Solar permit requirements in Miami Gardens, FL

What Miami Gardens expects on a solar permit

Miami Gardens is a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone requiring structural designs to meet a 175 mph wind speed and Exposure Category C per FBC 2023 and ASCE 7-22. Submissions must be provided as digital files with separate discipline documents. Applicants must include an official Available Fault Current letter from FPL, a Notice of Employment as Special Inspector, and certifications referencing Florida Statute 377.705. PV modules require a 10-inch roof edge setback, and all system labels must be reflective with 3/8-inch minimum letter height. Electrical requirements include specifying Surge Protective Devices per NEC 230.67 and providing service-entrance rated AC disconnects for supply-side interconnections. Projects involving FPL overhead-to-underground conversions or service relocations require detailed riser diagrams and adherence to specific conduit and clearance standards. Additionally, fire safety mandates include interconnected smoke alarms and listed heat alarms in ESS locations per NFPA 855.

• [calcs] Provide an official Available Fault Current letter/report from FPL and short circuit current calculations on the plans to substantiate the main breaker/equipment KAIC rating (minimum 10kAIC).
• [structural] Design structural components for a 175 mph wind speed (3-second gust) and Exposure Category C per FBC 2023 and ASCE 7-22.
• [labeling] All PV system labels must be reflective and have a minimum letter height of 3/8 inch per NFPA 1-11.12.2.1.1.2.
• [electrical] For FPL overhead-to-underground (OH-UG) conversions, explicitly show conversion details including J-box locations, exposed polaris taps, underground service conductor routing, and existing wire/conduit sizes. Underground service laterals must use Schedule 80 PVC (not EMT) and be protected for the first 12 inches emerging from the ground.
• [electrical] Service relocations and MPU projects must include a dedicated riser diagram, site plan, and explicitly include weather head replacement in the scope of work, complying with FPL standards and NEC 230.24/230.28 clearances.
• [documentation] Submit a completed 'Notice of Employment as Special Inspector' form for solar attachments and waterproofing, signed by a Florida-licensed PE or Architect, and maintain an inspection log on-site.
• [fire] Install interconnected smoke alarms throughout the dwelling and a listed heat alarm in ESS locations (e.g., garages) connected to the smoke alarm system per NFPA 855.
• [fire] PV modules must maintain a minimum setback of 10 inches from all roof edges per NFPA 1 and FFPC 8th ed.
• [submittal_format] A separate permit is required for the installation of new main panels and service cables, which requires work-with, rough, and final inspections.
• [electrical] Specify the Surge Protective Device (SPD) and its location on the plans per NEC 230.67.
• [documentation] Do not label equipment as 'existing' or 'removal/reinstall' on new systems to avoid triggering 'after-the-fact' work classification; if it is an actual after-the-fact project, explicitly identify all existing equipment, junction boxes, conduits, and wiring.
• [electrical] Supply-side interconnections require a service-entrance rated, lockable AC disconnect with a visible break switch.
• [documentation] Electrical and structural certifications by a Florida-licensed PE must explicitly reference Florida Statute 377.705.