How to Choose an Electrician

Key Takeaways: How to Choose an Electrician

• Check credentials first. Always hire a licensed and insured electrician to ensure safety, legality, and code compliance.
• Experience matters. Choose established, local professionals who have a proven track record.
• Get everything in writing. Request detailed, written estimates that explain labor, materials, permits, and warranties before work begins.
• Value communication and professionalism. A reliable electrician explains the problem clearly, shows up on time, and respects your property.
• Compare fairly, not just by price. Cheaper isn’t always safer. Focus on long-term value, warranties, and quality craftsmanship.
• Look for local expertise. Florida’s weather and electrical codes require knowledge of humidity, surges, and storm readiness.
• Ask about post-service support. A professional company stands by their work with warranties and responsive follow-up.

Bottom line: The right electrician keeps your home safe, efficient, and ready for anything, and Palmer Electric checks every box with licensed, certified, and experienced electricians across Central Florida.

Choosing the right electrician isn’t just about finding someone who can show up; it’s about safety, trust, and quality. The truth is, electrical work is one of those things you never want to gamble on. One wrong wire or shortcut can create real safety risks.

Here in Florida, hiring a licensed electrician isn’t just smart,  it’s required for a reason. Our state has some of the strictest building and safety codes around, especially with our heavy storms, humidity, and lightning strikes. A licensed electrician makes sure your wiring, outlets, and electrical panels meet all state and national code requirements.

Here at Palmer Electric, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses across Central Florida for over 70 years, and we’ve seen just about everything, from flickering lights after summer storms to full rewiring projects for older homes. Over the years, we’ve learned what really matters when choosing the right electrician: credentials, communication, and professionalism.

So, if you’re trying to decide who to trust with your electrical work, here’s what we recommend based on decades of real experience out in the field.

Tips for Choosing an Electrician

When you need electrical work done around the house or for a commercial project, it is essential to pick a good electrician to ensure quality work. Ensuring quality work will make sure you don’t run into costly mistakes and major time setbacks. 

Before hiring anyone, you need to compare more than just prices. Here at Palmer Electric, we always say: “Electrical work is one of those areas where experience, training, and safety procedures matter far more than a cheap quote.”

So, focus on credentials, professionalism, and communication; those are the skills we believe truly guarantee safe, code-compliant work every time.

Here are some tips to guarantee you pick a quality electrician.

1. Look for a licensed and insured electrician

Licensed electricians have undergone rigorous training, including courses and practical work. Therefore, the first question you need to ask is to see their license. But it doesn’t end there. You want to do some further verification and research. For example, make sure the license is current and covers the work you need to be done. Online, you may want to check the authenticity of their license. Making sure the electrician is insured is a good idea, too. This covers any mistakes and accidents that occur on the job.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

In Florida, all electricians must be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). That license proves the electrician has passed state exams, carries insurance, and understands the safety standards required for your home or business.

You can easily verify this yourself:

a. Visit myfloridalicense.com and search the electrician’s name or license number.

b. Check that the license is active and that there are no disciplinary actions.

c. Confirm they carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.

These steps protect you from major headaches down the road. If unlicensed work causes a fire or damage, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover the claim. We’ve seen it happen, and trust us, you don’t want to be in that position.

Here at Palmer Electric, we’re state-certified, insured, and fully compliant with Florida and OSHA safety standards. In our professional opinion, licensing and insurance are non-negotiable. They’re your guarantee that the work will be safe, legal, and inspection-ready.

We often get calls from folks who hired a handyman or “friend of a friend” for electrical work, only to find out later that their new panel or outlet wasn’t up to code. We end up fixing it properly, and sometimes that repair costs more than if they’d called a licensed electrician in the first place.

2. Check Experience and Reputation

When it comes to electrical work, experience isn’t just a bonus; it’s everything. An experienced electrician knows how to diagnose problems quickly and safely. They’ve seen it all, from burnt wiring behind drywall to storm-damaged panels, and they know the best way to fix it the first time.

Before you hire, do a little homework:

• Look for companies with 10 years or more in business.
• Read their Google reviews and Better Business Bureau rating.
• Ask about recent projects or local references.
• Make sure they have a real, local presence, not just a website with a phone number.

If a company doesn’t list its license number or can’t provide clear answers about its experience, that’s a red flag.

