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Brevard County, FL Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

State Preemption
FL §163.04
HOA Ban
Void and unenforceable
Performance
Cannot reduce >10%
Cost Impact
Cannot increase >1%
Remedy
Attorney fees recoverable

Summary

Florida Statute §163.04 prohibits HOAs from preventing solar panel installation. HOAs may determine placement but cannot effectively ban solar or impose requirements that reduce performance more than 10 percent or increase cost by over $1,000.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Brevard County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

F.S. 163.04 163.04  Energy devices based on renewable resources. — (1)  Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter or other provision of general or special law, the adoption of an ordinance by a governing body, as those terms are defined in this chapter, which prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources is expressly prohibited. (2)  A deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or similar binding agreement may not prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or binding agreement. A property owner may not be denied permission to install solar collectors or other energy devices by any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property with respect to residential dwellings and within the boundaries of a condominium unit. Such entity may determine the specific location where solar collectors may be installed on the roof within an orientation to the south or within 45° east or west of due south if such determination does not impair the effective operation of the solar collectors.

Source: FL §163.04 — Solar Rights ActView official code

Full Breakdown

Florida has one of the strongest solar access laws in the country. FL §163.04(2) declares void any deed restriction, covenant, or HOA rule prohibiting solar collectors on buildings. HOAs may determine specific location where collectors can be placed on the roof, but only if that placement does not impair effective operation. FL §163.04(3) prohibits requirements that increase cost by more than 1 percent or decrease performance more than 10 percent. Most Brevard County HOAs (including Viera, Suntree, Baytree, Heritage Isle) have updated CC&Rs to comply. HOAs may still require architectural review submittal, color matching of conduit/wiring, and aesthetic screening of ground-mounted systems. Approval timeframes typically 30 days under most CC&Rs.

Violations & Fines

HOA solar bans: unenforceable, homeowner may sue for damages and attorney fees. HOA approval denial without valid reason: FL §163.04 violation, potential $500 per day penalty assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are typical penalties for violating hoa restrictions rules?
Most Brevard County solar energy violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Brevard County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Brevard County

All Brevard County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Brevard County to another location·View the Florida solar energy overview

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HOA Restrictions in Cities Across Brevard County