Broward County, FL Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Broward County Code § 39-109
- Flat-roof height cap
- 5 feet above roof line
- Zoning status
- Permitted accessory equipment, all zones
- Geographic reach
- Unincorporated area only
Summary
Unincorporated Broward deems rooftop solar panels permitted accessory equipment, but a building permit acknowledging HOA covenants is still required.
Rooftop photovoltaic solar systems shall be deemed permitted accessory equipment to conforming and nonconforming buildings in all zoning categories...(4)Permits. Prior to the issuance of a permit, the property owner(s) must acknowledge, as part of the permit application, that: (a) if the property is located in a homeowners' association, condominium association, or otherwise subject to restrictive covenants, the property may be subject to additional regulations or requirements despite the issuance of a permit by the County.
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
Sec. 39-109 of the Broward County Code makes rooftop photovoltaic solar systems permitted accessory equipment in every unincorporated zoning category, so a project cannot be denied on zoning-use grounds alone. A permit is still required, and before it issues the property owner must acknowledge on the application that HOA, condo, or covenant restrictions can impose additional requirements, and that the permit creates no right to keep neighboring trees or buildings from shading the panels. Flat-roof systems cannot exceed five feet above the roof line, and the system must be kept free of hazards like faulty wiring or loose fastenings. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, and the county's other 27 municipalities run their own separate permitting rules under Sec. 39-2.
Violations & Fines
Installing without the required county permit, or exceeding the 5-foot flat-roof height limit, can trigger Code Enforcement action (Ch. 8½) for a zoning-code violation, separate from any Florida Building Code electrical/structural permit violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install rooftop solar in unincorporated Broward County?
Does this rule apply if I live in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
How tall can a flat-roof solar array be in unincorporated Broward County?
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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