Solar Energy in Pembroke Pines, FL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

Every city handles solar energy a little differently. In Pembroke Pines, Florida, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Panel Permits

Pembroke Pines requires building and electrical permits for solar panel installations. The Building Department provides a Solar Panels Checklist for permit applications. FL Statute 163.04 supports solar energy adoption. Installations must comply with the 2023 Florida Building Code and Broward County HVHZ provisions for wind load resistance. Permits are processed through the Building Department.

Key details: Permits: Building + electrical required. Checklist: Available from Building Dept.. Building Code: 2023 FBC + Broward HVHZ. Wind Load: HVHZ Exposure C compliance. Net Metering: Available through FPL.

Installing solar panels without permits is a building code violation. Unpermitted work must be corrected or removed.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Pembroke Pines gives residents more flexibility on panel permits.

HOA Restrictions

FL Statute 163.04 protects homeowners' rights to install solar panels and limits HOA restrictions on solar energy devices. HOAs in Pembroke Pines cannot prohibit solar panel installations on residential property. HOAs may establish reasonable aesthetic guidelines for placement but cannot effectively prohibit or make installation unreasonably expensive. State law provides strong protections for solar adopters.

Key details: HOA Ban: Cannot prohibit (FL §163.04). Aesthetics: Reasonable guidelines allowed. Condos: FL §718.113(6) protections. Protected Devices: PV panels, solar water heaters. Legal Remedy: Injunctive relief available.

HOA restrictions that effectively prohibit solar installations violate FL §163.04. Homeowners may seek injunctive relief.

The rules around hoa restrictions in Pembroke Pines lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Pembroke Pines gives residents more room on solar energy. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Pembroke Pines's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.