Here at Palmer Electric, we’ve been serving Central Florida since 1951, and we’re proud to have an A+ rating with the BBB. Over the decades, we’ve helped thousands of customers across Central Florida with everything from installing backup generators to wiring new construction. 

When a homeowner calls for help and let us know they just purchased an older house in Orlando or Sanford, we know that some of these homes still have outdated aluminum wiring or ungrounded outlets. Because we’ve been around for so long, our electricians know exactly what to look for in these older systems and how to bring them safely up to modern code.

We always recommend choosing a company that’s been around long enough to build trust in your community. Experience means stability, reliability, and a commitment to doing the job right, not cutting corners.

H4: Consider recommendations, references, and reviews

Recommendations, references, and reviews provide valuable insight. Having a recommendation from a loved one can be valuable to the process. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors if they know a reputable electrician. If they do, you can ask them about their experience with them. If you don’t find anyone with a recommendation, you can always ask the electrician for references. Many times, electricians will give you the references’ contact information if you want to go further with verification. 

3. Ask about their qualifications

Every electrician has different qualifications and accreditations. The highest qualification in this field is “Master Electrician”. This standard guarantees that the individual has at least three years of experience and offers a one-year warranty on their work. There are also a variety of accreditations. An example of an accreditation is energy efficiency. This topic is becoming increasingly important to homeowners and business owners. Someone with this accreditation will be very knowledgeable in energy-saving products and installation.

4. Seek guarantees and warranties

It would be a nightmare if you hired an electrician to do work and later something went wrong. The good news is that many electricians offer customer service by offering warranties on the work they finish, in case something goes wrong. Many electricians also have satisfaction guarantees, meaning that if you, as the customer, aren’t satisfied, the work will be corrected.

Licensed Electricians In Orlando, Florida

Are you looking for a licensed and insured electrician in Orlando? Palmer Electric offers the electrical experience to complete your project, large or small. For over 74 years Palmer Electric has been focused on providing safe, quality, and reliable service.  Our proficienc,y paired with our stellar conduct and customer service, has earned us an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and an impeccable reputation within the community. 

5. Get multiple quotes: Request Detailed Estimates and Understand Cost

Many electrical firms offer free quotes. Therefore, to get the best buck for your money, get multiple quotes from different companies. There is no such thing as having too many quotes. If anything, this will make your decision easier. 

When asking for a quote, make sure you are very specific about what needs to be done and what materials you want to use. This is crucial to receive an accurate quote that isn’t dramatically altered later. Asking for a breakdown on the quote is wise and makes comparing easier. Some questions to ask when looking for quotes are if they charge by the hour and if materials are included in costs.

Don’t ever settle for a vague quote. We always tell our customers: “If it’s not written down, it’s not guaranteed.”

Here in Florida, electrical jobs can vary a lot depending on your home’s layout, age, and wiring condition. So getting a written, itemized estimate protects you and keeps everyone on the same page.

Ask your electrician to break down the cost of labor, materials, and any permit fees. A professional will gladly walk you through the details and answer every question. If someone avoids giving a clear quote, that’s usually a sign they might surprise you later with extra charges.

At Palmer Electric, we provide transparent, detailed estimates before any work starts. We believe honesty builds trust, and we’d rather over-communicate than leave anything unclear. Our clients always know what’s being done, why it’s needed, and how much it’ll cost; no hidden fees, no surprises.

And remember, cost should always be considered alongside experience, quality, and warranty. A slightly higher quote from a certified, long-established company can actually save you money long term because the work is done right the first time.

Sometimes we have customers who show us a cheaper quote by a competitor or a handyman and ask why the price is so different. If you receive two drastically different quotes for the same service, double-check if the cheaper one includes a warranty or permits. Sometimes estimates can be higher because they include labor, materials, inspection, and a warranty. 

6. Compare Quotes Fairly

When you get multiple quotes, don’t just look at the bottom number. Compare what’s included, not just what’s charged.

We’ve seen a lot of situations where a “cheap” quote left out key details like permits, inspections, or quality materials. And that can cost you much more later when the work fails an inspection or a breaker starts tripping again.

In our professional opinion, it’s smarter to compare value, not just price. Ask questions like:

• Does this quote include a warranty on labor and parts?
• What type of materials are being used?
• Are they licensed and insured?
• How soon can they start, and how long will it take?

Here at Palmer Electric, our quotes are clear and fair. We’ll explain exactly what’s included, so you understand where every dollar goes.

Don’t forget that when it comes to electrical safety, cheaper isn’t always safer.

