Local Guide · Residential solar installers · Miami, FL
What does it take to go solar in Miami?
Miami sits in Florida's High Velocity Hurricane Zone, and most homes are FPL customers. Here is what the county asks for in solar permits and how FPL net metering works.
In Miami, rooftop solar has to meet Miami-Dade County's High Velocity Hurricane Zone permit requirements, including wind uplift details and sealed structural calculations. For FPL customers, FPL must preapprove the system before installation under its net metering program. The contractor must hold a Florida license.
Key facts for Miami, FL
- Miami-Dade County's solar permit guideline applies to its High Velocity Hurricane Zone.
- Miami-Dade's guideline asks for the roof's wind uplift zone and pressure under ASCE-7.
- Miami-Dade's guideline asks for signed and sealed drawings showing panels and framing meet wind uplift and lateral forces.
- Miami-Dade's guideline asks for a Florida Solar Energy Center photovoltaic system certification approval form.
- FPL says customers should start a net metering application before investing in a solar system, because FPL must preapprove it.
- Under FPL net metering, excess energy carries forward to the next month's bill, and unused kWh banked when the meter is read in December become a credit on the December bill.
- Florida law bars deed restrictions from prohibiting solar collectors on buildings.
What does Miami-Dade require for solar permits?
Miami-Dade County's solar permit guideline is written for its High Velocity Hurricane Zone. It asks for a roof plan, the roof's wind uplift zone and pressure under ASCE-7, the roof deck type, roof penetration flashing details, and a Florida Solar Energy Center certification form for the system.
It also asks for signed and sealed drawings showing the panels and framing meet wind uplift and lateral forces and that the structure can carry the added weight. If you are reroofing, a separate roof permit is required.
How does FPL net metering work?
FPL says to start a net metering application before you invest, because it must preapprove your system. After approval and signing the Net Metering Agreement, you can install.
Excess energy is subtracted from your monthly use. If you produce more than you receive, the extra carries to next month. Unused kWh in your bank when the meter is read in December become a credit on that bill.
What should Miami homeowners ask installers?
Ask how the racking attaches to your roof and what approvals it carries for hurricane-zone wind loads. Ask who files the FPL application and who pulls the county or city permit. Check the contractor's license on the DBPR license search.
How to choose a provider in Miami, FL
- Search the contractor's license on DBPR.
- Ask your utility about its current solar credit program before you buy.
- Confirm who gets the permit and the utility's interconnection approval.
- Ask how the racking is attached and rated for wind.
- Check your roof's age before installing.
- Get the warranty and savings estimate in writing.
Questions people ask
Is solar permitting different in Miami?
Yes. Miami-Dade's solar permit guideline is written for the High Velocity Hurricane Zone and asks for wind uplift data and signed and sealed structural calculations.
Does FPL have to approve my solar before I install?
FPL says it must preapprove a system before installation, so start the net metering application first.
What happens to extra solar power with FPL?
It carries forward to the next month's bill. Unused kWh banked when the meter is read in December become a credit on that bill.
Can my Miami HOA block solar?
Florida law says deed restrictions may not prohibit solar collectors, though an association can set the roof location within limits.
Who licenses Miami solar contractors?
Florida DBPR. Check the license on DBPR's license search.
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.
