Permits - Electrical

How do I get a electrical permit for my home?

Obtaining an electrical permit to perform work on your own home is a pretty easy process, but there are a few basics that must be covered before a permit is issued:

1. First, do you own the property? If you don't own the property, we can't issue you a permit.
2. Second, is this your primary residence? Florida Statutes only allow us to issue a property owner a permit if they reside in the dwelling. Because a landlord doesn't live in rental property, he or she may not pull a permit to perform their own work on that property.
3. Third, will you be doing the work yourself? In order to get a permit, you have to actually perform the work yourself. If you have to hire someone to do the work, why would you hire someone who isn't licensed to do it?
4. Fourth, do you have the knowledge to do this electrical work safely and effectively? To ensure your safety and that the quality of your work will meet the electrical code, we'll ask you to fill out a form listing the electrical work to be performed and materials to be used. If you don't know the difference between and internal feeder and a service drop, or what color a ground wire is, you may not want to be doing the work anyway.

You'll need to meet with an inspector between 7:30 and 8:30 in the morning to go over these questions. When the inspector is satisfied that you know what you're doing, he/she will sign off on your application and you will be allowed to obtain a permit.

The Electrial Permit Process

First, meet with an engineer from your power company to determine available amperage and voltage, and where your power will be connected.

After you obtain the necessary permit, post your permit card on the site and perform the "rough" work associated with the electrical installation. This means that all wire should be pulled, stapled, secured and strapped, and that the boxes should be set, joints made and metal boxes grounded.

The day before you are ready for it, call for your "rough" inspection. The inspector must be able to see the entire installation, so make sure that you haven't installed insulation or sheetrock, and if there is any slab or ditch work, that it remains uncovered.*

When the inspector completes the "rough" inspection, he/she will either sign the posted permit card or leave a "rough" sticker in the electrical panel or other location on the job site. If he finds a discrepancy, he/she will leave a note telling you what was found.

Complete the installation including wall finishes, receptacles, switches, and panel breakers. When this is complete, call for your "final" inspection.

If your electrical installation complies with code, the inspector will pass the inspection and a green sticker will be placed on the meter socket.

NOTE: Connection to electrical power will be delayed until the electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, and building inspections have all been passed and the inspection paperwork is assembled in our office. As soon as possible, we will forward the permit number, as approved, to the power company. Normally, new services are connected in 2-3 days if no line work is required. It is your responsibility to open an account with your water company, and provide them with a deposit (if required), billing information, and your permit number.

Also, before you request a "rough" framing inspection, you must have passed your electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical inspections.

* If the inspector is unable to examine the entire installation, he/she will have to return at a later date. You will then be charged a reinspection fee as well as having to remove any materials that obscure the site. You're also responsible for ensuring the inspector has access to the premises. Again, if the inspector can't get to the installation, you will be charged a reinspection fee.