Agenda 06/24/2025 Item #16A8 (Hear a Land Development Code amendment related to floating solar facilities at two regularly scheduled daytime hearings and to waive the nighttime hearing requirement)SEE REVERSE SIDE
Proposed Agenda Changes
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
June 24, 2025
Add-on Item 16B5: Recommendation to approve a beach fill project on Vanderbilt Beach and to (1) authorize a
Purchase Order in the amount of $165,212.50 for construction to Earth Tech Enterprises, Inc. under Agreement 21-
7885 “Beach Maintenance Related Activities” for an On-Call Urgent Services beach fill project on Vanderbilt
Beach and a Purchase Order for $49,500 to Stewart Materials, LLC under Agreement 21-7827 “Beach Compatible
Sand Supply” for the purchase of beach quality sand, and (2) make a finding that this expenditure promotes tourism
(Project 90066). (Staff’s Request)
Add-on Item 16K7: Recommendation to reclassify Scott Spitzer to an At-Large seat on the Infrastructure Surtax
Citizen Oversight Committee. (Commissioner LoCastro’s Request)
Move item 16A8 to 11B: Recommendation to hear a Land Development Code amendment related to floating solar
facilities at two regularly scheduled daytime hearings and to waive the nighttime hearing requirement.
(Commissioner McDaniel’s Request)
Continue item 16K4 to the July 8, 2025, BCC Meeting: Recommendation to provide direction to staff to
advertise an ordinance to amend the Collier County Parking, Storage and Use of Vehicle Control Ordinance
codified in the Code of Laws and Ordinances to provide limitations on the parking and/or storing of commercial
motor vehicles and commercial equipment in residential areas including the Estates zoning district. (Commissioner
McDaniel’s Request)
Notes:
•Item 16K3 in the Executive Summary #6 Non-Voting Seats Edward “Ski” Olesky’s name is misspelled.
•Item 16K5 the Executive Summary should say the 2025-2026 school year instead of the 2024-2025 school
year. The MOU is correct.
TIME CERTAIN ITEMS:
6/23/2025 3:36 PM
6/24/2025
Item # 16.A.8
ID# 2025-2148
Executive Summary
Recommendation to hear a Land Development Code amendment related to floating solar facilities at two regularly
scheduled daytime hearings and to waive the nighttime hearing requirement.
OBJECTIVE: To waive the requirement to hold a nighttime hearing and advertise a Land Development Code (LDC)
amendment at two regularly scheduled daytime hearings.
CONSIDERATIONS: F.S.163.32051 became effective law on July 1, 2022. It defines floating solar facilities as a
permitted use in appropriate land use categories in local governmental comprehensive plans and requires local
governments to amend their land development regulations to promote the expanded use of floating solar facilities. They
are production facilities for electric power, which are located on wastewater treatment ponds, abandoned limerock mine
areas, stormwater treatment ponds, reclaimed water ponds, or other water storage reservoirs. Additionally, the Florida
legislature determined that they have a cooling effect on solar panels, which boosts power production and helps decrease
water loss due to evaporation, as well as the formation of harmful algae blooms.
The proposed LDC amendment will address floating solar facilities, citing land use, installation impacts, minimization
of glare, and preventive maintenance standards and requirements. It will introduce a new LDC section 5.03.08 to allow
floating solar facilities either by right in Rural Agricultural (A), Public Use (P), and Community Facility (CF) as
permitted use and by accessory use in C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, and C-5 Commercial, TTRVC-Trailer-Recreational Vehicle
Campground, I- Industrial, and BP-Business Park. The amendment will address locational standards and requirements.
Since this LDC amendment includes a proposed change to the actual list of permitted, conditional or prohibited uses on
land within a zoning category, LDC Section 10.03.06 K requires two Board of County Commissioners (Board) hearings,
with at least one hearing held after 5:00 p.m. on a weekday. However, the Board may elect to conduct the hearing at
another time of day by a supermajority vote. If the Board elects not to waive the night hearing, one of the proposed
hearings will need to occur after 5:00 p.m.
This LDC amendment (LDCA-PL20250000235) was reviewed by the Collier County Planning Commission (CCPC) on
Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 5:05 p.m. It is the staff’s opinion that the public had an opportunity to address their concerns
at this nighttime advertised hearing and that a nighttime hearing by the Board will not be necessary. The CCPC
unanimously recommended approval, subject to deleting floating solar facilities as a permitted use in the Estates (E)
zoning district and restricting them to onsite electric consumption as an accessory use in the Travel Trailer Recreational
Vehicle Campground (TTRVC) zoning district.
This item is consistent with the Collier County Strategic Plan objective to plan and build public infrastructure and
facilities to effectively, efficiently, and sustainably meet the needs of our community.
FISCAL IMPACT: The costs associated with processing and advertising the proposed LDC amendment are estimated
at $50.00. Funds have been allocated within the Unincorporated Area General Fund (1011) and Comprehensive
Planning Cost Center (138317).
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this action.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved as to form and legality, and it requires an affirmative vote of
four for approval.—HFAC
RECOMMENDATIONS: To direct staff to advertise and hold two regularly scheduled daytime hearings and to waive
the requirement to hold a nighttime hearing pursuant to LDC section 10.03.06 K.
