Hiring an electrician feels like it should be simple — you need electrical work done, you find someone to do it. But there's a meaningful difference between a licensed electrical contractor and someone who does electrical work, and that difference matters more than most people realize until something goes wrong.
This guide covers what to look for, what to ask, and how to protect yourself when hiring electrical help in Gainesville.
What licensing actually means in Florida
In Florida, performing electrical work for compensation without the appropriate license is illegal. More importantly, it's dangerous — electrical code exists for safety reasons, and the licensing and inspection process is how those safety standards are enforced.
Florida has two primary levels of electrical licensing relevant to residential and commercial work:
Electrical Contractor (EC): A fully licensed contractor who can obtain permits, supervise all types of electrical work, and take legal responsibility for a project. An EC license requires passing a state exam, demonstrating experience, and carrying the required insurance.
Electrical Journeyman: A licensed worker who can perform electrical work under the supervision of a licensed contractor but cannot pull permits independently.
When you hire a licensed electrical contractor, you're hiring someone who is legally authorized to pull permits, has demonstrated competency through examination, is accountable to the state licensing board, and carries appropriate insurance. When you hire someone who isn't licensed, you have none of those protections.
How to verify a Florida electrical license
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) maintains a public online database of licensed contractors. You can search by name, company, or license number at the DBPR website and confirm that a contractor's license is active and in good standing.
352 Electric's license number is EC13006528. You're welcome to verify it.
Questions to ask before hiring any electrician
Are you licensed and insured? Ask for the license number and verify it. Ask for proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. A licensed contractor should provide both without hesitation.
Will you pull permits for this work? Any electrical work that requires a permit should be done with a permit — period. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save money, that's a red flag. Unpermitted work creates problems when you sell the home and may void your homeowner's insurance.
Can you give me a written estimate? Get the scope of work and the cost in writing before anything starts. Changes should be documented and agreed to in writing.
Do you have references or reviews? Google reviews and word-of-mouth references from Gainesville neighbors are the most reliable indicators of actual performance.
Warning signs to watch for
- Asking for large cash payments upfront
- Unwillingness to pull permits
- Reluctance to provide license number or proof of insurance
- Unusually low bids that don't match the scope of work
- No physical business address (or one that doesn't check out)
- Pressure to make a quick decision
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a licensed electrician and a handyman for electrical work?
A licensed electrical contractor is legally authorized and trained to perform electrical work, pull permits, and have their work inspected. A handyman performing electrical work without a license is operating illegally in Florida — regardless of skill level — and their work cannot be permitted or inspected.
Does unpermitted electrical work affect my home's value?
Yes. Unpermitted work must typically be disclosed when selling a home, can complicate the home inspection process, and may need to be brought up to code at your expense before closing. It can also affect your homeowner's insurance coverage.
What should an electrical estimate include?
The scope of work (exactly what will be done), materials included, labor costs, permit fees if applicable, and the expected timeline. Any estimate that doesn't specify what's included is incomplete.
352 Electric is a licensed electrical contractor (License #EC13006528) serving Gainesville and North Central Florida since 2014. Call (352) 331-6459 or request a free estimate.
