Florida is the third-largest US solar market and growing fast. The Sunshine State has the solar irradiance to justify it — and a net metering framework that still offers retail-rate compensation, unlike California’s post-2023 NEM 3.0 shift.
The unique Florida compliance challenge is the hurricane building code. Florida has the strictest wind load requirements in the continental US, and Miami-Dade County’s product approval process adds a layer of complexity not found anywhere else.
Florida Solar Market
Florida added over 4 GW of solar in 2024, with rapid growth in both residential and utility-scale segments. FPL alone has a pipeline of several GW of utility solar projects. The residential market is driven by strong irradiance (5.5–6.0 peak sun hours/day statewide), retail-rate net metering, high electricity rates (averaging $0.14–0.18/kWh), and a growing population.
Florida Net Metering: Retail Rate Preserved
Florida’s net metering rules require investor-owned utilities to compensate solar customers at the full retail rate for excess generation. Key rules:
| Feature | Florida Net Metering Rule |
|---|---|
| Compensation rate | Full retail rate per kWh |
| System size limit | Up to 2 MW |
| Credit rollover | Month to month; annual true-up |
| End-of-year excess | Credit forfeited (no cash payment) |
| Standby charges | Not allowed for systems under 10 kW |
| Applicable utilities | All Florida IOUs (FPL, Duke Energy FL, TECO, FPU) |
Florida’s retail-rate net metering was protected by the Florida Supreme Court in a 2022 decision after the Florida Legislature passed a bill (HB 741) that would have phased it out. The net metering rules were restored and maintained.
FPL Net Metering Program
Florida Power & Light (FPL) serves about half of Florida’s customers. Under FPL’s Sunshine Energy Program:
- Credits at retail rate accumulate over the month
- Monthly net position determines billing
- Annual true-up in the 12th month: credits over the base charge are forfeited, not paid
- Bi-directional meter installed by FPL at no additional charge
- FPL interconnection fee: $400 application fee (waived for systems under 10 kW as of 2026)
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida serves the Tampa Bay area (north of TECO’s territory) and parts of Central Florida:
- Same retail-rate net metering structure as FPL
- Duke has an online interconnection portal
- Systems under 10 kW: 10–20 business day approval typical
TECO (Tampa Electric)
Tampa Electric (TECO) serves the City of Tampa and surrounding areas:
- Retail-rate net metering program
- TECO’s solar interconnection is one of the faster processes in Florida — typically 15–20 business days for residential
- Online application available at tampaelectric.com
Florida Building Code: Hurricane Wind Loads
This is the compliance element that catches installers from other states by surprise.
Wind Design Speed Zones
The Florida Building Code (FBC) maps the state into wind design speed contours:
| Region | Ultimate Design Wind Speed (Vult) |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe (Keys) | 185–200 mph |
| Palm Beach south, coastal Collier | 160–170 mph |
| Most of Southeast/Southwest FL coast | 150–160 mph |
| Orlando, Central FL (inland) | 120–130 mph |
| North Florida, Panhandle inland | 100–120 mph |
Solar racking systems and modules must be designed to withstand the wind uplift and pressure calculated for the specific wind speed zone. This typically means:
- Structural engineer review for the racking attachment method and anchor loads
- Racking system selected specifically for the wind speed zone
- Module attachment clips/hardware rated for the calculated loads
Miami-Dade Product Approval (NOA)
Miami-Dade County and Broward County require all exterior building products — including solar modules, racking, and roof attachments — to have a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from the Miami-Dade County Product Control Division.
An NOA demonstrates that the product has been tested to the Miami-Dade High-Velocity Hurricane Zone wind standards. Installing a product without a current NOA in Miami-Dade or Broward is a code violation.
What requires an NOA in Miami-Dade/Broward:
- Solar modules
- Racking system and mounting hardware
- Roof penetration attachment hardware
Check NOA Before Ordering Equipment
Not all solar modules and racking systems have Miami-Dade NOAs. Some popular budget module brands have not gone through the Miami-Dade testing process. Always check the Miami-Dade County product approval list (miamidade.gov/building/pc-search.asp) before specifying equipment for Miami-Dade or Broward projects. A product substitution after permit submission can restart the review process.
Florida Contractor Licensing
| License | Scope | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Contractor (EC-13) | Solar PV installation | Florida DBPR |
| Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) | All electrical work including solar | Florida DBPR |
| Registered Electrical Contractor | Local license (county/city) electrical work | Florida DBPR + local |
The EC-13 (Solar Contractor) license was created specifically for solar PV installation. It covers:
- PV module and racking installation
- DC wiring
- Inverter installation
- Connection to the main service panel
An EC-13 does NOT cover:
- Panel upgrades or service entrance modifications
- General electrical wiring
- EV charger installation (as a standalone project)
License verification: myfloridalicense.com
Florida Incentives
| Incentive | Description |
|---|---|
| Federal ITC (30%) | 30% of total system cost |
| Sales Tax Exemption | Solar equipment exempt from Florida 6% sales tax |
| Property Tax Exemption | Solar installation exempt from tangible personal property tax |
| No state income tax | Federal ITC is fully usable (no state income tax to shelter it against) |
Florida has no state income tax, so there is no state solar income tax credit. The absence of state income tax is actually a benefit for the federal ITC — there’s no double-layer of taxation, and the ITC claim is straightforward.
The property tax exemption (Florida Statutes §196.175 and §192.001) means that the added value of a solar installation does not increase the homeowner’s or business owner’s property tax assessment.
Design Florida Solar with Hurricane Code Compliance
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida have net metering?
Yes. Florida’s investor-owned utilities must offer net metering at the full retail rate for systems up to 2 MW. Credits roll over monthly and are reconciled annually. Excess annual credits are forfeited, not paid in cash.
What makes Florida solar permitting different from other states?
Florida’s hurricane building code adds wind load design requirements that don’t exist in other states. Miami-Dade and Broward counties require Miami-Dade NOA product approval for all exterior components including modules and racking. Structural calculations are generally required for all Florida solar permits.
What licenses are needed for solar installation in Florida?
The Solar Contractor (EC-13) or Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) license from Florida DBPR. The EC-13 covers solar-specific scope. Panel upgrades and general electrical require the full EC license.
