PL-20250000235 - Floating Solar Facilities PP 2-28-25Floating Solar Facilities
(FSF)
LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT
PL-20250000235
March 18, 2025
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F.S.163.32051 Creates Floating Solar
Facilities (FSF)
Statue defines FSF and requires them to be a permitted use in appropriate land use
categories and requires local governments to amend their land development regulations to
promote expanded uses of floating solar facilities.
The legislature determined they are an appropriate use of water and land, to have a cooling
effect on solar panels, which boost power production, and to help decrease water lost to
evaporation and the formation of harmful algae blooms.
Statue authorizes the county to specify buffer and landscape requirements, which may not
exceed the requirements for similar uses involving the construction of other solar facilities
permitted in agricultural land use categories and zoning districts.
It cites the beneficial use of locating them on wastewater treatment ponds, abandoned
limerock mine areas, stormwater treatment ponds, reclaimed water ponds, or other water
storage reservoirs.
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Key Components of FSF: Exhibit C
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: Contains multiple solar cells that convert sunlight
into direct (DC) electricity.
Floating Platforms: PV panels are mounted on floating platforms made of buoyant
materials to keep the panels afloat on the water’s surface.
Anchoring System: Used to secure floating platforms in place and prevent drifting
cause by wind or water currents. It is to ensure stability and positioning of solar
arrays on the water body.
Inverter: Converts DC electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current
(AC) for use in electrical systems. They optimize electricity output for grid
connection.
Combine Box: Output of all solar panels are collected in the combined box and fed
to a central inverter.
Electrical Infrastructure: AC electricity from the inverter transmitted through
electrical cables to a substation or distribution point. It can be integrated into the
electrical grid for broader distribution or used for local consumption.
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Source: “The Potential of Floating Solar Farms: Benefits and Challenges.” Nextler Innovations, August 12, 2023.
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Beneficial Aspects
Cleaner Energy: Expands access to clean energy by replacing reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.
Space Utilization: FSF optimize land use, conserve land by utilizing unused water surfaces,
particularly when land is expensive. Utility scale solar farms can take up to 5 to 10 acres of land per
MW of solar installation verses FSF taking about 2 acres per MW. ( Source: Environmental and
Energy Study Institute, Rachel Snead March 30,2021). In comparison to single-sided panels, bifacial
solar panels(means they absorb sunlight and collect solar energy on both sides) can produce 10 to
20 percent more power. (Duke Energy-Hines Energy Complex in Bartow, FL a 1 megawatt floating
solar array with 1,872 solar panels floating on top of 2.1 acres)
Greater Efficiency: Cooling effect of water improves solar panels performance by increasing energy
generation efficiency with research showing up to 15% or more efficient that mitigate overheating
issue associated with land-based solar installations.
Water Conservation: Reduces water surface evaporation, according to studies by up to 50% of the
array and increase water storage. They can shade water surfaces making it less likely to be heated to
temperatures that increase evaporation losses.
Scalability and Modularity: Easier to scale up or down based on energy demand, allows for modular
design for phase development, and quicker adjustment to changing energy needs.
Reduced Land Disturbance: Compared to land based solar facilities, they have a lesser impact on
natural habitats and ecosystems as they don’t require land clearing, habitat disruption, or loss of
agricultural productive lands.
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LDC Amendment-Zoning Districts
Floating Solar Facilities
Allowed Districts
Permitted use by right, except
in conservation and/or
preservation designated areas.
A-Rural Agriculture, P-Public Use, and CF-
Community Facility.
As an accessory structure and
ancillary use when in
compliance with LDC section
5.03.08.
C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, and C-5 Commercial,
TTRVC-Travel Trailer-Recreational Vehicle
Campground,
I-Industrial, and BP-Business Park.
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Standards and Requirements
Be located within same lot or parcel and not over tidal waters, “bay bottom land”, canal-related
ROWs, easements, aquatic preserves, environmentally protected lands, Conservation zoning
district, or potable water well field area. (Miami-Dade)
Assure installation does not interfere with or have minimal impact to: stormwater management,
stormwater infrastructure, natural resources, water quality, and adjacent or abutting properties.
(Miami-Dade)
Bury underground power and communication lines that are running between the bank of land
and interconnection with any building, transformer or appurtenant equipment. (Seminole and
Suwannee)
A Deployment/Installation plan. These plans address site preparation, delivery of materials
(floats), assembly of the floating structure, deployment of the mooring and anchoring system,
routing of cables, installation of electrical equipment and solar panels and connection to the grid.
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Standards and Requirements-Continued
Submittal of Decommission Plan. This plan describes the removal of renewable energy
facilities, infrastructure, underground lines that have no ongoing serving a purpose or value
and the details on how to return the property to a useful condition like preconstruction.
(Commencement within 12 to 18 months at end of operations). (Seminole, Suwanee, and
City of Sarasota)
Control and minimization of glare for panels that utilize a reflector. (Seminole County)
To prevent unauthorized access, security and safety fencing not less than 6 feet is required.
Where animal habitats are present with smaller animals, four to six inches openings near
ground level shall be required at a regular interval to allow wildlife passage underneath the
fence. (Seminole, Manatee, and Suwannee)
Prohibit energizing the water, assurance that the solar panel system is anchored, and its use
of any water body does not conflict with floating solar facilities.
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Questions?
Staff is seeking a recommendation of approval or
approval with conditions for PL20250000235
March 18, 2025
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Florida Floating Facilities Projects 10