Two straightforward options, surge protection included, permitted and inspected.
Your panel is the heart of the electrical system. If it’s old, full, corroded, or a brand with a known history of problems, replacing it is one of the most worthwhile safety upgrades you can make to a Florida home.
Call (727) 476-7079 for a panel quote · Open 24/7
Choose your panel
| Good | Best | |
|---|---|---|
| Panel brand | ABB | Siemens |
| Manufacturer warranty | Manufacturer’s standard warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Whole-house surge protection | Included | Included |
| Permit & inspection | Included | Included |
| Labeled circuit directory | Included | Included |
Want circuit-level control and monitoring instead? See SPAN smart panels.
When to replace your panel
- Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok), Zinsco or Challenger-era panels. These brands have well-documented breaker reliability concerns, and many Florida insurers flag them. More on FPE & Zinsco →
- Fuse boxes or very old split-bus panels with no single main breaker
- Rust, corrosion or water intrusion, which is common near the Gulf and on outside-mounted panels
- Breakers that trip often, feel hot, or buzz
- No open spaces for new circuits
- You’re adding major loads. You may also need a service upgrade.
- An insurance 4-point inspection or home inspection called it out
What a panel replacement includes
- A site visit to check the panel, service, grounding and any existing problems
- A written quote with your Good or Best choice
- Permit pulled with your local building department
- Replacement, usually done in a day, with every circuit tested and labeled
- Whole-house surge protector installed at the panel
- City or county inspection
Panel upgrade vs. service upgrade
Replacing the panel doesn’t add capacity by itself. If your home is on 100-amp service and you’re adding an EV charger, pool or addition, we’ll run a load calculation and tell you whether you also need a service upgrade. Sometimes you will, often you won’t.
FAQ
How long does a panel replacement take? Most residential panel swaps are finished in one day, with power off for part of it. Inspections are scheduled with the building department after the work.
Why is surge protection included? Florida’s lightning and utility switching surges are hard on AC units, appliances and electronics. A panel-mounted surge protector is the first line of defense, and the 2020 National Electrical Code (used in Florida’s current building code) requires surge protection when a dwelling’s service is replaced. We include it with every panel install either way.
What’s the difference between ABB and Siemens? Both are established manufacturers and both make code-compliant residential panels. Our Best tier uses Siemens and carries a 10-year warranty. We’ll show you both and explain the difference for your home.
Do I need a permit to replace a panel? Yes. Panel replacements require a permit in every Pinellas County jurisdiction we’ve worked in. We pull it and handle the inspection.
Will a new panel lower my insurance premium? It can help you pass a 4-point inspection or remove an underwriting objection, especially with FPE or Zinsco panels, but premiums are set by your insurer. Ask your agent.
Get a clear quote on a new panel. Call (727) 476-7079 or request a visit.
Related: Service Upgrades · Whole-House Surge Protection · SPAN Panels · Rewiring · Member Care Plans