7. Consider Local Expertise

This is one of the most overlooked but important things to consider: local experience matters.

Florida has unique electrical challenges: humidity, corrosion, salt exposure in coastal areas, and, of course, all those summer lightning storms. You want an electrician who actually understands these conditions and how they affect your system.

Local electricians also know regional building codes, inspection processes, and permitting offices. That means fewer delays, fewer headaches, and smoother inspections.

Here at Palmer Electric, we’ve been part of the Central Florida community since 1951. We understand local codes, Florida’s storm seasons, and we plan our installations to withstand humidity, heat, and lightning surges.

With our knowledge of Central Florida’s power infrastructure and weather patterns, we can recommend the best solutions for Central Florida homes, not just a one-size-fits-all fix.

So when you’re choosing an electrician, choose someone who truly understands your community and can keep your home safely powered year-round.

Skills to look for when choosing an Electrician

Beyond certifications, a great electrician brings strong technical and customer service skills. Here at Palmer Electric, we always remind our clients that good electricians don’t just know how to run wires; they know how to treat people right, work safely, and handle every project with care and precision.

Here are the traits that show you’ve found a professional worth hiring.

1. Good Communication Skills

A good electrician should be able to explain what’s going on in plain English, not bury you in jargon or leave you guessing. You deserve to understand what’s happening in your home or business, especially when safety is involved.

At Palmer Electric, we take pride in keeping our customers fully informed from start to finish. We’ll tell you what’s wrong, what needs to be done, and how long it’ll take, no surprises and no confusing lingo.

Our technicians explain everything before work starts, give clear updates throughout, and walk you through the results once the job’s done.

2. Problem-Solving Skills

Electrical systems can be tricky, especially in Florida homes where wiring may have been updated over decades. A skilled electrician doesn’t just fix symptoms; they find the root of the problem.

In our professional opinion, experience makes all the difference here. The more systems an electrician has seen, the faster they can troubleshoot complex issues safely.

We recently helped a homeowner in Winter Park who called us because the lights kept flickering after he replaced the fixtures. Turns out the issue wasn’t the lights; it was a loose neutral wire deep inside the panel. Because our team’s been doing this for years, we diagnosed it within an hour and had it fixed the same day.

At Palmer Electric, our experienced technicians use proven diagnostic methods to reduce downtime, eliminate guesswork, and get your power back on safely.

3. Time Management Skills

Reliable electricians respect your time. They show up when they say they will and finish the job within the promised schedule. We know your day doesn’t revolve around waiting for a repair truck, and that’s why punctuality is part of our principles here at Palmer Electric.

Our dispatch and scheduling teams are organized down to the minute, ensuring each technician arrives prepared with the right tools and parts. That means fewer delays, fewer return trips, and more peace of mind for you.

During busy storm seasons, demand increases, but our scheduling system keeps everything running smoothly. Whether you’re in Orlando or Apopka, we’ll give you an arrival window and stick to it.

4. Good Customer Service Skills

A great electrician doesn’t just fix problems; they make the whole experience easier. That means being polite, respectful, and professional every single time they step onto your property.

At Palmer Electric, our technicians arrive on time and always treat your home or business like it’s their own. We clean up after every job and double-check that everything works before we leave.

One of our customers made us smile when she wrote in a review: “You guys leave my house cleaner than you found it.” That’s exactly the kind of service we expect from every technician on our team.

5. Attention to Detail

Electrical work is all about precision. One missed step (a loose wire, a bad ground, or a misaligned breaker) can cause big problems later. That’s why attention to detail is one of the most important skills an electrician can have.

Here in Florida, that precision matters even more. We deal with high humidity and frequent lightning, both of which can cause corrosion or damage if not handled properly.

Here’s what we pay special attention to:

• Proper grounding systems to handle storm surges.
• Weatherproof wiring and junction boxes for outdoor installations.
• Surge protection to keep your appliances and electronics safe during lightning storms.

At Palmer Electric, every installation is double-checked for safety, function, and compliance with Florida code.

6. Professionalism

Finally, professionalism ties everything together: it’s the attitude, the appearance, and the accountability that define a truly great electrician.

You can see it in how a technician greets you, how organized their paperwork is, and how they respect your home or office. Professionalism also means providing clear documentation, warranties, and follow-up service after the job’s done.

