Brevard County, FL Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Code ch. 22, art. VI (Contractors)
- License required
- County "Solar contractor" certificate
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Brevard only
- Owner-builder exemption
- 1- or 2-family home, self-supervised
- Max penalty
- $500 fine / 60 days jail
Summary
Installing solar panels in unincorporated Brevard County requires a permit pulled by a contractor holding the county's own Solar Contractor certificate of competency, issued separately from state CILB registration by the Contractors' Licensing Board.
(a)Upon ascertaining that the applicant has satisfied the requirements set out in this division, the board shall issue one of the following classes of certificates of competency, depending on which class was applied for and the applicant's qualifications as determined by the board:(1)Alarm system contractor I.(2)Alarm system contractor II.(3)Aluminum and vinyl fencing specialty contractor.(4)Building contractor.(5)Class A air conditioning contractor.(6)Class B air conditioning contractor.(7)Commercial pool/spa Contractor.(8)Demolition specialty contractor.(9)Electrical contractor.(10)Electrical sign contractor.(11)Excavating contractor.(12)Garage door specialty contractor.(13)General contractor.(14)Glass and glazing specialty contractor(15)Gypsum drywall specialty contractor.(16)Irrigation specialty contractor.(17)Limited energy systems contractor.(18)Marine specialty contractor.(19)Mechanical contractor.(20)Plumbing contractor.(21)Residential contractor.(22)Residential pool/spa contractor.(23)Roofing contractor.(24)Sheet metal contractor.(25)Solar contractor.(26)Specialty structure contractor
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
Brevard County licenses its own "Solar contractor" class of certificate of competency through the county Contractors' Licensing Board, distinct from and in addition to state CILB registration. Building and electrical permits for a solar installation in unincorporated Brevard must be pulled by a contractor holding that certificate (or another appropriate class). A property owner may act as their own contractor on a one- or two-family home they occupy and don't intend to sell or lease, but must personally supervise the work and sign the owner-builder disclosure statement. This rule governs unincorporated Brevard only; Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville, Cocoa and the other Space Coast cities permit solar work under their own codes.
Violations & Fines
Working without the required Solar Contractor certificate (or a valid owner-builder exemption) is a Code violation punishable by up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail, plus suspension or revocation of a contractor's license by the board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install my own solar panels in unincorporated Brevard County?
What license must my solar installer hold?
Does this rule apply inside Melbourne or Palm Bay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brevard County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Brevard County to another location·View the Florida solar energy overview
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