Broward County, FL Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning status
- Deemed permitted accessory equipment
- Applies in
- All zoning categories, unincorporated area
- Flat roof height cap
- 5 feet above roof
- Other roofs
- Cannot exceed the Roof Line
- Authority
- Ord. No. 2012-22, § 2 (2012)
Summary
Unincorporated Broward deems rooftop solar panels a permitted accessory use in every zoning district, skipping discretionary zoning review for the permit.
Permitted accessory equipment. Rooftop photovoltaic solar systems shall be deemed permitted accessory equipment to conforming and nonconforming buildings in all zoning categories. Nothing contained in this chapter, including design standards or guidelines included or referenced herein, shall be deemed to prohibit the installation of rooftop photovoltaic solar systems that meet the requirements of this section, as accessory equipment to conforming and nonconforming buildings, including buildings containing nonconforming uses.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward County Code § 39-109 removes zoning barriers to rooftop photovoltaic solar by declaring the panels "deemed permitted accessory equipment" on conforming and nonconforming buildings alike, in every zoning category countywide. That status means no site plan approval, special exception, or zoning board hearing stands between a homeowner and a building permit: the panels are treated the same as any other by-right accessory equipment. The only zoning-side limit is height: on a flat roof the array cannot rise more than 5 feet above the roof deck, and on other roofs it cannot exceed the roof line. This section governs unincorporated Broward only; Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and the county's other 27 municipalities administer solar permitting under their own codes.
Violations & Fines
Not a violations-based rule. Sec. 39-109 is a permitting facilitation measure, not a prohibition. A system that exceeds the roof-line/5-foot height limit for accessory equipment loses the deemed-permitted status and can be treated as a nonconforming structure requiring separate zoning relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Broward County require a zoning permit for rooftop solar?
Does this apply if I live in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Can an HOA still block my solar panels after I get the county permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida solar energy overview
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