Solar permit requirements in Miami, FL

What Miami expects on a solar permit

Projects must be designed for 175 mph wind speeds and Exposure Category C per FBC 2023 and ASCE 7-22. Submittals require separate discipline files, interactive digital signatures, and a blank area in the upper-right corner of all pages for AHJ batch stamps. You must include a site plan, a roof framing plan, a sight line study, and a Special Building Inspector form signed by a Florida PE or Architect. Electrical systems must include two grounding electrodes and bonding for gas lines and cold water pipes. Outdoor electrical equipment requires a 5-foot setback from property lines and must be concealed from public view. Fire safety mandates a 36-inch wide pathway from gutter to ridge, and all plans must include FSEC or PE certification.

• [structural] Design structural calculations for 175 mph wind speed and Exposure Category C per FBC 2023/ASCE 7-22 and Dade County requirements.
• [submittal_format] Provide a response letter addressing each comment (referencing sheet numbers) and cloud all changes with revision numbers on revised plans.
• [submittal_format] Leave a blank area in the upper-right corner of all pages for the AHJ batch stamp: 2x2 for 8.5x12, 3x3 for 12x17, and 4.5x4.5 for 24x36 plans.
• [structural] Ensure fastener specifications (e.g., lag and cap screw lengths) strictly match the dimensions listed in the Florida Product Approval (NOA) document.
• [structural] Limit rail attachments for panels classified as 'exposed' to a maximum span of 24 inches.
• [submittal_format] Ensure digital signatures on uploaded drawings are interactive and clickable, not flattened images.
• [structural] Classify panels located at Row 0 or within 13 feet of a flat roof edge as 'exposed' and design for increased wind loads accordingly.
• [documentation] Provide a site plan (not an aerial view) specifying property lines, setbacks, and dimensions to all mechanical and electrical equipment.
• [structural] Adhere to specific rail counts and spacing for non-exposed panels (e.g., Zone 1 at 48-inch max, Zone 2 requires 2 rails at 42-inch max, Zone 3 requires 3 rails at 44-inch max).
• [structural] Include span tables specifying maximum spacing for specific wind zones at 175 mph, Exposure C, and the specific roof slope.
• [electrical] Install service overhead wires in RMC or IMC conduit with a minimum size of 2 inches per FPL service standards.
• [calcs] Exclude the Kd factor from velocity pressure (qh) calculations per ASCE 7-22 Equation 26.10-1, and ensure equations comply with Sections 26.10.2 and 29.4.4.
• [structural] Use color-coding on roof plans to identify wind zones, ensuring colors exactly match the provided plan legend.
• [calcs] Ensure calculated wind load pressures do not exceed the maximum allowable pressures shown in product documentation (using a 1.5 factor of safety, e.g., 50 PSF).
• [documentation] Provide a sight line study with scaled drawings demonstrating that all rooftop equipment is fully screened from the public right-of-way.
• [submittal_format] Obtain approvals from all non-FBC agencies prior to FBC review and type 'AGREED' in the response box acknowledging the sequence.
• [electrical] Explicitly show two grounding electrodes and bonding for cold water pipes and gas lines on the grounding system diagram.
• Maintain a minimum 5-foot setback from all new electrical equipment to the property line per Miami21 code.
• [submittal_format] Submit each sheet of the plan set as a separate, independent PDF file, each digitally signed.
• [structural] Submit a 'Special Building Inspector' form (SIF) signed and sealed by a FL Architect or PE to verify solar attachments, waterproofing, and truss connections.
• [documentation] Provide Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) certification or a PE certification note per FL Statute 377.705 on sealed plans.
• [fire] Provide a 36-inch wide pathway from gutter to ridge on the street or driveway side of each roof plane per FFPC 1:11.12.2.2.2.1.
• [calcs] Provide roof and PV array area (SF) calculations to determine ridge setbacks (18-inch if PV <= 33% area, 36-inch if > 33%) per FFPC 1:11.12.2.2.2.2.
• Locate all outdoor electrical equipment within the Second or Third Layer and conceal from view from any Frontage per Article 5, Section 5.3.2.d.
• [structural] Provide a roof framing plan identifying all members (type, size, orientation, spacing) and all PV array attachment points.