PREPARED BY: Richard P. Henderlong, Planner III, LDC section, Zoning Division
Page 1171 of 3580
6/24/2025
Item # 16.A.8
ID# 2025-2148
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Floating Solar Facilities LDCA - BCC (05-16-2025)
Page 1172 of 3580
1
LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT
PETITION
PL20250000235
ORIGIN
Growth Management
Community Department
(GMCD)
SUMMARY OF AMENDMENT
To comply with F.S. 163.32051 and promote the development of renewable
energy, this Land Development Code amendment (LDC) shall allow the
siting of “floating solar facilities” as an appropriate use of water and land
areas. They are typically located on wastewater treatment ponds,
stormwater treatment ponds, reclaimed water ponds, abandoned mines, and
other water storage reservoirs. The amendment proposes these types of
solar facilities as a permitted use in the Rural Agricultural (A), Public Use
(P), and Community Facility (CF) Zoning Districts and as an accessory use
in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts.
HEARING DATES LDC SECTION TO BE AMENDED
Board TBD
CCPC 05/15/2025
DSAC 04/02/2025
DSAC-LDR 03/18/2025
1.08.02
2.03.01
2.03.03
2.03.04
2.03.05
5.03.08
Definitions
Agricultural Districts
Commercial Zoning Districts
Industrial Zoning Districts
Civic and Institutional Zoning Districts
Floating Solar Facilities (New Section)
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS
DSAC-LDR
Approval with changes
DSAC
Approval with changes
CCPC
Approval with changes
BACKGROUND
The Florida legislature found that “Floating solar facilities” (FSF), also known as “floatovoltaics,” represents a
technology that involves installing solar panels on floating platforms or floating independently, and which can be
an effective tool in harnessing energy in bodies of water that have been permitted for storage. “Floating solar
facilities” are defined by the State in F.S.163.3205 (2) as “… a solar facility which is located on wastewater
treatment ponds, abandoned limerock mine areas, stormwater treatment ponds, reclaimed water ponds, or other
water storage reservoirs”. They are a production facility for electric power, electricity-generating solar panels
affixed to a buoyant structure that keeps them above the surface of the water and anchored at the bottom and/or
to the water body’s bank. Lakes, basins, and man-made bodies of water, such as reservoirs, are appropriate
locations for floating solar because the waters are calm compared to the ocean, rivers, or Gulf of America. Useful
at any scale for man-made bodies of water, they are subject to physical water bodies limits and the proximity to
the electric grid.
F.S. 163.32051, which became effective law on July 1, 2022, requires local governments to cite these facilities as
appropriate uses of water and land areas in their local planning processes. The statute stipulates the adoption is to
“…promote the use of floating solar facilities by requiring each local government to allow these facilities as a
permitted use under certain conditions and amend its land development requirements to promote and expand the
use of floating solar facilities.” Pursuant to F.S. 163.32051(b), the legislature found that siting floating solar
facilities “…are beneficial uses of those areas for many reasons, including the fact that the water has a cooling
effect on the solar panels, which can boost power production, and the fact that the panels help decrease the amount
of water lost to evaporation and the formation of harmful algal blooms.” Furthermore, Florida Statutes allow
local governments to adopt appropriate standards related to setbacks and buffering, provided that the new
standards do not exceed those required for similar uses in areas zoned for agricultural uses (see Exhibits A and
B).
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2
Floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) are a relatively new use and an emerging industry, requiring responsible siting
of solar energy development and an appropriate use of land. An objective of this amendment is to improve and
identify appropriate siting locations and avoid areas of potential conflict, such as lands designated for conservation
or preservation, including but not limited to an Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir Project or Florida’s 404
General Permitting program for Water-Based Renewable Energy Generation Pilot Projects. Because the shading
from panels can affect photosynthesis in aquatic plants, their location requires careful consideration and
placement to prevent potential disruption to aquatic plants.
In addition, FPVs should not compete with lands used for other purposes, such as productive crop and pasture
lands. They assist in retaining the economic viability of agriculture and other predominantly rural land areas that
do not compete for agriculture, industrial, or residential lands. It is easier to find sites near densely populated
areas. Lack of land costs is an added advantage of floating solar systems with fewer competing uses for the
development of water bodies, resulting in decreased water evaporation, and anticipated lower leasing costs for
the solar field when owned by a property owner. These types of solar facilities primarily shift solar energy’s
increasing demand for land to water, making them more reasonable areas with high land values or strong land
conservation policies.
FPV installation costs are similar to that of land-based installations, but improved efficiency, energy density, and
location availability, with lower site costs (little, if any, land clearing and service access roadway construction),
and with an added public benefit of water conservation. Research studies demonstrate the water's cooling effect
boosts performance of solar panels. The panels are known to convert sunlight more efficiently when cooler, and
are estimated to be 5-15% more energy efficient than land based solar panels. A typical installation on man-made
bodies of water is comprised of the following components; floating solar panels, combiner boxes, inverters,
mooring systems, electrical cabling to transmit generated electricity to inverters and grid connection points on
land (See recent Duke Energy, Florida installations and FPV scematic- Exhibit C). According to current industry
practice, FPV installations face fewer shading issues than ground-mounted systems, since the water surface is
flat, and systems are often distant from buildings or vegetation.
