FL StormPower GuideFlorida backup power & storm prep costs

How much backup power does your Florida home need — and what will it cost?

Free, Florida-specific calculators and plain-English guides for generators and hurricane preparedness. No email signup, no sales pitch — just the math behind staying powered through storm season.

Size my generatorEstimate installation cost

Generator size calculator

Pick your appliances and get your running watts, starting surge, and the right generator size — with a 25% safety margin built in.

Calculate my size →

Installation cost estimator

Portable vs. standby, fuel type, panel upgrades, and Florida permit fees — see realistic 2026 installed-cost ranges before you call for quotes.

Estimate my cost →

Hurricane prep budget planner

Water, food, fuel, window protection, and the supplies people forget — an itemized storm-prep budget for your household.

Plan my budget →

Why Florida needs its own generator math

National generator guides miss the Florida reality: outages arrive with extreme heat, so air conditioning isn’t a luxury load — it’s a safety load for kids, seniors, and pets. Counties require permits and wind-rated anchoring, HOAs police placement and noise, propane is common where natural gas isn’t, and after a named storm, installation slots fill for months. These tools bake that context into every estimate.

Buying guides

Portable vs. standby generators

Honest comparison for Florida: cost, fuel, noise, HOA rules, and which one survives a multi-day outage.

Read the guide →

Generator safety in Florida

Carbon monoxide, backfeeding, refueling, and storm-specific hazards — the rules that keep your family safe.

Read the guide →

Permits, HOAs & insurance

Florida permit fees and timelines, what HOAs can actually restrict, and whether a generator helps your insurance.

Read the guide →

Frequently asked questions

What size generator do I need for a Florida home?
It depends on what you run at the same time. Essentials only (fridge, lights, phones, fans) usually needs 3,500–7,500 watts. Add a window AC and you're at 7,500–10,000 watts. Whole-home coverage with central air typically needs a 14–26 kW standby unit. Use the calculator above for your exact loads.
How much does a whole-home generator cost installed in Florida?
In 2026 Florida market ranges, a 14–18 kW air-cooled standby typically installs for $10,000–$15,000, a 22–26 kW unit for $14,000–$20,000, and liquid-cooled units from $25,000 up. Portable generators run $800–$2,200 for the unit plus $1,200–$3,000 for a transfer-switch installation. Permits usually add $200–$500.
Do I need a permit to install a generator in Florida?
Yes — Florida counties and cities require electrical permits for standby generators and transfer switches, with inspections before final sign-off. Budget 2–4 weeks for permitting in normal conditions, and longer after a named storm when permit queues back up.
Portable or standby generator for hurricane season?
A portable generator costs far less and works well if someone is home to run it and you only need essentials. A standby generator starts automatically, handles central AC, and is the better fit for long outages, heat-vulnerable household members, or homes left unattended. Compare both in our guide.
Can a generator lower my Florida homeowners insurance?
Don't count on it. Some insurers may note whole-home backup power favorably, but there is no standard wind-mitigation-style credit for generators the way there is for impact windows or roof upgrades. Ask your carrier directly before buying for insurance reasons.
Planning estimates, not quotesEvery number on this site is a research-based planning range for 2026 Florida market conditions. Your actual cost depends on your home, your county, and your contractor — always get at least two itemized quotes from licensed Florida contractors before buying.