Solar permit requirements in Homestead, FL

What Homestead expects on a solar permit

Projects must be designed for a wind speed of 175 mph under Exposure Category C, per FBC 2023 and ASCE 7-22. Submittals require separate discipline files, and all structural documents must be digitally signed and sealed by a licensed engineer. You must retain a Florida-licensed PE or Architect as a Special Inspector for the installation, submit a Notice of Employment as Special Inspector, and provide an Owner's Solar System Disclosure Form. Fire safety requirements include a 10-inch roof edge setback and adherence to pathway regulations. ESS installations require interconnected smoke alarms and a heat alarm in the garage or ESS area. PV modules and inverters must meet specific UL listings, and all system labels must use reflective material with 3/8-inch lettering. Final inspections require an on-site Special Inspector log and a sealed Letter of Compliance.

• [documentation] Display a Special Inspector inspection log on-site, and submit the completed log alongside a sealed statement of inspection (Letter of Compliance) at the time of final inspection.
• [structural] Design and calculate structural loads for a wind speed of 175 mph (3-second gust) and Exposure Category C, in accordance with FBC 2023 and ASCE 7-22.
• [structural] Retain a Florida-licensed PE or Architect as a Special Inspector for PV panel installation, roof anchoring, waterproofing, and truss connections.
• [documentation] Submit a signed and sealed 'Notice of Employment as Special Inspector' form with the permit application.
• [calcs] Provide wind uplift roof pressures and a diagram per FBC 2023 Section 1620.6, detailing the size and number of fasteners required to resist overturning, sliding, and uplift.
• [submittal_format] Ensure all structural calculations are digitally signed and sealed by a licensed engineer, unless submitting physical hardcopies which require wet-stamps without digital signatures.
• [electrical] Explicitly state on the plans that PV modules are listed/labeled per UL 1703 or UL 61730 (2023 FBC R324.3) and inverters are listed per UL 1741 for utility interaction (2023 FBC R324.3.1).
• [submittal_format] For resubmittals, include an engineer-prepared narrative letter responding to all comments, highlight/cloud all changes on new sheets, and return voided sheets along with the original AHJ comment sheet.
• [fire] Maintain a minimum solar panel setback of 10 inches from the roof edge and comply with roof access/pathway requirements per 2023 FBC Residential R324.6.1 through R324.6.2.1.
• [calcs] Provide a standalone, signed, and sealed Structural Analysis Report verifying gravity and wind loads, including detailed load calculations showing uplift forces and load-per-anchor capacities for every array row.
• [fire] If installing an Energy Storage System (ESS), install interconnected smoke alarms throughout the dwelling and a listed heat alarm in the attached garage or ESS area.
• [labeling] Ensure all PV system labels are constructed of reflective material with a minimum letter height of 3/8 inch.
• [documentation] Include a completed and signed Owner's Solar System Disclosure Form with the submittal package.