Going Solar in Florida in 2026: What Changed

Permits got faster in 2025

House Bill 683 (2025), effective July 1, 2025, amended Florida's private provider law, section 553.791 of the Florida Statutes. When a private provider handles the plans review, the local building official must issue the permit or send a written list of code problems within 20 business days. For a single-trade plans review on a single-family or two-family home, which includes solar and energy storage, that limit is 5 business days. If the official misses the deadline without a written notice, the permit is deemed approved.

The faster track applies when a private provider is used. Ask your installer which route your permit will take.

Home solar is growing fast

As reported by Bloomberg in July 2026, Florida approved at least 450 megawatts of home solar permits in the first 13 weeks of 2026, about four times the same period in each of the two prior years. BloombergNEF projects 710 megawatts of home solar installed in Florida in 2026, up 62% from 439 megawatts in 2025.

Net metering still applies

Florida's investor-owned utilities, including FPL, follow the state net metering rule, Florida Administrative Code Rule 25-6.065. Power your system sends to the grid earns a credit against the next month's usage. Credits roll forward for up to 12 months, and unused credits at the end of the year are paid at the utility's as-available energy rate.

The federal homeowner credit ended

The residential clean energy credit (Section 25D) is not available, according to the IRS, for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. A 2026 system's numbers should not count it.

This is general information reviewed on October 19, 2026, not tax or legal advice. Ask your tax professional about your situation before relying on any credit.

FPL's rates rose in 2026

The Florida Public Service Commission approved FPL's four-year rate settlement on November 20, 2025, with base rate increases of $945 million in 2026 and $705 million in 2027. As reported, a 1,000 kWh residential bill in FPL's traditional territory goes from $134.14 to $136.64 in 2026. See why your electric bill is higher in 2026.

Questions to ask before you sign

Will the permit go through a private provider, and what does that change for the schedule?
How is the system sized against your last 12 months of usage, so credits do not pile up unused?
Does the quote name the panel, inverter and battery brands, with no substitution clause?
Do you want a battery for storm-season backup, and which circuits should it run?
Is the roof due for replacement before the panels go on?

Send us a recent FPL or other Florida utility bill and we will reply in writing.

Questions homeowners ask

How long does a solar permit take in Florida in 2026?

Under section 553.791 as amended by HB 683 (2025), when a private provider handles the plans review, the building official has 5 business days to issue a permit or list code problems for a single-trade review on a single-family or two-family home, including solar and storage. Otherwise the limit is 20 business days.

Does Florida still have net metering?

Yes. Florida Administrative Code Rule 25-6.065 requires the investor-owned utilities to offer net metering. Excess credits roll forward for up to 12 months and unused credits are paid at the utility's as-available energy rate at year end.

Is there still a federal tax credit for home solar in Florida?

No. The IRS says the residential clean energy credit (Section 25D) is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Ask your tax professional about your situation.

Sources

Reviewed October 19, 2026. Programs and rates change; your written review confirms what applies to your address.

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Going solar in Florida in 2026: faster permits, net metering and what changed.