Solar Permit in Hillsborough County, Florida
Need a solar permit pulled in Hillsborough County? We match you with an experienced Florida permit professional who knows the Hillsborough County building department and handles the entire solar permit process.
Still requires a permit
Does Florida’s new $7,500 permit exemption apply to solar permits in Hillsborough County?
No. A solar installation is both electrical and structural work, and HB 803 excludes both from the $7,500 exemption, so a solar permit is still required.
HB 803 (Chapter 2026-63) took effect July 1, 2026 and applies statewide, including Hillsborough County. To qualify, all of the following must be true:
- The property is a single-family residential property
- The total value of the work is less than $7,500, based on a written proposal or estimate from a licensed contractor
- The property is not in a flood hazard area
- The work is not electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or structural work
The exemption is not self-certifying. A homeowner or contractor submits an exemption request and the building official determines whether the work qualifies. Starting work on the assumption that it does can lead to a stop-work order and an unpermitted-work disclosure when you sell.
Not sure which side of the line your project falls on? Get a straight answer →
Getting a Solar Permit in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County Development Services issues solar permits for Hillsborough County, and applications go through HillsGovHub. For a solar permit, you'll typically need to submit an application with project details, plans or specifications, and applicable contractor licensing. The typical timeline for this type of permit is 1-2 weeks.
How much does a solar permit cost in Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough County charges $250.00 for solar permits, listed on its fee schedule as “Photovoltaic”. Residential trade permit. This is the county’s permit fee only — it does not include your contractor’s price for the work.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Photovoltaic | $250.00 |
| Reinspection fee | $125.00 |
| Plan revision | $140.00 |
| Permit extension or transfer | $50.00 |
| Working without a permitDoubles the cost of the permit you would have paid | 100% of the permit fee, added on top |
Source: Hillsborough County Development Services, Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective October 5, 2024. Verified 2026-10-18. Fee schedules are revised periodically — confirm the current amount with the county before you pay.
Who issues this permit in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County Development Services
- Phone
- (813) 272-5600
- Permit counter
- 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602
- Hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Apply online
- HillsGovHub
Verified against Hillsborough County's own website on . Counties change hours, offices and portals, so confirm before you drive over.
Quick Facts
Timeline
1-2 weeks
NOC Required
Typically No
Watch Out For These Hillsborough County Rejections
These are the most common reasons a solar permit application gets rejected. An experienced permit pro catches these before they cost you time.
- ×Structural load concerns
- ×Electrical single-line diagram missing
- ×Fire setback violations
Solar Permit questions, answered for Hillsborough County
Does Florida's new $7,500 permit exemption mean I can skip a solar permit in Hillsborough County?
No. A solar installation is both electrical and structural work, and HB 803 excludes both from the $7,500 exemption, so a solar permit is still required. HB 803 (Chapter 2026-63) took effect July 1, 2026 and applies statewide, including Hillsborough County. Where it does apply, it is not automatic: the building official reviews an exemption request and decides.
How much does a solar permit cost in Hillsborough County, Florida?
Hillsborough County charges $250.00 for solar permits, listed on its published fee schedule as "Photovoltaic" (effective October 5, 2024). Residential trade permit. That is the county permit fee only and does not include the contractor's price for the work.
Who issues a solar permit in Hillsborough County, Florida?
Hillsborough County Development Services issues solar permits for Hillsborough County. You can reach the office at (813) 272-5600. Applications are submitted online through HillsGovHub. The permit counter is at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602. Counter hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m..
How long does a solar permit take in Hillsborough County?
Solar Permit approval in Hillsborough County typically takes 1-2 weeks. That clock starts when the application is accepted as complete, not when it is first submitted, which is why an application that comes back for corrections can add a week or more to the total.
How much does a solar permit cost in Hillsborough County?
Solar Permit fees in Hillsborough County generally fall in the $150-400 range. Florida counties set their own fee schedules and most calculate them from the declared job valuation, so the final figure depends on the size of your project. Expect separate charges for plan review and for each inspection.
Do I need a Notice of Commencement for a solar permit in Hillsborough County?
Usually not. Solar Permit work in Hillsborough County is normally below the job value that triggers Florida's Notice of Commencement requirement. If your project grows or is bundled into a larger job, the NOC requirement can still apply, so confirm the threshold before work starts.
Can I pull a solar permit myself as the homeowner in Hillsborough County?
Often yes. Florida's owner-builder exemption, in section 489.103(7) of the Florida Statutes, lets an owner pull a permit for work on a home they own, subject to conditions the statute attaches, including appearing in person to sign a disclosure statement acknowledging that you take on the responsibilities of a licensed contractor. Hillsborough County can confirm what it requires at (813) 272-5600.
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