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Demand for Florida's upcoming energy-efficient appliance rebates is expected to be so strong that state officials will require shoppers to get a reservation first.
"In other states, the rebates went so fast, they were gone the first day — even where they took reservations," said Brenda Buchan, program coordinator for the governor's energy and climate commission. "We don't want to disappoint anybody once the money runs out."
Unfortunately, the rules will not be set until a few weeks before the April 16-25 rebate program.
And appliance retailers themselves know little more than the basic program details so far.
"We've been afraid to promote (the rebate program) until the rules are set," said Jason Horst, business development director at Tampa appliance retailer Famous Tate. "Sounds like registering for class when I went to Florida State. But several brands plan their own promotions that week, so prices should be really good anyway."
Tagged the major appliance version of cash for clunkers, rebates provide 20 percent discounts on six types of Energy Star-rated appliances, plus $75 if you provide proof you unplugged and properly retired the old energy hogs they replace.
Florida is paying for the program with $17.58 million from last year's federal economic stimulus program. That's enough money for about 66,000 rebates on refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, freezers, room air conditioners and tankless gas water heaters.
State officials envision shoppers applying for a reservation either online or through a phone bank with a toll-free number starting April 16.
Shoppers will need a specific idea what they intend to buy, because they must provide the type of appliance, model and price to reserve an application spot. They will learn immediately if they secured a reservation to apply for a rebate. Then they can start shopping. With a reservation, a buyer has until May 10 to apply for a rebate. Rebates will be mailed in the form of American Express debit cards.
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