Pompano Beach's Relaxed Approach to Solar Energy: What's Allowed

If you live in Pompano Beach or are thinking about moving there, solar energy are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Pompano Beach has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of solar energy, and some of them might surprise you.

HOA Restrictions

FL Statute 163.04 protects homeowners' rights to install solar panels and limits HOA restrictions. HOAs cannot prohibit installations. Reasonable aesthetic guidelines are allowed but cannot effectively prohibit or make installation unreasonably expensive. Condo associations are covered by FL Statute 718.113(6).

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

HOA restrictions effectively prohibiting solar violate FL §163.04. Injunctive relief available.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Pompano Beach gives residents more flexibility on hoa restrictions.

Panel Permits

Pompano Beach requires building and electrical permits for solar panel installations. The city follows the 2023 Florida Building Code with Broward County HVHZ provisions. Wind load compliance is mandatory. FL Statute 163.04 supports solar adoption. Net metering is available through FPL. The Building Inspections Department processes permit applications.

Key details: Permits: Building + electrical. Building Code: 2023 FBC + Broward HVHZ. Wind Load: HVHZ compliance required. Net Metering: Available through FPL. Application: Building Inspections Dept..

Installing without permits is a building code violation. Work must be corrected or removed.

Pompano Beach is more permissive than most cities when it comes to panel permits. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Pompano Beach 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.

These rules come from Pompano Beach's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.