Clearwater vs Dunedin
How do hoa restrictions rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Dunedin, FL?
Clearwater and Dunedin have similar restriction levels.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Florida Statute 163.04 protects Clearwater homeowners from HOA prohibitions on solar panels, allowing associations only to set reasonable location requirements that do not impair system performance, with prevailing party attorney fees in disputes.
View full Clearwater rules →Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Florida Statute 163.04 preempts Dunedin HOAs and the city itself from prohibiting solar collectors or imposing restrictions that effectively prevent installation. HOAs may only specify roof location within an effective southern orientation.
View full Dunedin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Dunedin |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Statute | - | Florida Sec. 163.04 |
| Preemption | - | City and HOA bans void |
| Allowed restriction | - | Roof location only |
| Orientation | - | Within 45° of south |
| Fee shifting | - | Prevailing party recovers |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
Can my Clearwater HOA stop me from installing solar?
No. Florida Statute 163.04 prohibits HOA covenants from banning solar panels, though the HOA may set reasonable location requirements that do not reduce performance.
Do I still need HOA approval for solar panels?
If your governing documents require approval, you should still submit, but the HOA cannot deny based on a blanket prohibition or restrictions that impair performance.
Dunedin FAQ
Can my HOA in Dunedin deny my solar panel installation?
No. Florida Statute 163.04 preempts outright HOA bans. HOAs may only choose roof placement within a south-facing orientation and only if that placement doesn't impair the system's effectiveness.
What if my HOA imposes burdensome aesthetic conditions?
Restrictions that significantly increase cost or significantly reduce performance violate Sec. 163.04. Homeowners can sue and recover attorney's fees if they prevail under the statute's fee-shifting provision.
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