I am just speaking as to South Florida and specifically three counties-Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Very different climate than northern Florida although the impediments may be much the same. Following are the key factors.
1. Electricity costs in South Florida are less than many would think if you have an energy efficient home or building. We don't have the extremes of heat. For instance nothing like Texas with all their 100 degree days. Our average highs in August are 90 degrees. Areas like Dallas are 96 and 97. This August, we only had one day above 90 and it was 92. Dallas was between 95 and 101 most of the month. They had 16 days of 98 or higher. Then, obviously, we use very little heat during the winter.
2. Solar installation isn't cheap at all and requires detailed planning with approval by FPL.
3. Solar must be connected to the power grid. Now you do benefit from the ability to bill FPL for power generated and used by them, but you also get basic electric charges too.
4. Whereas our roof is rated for 150 mph winds. Now there are codes for solar panels, but they really just mean that they must have enough tie downs and the tie downs not come off, the attachment points survive, but doesn't mean the panels won't have damage. We have tiled roofs and the panels would then be attached to sit a few inches above the tiles. A lot of unanswered questions as to what would happen.
5. We've gotten estimates and calculations. We've also done the same including Powerwalls. The best payback we've gotten so far was 14 years and that was uncertain. I believe the solar industry will continue to improve and better systems will be available. However, even there, the advantage seems to be for the power company to invest in Solar Centers vs homeowners doing so. FPL added 3.5 million panels in the last two years and now uses more solar to produce energy than coal and oil combined. So, I think the way to go has been forced into the power company going to solar, not the homeowner.
6. For our businesses in FL, the payback would be slightly better but we don't own the buildings.