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Does Florida Allow Solar Panels on Commercial Buildings?

On Behalf of | Oct 28, 2024 | Real Estate Law

In Florida, both commercial and residential property owners have the legal right to install solar panels on their buildings. As the Sunshine State, our state actively promotes the use of solar energy through supportive laws and incentives aimed at making renewable energy more accessible and affordable.

Legal rights for commercial properties

The key piece of legislation here is the Florida Solar Rights Act. This law ensures that property owners, including businesses, can install solar energy systems on their buildings without undue interference. It prevents local governments and homeowners’ associations from outright prohibiting solar installations. While HOAs and local authorities can suggest reasonable restrictions regarding the placement and appearance of solar panels, they cannot impose rules that significantly hinder the system’s performance or make it cost-prohibitive.

Benefits for residential properties

Homeowners enjoy similar protections under the Florida Solar Rights Act. This means you can add solar panels to your home even if your HOA has concerns, if you are compliant with any reasonable guidelines they set forth. Additionally, Florida offers a property tax exemption for residential solar installations, so adding solar panels will not increase your property taxes despite the added value to your home.

Be prepared to work within the HOA guidelines, though. They might have preferences about where panels are placed or how they look. However, any restrictions they impose must be reasonable and not significantly impact the efficiency or cost of your solar system.

Building codes and permits

For commercial and residential properties, owners need to comply with applicable building codes. They will also likely need to apply for permits before they can begin installing solar panels. This ensures that the system meets safety standards and regulatory requirements. It is a good idea to work with a reputable solar installer who can help navigate these requirements.

Net metering policies

Florida has net metering policies that allow you to receive credit on your utility bill for excess energy your solar system generates. However, be aware that policies can change, which might affect the long-term financial benefits of your investment.

Insurance and liability

Check with your insurance provider to make sure your solar panels are covered under your property insurance. You should also understand any liability issues that could arise, especially for commercial installations where public safety is a consideration.

Installing solar panels on commercial and residential properties in Florida is not only legal, but also encouraged by state laws designed to promote renewable energy. With abundant sunshine and supportive legislation, it is an excellent opportunity to reduce energy costs and contribute to environmental sustainability. Just be sure to comply with state laws and local ordinances.