During the planning stage phase, the issue of locating systems further away from bodies of water that are regularly
visited by seabirds helps to avoid potential productivity losses. Bird deterrence systems can be deployed, and
adequate barrier methods are needed to manage animal activities and prevent animal visits. The positioning of
FPV panels is at a lower tilt angle than their land-based counterparts, which allows panel rows to be spaced much
closer to one another. The benefits and sitting of FPV relate to land conservation, reduced site-preparation costs,
evaporation losses, integrated aquaculture activities, and lessening the demand for cost expensive traditional
ground mounted solar facilities.
To ensure long term successful utilization, FPV maintenance and maintenance plans should be a submittal
requirement prior to the issuance of permits. Staff recommend a biennial inspection of the anchor and
measurement of tension of mooring line to be done as part of the preventive maintenance plan. When inverters
are installed on land, they should be installed under shelter and periodic checks for signs of humidity, corrosion,
or water ingress. Back up batteries are warranted pursuant to the manufacturer’s warranty. According to the most
recent literature, the life span of this type of solar facility ranges from 20 to 25 years. For this reason, a
decommission plan should be considered that would replace the system at the end of its useful life cycle, including
recycling the disassembled materials.
For FPV, the administrative code will be amended to address application and site development plan requirements
related to panel type, spacing and sizes, location, minimum project size, distance to existing transmission lines
and abutting residential uses, water depths, anchoring/mooring system, methods to minimize animal or avian
visits, setbacks, buffers and landscaping, and decommissioning plan at end of system performance period. Staff
will utilize the recommended assessment of siting and siting characteristices that are derived from the 2019 report
produced by the World Bank Group, ESMAP (Energy Sector Management Assistance Program) and SERIS
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3
(Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore). Where Sun Meets Water: Floating Solar Handbook for
Practitioners. Washington, DC. See Exhibit D.
Depending on the location of a water body, further environmental impact assessment may be necessary to evaluate
potential effects on marine life and the ecosystems. To understand how floating solar facilities can potentially
impact water quality, staff recommend implementing a water quality monitoring program starting with a baseline
sampling, prior to installation, and subsequent routine sampling of the water body. The data will provide a better
understanding of water quality impacts, if any, resulting from these floating solar facilities power generating
plants that will provide information to guide decisions regarding deployment.
Policy 1.2.4 of the Immokalee Area Master Plan states the County must initiate amendments to the LDC that
allow agricultural facilities and apparatuses associated with an alternative energy use. These uses will be allowed
on properties zoned (A) Agricultural, within the Low Residential Subdistrict land use designation. This
amendment serves to implement the policy and support the economic importance of agriculture.
Building permits shall be obtained for the construction of any structures and/or improvements to the extent
required by the Florida Building Code.
In the review article, “An interdisciplinary literature review of floating solar power plants” *, the authors
conducted a scan and review analysis of existing floating solar related publications (over 900) comprehensively
as of October 2024. They scrutinized the FPV literature, dividing them into three main aspects: how FPV design
has evolved to support PV panels, how computational and experimental modeling techniques have been used to
evaluate and optimize the designs, and interactions between FPV and the water environment. It found that “the
design for FPV structures has not yet been standardized and currently no universally accepted set of guidelines
or specifications for designing FPV structures” exist. Therefore, this LDC amendment does not address the design
of FSF and instead focuses upon land use, deployment and installation, long term maintenance and replacement,
and environmental interaction.
DSAC-LDR Subcommittee Recommendation: On March 18, 2025, the subcommittee recommended approval with
the following changes: reword “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America”, require the permitted use in Agriculture
zoning district to state “to be subject to requirements of LDC section 5.03.08.”, consider adding residential zoning
districts for approval through the conditional use process, strike number 8 the requirement for fencing, add text
that address operations, maintenance and emergency repairs in addition to the deployment and installation plan,
and create a new subsection “B” that will allow an applicant to request waivers through the conditional use
process.
DSAC Recommendation: On April 02, 2025, the committee members voted (9 to 5) to recommend approval
subject to defining the term “minimal” impact to natural resources and water quality, adding in LDC section
5.03.08 A. number 9, text that the proposed facilities do not create a hazard to aircraft control from reflective
glare and include DSAC-LDR Subcommittee’s recommendations. Staff have incorporated the changes.
CCPC Recommendation: On May 15, 2025, the Planning Commissioners voted unanimously to recommend
approval, contingent upon deleting floating solar facilities as permitted use in the Estates (E) zoning district and
to restrict them to electric consumption onsite, as accessory use, in the Travel Trailer Recreational Vehicle
Campground (TTRVC) zoning district. Staff has incorporated the changes. Exhibit F has been added to provide
the Board with a list of other Florida communities that have installed and are operating floating solar facility
projects.
FISCAL & OPERATIONAL IMPACTS
A Business Impact Estimate is not required
for this LDC amendment because it is in
GMP CONSISTENCY
Page 1175 of 3580
4
compliance with state law, F.S. 125.66 (3)
(c).
