Palm Coast, FL Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal installations in Palm Coast require a building permit issued by the Palm Coast Building Division (386-986-3780; Buildingdivision@palmcoastgov.com) 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. Palm Coast Building Division requires signed and sealed plans from a Florida-licensed professional engineer demonstrating compliance with the city's 120 mph design wind speed requirement (Palm Coast falls in a coastal wind zone under ASCE 7); the contractor must be actively registered with the Palm Coast Building Division with current license and insurance on file. Applications are submitted through the online permitting portal at palmcoast.gov/Building/PermitPortal. The Palm Coast Building Division's stated review window is 3–5 business days for residential solar and 5–10 days for commercial; for residential solar the binding ceiling is the state-imposed 3-business-day timeline under FS § 553.791 (when the streamlined master-permit process is used with a complete application). 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. Permit fees in Florida typically range $150–$450 depending on the jurisdiction and system size; Palm Coast publishes an online fee calculator. There is no city-level prohibition on rooftop or ground-mounted residential solar in Palm Coast — installation is allowed in all residential zoning districts subject to setbacks, height, and lot-coverage rules in the Unified Land Development Code. Permits remain active for six months from issuance. Inspections can be scheduled at (386) 986-4747 or via the online portal. 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 Palm Coast). The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) of 30% remains available through 2032.