Fort Myers, FL Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal installations in Fort Myers require a building permit issued by the City of Fort Myers Building Division and must comply with the Florida Building Code (FBC). The applicable FBC chapters are: FBC-Residential Chapter 23 (Solar Energy Systems) for one- and two-family dwellings, FBC-Building Chapter 16 (structural / wind loads) for attachment design, and the FBC-Electrical (which adopts the National Electrical Code) for wiring. Fort Myers Building Division requires an Engineered Design (signed and sealed by a Florida-licensed engineer) for all solar and PV panel installations, and the contractor must be actively registered with the City of Fort Myers with current license and insurance information on file. Applications are submitted electronically. Wind-load design must meet the Ultimate Design Wind Speed for the Fort Myers area (typically 160-170 mph for the Lee County coastal zone under ASCE 7), and roof-attachment points must be specified per the engineer's calculations. State-level rules: Florida Statute § 163.04 (the Solar Rights Act) provides that '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.' HOAs may determine the specific location of roof-mounted collectors only if the determination is within an orientation to the south, or within 45° east or west of due south, and does not impair effective operation. FS Chapter 720 (HOA law) reinforces this. Florida Statute § 553.791 requires local building departments to issue a residential solar permit within three (3) business days of a complete application using a streamlined master-permit process. Permit fees for residential solar in Florida typically range $150-$450 depending on the jurisdiction and system size. There is no city-level prohibition on rooftop or ground-mounted residential solar in Fort Myers — installation is allowed in all residential zoning districts, subject to setbacks, height, and lot-coverage rules. Net metering is governed by the Florida Public Service Commission (Rule 25-6.065 F.A.C.) and the local utility (Florida Power & Light for most of Fort Myers, or Lee County Electric Cooperative for parts of the area). Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) of 30% remains available through 2032.