The proposed LDC amendment has been reviewed by
Comprehensive Planning staff and may be deemed
consistent with the GMP.
EXHIBITS: A) F.S.163.32051 Floating solar facitilies, B) F.S. 163.3205 Solar facility approval
process, C) Examples of Floating solar facilities, D) Siting Assessment and Characteristics, E) Limnetic
Zone Definition, F) Existing Florida FSF Projects
*“An Interdisciplinary Literature Review of Floating Solar Power Plants”, Renewable and Sustainable
Energy Reviews 209 (2025) 115094. Published by Elsevier, Ltd.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2024.115094
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5
Amend the LDC as follows:
1
2 1.08.02 Definitions
3
4 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
5 Fire station services, ancillary: Fire protection activities imperative to carry out the purposes of a
6 government establishment primarily engaged in firefighting, such as fire training camps, but which
7 is not required to be located at a fire station for that fire station to serve its function. However,
8 services designed to repair any firefighting equipment is not an ancillary fire station service.
9
10 Floating solar facility: A solar facility as defined in Section 163.3205(2), Florida Statutes, as
11 amended, which is located on wastewater treatment ponds, abandoned limerock mine areas,
12 stormwater treatment ponds, reclaimed water ponds, or other water storage reservoirs. A solar
13 floating facility does not require any significant modification of drainage, flora or fauna, littoral
14 zone and dissolved oxygen for aquatic species survival at the site. Buffer and landscaping
15 requirements shall be in conformance with the underlying zoning district.
16
17 Flood: A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land
18 area from the overflow of inland or tidal waters or the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of
19 surface waters from any source.
20
21 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
22 # # # # # # # # # # # # #
23
24 2.03.01 - Agricultural Districts.
25
26 A. Rural Agricultural District (A). The purpose and intent of the rural agricultural district (A) is
27 to provide lands for agricultural, pastoral, and rural land uses by accommodating
28 traditional agricultural, agricultural related activities and facilities, support facilities related
29 to agricultural needs, and conservation uses. Uses that are considered compatible to
30 agricultural uses that would not endanger or damage the agricultural, environmental,
31 potable water, or wildlife resources of the County, are permissible as conditional uses in
32 the A district. The A district corresponds to and implements the Agricultural/Rural land use
33 designation on the future land use map of the Collier County GMP, and in some instances,
34 may occur in the designated urban area. The maximum density permissible in the rural
35 agricultural district within the urban mixed use district shall be guided, in part, by
36 the density rating system contained in the future land use element of the GMP. The
37 maximum density permissible or permitted in district A shall not exceed
38 the density permissible under the density rating system. The
39 maximum density permissible in the A district within the agricultural/rural district of the
40 future land use element of the Collier County GMP shall be consistent with and not exceed
41 the density permissible or permitted under the agricultural/rural district of the future land
42 use element.
43
44 1. The following subsections identify the uses that are permissible by right and the
45 uses that are allowable as accessory or conditional uses in the rural agricultural
46 district (A).
47
48 a.Permitted uses
49
50 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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1 9.Essential services, as set forth in LDC section 2.01.03.
2 10. Schools, public, including "Educational plants.
3 11.Floating solar facility, except in conservation and/or preservation
4 designated areas and subject to LDC section 5.03.08.
5
6 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
7
8 2.03.03 - Commercial Zoning Districts
9
10 A. Commercial Professional and General Office District (C-1). The purpose and intent of the
11 commercial professional and general office district C-1 is to allow a concentration of office
12 type buildings and land uses that are most compatible with, and located near, residential
13 areas. Most C-1 commercial, professional, and general office districts are contiguous to,
14 or when within a PUD, will be placed in close proximity to residential areas, and, therefore,
15 serve as a transitional zoning district between residential areas and higher intensity
16 commercial zoning districts. The types of office uses permitted are those that do not have
17 high traffic volumes throughout the day, which extend into the evening hours. They will
18 have morning and evening short-term peak conditions. The market support for these office
19 uses should be those with a localized basis of market support as opposed to office
20 functions requiring inter-jurisdictional and regional market support. Because office
21 functions have significant employment characteristics, which are compounded when
22 aggregations occur, certain personal service uses shall be permitted, to provide a
23 convenience to office-based employment. Such convenience commercial uses shall be
24 made an integral part of an office building as opposed to the singular use of a building.
25 Housing may also be a component of this district as provided for through conditional
26 use approval.
27
28 1. The following uses, as identified with a number from the Standard Industrial
29 Classification Manual (1987), or as otherwise provided for within this section are
30 permissible by right, or as accessory or conditional uses within the C-1
31 commercial professional and general office district.
32
33 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
34
35 b. Accessory uses.
36
37 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
38
39 2.Caretaker's residence, subject to LDC section 5.03.05
40
41 3. Floating solar facility, subject to LDC section 5.03.08.
42
43 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
44 # # # # # # # # # # # # #
45
46 B. Commercial Convenience District (C-2). The purpose and intent of the commercial
47 convenience district (C-2) is to provide lands where commercial establishments may be
48 located to provide the small-scale shopping and personal needs of the surrounding
49 residential land uses within convenient travel distance except to the extent that office uses
50 carried forward from the C-1 district will expand the traditional neighborhood size.
