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Generator Installation · Florida
A generator must connect through a transfer switch or an approved interlock so it can never feed power back into utility lines. Electricians install standby generators, portable generator inlets with interlocks, and the transfer equipment for both.
Florida has some of the highest lightning activity in the country, and hurricane season makes surge protection and generators routine.
Across the Southeast, homes deal with heat, humidity, frequent thunderstorms and hurricane season near the coast. Permit offices, utilities and housing stock differ by city, which affects how generator installation is planned and scheduled. These local guides cover the Florida cities where we have written specific notes.
Hurricane season makes generators one of the most requested electrical projects in Miami. Options range from a portable-generator inlet with an interlock to a standby generator with an automatic transfer switch.
Utility: Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Hurricane season makes backup power a priority in Tampa, and long outages after recent storms increased demand. A generator inlet with an interlock lets a portable generator power essential circuits safely.
Utility: Tampa Electric (TECO)
Hurricanes Ian in 2022 and Milton in 2024 both caused long outages across the Orlando area, and generator installs have become common. A portable generator connected through an inlet and interlock can run essential circuits safely.
Utility: OUC in the city (city-owned); Duke Energy in much of the metro
Hurricane season and summer storms make backup power one of the most common electrical projects in Jacksonville. A generator inlet with an interlock lets a portable generator run essential circuits safely without backfeeding JEA's lines.
Utility: JEA (city-owned)
Hurricane season makes backup power a priority in St. Petersburg, and in surge-prone neighborhoods a standby generator should be mounted above expected flood levels. A standby unit with an automatic transfer switch needs a gas supply or propane tank, a pad and clearances from openings.
Utility: Duke Energy Florida
Hurricane season makes generators one of the most requested electrical projects in Fort Lauderdale. A standby generator with an automatic transfer switch should be rated for salt air and, in flood-prone areas, mounted above expected water levels.
Utility: Florida Power & Light (FPL)
1. Size the load
Circuits that must stay powered are listed and the generator sized.
2. Choose the connection
Inlet and interlock, manual transfer switch or automatic transfer switch.
3. Install and inspect
Permitted installation, gas connection by a licensed fitter where needed, and inspection.
Electricians set their own prices; local permit fees and utility requirements add to these factors.
Permits come from the city or county where the home is. For example: Miami: Permits come from the City of Miami or, in unincorporated areas, Miami-Dade County; other cities in the county have their own building departments. Tampa: Inside city limits, electrical permits come from the City of Tampa's Construction Services Division; unincorporated areas are permitted by Hillsborough County, and Temple Terrace and Plant City run their own. Orlando: Inside city limits, electrical permits come from the City of Orlando's Permitting Services; unincorporated areas are permitted by Orange County, and Winter Park and other cities run their own. Jacksonville: Jacksonville and Duval County share a consolidated government, and electrical permits come from the City of Jacksonville's Building Inspection Division. Saint Petersburg: Electrical permits in St. Petersburg come from the city's building and permitting office; other Pinellas County cities and unincorporated areas have their own. Fort Lauderdale: Electrical permits in Fort Lauderdale come from the city's Development Services Department; other Broward cities have their own.
Miami: Florida Power & Light (FPL). Tampa: Tampa Electric (TECO). Orlando: OUC in the city (city-owned); Duke Energy in much of the metro. Jacksonville: JEA (city-owned). Saint Petersburg: Duke Energy Florida. Fort Lauderdale: Florida Power & Light (FPL).
Listed interlock kits are accepted in many jurisdictions when installed with a permit. Your electrician will know the local rule.
Call now, or send a request and a licensed electrician who serves your ZIP code will contact you.
