GFI outlets (also called GFCI) are those outlets with the little TEST and RESET buttons. They watch for tiny current imbalances — the kind that happen when electricity is leaking through water, or through you — and cut power in about 1/40th of a second. That's fast enough to save your life.
Florida homes need more of them than most other states because of our humidity, exterior outlets, and proximity to pools.
Where Florida code requires GFI outlets
- All bathroom outlets
- All kitchen countertop outlets
- Garage outlets
- Exterior / outdoor outlets
- Outlets within 6 feet of any sink, tub, or shower
- Laundry room outlets near washer/utility sink
- Pool & spa area outlets (stricter rules — at least 6 ft away from water)
- Crawl spaces and unfinished basements
If your home is from before the 2008 code update, there's a good chance at least some of these outlets are still standard — not GFI. That's a real shock hazard worth fixing.
How to test your GFI outlets (takes 60 seconds)
- Plug a lamp or phone charger into the outlet.
- Press the TEST button. The device should lose power.
- Press RESET. Power should come back.
- If either step fails, the GFI is worn out and needs replacement.
GFI outlets have a lifespan of about 10–15 years. If yours are older than that and still working, they're probably approaching failure regardless of how they test today. Our Premium and Platinum maintenance plans include an annual GFI test at every required location.
One outlet can protect others
A single GFI outlet can protect every standard outlet downstream of it on the same circuit. That's why you'll sometimes flip a dead bathroom outlet, look around confused, and realize pressing RESET on the GFI in another bathroom fixes it. If you have unexplained dead outlets, look for a tripped GFI in a nearby bathroom, garage, or kitchen first.
When to call us
- Any GFI that fails the TEST/RESET procedure
- Any required location (see list above) that doesn't currently have a GFI
- GFIs that trip repeatedly for no obvious reason — usually a ground fault that's worth diagnosing
- Older homes (pre-2008) where you're not sure what's protected
Most GFI work takes us 15–30 minutes per outlet and runs $95–$135 depending on box condition. If you have multiple to do at once, we discount the additional ones.