News > Victory removes solar red tape in Florida

Victory removes solar red tape in Florida

• Energy democracy & policy

September 12, 2025

• Ben Delman

A home solar system can be installed in just a day or two. But, if you’ve gone solar yourself, you know the process can take much longer than that. A new Florida law will help reduce the time between signing your solar contract and powering your home with solar energy.

This victory is a culmination of the work Solar United Neighbors has done in Florida for more than a decade. In helping Floridians go solar we’ve spent a lot of time with solar supporters to push for better solar permitting processes. 

How solar permitting works, or doesn’t

Before an installer can come to your home and put panels on your roof, they need proper permits from your county. This is typical for many home construction projects. You need permits before you can proceed.

Florida has 67 counties. The solar permitting process can vary from county to county. This adds time and complexity to the process for installers. They need to travel to each permitting office to fill out the correct forms. This all makes installing solar slower and more expensive.

New law helps counties streamline processes

Many counties across the country have adopted a streamlined, online process called SolarApp+. SolarApp+ is a free tool for counties that can make permit processing instantaneous. Solar projects submitted through SolarAPP+ are installed and inspected on average 12 business days faster than projects using a conventional process. 

Florida law put barriers, like requiring a handwritten signature, that made counties unable to use SolarApp+. Solar United Neighbors worked with solar supporters and partners in the state to push for changes to let counties employ SolarApp+ for permitting. 

We’re already seeing results. Last month, Palm Beach County instituted a five-day turnaround for solar permits and Broward County announced they would conduct virtual inspections going forward.

Help us create more solar wins

The new law passed with unanimous support, thanks to solar supporters like you. This shows solar energy is popular across partisan lines. Help keep it that way by signing up to help spread the word about solar energy in your community.