GFCI & AFCI Requirements in Fort Myers Homes
If you’ve ever plugged something in and the outlet tripped right away—or noticed a bathroom outlet with that little “TEST” and “RESET” button—you’ve already met a GFCI. And if you’ve had a breaker labeled “AFCI” that pops every now and then, that’s another type of safety device doing its job.
A lot of homeowners in Fort Myers don’t realize how much these small, built-in protections actually do. At CoHarbor Electric, we work with them every single day—installing, testing, and explaining how they help keep homes safe and up to current electrical code. Both GFCIs and AFCIs are more than just code requirements; they’re lifesavers, especially in homes that have older wiring or high moisture areas.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What GFCI Protection Does
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. Its main job is to protect people from electrical shock. It constantly monitors the flow of electricity between the “hot” and “neutral” wires. If it senses even a small imbalance—like current leaking through water or a person—it shuts off the circuit instantly, usually in less than a tenth of a second.
That kind of protection is vital in wet areas, which is why GFCIs are required anywhere water and electricity might meet. In Fort Myers homes, that means:
Bathrooms
Kitchens (especially countertops and islands)
Garages
Laundry rooms
Exterior outlets
Pool equipment and outdoor kitchens
Basements or crawl spaces
You’ll recognize them by the buttons on the outlet face. Hitting “TEST” trips the circuit to make sure it’s working; pressing “RESET” turns it back on. If you have older outlets near sinks or outside that don’t have those buttons, that’s a red flag that your home’s behind on safety requirements.
What AFCI Protection Does
AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. Instead of protecting against shocks, it protects against electrical fires.
Here’s what happens: over time, wires can loosen up behind outlets, get pinched by nails, or start to arc—basically tiny electrical sparks that jump through the air. They’re hot enough to start a fire, and most standard breakers won’t catch them because the current draw still looks normal.
That’s where AFCIs come in. They detect the signature of those arcs and trip the circuit before things can heat up.
In Fort Myers, where a lot of homes have been remodeled or expanded over the years, we see arc faults all the time—especially in older wiring that’s been spliced, extended, or stapled down too tight. AFCI breakers add a layer of protection that standard ones simply don’t.
GFCI vs. AFCI: What’s the Difference?
The easiest way to remember it is this:
GFCI protects people from shocks.
AFCI protects homes from fires.
Both react to electrical faults, but they’re looking for completely different things.
Some newer devices even combine both functions. You might see a “dual-function” breaker or outlet that covers both GFCI and AFCI protection in one spot. These are becoming more common in newer homes and remodels because they simplify installation and improve overall safety.
Current Code Requirements in Fort Myers
Electrical code updates every three years, and Florida follows the National Electrical Code (NEC) closely—though local jurisdictions sometimes have additional rules.
As of the most recent updates, GFCI protection is required in nearly every area where water or dampness could be present, while AFCI protection is required on almost all 120-volt branch circuits that serve living areas—bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and even some kitchens and laundry circuits.
That means most Fort Myers homes built or remodeled in the last decade already have both types of protection built in. But if your home was built before 2008, there’s a good chance it doesn’t.
We see it all the time in older neighborhoods—from McGregor to San Carlos Park—beautiful homes with outdated panels and unprotected outlets. Those systems might still work, but they’re not up to current safety standards.
Why These Requirements Matter in Fort Myers
Florida’s environment can be tough on electrical systems. High humidity, salt in the air, frequent storms, and power fluctuations all stress your wiring and outlets over time. That’s why having the right protective devices in place isn’t just about passing inspection—it’s about safety and peace of mind.
We’ve been called to homes after a GFCI failed to trip, only to find burn marks behind the outlet or melted insulation inside a junction box. On the flip side, we’ve seen cases where a GFCI or AFCI did trip, and it likely prevented a serious shock or fire.
The truth is, most homeowners never think about these devices until something goes wrong. But in a coastal climate like ours, with lightning and moisture constantly in play, they’re absolutely essential.
How to Know If You’re Protected
Here’s a quick way to check:
Look at your outlets. Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas should all have those TEST/RESET buttons.
Check your breaker panel. AFCI breakers usually have a small TEST button and are labeled as such. If your panel just has plain, older-style breakers, you likely don’t have arc fault protection.
Test them regularly. GFCI and AFCI devices both have test functions. Push the TEST button monthly to make sure they’re working properly.
Watch for nuisance trips. If a breaker keeps tripping, don’t just keep resetting it. It might be doing its job and catching a real issue.
If you’re not sure, we can come out and do a quick inspection. It’s not a major project, but it can make a big difference in keeping your home safe.
Upgrading or Adding Protection
When we install or upgrade electrical systems in Fort Myers homes, we always check GFCI and AFCI coverage. Sometimes that means swapping a few outlets. Other times, it means replacing older breakers with new dual-function types.
It’s usually a fast job—often done the same day—and it brings your home up to current safety code. Plus, newer AFCI/GFCI devices are much more reliable than the older models that used to trip unnecessarily.
We always use high-quality brands and ensure everything’s properly grounded and labeled before finishing the job. No shortcuts, no guesswork.
Common Questions We Hear
“My home’s older but everything works fine. Do I really need GFCIs and AFCIs?”
Yes. “Working” and “safe” aren’t the same thing. Just because an outlet powers a device doesn’t mean it’ll trip correctly when something goes wrong.
“Can I just use plug-in GFCIs?”
You can, but they only protect that one outlet. Hardwired GFCIs or breaker-level protection cover the entire circuit, which is much safer.
“Are they expensive to add?”
Not really. GFCI outlets and AFCI breakers cost more than standard ones, but when you compare that to the cost of replacing appliances—or worse, fire damage—it’s a small price for peace of mind.
Stay Safe, Stay Up to Code
At CoHarbor Electric, we believe electrical safety shouldn’t be an afterthought. Whether you’re remodeling, selling your home, or just want to make sure your family’s protected, upgrading your GFCI and AFCI protection is a smart move.
We work with Fort Myers homeowners every week to inspect, update, and install these devices properly—bringing homes up to modern code and making sure they’re ready for whatever the Florida weather throws at them.
⚡ Call CoHarbor Electric today to schedule a GFCI and AFCI safety inspection or upgrade.
We’re licensed, local, and committed to keeping Fort Myers homes safe, code-compliant, and ready for the long haul.
