventilated roofing. Replacing or coating your roof permanently lowers attic temperatures by up to 40°F.
- 3. Planet Roofing Energy Solutions & $0 Down Financing: As a licensed Florida roofing contractor (CCC1329271), Planet Roofing provides free roof energy assessments, installs Energy Star cool roofs, and offers flexible $0-down payment plans and coordination with state programs like My Safe Florida Home.
Who Qualifies for Broward County LIHEAP?
Assistance is provided to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Key criteria include:
- Broward County Residency: Proof of current residence within Broward County.
- Income Thresholds: Gross household income generally at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Utility Obligation: Responsible for home heating/cooling utility bills (FPL electric bill in applicant's or household member's name).
- Priority Households: Expedited consideration is frequently given to homes with senior citizens (60+), individuals with disabilities, and families with young children.
Financial Capability Program (FCP) – Match Savings Component
Broward County offers up to $25,000 in matching funds for eligible low-to-moderate-income residents through its Match Savings Component. If you have the ability to save monthly, you can leverage county matching dollars to fund critical home improvements, major roof replacements, and hurricane hardening.
Eligible Roofing & Property Tracks
The FCP Match Savings program specifically qualifies asset-building goals that protect and restore your home:
- Major Home Repair: Structural roof replacement, flat roof restoration, tile and shingle rebuilds.
- Hurricane Protection: High-wind mitigation, secondary water barrier installation, hurricane clip upgrades.
- Additional Goals: Vehicle purchase/repair, post-secondary education, rental security deposit.
How Planet Roofing Helps You Qualify
As a state-licensed Florida roofing contractor (CCC1329271), Planet Roofing supports Broward homeowners through the FCP process:
- Free Official Scope Estimates: Itemized, code-compliant roofing bids required by county financial coaches.
- Milestone Coordination: We work directly with program guidelines to align savings disbursement with construction milestones.
- Combined Energy Savings: Energy Star-certified cool roofing systems that permanently lower electric bills.
FCP Match Savings Income Eligibility Table (400% FPL)
Official Broward County Family Success Administration Division income thresholds (effective 01/2026).
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Gross Income (400% FPL) | Program Match Potential |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $63,840 | Up to $25,000 |
| 2 Persons | $86,560 | Up to $25,000 |
| 3 Persons | $109,280 | Up to $25,000 |
| 4 Persons | $132,000 | Up to $25,000 |
| 5 Persons | $154,720 | Up to $25,000 |
| 6 Persons | $177,440 | Up to $25,000 |
| 7 Persons | $200,160 | Up to $25,000 |
| 8 Persons | $222,880 | Up to $25,000 |
| 9 Persons | $245,600 | Up to $25,000 |
| 10 Persons | $268,320 | Up to $25,000 |
How to Enroll in Broward County Match Savings
- Contact Your Nearest Family Success Center: Call (954) 357-5025 or visit broward.org/FamilySuccess and request an appointment with a Financial Coach.
- Set Your Home Repair Savings Plan: Establish your monthly savings commitment with your coach, selecting Major Home Repair or Hurricane Protection as your asset goal.
- Obtain a Planet Roofing Estimate: Contact Planet Roofing for a free, licensed roof inspection and detailed proposal to submit to your coach for grant matching.
- Execute Roof Upgrades with Matched Dollars: Once your savings target and county matching funds are ready, Planet Roofing completes your high-efficiency roof replacement under full local permits and warranties.
How Your Roof Drives Up South Florida Electric Bills
While utility assistance delivers vital short-term bill relief, addressing an aging or inefficient roof provides permanent, month-over-month energy savings.
1. Excessive Solar Heat Absorption
Standard dark asphalt shingles absorb up to 90% of South Florida's intense radiant heat. This thermal energy transfers directly into your attic, pushing temperatures past 140°F and forcing your air conditioner to run continuously.
2. Poor Attic Ventilation
Roofs without balanced intake soffits and exhaust ridge vents trap superheated air in the attic space. Trapped heat radiates downward through ceiling drywall, increasing indoor living space temperatures by several degrees.
