Proposed Solar Energy Ordinance Public Hearing

The Liberty County Board of County Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing to consider the adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-04, an ordinance establishing regulations for utility-scale solar energy facilities and battery energy storage systems within Liberty County.

Public Hearing Information

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. (EST)
Location: Liberty County Courthouse
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Room
10818 NW State Road 20
Bristol, Florida 32321

About the Proposed Ordinance

The proposed ordinance amends the Liberty County Land Development Code to establish standards for the siting, construction, operation, and decommissioning of utility-scale solar energy facilities and battery energy storage systems. The ordinance includes provisions relating to:

• Conditional use approval requirements
• Setbacks, buffering, and screening
• Environmental and wildlife protection
• Roadway impact requirements
• Emergency response and fire safety planning
• Decommissioning requirements and financial security
• Comprehensive Plan amendment thresholds for large-scale projects

The purpose of the ordinance is to establish reasonable regulations that protect Liberty County’s rural character, agricultural and silvicultural lands, natural resources, public infrastructure, and the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens while providing a regulatory framework for utility-scale solar development.

The public is encouraged to attend and provide comments on the proposed ordinance.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for public inspection at the Liberty County Clerk of Court’s Office during normal business hours and may also be viewed on the County’s website.