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Is plug-in solar legal in Florida?
No specific law
Florida has no plug-in solar law. Plugging a kit into an outlet falls under your utility's interconnection rules, which usually require approval.
Max system sizeNo capsmallest tier: Tier 1 <=10 kW AC: no application fee, no insurance
Electrician / permitPermit and inspectionutility rules apply
Tell the utility?Interconnection applicationtypical fee $0
CertificationUL 1741 inverterrequired by every utility
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (Tier 1 <=10 kW AC: no application fee, no insurance), typical fee $0.
- Use portable panels with a power station, never connected to house wiring, with no permission at all.
- Install conventional rooftop or ground-mount solar through the standard interconnection process.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug a grid-tied kit into an outlet without an interconnection agreement; it can breach your service terms.
- Expect a permit or wiring exemption; none exists without a law.
- Count on a law soon: no plug-in solar bill has been filed.
What the rules say
Florida has no plug-in solar law or bill; standard interconnection rules apply.
No law doesn't mean no rules. In Florida, a kit that pushes power back into your home wiring is treated like any other grid-connected generator. Most utilities require an interconnection application, and plugging in without one can breach your service agreement. Off-grid use (panels charging a battery that powers devices directly) avoids this entirely.
Before you plug in: Florida checklist
- The rule that applies is Florida Public Service Commission (IOUs only)'s interconnection process: Rule 25-6.065 F.A.C. (2008).
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (Tier 1 <=10 kW AC: no application fee, no insurance). $0 Tier 1; Tier 2 $400 (FPL) / $240 (Duke) + $1M insurance.
- Permits: Florida Building Code permit + AHJ inspection; 2020 NEC.
- Only consider kits with a UL 1741-listed inverter (UL 3700 preferred); a non-listed inverter will not be approved anywhere.
- What exports are worth: Retail net metering with annual avoided-cost true-up (IOUs); munis/co-ops vary.
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- No plug-in solar bill has been filed yet; the nearby states that passed laws in 2026 are the template to expect.
The rules in detail
Florida has no statute specific to plug-in solar. Average residential electricity price: 15.03¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
- Utilities: FPL/Duke interconnection rules apply.
Your utility's rules in Florida
No utility in Florida publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Power & Light | 5,236,277 | No specific statement; 'We must preapprove your system before installation.'. source |
| Duke Energy Florida | 1,793,067 | No specific statement. |
| Tampa Electric | 757,280 | No specific statement. |
| JEA (muni) | 470,564 | No specific statement; not bound by Rule 25-6.065. |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Florida Public Service Commission (IOUs only). |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | Rule 25-6.065 F.A.C. (2008). |
| Smallest tier | Tier 1 <=10 kW AC: no application fee, no insurance. |
| Application fee | $0 Tier 1; Tier 2 $400 (FPL) / $240 (Duke) + $1M insurance. |
| Electrician / permit | Florida Building Code permit + AHJ inspection; 2020 NEC. |
| Export compensation | Retail net metering with annual avoided-cost true-up (IOUs); munis/co-ops vary. |
| Electrical code | 2020 NEC (eff. 12/31/2023; 2023 update pending). |
In practice
- Tier 1 is free but FPL must preapprove before installation and assumes a permitted hard-wired system.
- ~25% on munis/co-ops not bound by PSC rule.
State incentives
- Sales-tax exemption F.S. 212.08(7)(hh) for FSEC-certified equipment (component-level).
- Property-tax exemption.
Who is pushing for a law
- Third Act Florida
- Solar United Neighbors Florida
- Florida Conservation Voters
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Florida
Adjust for your setup →≈ $139/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Florida?
Florida has no plug-in solar law. Plugging a kit into an outlet falls under your utility's interconnection rules, which usually require approval.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Florida?
Default. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in Florida?
Default tariff applies. Plugging in a grid-tied kit without following this can breach your service agreement.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Florida?
Roughly 928 kWh and about $139 per year at Florida's average residential rate of 15.03¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.