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1 However, the intent of this district is that retail and service uses be of a nature that can be
2 economically supported by the immediate residential environs. Therefore, the uses should
3 allow for goods and services that households require on a daily basis, as opposed to those
4 goods and services that households seek for the most favorable economic price and,
5 therefore, require much larger trade areas. It is intended that the C-2 district implements
6 the Collier County GMP within those areas designated agricultural/rural;
7 estates neighborhood center district of the Golden Gate Master Plan; the neighborhood
8 center district of the Immokalee Master Plan; and the urban mixed use district of the future
9 land use element permitted in accordance with the locational criteria for commercial and
10 the goals, objectives, and policies as identified in the future land use element of the Collier
11 County GMP. The maximum density permissible in the C-2 district and the urban mixed
12 use land use designation shall be guided, in part, by the density rating system contained
13 in the future land use element of the Collier County GMP. The
14 maximum density permissible or permitted in a district shall not exceed
15 the density permissible under the density rating system.
16
17 1. The following uses, as identified with a number from the Standard Industrial
18 Classification Manual (1987), or as otherwise provided for within this
19 section are permissible by right, or as accessory or conditional uses within
20 the C-2 commercial convenience district.
21
22 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
23
24 b.Accessory uses.
25
26 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
27
28 4.Outside storage or display of merchandise when specifically
29 permitted for a use, otherwise prohibited, subject to LDC
30 section 4.02.12.
31
32 5.Floating solar facility, subject to LDC section 5.03.08.
33
34 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
35 # # # # # # # # # # # # #
36
37 C. Commercial Intermediate District (C-3). The purpose and intent of the commercial
38 intermediate district (C-3) is to provide for a wider variety of goods and services intended
39 for areas expected to receive a higher degree of automobile traffic. The type and variety
40 of goods and services are those that provide an opportunity for comparison shopping,
41 have a trade area consisting of several neighborhoods, and are preferably located at the
42 intersection of two-arterial level streets. Most activity centers meet this standard. This
43 district is also intended to allow all of the uses permitted in the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts
44 typically aggregated in planned shopping centers. This district is not intended to permit
45 wholesaling type of uses, or land uses that have associated with them the need for outdoor
46 storage of equipment and merchandise. A mixed-use project containing a residential
47 component is permitted in this district subject to the criteria established herein. The C-3
48 district is permitted in accordance with the locational criteria for commercial and the goals,
49 objectives, and policies as identified in the future land use element of the Collier County
50 GMP. The maximum density permissible in the C-3 district and the urban mixed use land
51 use designation shall be guided, in part, by the density rating system contained in the
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1 future land use element of the Collier County GMP. The maximum density permissible or
2 permitted in the C-3 district shall not exceed the density permissible under
3 the density rating system.
4
5 1. The following uses, as identified with a number from the Standard Industrial
6 Classification Manual (1987), or as otherwise provided for within this section are
7 permissible by right, or as accessory or conditional uses within the commercial
8 intermediate district (C-3).
9
10 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
11
12 b.Accessory Uses.
13
14 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
15
16 3.Outside storage or display of merchandise when specifically
17 permitted for a use, otherwise prohibited, subject to LDC
18 section 4.02.12.
19
20 4.Floating solar facility, subject to LDC section 5.03.08.
21
22 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
23 # # # # # # # # # # # # #
24
25 D. General Commercial District (C-4). The general commercial district (C-4) is intended to
26 provide for those types of land uses that attract large segments of the population at the
27 same time by virtue of scale, coupled with the type of activity. The purpose and intent of
28 the C-4 district is to provide the opportunity for the most diverse types of commercial
29 activities delivering goods and services, including entertainment and recreational
30 attractions, at a larger scale than the C-1 through C-3 districts. As such, all of the uses
31 permitted in the C-1 through C-3 districts are also permitted in the C-4 district. The outside
32 storage of merchandise and equipment is prohibited, except to the extent that it is
33 associated with commercial activity conducted on-site such as, but not limited to,
34 automobile sales, marine vessels, and the renting and leasing of equipment. Activity
35 centers are suitable locations for the uses permitted by the C-4 district because most
36 activity centers are located at the intersection of arterial roads. Therefore, the uses in the
37 C-4 district can most be sustained by the transportation network of major roads. The C-4
38 district is permitted in accordance with the locational criteria for uses and the goals,
39 objectives, and policies as identified in the future land use element of the Collier County
40 GMP. The maximum density permissible or permitted in a district shall not exceed
41 the density permissible under the density rating system.
42
43 1. The following uses, as defined with a number from the Standard Industrial
44 Classification Manual (1987), or as otherwise provided for within this section are
45 permissible by right, or as accessory or conditional uses within the general
46 commercial district (C-4).
47
48 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
49
50 b.Accessory Uses.
51
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1 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2
3 3.Outside storage or display of merchandise when specifically
4 permitted for a use, otherwise prohibited, subject to LDC
5 section 4.02.12.
