Government permit fees
Hillsborough County publishes its current permit fee schedules at hcfl.gov. Ask your contractor to list government fees separately from design and permit-handling charges.
Hillsborough County's residential generator checklist also asks for a fuel-gas permit, or a note that gas work is by others. Ask who pulls each permit (electrical, gas) and which licensed business does each part. County checklist: https://hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub/residential-and-mobile-home-checklists/residential-backup-generators-requirements
Confirm the county application requirements
Hillsborough County's [generator checklist](https://hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub/residential-and-mobile-home-checklists/residential-backup-generators-requirements) describes residential electrical trade applications through HillsGovHub by appropriately licensed electrical contractors. It also addresses fuel gas permit documentation.
Ask the contractor to identify each required approval in its proposal.
Prepare the proposed location
The county checklist calls for a site plan addressing placement, setbacks, easements and wetlands. Flood hazard information and applicable design flood elevation also need attention. Check the [county requirements](https://hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub/residential-and-mobile-home-checklists/residential-backup-generators-requirements) with the contractor.
Address wind design and private approvals
Ask the contractor to explain the proposed support and anchoring and confirm the applicable wind design requirements. The state directs property-specific wind questions to the local building official in its [building code guidance](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/building-codes-and-standards/faqs/).
If your property has an HOA or architectural review process, ask what documents it needs before committing to a location.
Follow the inspection process
The county checklist identifies electrical rough-in and final inspections, installation documentation and Notice of Commencement requirements. Review the [inspection guidance](https://hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub/residential-and-mobile-home-checklists/residential-backup-generators-requirements) with the contractor before work begins.
Keep responsibilities clear
Ask who submits applications, responds to review comments, schedules inspections and provides final approval records. Get those responsibilities in writing. Ask the permitting authority about current fees and review status rather than relying on an assumed amount or completion date.
Lithia Generator Quotes is a referral service operated by RG Holdings. It does not perform, sell or install anything. We connect you with independently licensed local generator installers; the contractor you choose handles its contracted permit work.
Questions homeowners ask
Where can I check county generator permit requirements?
Use Hillsborough County's [residential backup generator checklist](https://hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub/residential-and-mobile-home-checklists/residential-backup-generators-requirements). Have the contractor confirm how it applies to your project.
How long does permitting take?
Ask the permitting authority and contractor about the current application status and outstanding requirements. Do not plan around an assumed approval date.
Does an HOA approval replace permit approval?
Treat HOA review and government permitting as separate checks. Ask your association and contractor what each requires before work starts.
Get quotes from licensed local generator installers
Tell us about the job or call (813) 559-0998. We pass it to an independently licensed local contractor who contacts you. Free for homeowners; you decide who to hire.