How does this program work? 

• Property owners must confirm they are within the eligible area to apply and must not have started installing the BMP for which they are applying. To check if you live within the eligible area, please enter your address on the map at the bottom of this page, or visit the Sarasota County Property Appraiser. 
• Property owners submit their application at scgov.net/raincheck.
• The NEST Coordinator will schedule a site inspection with the property owner to discuss the logistics and goals associated with their project, as well as to assess the site for suitability of the BMP they have applied for.
• The NEST Coordinator will then issue the property owner a Notice to Proceed, allowing them to proceed with the installation of their BMP. The project must be completed within 60 days of the Notice to Proceed date.
• Once the project is complete, property owners schedule a final site inspection with the NEST Coordinator.
• After final inspection, the property owner will fill out a Rebate Request Form and the NEST Coordinator will then create a Rebate Request Packet.
• The applicant will then receive their rebate as a physical check in the mail.

Why does the county require three quotes for projects that cost over $3,000? 

As part of Sarasota County’s Standard Operating Procedure, all projects that are $3,000 or more and that are eligible for grant funding must go through a process of obtaining three quotes from three different vendors, even if the work will be performed by the applicant.

How many BMPs can I receive a rebate for installing? Can I apply each year?

Each property owner can receive a rebate for installing a total of two (2) BMPs per property. After two BMPs have been installed on the property by the property owner, no more rebates can be received by that property owner.

Can I install two BMPs at one time? 

Yes, as long as they pass inspection by the NEST Coordinator and meet all requirements, the applicant can install two (2) BMPs at once. If installing one BMP at a time, the applicant must submit a second application for the second BMP they wish to install.

Will I receive the rebate for installing the BMP year after year? 

No, rebates are only issued for initial BMP installations, not to exceed two (2) BMPs per property.

How long does it take to receive your rebate once your project is complete? 

On average, applicants receive their rebates within two (2) weeks of request.

Do I live in an eligible area to apply for a rebate? 

All Unincorporated Sarasota County and City of Sarasota residents are eligible to apply. The Cities of Venice, Northport and Longboat Key are not eligible to apply because they have a separate environmental utility bill. To find out if you live in an eligible area, please enter your address on the map at the bottom of this page, or visit the Sarasota County Property Appraiser.

What if I move—can the new owners of the house apply to install BMPs?

Yes, the rebates are per person per property.

I am a renter. Can I apply? 

Only property owners are eligible for a rebate. The name on the application must match the name on the property ID according to the Property Appraiser’s website, https://www.sc-pa.com/home. The owner of the property must apply.

I live in an apartment, can I apply? 

No, the applicant must be the owner of the property.

I own a condo, can I apply? 

Yes, as long as the applicant’s name matches the property owner’s name according to the Property Appraiser’s website, https://www.sc-pa.com/home.

I own a business and would like to install a BMP. Can I apply? 

Only the owner of the property where the BMPs are being proposed can apply. If the business is also the property owner, then yes.

I have already installed a BMP, can I apply for a rebate?

Per the Rain Check Handbook and website, previously installed BMPs are ineligible for a rebate. The BMP must be approved by the NEST Coordinator, and the applicant must receive a Notice to Proceed from the NEST Coordinator, prior to installation.

 What is a Best Management Practice (BMP)?

BMPs are studied techniques that have been proven to manage the volume of stormwater runoff through absorption and containment, which reduces the transport of pollutants and helps improve overall water quality. The county has a list of BMPs you can apply for, and more information on each BMP can be found on the Water Atlas at https://sarasota.wateratlas.usf.edu/lid/#green-infrastructure-home.

Can I install a rain barrel for a rebate from this program?

UF IFAS has a Rain Barrel Program that sells them at a discounted cost. To register for the workshop, go to http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/ or call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for the County Extension Office. It is not mandatory to attend the workshop to purchase the barrel.

Are you able to recommend any vendors, plant nurseries, etc.?

As a government employee, and to maintain fairness to business owners, the county cannot provide recommendations for labor, services or materials. The NEST Coordinator is able to provide guidance on plant selection.

 If I would like to convert my concrete driveway/walkway/patio to pavers, do the pavers have to be pervious?

Yes, the pavers need to be pervious to optimize water absorption. 

Please note there is a difference between pervious and permeable pavers. Pervious pavers optimize rainwater absorption by allowing water to absorb through the surface of the paver. Permeable pavers have joint space between them for water absorption. To qualify for this program, the pavers must be pervious.

Please be thorough with your contractor and when reading proposals to ensure that what is installed is truly going to be permeable/allow rainwater to be absorbed into the ground. 

Sealant should never be applied to pavers as this will prevent water from being absorbed.

If I install a paver driveway/patio/walkway, can I seal it?

No, sealing the pavers will effectively make them impervious, blocking rainwater from being absorbed. The goal of the program is to increase stormwater absorption into the ground.