Electrical permit guide: Palm Beach County
Most electrical work needs a permit and an inspection. Here is what is typical for common jobs, and where to check for your address.
General guidance only, not legal advice. Permit rules, exemptions and fees are set by each building department and change over time. Palmwire does not issue permits. Before work starts, confirm with the building department for the property address (cities run their own; unincorporated areas use Palm Beach County). In Florida, electrical work generally must be done by a licensed electrical contractor.
| Job | Typical | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Panel upgrade, replacement or service change | Usually needs a permit | The utility may also need to disconnect and reconnect the meter. |
| Standby generator or transfer switch | Usually needs a permit | Often needs separate electrical and gas (fuel) permits. |
| Portable generator inlet + interlock | Usually needs a permit | It connects to your panel, so it is electrical work. |
| EV charger on a new 240 V circuit | Usually needs a permit | Plugging into an existing outlet may not need one. |
| New circuits, outlets or wiring | Usually needs a permit | Including additions, remodels and garage or shed power. |
| Pool, spa or hot tub wiring and bonding | Usually needs a permit | Bonding is inspected. |
| Solar panels or battery storage | Usually needs a permit | Also needs utility interconnection approval. |
| Whole-home surge protector at the panel | Often needs one: ask | Rules differ by building department; ask before work starts. |
| New light fixture or ceiling fan on a new box | Often needs one: ask | A new box or new wiring usually means a permit. |
| Like-for-like swap of a fixture, switch or outlet | Usually exempt | Minor repairs and replacements are commonly exempt, but confirm locally. |
| Replacing a bulb or plugging in equipment | Usually exempt | Generally exempt. |
Official building departments
Cities run their own building departments. Unincorporated areas use Palm Beach County. Links checked Oct 14, 2026.
- Palm Beach County (unincorporated areas) — Building Division
- Palm Beach County — Permit Center
- Boca Raton — Building Permits and Inspections
- Boynton Beach — Building Department
- Delray Beach — Building Permit Applications
- Jupiter — Permit Process
- Lake Worth Beach — Building Permits
- Palm Beach (Town) — Building Permits
- Palm Beach Gardens — Building Division
- Royal Palm Beach — Building
- Wellington — Building Permits
- West Palm Beach — Building Division
Check a contractor's Florida license: MyFloridaLicense.com