For many Florida homeowners, going solar is a smart investment, but if you live in a community governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), the process comes with a few extra steps. While state law strongly protects your right to install solar, HOAs often have their own architectural review procedures and guidelines you’ll need to follow.
At Florida Power Services, we’ve completed thousands of HOA-approved solar installations across the state. We know how to get projects approved quickly and without unnecessary delays. Here’s what you should know about solar and HOAs in Florida before starting your solar journey.
⚖️ Florida’s Solar Rights Law Protects You
Florida Statute §163.04, also called the Solar Rights Act, makes it illegal for HOAs to prohibit the installation of solar panels or renewable energy devices. That means your HOA cannot deny your request simply because they “don’t like the look.”
The laws regarding solar and HOAs in Florida go further: HOAs cannot require changes that would hurt your system’s performance or raise costs. Once Florida Power Services engineers your system for maximum efficiency, it stays where it produces the most power at the lowest cost.
Changes like moving panels to shaded roof slopes or requiring extra wiring can:
- Reduce energy production by cutting access to sunlight
- Increase labor and material costs unnecessarily
Because of this, Florida law ensures your design remains intact. Homeowners considering an install can feel confident their rights regarding solar and HOAs in Florida are protected.
🛠️ Thousands of HOA-Approved Installations
At Florida Power Services, we’ve successfully completed thousands of HOA-approved solar projects. Our track record speaks for itself. Our plans consistently pass on the first review.
Why? Because every system we design is engineered for peak performance, optimal aesthetics, and full HOA compliance before submission. Our experience means we know what review boards expect, and we design systems that satisfy those standards without compromising efficiency.
When choosing solar and HOAs in Florida, you want a contractor who understands both the law and the process. FPS has built that expertise since 2007, giving homeowners confidence their projects will move forward smoothly.
📋 Common Guidelines for Solar and HOAs in Florida
While HOAs cannot stop you from installing solar, most have guidelines to keep the neighborhood’s appearance consistent. These usually include:
- Panel Placement Preferences – Some HOAs request that panels be installed on less-visible roof slopes, such as the back of the house. While Florida law prevents HOAs from forcing placement that reduces efficiency, our team designs systems with aesthetics in mind, so panels blend into your roofline while still performing at their best.
- Conduit Routing Requirements – HOAs often require conduit (the protective tubing for wires) to follow roof ridges, edges, or be run in the attic. We already account for this in our designs to keep systems neat, organized, and HOA-friendly.
- Color Matching – Many boards ask for black-framed solar panels and low-profile racking to avoid shiny metal hardware or mismatched colors. Florida Power Services uses sleek, all-black equipment that looks clean and uniform on nearly every roof type.
- Professional Plans – HOAs usually require engineered drawings stamped by a licensed professional. Our team supplies detailed plans, spec sheets, and photographs with every application, making approval easier and faster.
Because Florida Power Services prioritizes professional design and attention to detail, our systems already meet most HOA preferences without compromising performance.
🏗️ The HOA Approval Process
Every HOA has its own procedures, but the general process for solar and HOAs in Florida usually looks like this:
- Request the Architectural Review Form – Homeowners must start by requesting the official ARC form from their HOA. Each community has a different version, and having the correct form is essential to move forward.
- Complete and Submit Application – Along with the form, HOAs require detailed system drawings, layouts, and equipment specs. Florida Power Services prepares a complete, professional packet for you, so your submission is turnkey and meets all technical requirements. This step is especially important for homeowners navigating solar and HOAs in Florida, since thorough documentation avoids unnecessary delays.
- Committee Review – Most HOA boards meet only once a month, and some just quarterly. Submitting your application quickly avoids unnecessary delays.
- Approval or Conditional Approval – HOAs may approve your project outright or request small changes, like painting conduit to match trim. We’ll advise you on what’s reasonable, but any request that impacts cost or efficiency is not allowed under Florida law.
- Permitting & Installation – Once HOA approval is secured, Florida Power Services immediately handles city permitting and begins scheduling your installation so your project doesn’t lose momentum.
Pro Tip: Start the HOA process as early as possible. Even a one-month delay in approval could push your solar installation into the following year, jeopardizing your eligibility for the federal tax credit. Homeowners focused on solar and HOAs in Florida should always plan early to avoid these risks.
🤝 How We Keep Your HOA Happy
Florida Power Services has decades of experience working with solar and HOAs in Florida. We’ve fine-tuned our process to minimize friction. Here’s how we make the experience seamless:
- Pre-Designed HOA Packages – We prepare complete submission packets with drawings, spec sheets, and photographs. We make the review process for solar and HOA in Florida faster and help avoid back-and-forth requests for missing details.
- Aesthetic-First Design – We use black-on-black panels, hidden conduit, and K2 racking systems that keep lines clean and modern. These design choices not only perform well but also match HOA expectations for curb appeal.
- Fast Revisions – If an HOA does request a minor change, we provide revisions quickly and professionally without holding up your timeline.
- Direct Communication – When needed, we’ll coordinate directly with HOA committees on your behalf. This prevents miscommunication and ensures boards receive accurate technical answers quickly.
Because of this streamlined approach, projects move faster, homeowners stay stress-free, and HOA approvals are rarely an obstacle when you choose Florida Power Services.
⏳ Why Delays Can Cost You
Waiting too long to start your approval process can cost you thousands. The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit and the 10% Domestic Content Adder expire December 31, 2025. As deadlines approach, permitting offices slow down, utilities back up, and installation crews book out months in advance.
If you delay HOA submission until late summer or fall, you may miss your chance to qualify for incentives. Homeowners navigating solar and HOAs in Florida should begin as soon as possible to secure savings.
📞 Ready to move forward? Contact Florida Power Services today.