6
7 4.Floating solar facility, subject to LDC section 5.03.08.
8
9 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
10 # # # # # # # # # # # # #
11
12 E. Heavy Commercial District (C-5). In addition to the uses provided in the C-4 zoning district,
13 the heavy commercial district (C-5) allows a range of more intensive commercial uses and
14 services which are generally those uses that tend to utilize outdoor space in the conduct
15 of the business. The C-5 district permits heavy commercial services such as full-service
16 automotive repair, and establishments primarily engaged in construction and specialized
17 trade activities such as contractor offices, plumbing, heating and air conditioning services,
18 and similar uses that typically have a need to store construction associated equipment
19 and supplies within an enclosed structure or have showrooms displaying
20 the building material for which they specialize. Outdoor storage yards are permitted with
21 the requirement that such yards are completely enclosed or opaquely screened. The C-5
22 district is permitted in accordance with the locational criteria for uses and the goals,
23 objectives, and policies as identified in the future land use element of the Collier County
24 GMP.
25
26 1. The following uses, as identified with a number from the Standard Industrial
27 Classification Manual (1987), or as otherwise provided for within this section are
28 permissible by right, or as accessory or conditional uses within the heavy
29 commercial district (C-5).
30
31 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
32
33 b.Accessory Uses.
34
35 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
36
37 3.Temporary display of merchandise during business hours, provided
38 it does not adversely affect pedestrian or vehicular traffic or public
39 health or safety. Merchandise storage and display is prohibited
40 within any front yard; allowed within the side and rear yards of lots.
41
42 4.Floating solar facility, subject to LDC section 5.03.08.
43
44 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
45
46 F. Travel Trailer-Recreational Vehicle Campground District (TTRVC).
47
48 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
49
50 2. The following uses are permissible by right, or as accessory or conditional
51 uses within the travel trailer-recreational vehicle campground district (TTRVC).
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1
2 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
3
4 b.Accessory Uses.
5
6 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
7
8 5. Campgrounds containing 100 spaces or more shall be permitted a
9 convenience commercial facility no greater than 15,000 square feet
10 in total land area. This facility shall provide for the exclusive sale of
11 convenience items to park patrons only, and shall present no visible
12 evidence of their commercial character, including signage and
13 lighting, from any public or private street or right-of-way external to
14 the park.
15
16 6.Floating solar facility for electric consumption onsite and subject to
17 LDC section 5.03.08.
18
19 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
20 # # # # # # # # # # # # #
21
22 2.03.04 - Industrial Zoning Districts
23
24 A. Industrial District (I). The purpose and intent of the industrial district (I) is to provide lands
25 for manufacturing, processing, storage and warehousing, wholesaling, and distribution.
26 Service and commercial activities that are related to manufacturing, processing, storage
27 and warehousing, wholesaling, and distribution activities, as well as commercial uses
28 relating to automotive repair and heavy equipment sales and repair are also permissible
29 in the I district. The I district corresponds to and implements the industrial land use
30 designation on the future land use map of the Collier County GMP.
31
32 1. The following uses, as identified within the Standard Industrial Classification
33 Manual (1987), or as otherwise provided for within this section, are permitted as a
34 right, or as accessory or conditional uses within the industrial district (I).
35
36 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
37
38 b.Accessory uses.
39
40 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
41
42 5. Recreational vehicle campground and ancillary support facilities
43 when in conjunction with vehicle racing - applicable to the
44 Immokalee Regional Airport only, and subject to the provisions of
45 LDC section 5.05.10.C.1. - C.6. of this Code. Recreational vehicles,
46 tents, and other structures and facilities allowed in the campground
47 for temporary habitation, shall be allowed for no more than seventy-
48 two (72) consecutive hours.
49
50 6.Floating solar facility, subject to LDC section 5.03.08.
51
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1
2 B. Business Park District (BP). The purpose and intent of the business park district (BP) is to
3 provide a mix of industrial uses, corporate headquarters offices and business/professional
4 offices which complement each other and provide convenience services for the employees
5 within the district; and to attract businesses that create high value added jobs. It is intended
6 that the BP district be designed in an attractive park-like environment, with low
7 structural density and large landscaped areas for both the functional use of buffering and
8 enjoyment by the employees of the BP district. The BP district is permitted by the urban
9 mixed use, urban commercial, and urban-industrial districts of the future land use element
10 of the Collier County GMP.
11
12 1. The following uses, as identified within the latest edition of the Standard Industrial
13 Classification Manual, or as otherwise provided for within this section, are
14 permitted as of right, or as uses accessory to permitted primary or secondary uses,
15 or are conditional uses within the business park district.
16
17 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
18
19 c.Accessory uses to permitted primary and secondary uses:
20
21 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
22
23 5.Recreational vehicle campground and ancillary support facilities
24 when in conjunction with vehicle racing - applicable to the
25 Immokalee Regional Airport only, and subject to the provisions of
26 LDC section 5.05.10.C.1. - C.6. of this Code. Recreational vehicles,
27 tents, and other structures and facilities allowed in the campground
28 for temporary habitation, shall be allowed for no more than seventy-
29 two consecutive hours.
