The Power Hub That Protects Everything

Your electrical panel sits quietly in the garage or utility room, but it’s arguably the most critical safety device in your home. In South Florida, where air conditioning runs nearly year-round, home offices are standard, and electric vehicles are becoming commonplace, that panel is working harder than ever.

If your home was built before 2000, there’s a strong chance your electrical panel can’t safely handle modern electrical demands—and that’s a problem that goes beyond inconvenience.

⚡ Quick Answers: Panel Upgrade FAQ

How do I know if my Miami home needs a panel upgrade?

Signs are clear if you know what to look for: breakers that trip when you run multiple appliances, lights that dim when the AC kicks on, or a panel that’s visibly corroded from Florida’s humid climate. If your panel is labeled Federal Pacific or Zinsco, it’s a fire hazard regardless of age.

Most critically, if you’re planning to add an EV charger (requires 40-50 amps), a pool pump, or remodeling your kitchen, your existing 100-amp panel likely doesn’t have the capacity.

How long does a panel upgrade take?

One day, start to finish. Here’s the typical Miami-Dade timeline:

• Morning: FPL disconnects power (about 30 minutes)
• Midday: We install your new panel (4-6 hours)
• Afternoon: Building inspector approves the work
• Late afternoon: FPL reconnects service

You’ll be without power for 6-8 hours total. We coordinate everything with FPL and the building department.

Do I need a permit in Miami-Dade County?

Always. Panel changes legally require permits whether you’re in Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah, or anywhere in Miami-Dade and Broward. We handle the entire permit process, which includes:

• Submitting plans to the building department
• Coordinating FPL service upgrade approval
• Scheduling the required inspection
• Providing you with all signed-off documentation

Permits aren’t optional red tape—they ensure your installation meets life-safety codes and protects your insurance coverage.

Why South Florida Homes Are Upgrading Now

The 100-Amp Era Is Over

Most South Florida homes built between 1970-2000 came with 100-amp electrical service. That was adequate for the time—central AC, a few appliances, maybe a pool pump.

Today’s electrical reality is different:

• Central AC: 40-60 amps (continuous load)
• Electric Range: 40-50 amps
• EV Charger: 40-50 amps
• Pool Equipment: 20-30 amps
• Home Office: 15-20 amps
• Gaming/Entertainment Systems: 10-15 amps

Do the math. A 100-amp panel can’t safely handle all of this simultaneously. When you exceed 80% of panel capacity (the NEC safety limit), you’re in dangerous territory.

The Federal Pacific Problem

If your panel has “FPE” or “Federal Pacific” anywhere on it, you have a documented fire hazard. These panels, installed in millions of homes between the 1950s-1980s, have a failure rate where breakers don’t trip when they should.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission investigated multiple house fires linked to Federal Pacific panels. While never officially recalled, electricians know: tThese panels must be replaced. Federal Pacific panels were installed in millions of homes nationwide. In South Florida’s humid climate, the corrosion problem is even worse. Our panel replacement service handles these hazardous panels safely.

Zinsco panels have similar documented issues. Aluminum bus bars and poor breaker contact create the same failure-to-trip problem.

Insurance Companies Are Paying Attention

Many insurance companies now:

• Require panels older than 30 years to be inspected before coverage
• Refuse coverage for Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels
• Offer premium discounts for upgraded 200-amp panels with whole-home surge protection

If you’re buying or selling a home in Miami, panel condition is increasingly part of negotiations. Consider scheduling a comprehensive electrical safety inspection before listing.

What a Professional Panel Upgrade Includes

1. Load Calculation Analysis

We don’t guess. We calculate your home’s actual electrical load:

• Existing circuits and appliances
• Planned additions (EV charger, pool, remodel)
• Future capacity needs
• FPL service requirements

This determines whether you need 200A service, or in some cases, 400A for larger homes with multiple AC units and heavy electrical demands.

2. FPL Service Coordination

Upgrading your panel means upgrading your service drop from FPL. We handle:

• FPL application for service upgrade
• Scheduling power disconnection/reconnection
• New meter base installation
• Weather head and service cable upgrades if needed

In Miami-Dade, FPL typically requires 5-7 business days’ notice. In Broward, it varies by specific FPL district.

3. Modern Panel Installation

Your new panel includes:

• 200-amp main breaker (or higher as needed)
• AFCI breakers for bedrooms and living areas (code requirement)
• GFCI breakers for bathrooms, kitchen, garage, outdoor circuits
• Copper bus bars (not aluminum)
• Whole-home surge protection (highly recommended)
• Proper labeling for every circuit

We install Square D, Eaton, or Siemens panels—all reputable manufacturers with UL listings and proven track records.

