Solar Permit in Lee County, Florida
Need a solar permit pulled in Lee County? We match you with an experienced Florida permit professional who knows the Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee County
Lee County Department of Community Development issues solar permits for Lee County, and applications go through eConnect. 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.
Who issues this permit in Lee County
Lee County Department of Community Development
- Phone
- (239) 533-8329
- Permit counter
- 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Hours
- 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Apply online
- eConnect
Verified against Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee County
Does Florida's new $7,500 permit exemption mean I can skip a solar permit in Lee 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 Lee County. Where it does apply, it is not automatic: the building official reviews an exemption request and decides.
Who issues a solar permit in Lee County, Florida?
Lee County Department of Community Development issues solar permits for Lee County. You can reach the office at (239) 533-8329. Applications are submitted online through eConnect. The permit counter is at 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901. Counter hours are 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m..
How long does a solar permit take in Lee County?
Solar Permit approval in Lee 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 Lee County?
Solar Permit fees in Lee 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 Lee County?
Usually not. Solar Permit work in Lee 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 Lee 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. Lee County can confirm what it requires at (239) 533-8329.
Get Your Solar Permit Pulled
Lee County · Experienced permit pros · No upfront cost
Need a solar permit in Lee County?
Tell us about your project. We handle the rest.
Get My Permit Help — Free