How to Choose a Standby Generator Installer

A standby generator touches three regulated trades: electrical work, fuel piping and, often, site work. Hire a licensed electrical contractor for the transfer switch and wiring, make sure gas or propane lines are done by a properly licensed installer, and get the permits your city requires. Texas and Florida both limit HOA bans on permanent generators.

Key facts

Texas law bars HOA rules that prohibit permanently installed standby electric generators, with listed exceptions.
Texas HOAs may require that all electrical, plumbing and fuel line connections for a standby generator be installed only by licensed contractors.
Florida law counts exterior fixed generators and fuel storage tanks as hurricane protection that an HOA must allow when they meet its adopted specifications.
In Texas, organizations that install LP-gas piping and containers must be licensed by the Railroad Commission.
Florida requires a license from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to design or install LP gas piping and apparatus.
Texas Senate Bill 1202, effective September 1, 2025, lets qualified third parties review and inspect home backup power installations up to 600 volts for one- and two-family homes.
The CPSC says portable generators are one of the leading causes of post-storm carbon monoxide deaths and should run at least 20 feet from homes.

Who has to do the work?

A standby generator connects to your home's wiring through a transfer switch, so the electrical part is licensed electrical work. In Houston, for example, generator permits are issued only to registered master electricians (Houston Permitting Center).

The fuel side is separate. In Texas, any organization that installs LP-gas piping, containers or appliances must be licensed by the Railroad Commission. In Florida, designing or installing LP gas piping and apparatus requires a license from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Florida Statutes 527.01).

Why does a transfer switch matter?

Without a transfer switch, a generator wired into a home can send power back onto utility lines. Austin Energy warns that this backfeed can kill lineworkers making outage repairs, and says the only safe way to connect to home wiring is a transfer switch installed under an electrical permit.

What permits does a standby generator need?

Usually an electrical permit, plus a gas or plumbing permit if it runs on natural gas or propane. Some cities also review the site plan.

Texas changed the process in 2025. Senate Bill 1202 lets qualified third parties review and inspect home backup power systems, including generators, up to 600 volts for one- and two-family homes. Cities must issue the permit within three business days after an approved third-party review (City of Austin). Gas work and utility shutdowns still need their own city permits in places such as Austin.

Can an HOA stop you?

In Texas, Property Code 202.019 says an HOA may not prohibit or restrict a permanently installed standby generator. It can require licensed contractors, code compliance, good maintenance and screening if the unit is visible from the street or neighbors.

In Florida, Section 720.3035 lists exterior fixed generators and fuel tanks as hurricane protection. An HOA must adopt specifications and may not deny an application that meets them.

How do you avoid carbon monoxide danger?

The CPSC says to run portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from homes, and to install working CO alarms on every level. Generator CO is a real risk after storms: the National Weather Service recorded two carbon monoxide deaths from generator use in Harris County after Hurricane Beryl in 2024 (NWS report).

How to choose a provider

Check the electrical contractor's license on the state lookup.
If the generator runs on propane, confirm the installer holds the right state LP-gas license.
Ask who pulls the electrical permit and any gas or plumbing permit.
In Texas, ask whether the job will use city review or third-party review under SB 1202.
Confirm the transfer switch type and that it prevents backfeed.
Get the site plan, including distances to windows, doors and property lines.
Check your HOA's generator rules against state law.
Install CO alarms on every level of the home.

Standby generator installation guides by state and city

Questions people ask

Who can install a standby generator?

The electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician or electrical contractor, and fuel piping by a properly licensed installer. In Houston, generator permits go only to registered master electricians.

Do I need a permit for a whole-house generator?

Usually yes: an electrical permit, and a gas or plumbing permit for natural gas or propane. Some cities also review the site plan.

What changed in Texas in 2025?

Senate Bills 1202 and 1252 took effect September 1, 2025. Third parties can now review and inspect home backup power systems, and cities must issue permits within three business days of an approved review.

Can my HOA ban a standby generator?

Texas and Florida both limit HOA bans. Texas HOAs can require licensed installers and screening. Florida HOAs must allow generators that meet their adopted hurricane protection specifications.

Why do I need a transfer switch?

It keeps the generator from backfeeding power onto utility lines, which Austin Energy warns can kill lineworkers.

How far should a generator be from the house?

The CPSC says to run portable generators at least 20 feet from homes. For standby units, follow the manufacturer's instructions and your local code.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

How do you choose a standby generator installer?