30
31 6.Floating solar facility, subject to LDC section 5.03.08.
32
33 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
34 # # # # # # # # # # # # #
35
36 2.03.05 - Civic and Institutional Zoning Districts
37
38 A.Public Use District (P). The purpose and intent of public use district (P) is to accommodate
39 only local, state and federally owned or leased and operated government facilities that
40 provide essential public services. The P district is intended to facilitate the coordination of
41 urban services and land uses while minimizing the potential disruption of the uses of
42 nearby properties.
43
44 1. Any public facilities that lawfully existed prior to the effective date of this Code and
45 that are not zoned for public use district (P) are determined to be conforming with
46 these zoning regulations.
47
48 2. Any future expansion of these public facilities on lands previously reserved for their
49 use shall be required to meet the regulations in effect for the zoning district in which
50 the public facility is located.
51
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1 3. Government-owned properties rented or leased to nongovernmental entities for
2 purposes not related to providing governmental services or support functions to a
3 primary civic or public institutional use shall not be zoned for the public use district
4 (P), but rather, shall be zoned or rezoned according to the use types or the use
5 characteristics which predominate.
6
7 4. The following uses are permitted as of right, or as accessory or conditional uses,
8 in the public use district (P).
9
10 a.Permitted uses.
11
12 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
13 7.Fairgrounds.
14 8. Floating solar facility, except in conservation and/or preservation
15 designated areas and subject to LDC section 5.03.08.
16 8 9.Libraries.
17
18 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
19
20 B. Community Facility District (CF). The purpose and intent of (CF) district is to implement
21 the GMP by permitting nonresidential land uses as generally identified in the urban
22 designation of the future land use element. These uses can be characterized as public
23 facilities, institutional uses, open space uses, recreational uses, water-related or
24 dependent uses, and other such uses generally serving the community at large. The
25 dimensional standards are intended to insure compatibility with existing or future nearby
26 residential development. The CF district is limited to properties within the urban mixed use
27 land use designation as identified on the future land use map.
28
29 1. The following uses are permitted as of right, or as accessory or conditional uses,
30 in the community facility district (CF).
31
32 a.Permitted uses
33
34 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
35
36 3.Civic and cultural facilities.
37 4. Floating solar facility, except in conservation and/or preservation
38 designated areas and subject to LDC section 5.03.08.
39 4 5.Museums.
40
41 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
42 # # # # # # # # # # # # #
43
44 5.03.08 – Floating Solar Facilities
45
46 A. A floating solar facility may be a permitted use or as an accessory structure and ancillary
47 use only where it complies with the following requirements:
48
49 1. Not located in, on, over, or upon aquatic preserves or environmentally protected
50 lands.
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1
2 2. The floating solar facility coverage area is contained within the lot or parcel.
3
4 3. The installation, when proposed on stormwater conveyance, retention, or
5 detention areas does not interfere with stormwater management or stormwater
6 management infrastructure.
7
8 4. Submittal of deployment, installation, operation and emergency maintenance
9 plans that have minimal impacts to natural resources and water quality. For the
10 purpose of this use, the term “minimal impacts” shall mean the facility is sited and
11 constructed to minimize shading of habitats and species within the littoral or
12 limnetic zone, soiling from dust, biofouling and biosoiling (bird droppings), barriers
13 to animals in natural habitat at the site, and degradation of water quality within the
14 site. To prevent the occurrence of damage and breakdown, an on site-specific
15 conditions preventive maintenance plan is required and shall entail emergency
16 repairs, routine inspection and servicing at predetermined intervals. Where
17 appropriate, a bird deterrence system, barrier or non-barrier method may be
18 deployed. A site survey for fauna and flora shall be undertaken to avoid the risk
19 from animals visits on the floating system, shading aquatic vegetation at bottom of
20 lake and overgrowth of algae and surface vegetation. Long-term monitoring is
21 required to assess the effects on water quality and aquatic flora and fauna.
22
23 5. Power and communication lines running from the bank of land to interconnect with
24 any building, transformer or inverter shall be buried underground.
25
26 6. Submittal of a decommissioning plan to ensure the proper removal after the
27 facility’s useful life.
28
29 7. Panels utilizing a reflector to enhance production shall control and minimize the
30 glare from the reflector to adjacent and abutting properties.
31
32 8. The water is not being energized, system is properly anchored, and the water body
33 use (such as active recreational purposes) does not conflict with floating solar
34 facilities.
35
36 9. No facility shall produce reflective glare that could affect or impair aircraft traffic
37 control or vehicular traffic.
38
39 B. An applicant may request a waiver for approval of one or more of the provisions of LDC
40 section 5.03.08 A. through a Conditional Use request.
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Exhibit A – F.S. 163. 32051 Floating solar facilities
14
Page 1186 of 3580
Exhibit B – F.S. 163. 3205 Solar facility approval process
15
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Exhibit C – Examples of Floating solar facilities.
16
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Exhibit C – Examples of Floating solar facilities.
