Florida Solar Contractor License Check for Homeowners

Florida solar contractors are licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. A certified contractor can work anywhere in the state, while a registered contractor can work only where the local registration applies. Verify the license on DBPR's search, then check your utility's interconnection steps before installation.

Who licenses residential solar installers providers in Florida

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Construction Industry Licensing Board. Florida Statutes 489.105 defines a solar contractor as one who installs, alters, repairs, maintains, relocates or replaces solar panels for potable solar water heating, swimming pool solar heating and photovoltaic systems. Certified contractors may contract anywhere in the state; registered contractors only in the jurisdiction where their registration applies. Search the contractor on DBPR's license search.

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Key facts for Florida

Florida law defines a solar contractor's work to include photovoltaic systems, potable solar water heating and swimming pool solar heating.
A Florida certified contractor may contract in any jurisdiction in the state, while a registered contractor may contract only where the registration applies.
Florida law says deed restrictions, covenants and similar agreements may not prohibit solar collectors on buildings.
A Florida association may choose where roof solar collectors go, within an orientation to the south or within 45 degrees east or west of due south, if that doesn't impair their operation.
Florida PSC Rule 25-6.065 governs interconnection and metering of customer-owned renewable generation for the state's electric public utilities.
FPL says a customer should start a net metering application before investing in a solar system, because FPL must preapprove the system before installation.
Tampa Electric says Florida offers a property tax exclusion and a sales tax exemption for residential solar.

What does a Florida solar contractor license cover?

Florida Statutes 489.105 defines a solar contractor as one who installs, alters, repairs, maintains, relocates or replaces solar panels for potable solar water heating, swimming pool solar heating and photovoltaic systems, plus related equipment.

The same law separates certified and registered contractors. A certified contractor holds a state certificate of competency and can work anywhere in Florida. A registered contractor qualified locally and can contract only in that jurisdiction. Check the license on the DBPR license search.

How does net metering work in Florida?

For the state's investor-owned utilities, the Public Service Commission's Rule 25-6.065 sets interconnection and metering rules for customer-owned renewable generation. Under FPL's program, excess energy is subtracted from your monthly use, and any extra carries to the next month's bill (FPL FAQ).

City-owned utilities set their own programs. OUC in Orlando and JEA in Jacksonville both changed how they credit solar in recent years, so ask your utility for its current terms.

What can a Florida HOA require?

Under Florida Statutes 163.04, deed restrictions and covenants may not prohibit solar collectors on buildings. An association can decide where on the roof they go, within a south-facing orientation or within 45 degrees east or west of due south, as long as that doesn't impair how well they work.

In a lawsuit under this section, the prevailing party is entitled to costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

What about hurricanes?

Roof-mounted panels in Florida must handle wind. Miami-Dade County's solar permit guideline for its High Velocity Hurricane Zone asks for the roof's wind uplift zone, roof penetration flashing details and signed and sealed structural calculations (county guideline). Ask any installer how the racking is attached and what product approvals it carries.

How to choose a provider in Florida

Search the contractor's license on DBPR and confirm it is active.
If the license is registered, confirm it covers your city or county.
Start your utility's interconnection or net metering application before you buy, if your utility requires preapproval.
Ask how the racking is attached and rated for wind.
Check your roof's age before installing.
Ask your HOA where panels may go, and compare it with Florida Statutes 163.04.
Get the warranty and any savings estimate in writing.

Residential solar installers in Florida cities

Questions people ask

Who licenses solar contractors in Florida?

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, through the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Can a Florida solar contractor work anywhere in the state?

A certified contractor can. A registered contractor can work only in the jurisdiction where the registration applies.

Can my Florida HOA ban solar panels?

No. Florida law says deed restrictions and covenants may not prohibit solar collectors, though an association can set the roof location within limits.

Do I need utility approval before installing solar in Florida?

Often yes. FPL, for example, says it must preapprove a system before installation. Check with your utility first.

Are there Florida tax breaks for solar?

Tampa Electric notes Florida offers a property tax exclusion for residential renewable energy property and a sales tax exemption on solar systems.

Does net metering work the same with every Florida utility?

No. Investor-owned utilities follow PSC rules. City-owned utilities such as OUC and JEA set their own programs.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

How do you check a solar contractor's license in Florida?