3. Wet Insulation & Micro-Leaks
Hidden roof leaks saturate attic fiberglass and cellulose insulation. When insulation becomes damp, it loses over 80% of its thermal resistance (R-value), leading to massive cooling losses and sky-high utility bills.
Energy-Efficient Roofing Solutions by Planet Roofing
Planet Roofing helps Broward County homeowners permanently reduce energy consumption with modern, code-compliant, and reflective roofing technologies:
Reflective "Cool Roof" Coatings & White Single-Ply TPO
Highly reflective elastomeric and silicone roof coatings, as well as Energy Star-rated white TPO membranes, reflect up to 85% of solar radiation away from your home, reducing roof surface temperatures by 50°F and cutting cooling costs by 15% to 25%.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Engineered with advanced PVDF/Kynar 500 reflective pigments, modern metal roofs reflect radiant heat and cool down rapidly once the sun sets. Metal roofing offers 50+ year lifespans and maximum Category 5 hurricane resistance.
High-Efficiency Concrete & Clay Tile Systems
The curved profile of Spanish 'S' and barrel tile roofing creates a natural thermal air barrier beneath the tiles, allowing continuous airflow that dissipates heat before it reaches the roof deck.
Complete Attic Ventilation Engineering
We install continuous ridge vents, off-ridge vents, and high-efficiency solar attic fans to actively flush out superheated attic air, keeping your living space cooler and extending the lifespan of your AC unit.
Flexible $0-Down Financing for Energy Upgrades
If upfront project costs are a barrier, Planet Roofing offers flexible financing programs tailored for South Florida property owners:
- $0 Down / 100% Financing: Begin your energy-efficient roof installation with zero cash out-of-pocket.
- Low Fixed Monthly Payments: Predictable payment schedules that fit your household budget.
- PACE Equity-Based Financing: Financing approved based on your property equity rather than credit score.
- State Grant Coordination: Guidance on pairing roof upgrades with programs like My Safe Florida Home for additional grant funding.
Your 4-Step Action Plan for Home Energy Relief
-
Step 1: Check County Assistance Eligibility
Visit Broward County Family Success to review LIHEAP guidelines, complete the orientation, and apply for utility payment relief. -
Step 2: Schedule a Free Roof Energy & Health Assessment
Contact Planet Roofing for a comprehensive roof and attic inspection to identify heat intrusion points, ventilation bottlenecks, and moisture damage. -
Step 3: Review Cool Roofing & Financing Options
We provide a detailed estimate with energy-efficient material recommendations and $0-down monthly payment plans. -
Step 4: Execute Upgrades & Enjoy Lower Electric Bills
Our licensed, certified roofing crews complete your installation with full Broward County permitting and hurricane code compliance.
Request a Free Roof Energy Assessment
Fill out the form below and our Broward County roofing specialists will contact you within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions regarding Broward County LIHEAP and energy-efficient roofing.
What is the Broward County Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?
LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered locally by Broward County's Family Success Administration Division. It helps eligible low-income households manage heating and cooling utility costs, providing financial relief toward electric bills.
How does an energy-efficient roof reduce electric bills in Broward County?
Dark, deteriorated roofs absorb massive solar heat, pushing attic temperatures beyond 140°F. Energy Star-rated cool roofs, reflective coatings, and proper attic ventilation reflect solar radiation and lower attic temperatures by up to 40°F, cutting cooling load on your AC by 15% to 25%.
Where can Broward County residents apply for LIHEAP energy assistance?
Residents can apply online through the official Broward County portal at broward.org/FamilySuccess or by contacting the Family Success Administration Division at (954) 357-5025.
What is the Broward County Match Savings Component (Financial Capability Program)?
Administered by the Broward County Family Success Administration Division, the Financial Capability Program (FCP) offers up to $25,000 in matching funds for eligible low-to-moderate-income residents (at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level) who commit to monthly savings. Qualifying asset goals include Major Home Repair (roof replacement/repairs) and Hurricane Protection. Contact your nearest Family Success Center and ask for a Financial Coach to enroll.
What financing options are available if I don't qualify for county grants?
Planet Roofing offers $0-down financing, low fixed-rate payment terms, and PACE equity-based funding programs so homeowners can immediately repair or replace inefficient roofs without depleting emergency savings.