Our professionalism is non-negotiable. It’s what’s kept us in business since 1951 and earned us our A+ BBB rating. From safety gear to how we conduct on-site, our team follows strict company standards built on respect, reliability, and care.

As one of our project managers likes to say, “We’re guests in someone’s home, and we act like it.” Whether we’re replacing a ceiling fan or wiring a whole building, that mindset never changes.

How to Find the Right Electrician?

Finding the right electrician doesn’t have to be complicated; you just need to know what to look for. After helping thousands of homeowners and businesses across Central Florida, we’ve put together a quick checklist that’ll help you spot a real professional every time.

If your electrician checks all these boxes, you’ve found someone worth trusting.

1. Licensed and Insured

This one’s non-negotiable. Make sure your electrician is licensed and carries both liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

2. Transparent and Detailed Estimates

You should never have to guess what you’re paying for. A reputable electrician will walk you through the job details, provide a written estimate, and explain exactly what’s included.

If an electrician takes the time to explain every line of the estimate (materials, labor, permits, and warranties) and breaks down the quote so you can actually understand it, it’s worth being considered for the job.

3. Strong Communication and Punctuality

A great electrician doesn’t leave you wondering when they’ll show up or what’s going on. Clear communication and on-time service are signs of professionalism and respect.

A reputable electrician understands that your time matters as much as theirs. They will call before they arrive, keep you updated during the job, and stay on schedule.

4. Positive Reviews and Community Trust

You can learn a lot from what other customers say. Check Google reviews, BBB ratings, and even local word of mouth. A good reputation takes years to build and a lot of work to preserve.

5. Offers Warranty and Safety Guarantee

Any electrician confident in their work should back it up with a warranty. It shows they stand by their craftsmanship and materials. They should be able to guarantee both labor and parts. A 100% satisfaction guarantee approach is what keeps clients coming back.

What to Avoid When Choosing an Electrician

Just as there are signs of a great electrician, there are also warning signs you should never ignore. Over the years, we’ve heard plenty of stories from homeowners who hired the wrong person and ended up paying twice to fix the damage.

Here are the biggest red flags to watch out for:

1. No License or Proof of Insurance

If someone won’t show you their license or proof of insurance, that’s your cue to walk away. Unlicensed work is illegal in Florida and can void your insurance coverage. Also, if they make mistakes, it will cost you more in the long run.

2. Cash-Only Payments or No Written Estimates

If an electrician insists on cash payments or refuses to give you a written quote, that’s a serious red flag. Legitimate companies provide documentation for your protection and theirs.

Request every estimate, invoice, and service report in writing, well-documented, and transparent. Say no to handshake deals and only welcome professional service.

3. Pushy Behavior or Vague Answers

If someone pressures you to “decide now” or dodges questions about costs, materials, or licensing, that’s not professionalism; that’s a warning sign.

We always tell our customers, “A good electrician educates you; a bad one rushes you.”
We believe informed customers make better decisions. So it is important that the electrician takes the time to answer your questions clearly and honestly.

4. No Reviews or Poor Reputation

In today’s world, every reputable company should have visible reviews and a proven track record. If you can’t find any online presence or community reputation, that’s a bad sign. Avoid headaches and walk away.

Why Choosing the Right Electrician Matters

Choosing the right electrician isn’t just about fixing today’s issue; it’s an investment in your home’s long-term safety, efficiency, and value. When electrical work is done right, it lasts for decades, keeps your power stable, and protects you from fire hazards or unexpected outages.

Here in Florida, hiring a professional who knows our local codes and weather conditions pays off big time. Proper installation ensures your system passes inspections, keeps your home insurance valid, and protects your resale value when it’s time to sell.

At Palmer Electric, we’ve spent over 70 years proving that good electrical work stands the test of time. Our certified electricians don’t just fix problems; we build safe, lasting systems designed for Florida’s demanding environment. From code compliance to quality craftsmanship, we make sure your home’s electrical system stays reliable year after year.

When you choose wisely, you’re not just buying a repair; you’re buying safety, dependability, and confidence. And that’s what we deliver every single day.

Licensed Electricians In Orlando, Florida

Are you looking for a licensed and insured electrician in Orlando? Palmer Electric offers the electrical experience to complete your project large or small. For over 65 years Palmer Electric has been focused on providing safe, quality and reliable service.  Our proficiency paired with our stellar conduct and customer service has earned us an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and an impeccable reputation within the community. Give us a call at 407-646-8700 or fill out a contact form now to get a free quote.

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