Panel replacement process and permits in Tampa Bay
A proper replacement is done by a licensed electrician under a building/electrical permit, then inspected. Exact steps vary by city and county.
Typical sequence
- Identify the panel – brand, amp rating, and any insurance deadline.
- On-site or photo assessment – licensed electrician confirms scope (swap vs service upgrade).
- Permit application – usually pulled by the contractor.
- Utility coordination – if the meter or service drop is involved.
- Install – new listed panel and breakers; circuits moved over; grounding corrected as required.
- Inspection – building department final / power-release as applicable.
- Insurance packet – permit final, photos, updated 4-point or letter for your agent.
Hillsborough County (including many Brandon / Riverview addresses)
Hillsborough County publishes that its HB 803 residential permit exemption does not apply when the work includes electrical work (Hillsborough County). The only electrical exemption highlighted for existing single-family homes is limited low-voltage work under stated conditions – not panel replacement (Hillsborough County).
Homeowners may pull some permits for their primary residence under Florida owner-builder rules, but hiring a licensed electrician is the normal path for panel work. County guidance is on the homeowner permits page (Hillsborough County). Applications run through HillsGovHub (permits portal info).
Pinellas and Pasco cities
St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo and other municipalities run their own building departments. Always match the permit office to the property address. We do not pull permits for you; the electrician you hire does.