Want to know if your Tampa- or St. Petersburg-area home is meeting Florida electrical standards as well as National Electrical Code guidelines? You’re not alone. The electrical system in your Florida home is essential to your home’s functionality, and, let’s face it, without a reliable electrical system, how much of your daily activities would you actually accomplish? From illuminating your home to cooking, doing laundry, and watching TV, all are made possible because of its electrical wiring.
Below, we’ve provided a brief overview of Florida’s residential electrical code and some of the most important facts you need to know about NFPA 70A.
The state of Florida adapts NFPA 70A: National Electrical Code® Requirements for One- and Two-Family Dwellings as the official regulatory document determining Florida’s residential electrical standards for electric conductors and equipment installed in a one- or two-family home. This includes houses, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and yards.
So, what does this mean to you, a Florida homeowner? NFPA 70A, also known as the NEC, covers all state regulations for wiring and protecting your home, including:
Have questions about the National Electric Code? Hoffman Electrical & A/C has the answers!
Florida’s residential electrical standards are based on the National Electrical Code, including NFPA 70A for one- and two-family dwellings. The NEC is adopted into the Florida Building Code and may include state-specific amendments, which is why working with a licensed electrician is recommended.
NFPA 70A is the portion of the National Electrical Code that applies specifically to one- and two-family homes. It governs wiring methods, outlet placement, GFCI protection, circuit sizing, and other safety requirements designed to reduce fire and shock risks.
Under NEC 210.52, which Florida follows, no point along the floor line of most living spaces should be more than 6 feet from an electrical outlet. This spacing reduces reliance on extension cords and helps prevent circuit overloads.
GFCI outlets are required in higher-risk areas such as bathrooms, kitchens within 6 feet of sinks, garages, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, outdoor receptacles, and areas near water. Adding GFCI protection is one of the most common upgrades for older Florida homes.
Homeowners should schedule a code-focused electrical inspection if their home is older, has frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, warm outlets, ungrounded receptacles, visible DIY wiring, or before remodeling, upgrading a panel, or adding large appliances.
If you live in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or Sarasota areas and have questions about the National Electrical Code and how it applies to your home, contact Hoffman Electrical & A/C to speak with one of our expert electricians!
We’ve been servicing homes in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties since 1986. Our electricians can answer all of your questions about NFPA 70A and how it applies to your home. Give us a call at 866-238-3243!