17
A total of 1,872 of solar panels are connected and anchored down, right in the middle of Duke Energy's
cooling pond. (Spectrum News) 12/12/24
Duke Energy has reached a milestone with the successful activation of its first floating solar project in
Florida, situated at the Duke Energy Hines Energy Complex in Bartow, Florida. The nearly 1-megawatt
floating solar array, comprising over 1,800 bifacial solar panels, floats on a 2-acre water surface within an
existing cooling pond. The innovative design of the panels, absorbing light from both sides, is expected to
generate 10%-20% more power than traditional single-sided counterparts.
Page 1189 of 3580
Exhibit C – Examples of Floating solar facilities.
18
Source Power Systems Technology: https://www.powersystems.technology/news-pst/duke-energy-floats-
into-the-future-florida-s-first-floating-solar-project-unveiled.htm
Floating Photovoltaic System Cost Benchmark: Q1 2021 Installations on Artificial Water Bodies
Vignesh Ramasamy and Robert Margolis
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Page 1190 of 3580
Exhibit D – Siting Assessment and Characteristics
19
World Bank Group, ESMAP and SERIS. 2019. Where Sun Meets Water: Floating Solar Handbook for
Practitioners. Washington, DC: World Bank. The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because
the World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in
part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given.
SITE IDENTIFICATION
The main considerations for assessing site suitability for FPV installations include:
Solar resource (solar irradiance at proposed water surface ) and local climatic conditions (seasonal
variations in weather- temperature range, precipitation, lighting and storm occurrences).
Available water surface area (in general, for FPV deployment, one MWp requires roughly 1 hectare
or 2.47 acres for the floating island and 1.7 hectares or 4.2 acres of water area, (after taking into
account anchoring) and shape (rectangular or square).
Bathymetry (shape of boundaries, average depth and depth distribution, structure of water bed and
the water body banks, and hydrology). Water quality conditions and impact.
Water level (variation over summer/winter months), wave amplitudes, and wind speeds.
Subsurface soil conditions (accurate soil analysis and soil structure interaction).
Shading (of habitats and species within the littoral and/or linnetic zones), soiling, and other site
conditions: (openness and minimal shading, less soiling from dust than land installations, biosoiling
(bird droppings-survey of bird species, etc.), avoidance of saltwater or briny coastal systems that
create a more corrosive environment for metals, including structural elements, grounding, and
electrical connectors and wiring, elavate the area for potential soiling (precipitates from the water)
or biofouling that can lead to hot spots, provide good airflow around the panels, and create barriers
to animals in natural habitats at the site.
Environmental Considerations: Natural habitat of preserved species, frequency of bird activity, and
water species that are sensitive to water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and sunlight.
Grid access, substation location, and power availability. Access rights, permits, and regulations.
Obtain FAA approval when near a airport that demostrates compliance with standards for
measuring ocular impact, such as no potential for glare (flash blindness or distraction) or “low
potential for afterimage” along final approach path for existing or future landings.
RECOMMENDED SITE CHARACTERISTICS
•Be located within 1/2 to 1.8 miles to existing transmission lines: the water body should have a
preferred shallow water depth at or between 7’ to 15’, and be a minimun facility size of two acres.
(This is based upon studies that support cost efficiency, power capacity and sustainability for 20 or
more years). Landscaping to screen and offset adjacent visual glare and position away from abutting
residential uses (minimun 100 feet in distance).
•Prohibited in designated Conservation and Preservation areas
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Exhibit E – Definition of Limnetic Zone
20
REV. 5/28/2025
•
Page 1192 of 3580
Exhibit F – Existing Florida FSF Projects
21
Other Florida Floating Solar Facility Projects (3-13-25)
Location Name Utility Megawatts Panels-Anchor Acres # of homes
Altamonte
Springs
Regional Water
Reclamation Facility
Center Altamonte
Electric 1 (960 kWp)2430 Shore
Anchor
2.05
retention
pond
To offset
electricity to
Wastewater
Treatment
Plant
Apollo Beach Big Bend Tampa Electric 1
3452 one half
are bifacial
Shoreline
3
retention
pond 140
Miami Miami International
Airport
FPL-D3Energy-
Miami Dade
County
157 kWp 402 Bottom
0.5
manmade
quarry
Bartow Hines Energy
Complex Duke Energy 1 (2,000 planned)
1872 bifacial
Ballasted
Bottom
2 out of
1,200
pond
100
Central Florida
Central Florida
Expressway
Authority
Duke Power-
D3Energy 10 kWp 24 Shore
.10
retention
pond
Orlando Orlando
International Airport
Duke Power-
D3Energy 125 kWp 360 Bottom and
Shore
.38
retention
pond
Orlando Universal Orlando
Resort
Duke Power-
D3Energy 249 kWp 645 Bottom
.55
retention
pond
Orlando
Orlando Utilities
Operations Facility
Gardenia
Orlando Utilities 65 kWp 182 Shore
.28
retention
pond
Orlando
Southern Regional
Water Supply Facility
(SRWSF)
Orange County
Utilities 1.2 2236 Bank
2.2 surface
area 3.6
pond
Orlando Central Manheim-
Cox Automotive Duke Energy 1,038 kWp 2162 Bottom 2.1
Ocoee Manheim-Cox
Automotive Duke Energy 2.1 2184 Bank
2.1
retention
pond
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