How to Hire an Electrician in Orlando, FL (2025 Guide)
Electrical work is one of the most safety-critical home improvement projects — faulty wiring is a leading cause of house fires. In Florida, all significant electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor. This guide shows you how to hire a qualified electrician in Orlando safely and confidently.
Key Takeaways
- Florida requires an Electrical Contractor (EC) license for all significant electrical work
- All electrical work beyond simple repairs requires a permit and inspection in Orange County
- Never hire an unlicensed electrician — it voids your homeowners insurance
- Get at least 3 quotes for larger projects like panel upgrades
- Aluminum wiring (common in 1960s–70s Orlando homes) requires specialized remediation
Florida Electrical Licensing Requirements
Florida requires electrical contractors to hold an Electrical Contractor (EC) license from the Florida DBPR. Verify at myfloridalicense.com.
Require proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Electrical work carries significant liability — an improperly installed circuit that causes a fire can result in denied insurance claims if the work was done by an unlicensed contractor.
For residential work, look for a licensed Electrical Contractor (EC) or a licensed master electrician working under an EC license.
Permits and Special Considerations for Orlando Homes
All electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps requires a permit in Orange County. This includes new circuits, panel upgrades, and EV charger installation. Your electrician must pull the permit — never pull it yourself for work a contractor is doing.
Many Orlando homes built in the 1960s and 1970s have aluminum wiring, which requires special attention. Options include full rewiring ($8,000–$15,000) or AlumiConn connector remediation ($2,000–$5,000).
Older Orlando homes may also have Federal Pacific or Zinsco electrical panels, which have known safety issues and should be replaced.
Getting Quotes and Evaluating Contractors
Licensed electricians in Orlando charge $150–$250 per hour with a minimum service call of $150–$300. Larger projects like panel upgrades are typically quoted as flat-rate.
Get at least 3 quotes for any project over $1,000. Ensure each quote specifies the scope of work, materials, permit process, and warranty. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others.
Check Google reviews and verify the contractor's license and insurance before hiring. Ask how long they've been in business in the Orlando area.
Hiring Checklist
- Verified Florida EC license on DBPR website
- Confirmed active general liability and workers' comp insurance
- Contractor will pull all required permits
- Received written quote with itemized scope
- Checked Google reviews and references
- Confirmed inspection will be scheduled after work
- Asked about aluminum wiring if home is pre-1980
- Payment schedule is reasonable
Red Flags to Avoid
- Suggests skipping the permit to save money
- Cannot verify EC license on DBPR
- Asks you to pull the permit yourself
- No written quote
- Requires full payment upfront
- Significantly lower price than all other quotes
Frequently Asked Questions
What license should an electrician have in Florida?
Look for an Electrical Contractor (EC) license from the Florida DBPR. Verify at myfloridalicense.com.
Do I need a permit for electrical work in Orlando?
Yes — any new circuits, panel work, or significant modifications require a permit from Orange County.
How much does an electrician cost in Orlando?
Licensed electricians charge $150–$250/hr with a $150–$300 minimum. Panel upgrades are typically flat-rate.
My home has aluminum wiring — what should I do?
Options include full rewiring ($8,000–$15,000) or AlumiConn connector installation ($2,000–$5,000). Have a licensed electrician assess your situation.
How do I know if I need a panel upgrade?
Signs: 60A or 100A panel, frequent breaker trips, adding EV charger or solar, or a known problematic panel brand (Federal Pacific, Zinsco).
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