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Florida Solar Policy & Licensing

Solar Licensing

The Florida Legislature and the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) have established the scope of work for solar contractors.  For the full text of the Florida Legislatures rules on solar energy contractors licensing and requirements you can read the following Rules and Chapters here, Click here for Chapter 489, Part I (Solar contractor definition is section 489.105 (3) (o).

Florida Energy Policy

FlaSEIA is instrumental in providing political and grass roots education in support of growing Florida’s solar energy economy. From the White House to the out house 86% of Americans support the growth of solar energy in all forms. On a political front, FlaSEIA strives to provide elected officials and candidates the best information so they are able to make educated and informed decisions regarding solar energy in Florida. On the national stage FlaSEIA also supports the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Key Policy Initiatives supported by FlaSEIA are Distributed Generation or Rooftop Solar and the following policies and programs that help consumers go solar:

  • Net Metering or Net Energy Meter (NEM)
  • Rate Design
  • Interconnection Standards
  • Local Permitting
  • Incentives
  • Financing Options

FlaSEIA also supports the growth of Utility Scale Solar and the critical issues for developing solar power on the largest scale in a distributed form, these items include:

  • Renewable Portfolio Standards & other accepted measurement standards
  • Grid Interconnection
  • Wholesale Distributed Generation (non-utility owned, utility scale projects)

FlaSEIA recognizes not all individuals are able to install solar panels, not just for monetary reasons but regarding site availability, such as condos or heavily shaded areas. That is why we are continually working to advance community solar or shared renewables in the state of Florida.

As a contractor or business owner in the industry your help is needed; we offer a variety of levels of financial and community support. You can become a member or simply join our mailing list so you can stay informed.  When we launch a campaign you can help the solar industry to advance Florida’s solar energy policy forward.

The Florida Solar Rights Act

Florida law forbids any entity—including homeowner associations—from prohibiting the installation of solar or other renewable energy devices on Florida buildings. An association may require approval of a system installation, and may establish restrictions for installations. However, any such restrictions must be reasonable, not arbitrary, and applied in a uniform manner for all association members. Also, any restrictions must not have the effect of impairing the performance, or increasing the cost, of a solar system.

In particular, a homeowner association may not prevent the installation of solar collectors on the roof of a home. The association may determine where on the roof the collectors may be installed, so long as the collectors face within 45 degrees of due south.

Finally, any requirement(s) that a system be screened from view by trees, fences, ground mounting racks, or a remote roof location that is hidden from the street, will generally violate the statute.

Other Solar Laws in Florida