South Miami is the first city in the state, and joins a handful of other nationally in mandating solar panels on newly constructed homes. San Francisco and two small cities in California have similar renewable energy building laws.
The move covers new homes over 1,100 square feet and also homes renovated over 75 percent of their previous value. The measure passing 4-to-1 in the commission, but not without some residents opposing it.
"We're concerned about the future of children and grandchildren," said Mayor Philip Stoddard. "So, the question becomes what can we do today to give our kids and our grandchildren an better future in the face of climate change and sea-level rise and we have to do everything we can."
The measure takes effect in two months.