Electricians and Home Generators in Florida: What Homeowners Should Know

Last reviewed October 3, 2026

Electrical work is the one place where a shortcut can burn a house down. In Florida it also comes up at insurance time and every hurricane season, when generators come out of the garage.

Licenses to look for

EC: a state-certified electrical contractor, licensed to work anywhere in Florida.
ER: a registered electrical contractor, licensed only in the counties or cities where registered.

Electrical contractors are licensed through DBPR's Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board. Verify the number at myfloridalicense.com. Florida's handyman exemption does not cover electrical work beyond very minor tasks.

What insurers look for in older homes

When a Florida home is around 25 to 30 years old, insurers often ask for a four-point inspection covering the roof, electrical, plumbing and air conditioning. On the electrical side, inspectors commonly flag:

Certain older breaker panel brands with a history of breakers failing to trip.
Aluminum branch wiring from the 1960s and 1970s.
Cloth-insulated wiring or a fuse box.
Too few circuits for the home, double-tapped breakers, or visible scorching.

If one of these is flagged, a licensed electrician can tell you whether it needs a repair or a full panel replacement. A panel replacement requires a permit and an inspection.

Standby generators

A permanently installed standby generator starts automatically when the power fails. Installation involves a transfer switch, a permit, and a fuel supply, usually propane or natural gas. The gas line and tank are installed by a licensed gas contractor, and many generator installers coordinate both trades.

Order well before hurricane season. Lead times for equipment, permits and gas service stretch out quickly once a storm is forecast.

Portable generator safety

Never run a generator inside a home, garage or screened lanai, even with doors and windows open. Carbon monoxide from generators kills people after every major storm.
Keep it outside, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away.
Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. That backfeeds the utility lines and can kill a line worker. To power house circuits, have an electrician install a transfer switch or interlock.
Use battery carbon monoxide alarms in sleeping areas.

Sources

This guide is general information for Florida homeowners, not legal, insurance or professional advice. Laws, codes and insurance rules change — confirm details with the agency, your insurance agent or a licensed contractor before you decide.