Processing...
When you think about your home’s electrical system, you probably picture switches, outlets, and lights. But the real powerhouse is your electrical panel — and the size of that panel determines how much electricity your home can safely use.
Here in Fort Myers, where new appliances, EV chargers, and smart home devices are becoming the norm, homeowners are increasingly asking:
“Should I upgrade to a 200-amp panel, or is 150 amps enough for my home?”
It’s a great question — and the answer depends on your home’s size, age, and energy usage. As a master electrician serving Fort Myers and Lee County, I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners evaluate their electrical needs. Let’s break it down.
Your home’s amperage (amp) rating is the amount of electrical current it can safely handle at once. Common residential service sizes are:
100 amps – Found in older homes, typically outdated for modern living.
150 amps – Suitable for many medium-sized homes with moderate electrical demands.
200 amps – The current standard for new homes and major renovations.
Your service rating is determined by the size of the main breaker in your electrical panel — usually labeled right at the top.
A 150-amp panel can comfortably handle most average-sized Fort Myers homes, especially those built in the 1990s or early 2000s.
Your home is under 2,000 square feet.
You use standard appliances (no EV chargers, no high-capacity HVAC).
You have gas appliances for heating, cooking, and water heating.
You don’t plan to add solar panels, hot tubs, or home additions soon.
More affordable installation compared to 200A.
Adequate for small to mid-sized households.
Uses less space in your electrical room or garage.
Limited room for future expansion.
May struggle with high-load equipment (like pool heaters, EV chargers, or dual HVAC systems).
Can reach capacity faster than expected in today’s “smart home” era.
In short, a 150A service works well for simpler setups — but it doesn’t leave much room for growth.
150A fits smaller homes—confirm with expert insights. Common questions from Florida owners in our Panels FAQ.
For newer or remodeled homes in Fort Myers, a 200-amp electrical service is now the standard — and for good reason.
Your home is 2,000+ square feet.
You have electric HVAC, water heater, or pool equipment.
You plan to install an EV charger or backup generator.
You have multiple large appliances (double ovens, dryers, freezers).
You’re considering solar panels or a future home addition.
Handles high electrical loads safely.
Provides flexibility for future upgrades or expansions.
Meets the expectations of modern buyers (adds resale value).
Works seamlessly with whole-home generators and surge protectors.
Slightly higher installation cost.
May require coordination with your utility provider if upgrading from 100A.
Still, for most homeowners, that investment is well worth the peace of mind and long-term convenience.
Full before-and-after in our 200A Panel Upgrade Case Study.
When to switch in Florida in our Upgrade to 3-Phase.
Speed comparison for Florida in our Level 1 vs Level 2 EV Chargers.
It’s not just about square footage anymore — modern living demands more power than ever. Over the last decade, we’ve seen huge increases in:
Air conditioning loads (especially in Southwest Florida’s heat).
Smart home systems – cameras, automation, security, and networking equipment.
Kitchen remodels – double ovens, induction cooktops, and wine coolers.
Outdoor living spaces – pool heaters, landscape lighting, and outdoor kitchens.
Electric vehicles – each charger can draw 30–50 amps on its own.
Even if your current usage seems fine, these upgrades can push a 150A panel close to its limit.
If you’re unsure whether your existing electrical service is keeping up, here are a few warning signs:
Breakers trip frequently.
Lights flicker when appliances start up.
You use lots of power strips or extension cords.
The panel feels warm to the touch.
You’re planning home upgrades that require new circuits.
These are all signs your electrical panel might be maxed out.
Upgrading from 150 amps (or even 100 amps) to 200 amps isn’t as complicated as many homeowners think — but it must be done by a licensed electrician.
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
Electrical Load Calculation
We determine your home’s power requirements and verify that your service upgrade makes sense.
Permitting & Utility Coordination
In Fort Myers, electrical upgrades require permits and coordination with your utility company (usually FPL or LCEC).
Panel Replacement & Wiring
We install a new panel rated for 200A service and ensure all circuits are properly connected and labeled.
Inspection & Activation
A city or county inspector reviews the work for safety and code compliance before power is fully restored.
The process usually takes one to two days, depending on accessibility and permitting.
A Fort Myers homeowner recently contacted us after installing a new pool heater, hot tub, and EV charger. Their existing 150A service started tripping breakers weekly.
After performing a load calculation, we upgraded their home to a 200-amp service with a surge protector and generator interlock kit.
The results?
No more tripped breakers.
Full capacity for all appliances, even during peak summer months.
Added safety and improved resale value.
Many homeowners don’t realize that insurance companies sometimes require panel upgrades — especially if your home has outdated brands like Federal Pacific or Zinsco.
Even if your 150A panel still works, replacing older equipment reduces fire risk and helps ensure your coverage stays valid.
In most Fort Myers homes, upgrading from 150A to 200A costs more upfront, but offers significant long-term value:
| Upgrade | Average Range | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 150A to 200A | $2,500–$4,000 | Supports higher loads, adds resale value |
| Add EV charger circuit | $800–$1,500 | Prepares for future electric vehicle use |
| Whole-home surge protector | $400–$600 | Protects electronics from Florida storms |
For most homeowners, upgrading now is more cost-effective than waiting until your system becomes overloaded or outdated.
At Coharbor Electric, we specialize in residential electrical upgrades throughout Fort Myers and Lee County. Our team helps homeowners make informed, code-compliant decisions — whether you’re upgrading to 200 amps, adding solar, or preparing for future EV charging.
We handle:
Panel upgrades & replacements
Electrical load calculations
Safety inspections
Surge protection systems
Backup power solutions
We’re local, licensed, insured, and dedicated to protecting your home and family.
Choosing between 150A and 200A for your Fort Myers home ultimately comes down to one question: Do you want to meet your current needs, or prepare for your future ones?
If you plan to stay in your home, add more appliances, or simply want peace of mind during hurricane season, a 200-amp upgrade is the smart choice. It gives you flexibility, safety, and the capacity to grow without worry.
Contact Coharbor Electric today to schedule a load assessment or electrical panel upgrade in Fort Myers. We’ll help you choose the right service size for your home — safely and efficiently.
SERVICE AREA
Serving Southwest Florida including: Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, and more...
Get clear, menu-based pricing before work begins--giving you more control to fit your needs and budget.
Highly-trained & experienced Electricians. Fully vetted and background-checked. Ready to exceed your expectations.
Serving SWFL customers for 13+ years. Licensed and Insured throughout Florida.
EC13004475. EC13012422.
At Coharbor Electric, this is what to expect when entrusting us with fixing your electrical issues.
The first step is to get all the information we will need so that we can correctly assess the problem or situation. The photos or videos you send will be sent directly to the electrician.
Once our electrician has the info he needs, we will dispatch one in the next available spot–armed with expertise, equipment, and the parts he’ll most likely need.
Our Promise is to to You is to perform the job completely, efficiently, and to the Florida electrical code standards. We are committed to fair and honest pricing.
We offer flat rate pricing for service calls, so you always know the price up front. Simple to understand. Flat-rate fixed price so you can be confident you’ll get what paid for.
As a Florida homeowner, you have an endless list of choices for electrical contractors to hire…some great, some good, some bad.
At Coharbor Electric, our benchmark is to be “great”. If you decide to hire us for your electrical service, here’s what you can expect from our electricians: