Sunprint
The short answer
In most cases, adding solar does not cost you your Florida homeowners insurance. Roof-mounted panels are usually covered as part of your home, and there is no rule on file with Florida regulators that lets an insurer drop you just for going solar. Your premium may rise a little, because your home is worth more and your coverage should go up to match.
The bigger insurance issue in Florida is usually your roof, not your panels. Insurers look hard at roof age, and pulling panels off to replace a roof later costs real money. That is why the best time to check your insurance is before you sign a solar contract.
Will my insurer cover my solar panels?
- Roof-mounted panels are usually covered under your dwelling coverage (Coverage A), the same as your roof, against covered perils such as fire, wind and falling objects.
- Ground-mounted panels may fall under "other structures" coverage instead, which often has lower limits.
- Leased panels usually are not covered by your homeowners policy, because the leasing company owns them. Check your lease for who insures the system.
- Wear and tear, bad workmanship and flood are not covered by a standard homeowners policy.
Tell your insurer before or right after installation. Many policies expect notice of major improvements, and a claim on equipment your insurer never knew about is a fight you do not want.
Can my insurer drop me for going solar?
Solar United Neighbors, a nonprofit that works with Florida solar owners, says there is no written policy on file with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation that allows an insurer to drop homeowners for going solar. If your carrier proposes dropping you or refusing to renew, ask for the reason in writing. That tells you whether the real issue is the panels, the roof, or something else.
Your premium may still change. Florida insurance agencies estimate increases from about 5 to 20 percent, mostly because your dwelling coverage goes up to reflect the system's value. If your current carrier balks, shopping other carriers or working with an independent agent is often the fix. Citizens Property Insurance, the state-backed insurer of last resort, does cover rooftop solar.
Florida's 15-year roof rule
Florida Statute 627.7011 gives homeowners two protections on roof age:
What the roof-age rule means for you
Since 2024, licensed roofing contractors can serve as authorized inspectors. Insurers can still act on actual damage or defects an inspection finds.
Proposals in the 2026 legislative session to expand this protection did not pass, according to July 2026 reporting, even though some sites describe them as law. The rule above is what applies today.
Why roof age matters more once you have solar
Your roof cannot be replaced with panels sitting on it. The panels have to be disconnected, removed, stored and reinstalled, which commonly costs about $200 to $400 per panel. One Central Florida roofer puts it at $6,000 to $9,000 for a 30-panel system, on top of the roof itself.
If your roof has 5 years or less of life left, replace it first. You avoid paying to remove and reinstall the panels a few years later.
Two things worth asking your installer: whether their warranty covers roof leaks at the mounting points, and whether they will include one free removal and reinstall if your roof needs replacing within the warranty period.
Hurricane damage and your deductible
If a hurricane damages your panels and wind is covered under your policy, your insurer pays for the repair minus your hurricane deductible. In Florida, that deductible is usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage, not a flat amount, so it can be larger than people expect. Citizens Property Insurance hurricane deductibles can run 5 to 10 percent of dwelling coverage. For what holds up in a storm and what to do after one, see our guide to solar panels and hurricanes.
Try it: what a hurricane deductible means for your panels
An illustration only. Your policy decides what is covered and what your deductible is.
Flood is separate
Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, and that includes panels, inverters and batteries damaged by rising water. If you are in a flood zone, you need a separate flood policy. This matters most for equipment mounted low, such as a wall-mounted battery in a garage.
Batteries may be classified differently
A battery bolted to your garage wall may be treated as part of the home or as personal property, depending on your insurer. Personal property usually has different limits and deductibles, so ask how your insurer classifies a battery before you buy one. Some owners also add an equipment breakdown endorsement to cover inverter or battery failure. See our battery backup guide for what a battery costs and how long it runs your home.
Utility insurance is a different thing
Separately from homeowners insurance, some utilities require proof of liability insurance before they connect your system, and the amount usually rises with system size. For example, West Florida Electric requires $100,000, and KUA and Homestead require $1,000,000 for larger systems. Your homeowners liability coverage often satisfies this, but check the amount. Your utility's guide lists its requirement.
What to ask your insurer before you sign a solar contract
- Will my roof-mounted system be covered under my dwelling coverage, and do I need to raise my coverage limit?
- How much will my premium change?
- What is my hurricane deductible, in dollars?
- Does my roof's age or condition affect my renewal, and would you accept an inspection?
- How would you classify a battery if I add one later?
- What documents do you want from my installer, such as the permit, final inspection and equipment list?
Get the answers in writing where you can. Then run your numbers in our calculator, and read is solar worth it in Florida for the full cost picture.
Your estimate in three steps
- Enter your billYour ZIP code, your utility and last month's bill.
- See your estimateA yearly savings range based on your utility's rates and Florida sun.
- Choose what's nextAsk for a quote call if you want real pricing, or just keep the number.
See what solar could save you
It takes about a minute. You don't need a site visit, a commitment or a sales call to see your number.
Common questions
Does homeowners insurance cover solar panels in Florida?
In most cases, yes. Roof-mounted panels are usually treated as part of your home and covered under your dwelling coverage, the same as your roof. Policies differ, so confirm with your insurer before you install, and tell them once the system is in.
Can my Florida insurer drop me for installing solar panels?
Solar United Neighbors, a nonprofit that works with Florida solar owners, says there is no written policy on file with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation that allows an insurer to drop a homeowner for going solar. If your carrier proposes dropping you, ask for the reason in writing, and shop other carriers.
Will solar panels raise my homeowners insurance premium?
Often a little, mainly because the system adds value to your home and your dwelling coverage should go up to match. Florida insurance agencies estimate increases anywhere from about 5 to 20 percent, depending on the carrier, your home and the size of the system.
What is Florida's 15-year roof rule?
Under Florida Statute 627.7011, an insurer cannot refuse to issue or renew a homeowners policy solely because the roof is less than 15 years old. If the roof is 15 or older, you can have it inspected by an authorized inspector, and if it shows at least 5 years of remaining useful life, the insurer cannot refuse coverage based on age alone.
Should I replace my roof before installing solar in Florida?
Often, yes, if it has 5 years or less of useful life left. Removing and reinstalling panels for a later reroof commonly costs $200 to $400 per panel. See our dedicated guide on timing a roof replacement against solar for the full breakdown.
Are solar panels covered if a hurricane damages them?
Usually, if wind damage is covered under your policy, but your hurricane deductible applies first. In Florida that deductible is often a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat amount, so it can be large. Citizens Property Insurance hurricane deductibles can run 5 to 10 percent of dwelling coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover leased solar panels?
Usually not. Leased panels belong to the leasing company, so they are normally insured through the lease rather than your homeowners policy. Check your lease agreement for who carries the insurance.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage to solar panels?
No. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. You need a separate flood insurance policy for that.
Related guides
- Is solar worth it in Florida in 2026?
- How people pay for solar in Florida
- Florida solar incentives: what is still available
- Should I replace my roof before going solar?
- Solar panels and hurricanes in Florida
This guide is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Policies differ, so confirm details with your insurer or a licensed agent. Sources: Solar United Neighbors: Florida solar insurance FAQ · GreatFlorida Insurance: roof age rules · Live Insurance News: 2026 roof bills · GreatFlorida Insurance: solar coverage · EnergyScout: solar and home insurance · Progressive: leased panels · Fixr: panel removal cost · Honest Abe Roofing: Central Florida removal cost