Upgrading your electrical panel in Florida is more than a home improvement project – it’s a safety requirement. With increasing electrical loads from HVAC systems, EV chargers, pools, and smart appliances, many older Lakeland homes simply can’t keep up. If your panel is outdated or undersized, you risk failed inspections, insurance issues, and serious fire hazards.
Florida’s climate also intensifies electrical risks. Humidity, corrosion, and lightning strikes make proper grounding, bonding, and surge protection essential. That’s why homeowners searching for an electrical panel upgrade in Florida, panel replacement in Lakeland, or a 200-amp service upgrade must understand the rules before starting any work.
This guide explains how to upgrade safely, pass Florida inspection the first time, and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Electrical Panel Upgrades Matter in Florida
A Level 2 EV charger draws far more power than a standard household circuit. These systems require a dedicated Your electrical panel distributes power throughout your home. When it becomes outdated or overloaded, issues occur:
- Frequent breaker trips
- Flickering lights
- Overheated wiring
- Appliance damage during Florida lightning storms
- Insurance cancellation for outdated panels (common with Federal Pacific & Zinsco)
Because Florida homes use more electricity than most states – especially from air conditioning – panel upgrade requirements in Florida are stricter and more consistently enforced.
Lakeland homeowners adding an EV charger, hot tub, or new AC system often discover the same problem:
➡️ Their existing panel is not sized for modern electrical demand.
1. Know When Florida Code Requires an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Many homeowners only search for “do I need a panel upgrade in Florida?” after they run out of breaker space or fail a home inspection.
Here are the signs:
Electrical symptoms that indicate a needed upgrade:
- Breakers trip weekly or daily
- The lights dim when appliances start.
- Rust or corrosion inside the panel
- Scorch marks or buzzing breakers
- Panel older than 25–30 years
- Your home still has a 100-amp pane.l
Florida-required upgrade situations:
- Adding a Level 2 EV charger (requires a 240V dedicated circuit)
- Installing a new or larger HVAC system
- Home additions or remodels
- New pool equipment or outdoor kitchen
- Overloaded or unsafe wiring
If you’re unsure, a licensed electrician in Lakeland, FL can perform load calculations to see if your home meets Florida code.
2. Understand the Florida Electrical Code Before Upgrading Your Panel
Permit and inspection failures happen when homeowners or unlicensed handymen ignore state requirements. Florida follows:
- Florida Building Code – Electrical
- National Electrical Code (NEC 2020 & 2023 updates)
- Local Lakeland & Polk County amendments
Here are the biggest Florida electrical code requirements you must follow:
✔ Required Working Clearance (NEC 110.26)
Many homes fail this simple rule.
Clearances must be:
- 36 inches in front
- 30 inches wide
- 78 inches high
No shelves, water heaters, or laundry machines may block access.
✔ Grounding & Bonding (NEC 250)
Florida’s sandy soil and lightning frequency make grounding critical for safety and code compliance.
✔ Load Calculations Required
Before upgrading to 150A, 200A, or 400A service, Florida requires a documented load calculation.
✔ Whole-Home Surge Protection (Florida 2020 Code)
Required on most new panel installations due to lightning risks.
Looking for more information? Visit our surge protection solutions page.
3. Choosing the Right Panel Size for Your Florida Home
Most homes built before the 1990s cannot support modern electrical usage. This is why electrical contractors in Central Florida almost always recommend a 200-amp upgrade.
Recommended Service Sizes:
- 100 Amp – outdated, rarely permitted for upgrades
- 150 Amp – allowed, but limited
- 200 Amp – standard for Florida single-family homes
- 225–400 Amp – large homes, EV chargers, workshops
Why Florida homes require higher amperage:
- HVAC systems run most of the year
- Pool heaters & pumps
- EV chargers (40–60 amps)
- Outdoor kitchens & workshops
- Smart appliances need dedicated circuits
If you’re planning upgrades, a panel upgrade in Lakeland, FL, should be scheduled before electrical remodeling begins.
4. Why Panel Upgrades Fail Florida Inspection
These mistakes happen when homeowners choose unlicensed or inexperienced installers.
❌ Mistake #1: Hiring an unlicensed handyman
They cannot legally pull permits in Florida.
Your panel will fail inspection immediately.
❌ Mistake #2: Incorrect grounding or bonding
Especially dangerous in lightning-prone counties like Polk, Hillsborough, and Osceola.
❌ Mistake #3: Using the wrong breaker type
Many panels require brand-specific breakers (Square D, Eaton, Siemens).
Mixing incompatible breakers is an automatic fail.
❌ Mistake #4: Overstuffed circuits
Tandem breakers are often misused in older Lakeland houses.
❌ Mistake #5: Missing surge protection
Required for nearly all modern upgrades.
Avoid these issues with our guide to safe electrical panel upgrades.
5. What a Code-Compliant Panel Upgrade Looks Like in Florida
When you hire a licensed electrical contractor in Lakeland, your upgrade follows these essential steps:
Step 1 – On-site evaluation & Florida code review
Load calculation, grounding check, and inspection of existing wiring.
Step 2 – Written detailed bid
Clear pricing and scope – no hidden fees.
Step 3 – Permit acquisition
We handle all permits with Lakeland, Polk County, or applicable municipalities.
Step 4 – Coordination with utility provider
Required for service disconnection and reconnection.
Step 5 – Professional installation
Using approved equipment like:
- Square D
- Eaton
- Siemens
Step 6 – Grounding, bonding & surge protection installation
Florida-specific safety measures integrated.
Step 7 – Final testing, labeling & Florida inspection
We stay until the panel passes inspection.
Trust Look Electric Co. – Your Licensed Electrician in Lakeland, Florida
Look Electric Co. is a fully licensed and insured electrical contractor in Central Florida specializing in:
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Home rewiring
- Surge protection
- EV charging circuits
- Troubleshooting and repair
We understand Florida code in detail – and our work passes inspection the first time.
When to Call a Licensed Electrician Immediately
If you notice:
- Burning smells
- Buzzing or crackling at the panel
- Breakers are hot to the touch
- Rust around your panel.
- Frequent breaker trips
➡️ Stop using high-load appliances and call us immediately.
Schedule Your Florida Panel Upgrade Today
Upgrading your electrical panel isn’t optional – it’s essential for safety, insurance approval, and modern electrical demands.
📞 Call Look Electric Co. at (863) 859-2515
🛠 Licensed • Insured • Code-Compliant • Lakeland-Based
Serving Lakeland, Polk County, and all of Central Florida.
