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A generator for hurricane season: size it, then set it up safely
By the Roofing of Miami team · Updated October 2026
Size a generator to the things you must run, then set it up so it can never poison the house. The CDC says to run it outside only, more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents, and never in a garage, even with the door open. FEMA and the CPSC say never plug it into a wall outlet. Use a transfer switch fitted by a qualified electrician.
Get the roof checked before the power goes out
A generator keeps the lights on. A sound roof keeps the water out. Free request.
Four ways to keep power on
- Portable generator with cords: the simplest. Run heavy-duty cords from outside to a few appliances.
- Inverter generator: a quieter portable type with steadier power for electronics.
- Portable generator plus transfer switch: feeds chosen house circuits safely. An electrician installs the switch.
- Standby generator: fixed outside the house and wired in by licensed trades. Starts on its own.
How to size it
List what you must run: fridge, fans, lights, phone chargers, maybe a window AC or a well pump. Each appliance has a label or manual with its watts, and motors need extra watts to start. Add them up and pick a generator above that total. The CPSC says each extension cord must be rated above the total wattage of everything plugged into it.
Safety rules from the CDC, FEMA and CPSC
- Outside only, more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents (CDC).
- Never inside the house or garage, even with doors and windows open (CDC).
- Battery-powered or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarms on every level (CDC, Ready.gov).
- Never backfeed by plugging into a wall outlet or main panel (CPSC, FEMA).
- Transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician or your utility (FEMA).
Florida sales tax
Florida Statute 212.08 lists portable generators of 10,000 running watts or less as exempt from sales tax, along with items such as CO alarms, batteries, tarps and gas cans of 5 gallons or less. Check the current rules with the Florida Department of Revenue before you buy.
Before you rely on this
This guide is general information, not legal, insurance or engineering advice. In a storm, follow your county emergency managers and the National Hurricane Center. If you are told to evacuate, go.
Common questions
Generator questions
How far from the house should a generator be?
More than 20 feet from any windows, doors and vents, per the CDC. Never run it in a garage.
Can I plug my generator into a wall outlet?
No. The CPSC calls this backfeeding and says never to do it. FEMA says to have a qualified electrician install a transfer switch.
Are generators tax-free in Florida?
Florida Statute 212.08 exempts portable generators of 10,000 running watts or less. Confirm the current rules with the Department of Revenue.
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Sources
- CDC: carbon monoxide basics
- CDC: use a generator safely
- Ready.gov: power outages
- CPSC: portable generator safety alert (PDF)
- FEMA: be safe when using a portable generator
- Florida Statutes 212.08 (exemptions)
Checked October 6, 2026. Official guidance changes; the linked source always wins over this page.