Electrical Panel Upgrades in Riverview, FL
If your breakers trip often, your lights dim when the AC kicks on, or your panel still says "100 amp" on a home built before 2000, it's probably time for an upgrade. We install modern 200-amp panels sized for Florida homes — AC, appliances, EV chargers, and all.
Your panel is the gatekeeper for every watt in your house
Every light, outlet, and appliance in your home pulls power through one box: the electrical panel. It splits incoming power into circuits and protects each one with a breaker. A panel sized for a 1990s home — usually 100 amps — was never built for central AC, an electric range, a pool pump, a home office, and an EV charger all running at once. When demand outgrows supply, breakers trip, lights flicker, and older panels can overheat.
A panel upgrade replaces that old box with a modern 200-amp panel, along with a new meter socket and service wire if needed. It's one of the few home projects that improves safety, adds capacity, and raises resale value at the same time.
Signs your Riverview home needs a panel upgrade
Breakers trip oftenRunning the microwave and AC together shouldn't cut your power.
Lights dim or flickerEspecially when a large appliance turns on.
Warm panel or burning smellA panel should never feel warm to the touch.
Panel is 25+ years oldEspecially Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand panels.
You want an EV charger or hot tubBoth need dedicated capacity most old panels lack.
Buzzing or humming from the panelA clear sign of a loose or failing connection.
100-amp vs. 200-amp: which one do you need?
Most Florida homes today are better served by 200-amp service. A 100-amp panel can still work for a small home with gas appliances and window AC units, but if you run central air, an electric water heater, and modern kitchen appliances, 200 amps gives you real breathing room — and covers future additions like an EV charger or a pool without another upgrade later. Homeowners upgrading from 100 to 200 amps in the Tampa Bay area typically pay between $1,500 and $3,500, depending on panel location, wire run length, and whether the meter socket also needs replacing.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in Riverview?
Yes. Hillsborough County requires a permit and a final inspection for any electrical service change. We handle the permit application, coordinate the brief power disconnection with your utility provider, and schedule the inspection — you don't have to chase down paperwork.
What to expect on upgrade day
Load calculation
We check your current panel, wiring, and total electrical demand before quoting anything.
Permit & scheduling
We file the Hillsborough County permit and schedule the brief power shutoff with the utility.
Panel replacement
Most upgrades take 4 to 8 hours. Power is off only during the actual swap.
Inspection & testing
Every circuit is tested, and we're present for the county inspection to close the permit.
Panels from the manufacturers Florida electricians trust
We install and service the panel brands most common in Hillsborough County homes.
Panel upgrade FAQs
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most upgrades from 100 to 200 amps take 4 to 8 hours in a single day. Larger jobs, like relocating the panel or upgrading underground service, can take longer.
Will I lose power during the upgrade?
Yes, but only for part of the day — typically 2 to 4 hours while the old panel is disconnected and the new one is installed and tested.
How much does a panel upgrade cost in Riverview?
A standard 100-to-200-amp upgrade typically runs $1,500 to $3,500 in the Tampa Bay area. Your exact price depends on panel location, wire distance, and whether the meter socket needs replacing too. We provide a written quote before any work begins.
Can I upgrade my panel myself?
No. Panel work involves the main electrical service to your home and requires a licensed electrician, a permit, and a county inspection. DIY panel work is both illegal and genuinely dangerous.
Does a panel upgrade increase my home's value?
It can. A modern, code-compliant panel removes a common red flag in home inspections and signals the electrical system is ready for buyers who want an EV charger or added appliances.
Related pages
Ready for a panel that keeps up with your home?
Call now for a free estimate, or request one online.