Bay Harbor Islands Green Building Rebates & Recognition

Bay Harbor Islands incentivizes sustainable construction through its Sustainable Building Program. Established by Ordinance 989 on March 14, 2016, the program encourages voluntary participation in green building practices for residential and commercial projects.

Builders and developers can earn rebates on permit fees for projects certified through recognized standards like LEED (U.S. Green Building Council), FGBC (Florida Green Building Coalition), Green Globes (Green Building Initiative), or Energy Star. The program applies to one- and two-family residential and remodeling projects.

To qualify for permit fee rebates, participants must submit proof of certification to the town within 120 days of receiving a certificate of occupancy or use. The rebate percentage depends on the certification level:

• 30% for FGBC "Gold," USGBC "Platinum," or four Green Globes.
• 20% for FGBC "Silver," USGBC "Gold," or three Green Globes.
• 10% for FGBC "Bronze," USGBC "Silver," or two Green Globes.

Beyond financial incentives, the town presents an annual Green Building Award to certified participants, honoring their commitment with a framed proclamation. The town also highlights these projects on its website.

Builders may promote certified projects with temporary signs up to 24 square feet, stating, "This project is a Town of Bay Harbor Islands Green Certified Project by [Company Name]" and/or "Certified Florida Yards and Neighborhoods." Commercial developers can add "Town of Bay Harbor Islands Green Certified Project" in four-inch letters on permitted entry and identification signs.