The short answer
Your HOA cannot stop you from installing solar in Florida. State law (section 163.04) bars HOAs, deed restrictions and local ordinances from prohibiting solar panels. Your HOA can have a say in where the panels go, within limits that protect how well they work.
What your HOA can and can’t do
| Your HOA can | Your HOA can’t |
|---|---|
| Ask you to submit plans through its normal approval process | Deny permission to install solar |
| Choose where on the roof panels go, among south-facing planes and up to 45 degrees east or west of south | Push panels to a spot that impairs how well they work |
| Set reasonable rules on appearance that don’t hurt performance | Ban solar through covenants, deed restrictions or HOA rules |
If a dispute ends up in court, the law lets the winning side recover its legal fees.
How we handle HOA approval
- We prepare a site plan showing panel placement, the equipment and a photo mockup.
- You submit it with your HOA’s architectural form. We can fill out the technical parts.
- If the HOA asks for a different roof plane, we check that it stays within the south-facing range the law allows and show you any production difference.
Condos and townhomes
The law doesn’t apply to condo, co-op or apartment patio railings. If you don’t own your roof outright, as with many condos and some townhomes, the association’s documents decide who can put equipment on it. Send them to us and we’ll review them with you.
Common questions
Can my HOA make me put panels only on the back of the house? Only if the back is within the south-facing range and the placement doesn’t impair performance.
Do I still need HOA approval? Usually you still submit through their process. They just can’t say no to solar itself.
Does this cover batteries? The law covers solar collectors. Batteries usually go in the garage or on a side wall, which rarely draws HOA concerns.
General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. We checked these facts on October 8, 2026. Rules and rates change, so we confirm what applies to your home before you sign.