HOA Restrictions: Dunedin vs St. Petersburg
How do hoa restrictions rules compare between Dunedin, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Dunedin and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
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 →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
Florida Statute 163.04 (Solar Rights Act) preempts St. Petersburg HOAs from banning solar panels, allowing only limited placement guidance that does not impair operation.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dunedin | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State law | - | FS 163.04 Solar Rights Act |
| HOA bans | - | Preempted statewide |
| Placement | - | Within 45 deg of south |
| Remedies | - | Civil suit, attorney fees |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Can my St. Petersburg HOA deny solar panels?
No. Florida Statute 163.04 preempts HOA bans on solar collectors. The HOA can only request a placement on the south-facing roof zone if performance is not impaired.
What if my St. Pete HOA still refuses solar?
You can file a civil action under FS 163.04 to void the restriction. Courts may order installation and award attorney fees, and the City does not require HOA approval to issue a solar permit.
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