Wind energy, a renewable resource, converts the kinetic energy of wind into electricity through turbines. This article explores the current state of wind energy in Florida, its challenges, and how the state’s broader renewable energy initiatives address energy demands.
Wind Energy’s Current Presence in Florida
As of July 2025, Florida has no operational utility-scale wind farms, either onshore or offshore. Large-scale wind turbines are not a feature of Florida’s energy landscape. A recent bill, HB 1645, effective July 1, 2024, prohibits the construction or expansion of offshore wind facilities within state waters, including within one mile of coastlines or intracoastal waterways.
Key Factors Shaping Wind Energy Development
Several environmental and economic factors contribute to the limited development of wind energy in Florida. The state generally experiences lower average wind speeds compared to regions where large-scale wind farms are economically viable. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates offshore wind speeds in Florida typically range between 5-6.9 meters per second (m/s), which is often below the 7 m/s considered necessary for commercial wind power development. Inland wind speeds are even lower, with the windiest month, July, averaging only about 7.2 miles per hour (approximately 3.2 m/s). Utility-scale turbines typically require sustained wind speeds greater than 13 miles per hour (about 5.8 m/s) to operate efficiently.
Florida’s susceptibility to hurricanes also presents considerable challenges for wind energy development. The high risk of hurricanes poses significant threats to tall structures like wind turbines. Category 3 or stronger hurricanes can cause substantial damage. While advanced turbine designs can withstand winds up to 180 miles per hour, recurrent severe weather events remain a significant hurdle for long-term operational stability and investment.
Land availability and economic viability play a role in shaping wind energy development. Finding large, suitable tracts of land for wind farms can be challenging in a state with growing population density and significant land value. Concerns about the visual impact of turbines on Florida’s coastal views have also been raised by legislators, influencing policy decisions that restrict wind energy development near shorelines. The economic viability of wind energy in Florida is also less favorable when compared to other energy sources, primarily due to the insufficient wind resource for cost-effective, large-scale generation.
Florida’s Broader Renewable Energy Strategy
Florida’s overall renewable energy strategy primarily emphasizes solar power, leveraging the state’s abundant sunshine. The state has emerged as a leader in solar energy adoption, ranking third nationally for total solar power generating capacity in 2024. In fact, in 2024, Florida installed the second-highest solar power capacity in the United States, adding over 12 gigawatts (GW). Utility-scale solar farms are a significant component of this growth, with major utility providers like Florida Power & Light (FPL) actively pursuing ambitious projects, including plans to install 30 million solar panels by 2030.
The state’s climate and geography make it exceptionally well-suited for solar energy production. Beyond solar, Florida also demonstrates leadership in battery storage capacity, which helps integrate intermittent renewable sources into the grid and enhance energy resilience. While Florida does not have a statewide Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that mandates a certain percentage of electricity from renewables, some individual cities have set goals for 100% renewable energy. The state’s energy policy has recently shifted to prioritize affordability and reliability, with legislative changes aimed at focusing on energy resources without direct reference to climate change.