4. Hurricane-Ready Installations

In South Florida, your panel needs extra protection:

• Weatherproof enclosures for outdoor panels
• Corrosion-resistant hardware (stainless steel)
• Proper sealing against moisture intrusion
• Elevated mounting in flood-prone areas (per Miami-Dade 2020 Building Code)

The Panel Upgrade Process: What to Expect

Before Installation Day

We handle all the paperwork:

• Pull permits from your municipality
• Submit FPL service upgrade application
• Schedule building inspector
• Provide you with a detailed timeline

Installation Day Timeline

7:00 AM - FPL Disconnect: Power to your home is shut off.

7:30 AM - We Begin: Remove old panel, install new panel box, run any needed new circuits.

11:00 AM - Main Installation Complete: New panel wired, all circuits transferred and tested.

1:00 PM - Inspector Arrives: Building department inspector reviews installation for code compliance.

2:00 PM - FPL Reconnection: After inspection approval, FPL reinstalls meter and reconnects power.

3:00 PM - We Test Everything: Verify every circuit, test all GFCIs and AFCIs, explain your new panel to you.

You’re back to full power by mid-afternoon.

Specialized Upgrades for Miami Neighborhoods

Coral Gables Historic Homes

Historic homes in Coral Gables often have unique challenges:

• Original 60-amp fuse boxes
• Knob-and-tube wiring
• Panel locations that can’t be moved (historic preservation rules)
• Underground service in older neighborhoods

We work within Coral Gables’ strict historic preservation requirements while delivering modern safety.

Brickell & Downtown High-Rises

Condo electrical panels have different constraints:

• You can’t move the panel location (building riser system)
• HOA approval required for any electrical work
• Must use MC cable or conduit (no Romex in plenum ceilings)
• Specific insurance requirements ($2M liability typical)

We’re experts in condo electrical upgrades throughout Brickell, Downtown, and Edgewater.

Homestead & South Miami-Dade

South of the city, we encounter:

• Longer distances from FPL transformers (voltage drop issues)
• Septic systems that affect grounding requirements
• More outdoor panels (extra weather protection needed)
• Agricultural properties with well pumps and irrigation (higher amperage needs)

Cost Factors & Timeline

What Affects Panel Upgrade Cost?

Size of Upgrade: 100A to 200A is standard. If you need 400A service, expect higher costs.

Service Drop Distance: If your home is far from the street, running new service cable costs more.

Panel Location: Outdoor panels require weatherproof NEMA 3R enclosures. Indoor panels are simpler.

Permit Fees: Vary by municipality. Miami-Dade typically $200-400. Coral Gables higher.

FPL Fees: FPL charges for meter upgrades and service changes (varies).

Additional Work: If your existing wiring is aluminum or damaged, additional work may be needed.

Return on Investment

While not cheap, panel upgrades provide:

• Safety: Eliminates fire hazards from outdated equipment
• Capacity: Enables you to add EV chargers, pools, major appliances
• Home Value: Modern 200A panels are expected in home sales
• Insurance: May lower premiums and improve coverage
• Energy Efficiency: Properly sized panels reduce electrical waste

Most importantly: it protects your family and your largest investment—your home.

Need an Expert Opinion?
Not sure if your panel needs upgrading? We provide free load calculations and honest assessments. Learn more about our electrical panel upgrade service or read about when to repair vs. replace your panel.
Schedule Free Panel Inspection

Common Panel Upgrade Questions

Q: Can I stay in my home during the upgrade?
A: Yes, but plan for 6-8 hours without power. No AC, no refrigeration, no lights. Many homeowners leave for the day. If you stay, we recommend having a cooler with ice for essentials.

Q: Will you need to access my attic or crawl space?
A: Sometimes. If we’re running new circuits or the service entrance comes through the attic, yes. We protect all surfaces and clean up thoroughly.

Q: What happens if the inspector finds a problem?
A: Our installations carry a 100% inspection pass rate. If any issue arises, we correct it immediately at no additional cost. Your project doesn’t delay.

Q: Do you warranty the work?
A: Yes. All panel installations include our workmanship warranty plus manufacturer warranties on the panel and breakers (typically 1-10 years depending on brand).

Modern Power. Maximum Safety. Miami Expertise.

Serving Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Brickell, Pinecrest, Kendall, Homestead, and all of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.