As a business owner in Port Charlotte, FL, you've probably noticed how much impact the right exterior lighting can have on a commercial property. It boosts curb appeal, enhances safety, and strengthens brand visibility. But in 2025, it does even more: it can reduce your tax bill in a big way.

Thanks to the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill," businesses like yours can now deduct 100% of qualifying commercial lighting costs in the same year they’re installed. That means if you invest in commercial exterior lighting in Port Charlotte, you won’t just be upgrading your property—you’ll be making a savvy financial decision with real bottom-line impact.

Please note: You should consult your CPA or accountant to verify that your business qualifies, as eligibility depends on how your company is organized and how you file your taxes.

In this post, I’ll break down how this works, why it matters, and how my team at Blingle! of Port Charlotte can help you take full advantage of this opportunity.

What Changed: The Big Beautiful Bill

The "Big Beautiful Bill" restores 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying property placed in service after January 19, 2025. This includes most types of outdoor lighting systems, such as wall-mounted fixtures, landscape lighting, façade and architectural track lighting like Gemstone Lighting, parking lot lights, signage illumination, and pathway lighting.

Under the updated Section 168(k) of the IRS tax code, these systems qualify as 15-year MACRS (Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System) property—making them fully deductible in the year they're installed.

If you're planning capital improvements in 2025, this is the time to act.

What This Means for Port Charlotte Business Owners

Whether you run a restaurant in Englewood, a dental clinic in Punta Gorda, or a retail store in North Port, this incentive applies to you. If your commercial lighting system is installed on or after January 19, 2025, placed in service by the end of that year, and isn’t hardwired into the building, you can deduct 100% of the total project cost from your 2025 taxable income.

For example, imagine a $30,000 lighting upgrade placed in service in October 2025. Even if you’re paying $2,500 per month on a 12-month plan, you can still deduct the full $30,000 immediately and potentially save $9,600 in taxes if you’re in the 32% bracket.

Qualifying Lighting Systems: Spotlight on Gemstone Lights

One of the most effective and tax-eligible systems we offer is Gemstone Lighting. These permanent, low-voltage LED track lights are surface-mounted to your building’s exterior and digitally controlled for customized branding, seasonal displays, and improved nighttime visibility.

Gemstone Lights are removable, plug-in powered, and not integrated into the building’s electrical infrastructure. This makes them eligible for classification as 15-year MACRS property and fully deductible under the current bonus depreciation rules.

Beyond the financial perks, these lights enhance curb appeal, attract more foot traffic during nighttime hours, and allow for dynamic color programming that can align with holidays or business promotions. If your brand relies on standing out after dark, Gemstone is a smart choice.

Financing Makes It Easy

You don’t need to pay the full cost upfront to take advantage of the deduction. Our trusted financing partners offer solutions with $0 down, flexible terms ranging from 6 to 60 months, and quick pre-qualification. That means you can get your lighting system installed in 2025, begin spreading out payments, and still write off the entire cost that same year.

This approach helps make commercial exterior lighting in Port Charlotte more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses alike.

Who Benefits Most?

We’re seeing a growing interest across many industries. Businesses that operate at night, rely on aesthetic appeal, or are seeking to reduce liability risks stand to benefit the most. Restaurants, cafés, car dealerships, medical and dental offices, retail plazas, churches, hotels, event venues, and even funeral homes have all taken advantage of lighting improvements.

These upgrades not only enhance visibility and appeal but also serve as a tax-advantaged investment that pays off in both ambiance and accounting.

Schedule Your Free Lighting & Tax Consultation

At Blingle! of Port Charlotte, we’re currently booking installations for Q3 and Q4 of 2025. This allows us to guarantee your lighting system is placed in service within the eligible timeframe for full deduction. We’ll also provide CPA-backed documentation and help with every step of the planning, design, and financing process.

Whether you know exactly what you want or you’re just starting to explore your options, we’re here to guide you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does exterior lighting improve resale value?

A: Professionally installed outdoor lighting enhances curb appeal, highlights architectural features, and improves nighttime security—making your property more attractive to buyers.

Q: Is seasonal or holiday lighting eligible for tax deductions?

A: Yes, if the lighting is part of a permanent system like Gemstone and used for commercial display purposes.

Q: What if I lease my commercial space?

A: Lessees may still qualify for bonus depreciation if they install and own the lighting system.

Q: Will I need to pay up front to deduct the full amount?

A: No. As long as the system is in service in 2025 and you own it, you can deduct 100% even if you’re making monthly payments.

Q: Do I need a CPA to claim the deduction?

A: It’s a good idea to check with your CPA or accountant to confirm whether your business qualifies, as eligibility can depend on how your company is structured and how you file your taxes.

About the Author

Patrick Dunivan is the proud owner of Blingle! of Port Charlotte, where he helps businesses and homeowners bring their outdoor spaces to life. A Marine Corps veteran with over 25 years in IT and business leadership, Patrick brings precision, integrity, and service-first values to every project.

Blingle! serves Port Charlotte and surrounding communities, including Brownville, Arcadia, North Port, Englewood, Venice, Boca Grande, Cayo Costa, and Punta Gorda. Patrick and his team specialize in custom outdoor lighting installations that balance beauty, functionality, and long-term value.