Homeowners associations and solar access in Florida
- Factsheet
Homeowners associations (HOA) typically define a neighborhood’s aesthetic rules and sometimes attempt to restrict your ability to go solar. Washington D.C. has a law that prevents a homeowners association from blocking your ability to go solar. Even with the law, you’ll still have to navigate your own HOA when you go solar. Check out our HOA action guide for more information.
Homeowners associations in Florida
Florida Statute 163.04 forbids any binding agreement (between HOAs, condo associations or otherwise) to prohibit a property owner from installing solar. An HOA may restrict where you place your solar panels, but not if the system’s performance suffers as a result. House Bill 697 expanded upon this legislation to allow condominium boards to install solar on their properties to benefit unit owners without their prior approval. It also allows the unit owners to install solar within their own condos.
Florida Statute 704.07 provides for the negotiation of solar easements to guarantee that a property owner’s solar panels get enough exposure to the sun.
Take action: Join the Florida Listserv
Having trouble with your HOA? The Solar United Neighbors of Florida Listserv is filled with fellow solar homeowners and solar supporters ready to help! Post to the listserv and get advice from our solar community in Florida.
Florida resources
- Florida Solar Rights: Developed by the Florida Solar Energy Research & Education Foundation, this flier outlines your solar rights regarding HOAs.
- Questions to consider for multi-tenant buildings before approaching your HOA: developed by Solar United Neighbors
- HOA Solar Action Guide: developed by Solar United Neighbors
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