When you picture building a new home, it’s easy to focus on the floor plan, finishes, and outdoor space. But behind every dream home is the unseen infrastructure that makes it all possible: utilities. Among the most important, and sometimes misunderstood, is electric service.
If you’re buying a vacant lot in Southwest Florida, knowing how electric hookups work can save you from unexpected costs and delays once it’s time to build.
Builder vs. Owner Responsibilities
- The Builder takes care of getting your home ready to receive power. This typically includes coordinating with the utility company, installing the meter box and service panel, arranging inspections, and making sure the final hookup is completed at the right stage of construction.
- The Owner (that’s you!) may be responsible for site-specific costs, such as trenching or transformer installation, depending on the lot’s condition. At Sposen Homes, typical utility hookup fees are included in our allowances, so most of this process is covered.
Above-Ground vs. Underground Power
Southwest Florida lots typically fall into one of two categories:
- Above-Ground (Overhead Power): Electricity runs along poles and wires above the street. This is more common in older neighborhoods. It’s affordable to install and easier to repair, but more exposed to wind and storm damage.
- Underground Power: Electricity runs through buried lines connected to green transformer boxes at ground level. This is the preferred setup in newer communities. It’s cleaner-looking and better protected in storms, but repairs are more complex if issues arise.
How to Tell if a Lot Has Electric Service Available
Not every vacant lot is ready with electric. To check:
- Look for infrastructure: Is there a meter box, pole, or transformer in front of the lot? Overhead wires usually mean above-ground power, while green transformer boxes indicate underground. Keep in mind that visible equipment generally means service is available in the area, but it does not guarantee the lot itself is fully connected. A builder or utility provider still needs to confirm whether a new hookup will be required.
- Lot Inspection: Not every builder inspects a lot before you buy, but the good ones do. A proper inspection checks for visible electric infrastructure, obstacles like easements or transformer boxes, and confirms service with the utility provider. At Sposen Homes, we offer a free lot inspection on any property you’re considering, so you’ll know upfront if extra steps may be needed to bring power to your future home.
- Call the Provider (Optional): For extra peace of mind, you can also reach out directly.
- LCEC (Lee County Electric Cooperative): Serves Cape Coral, most of Lee County, and parts of Collier/Charlotte. Call 239-656-2300 or 800-599-2356, or visit www.lcec.net.
- FPL (Florida Power & Light): Serves much of the rest of Southwest Florida. Call 800-468-8243 or visit www.fpl.com.
Provide the lot’s address or parcel ID, and they can confirm whether service is already available or if a new hookup is needed.
What Happens if the Lot Doesn’t Have Electric Yet?
Even if lines or transformers are nearby, a lot may not be fully serviced yet. In that case, here’s what the process usually looks like:
- Apply for Service: Your builder will submit a request to the utility company for a new hookup.
- Utility Site Work: If infrastructure is already in place, the provider will simply connect the lot by setting a meter and tying into existing service. If not, they may need to extend lines, set poles, or install a transformer.
- Cost Factors: Hookup costs can vary significantly, even between cities or counties in Southwest Florida.
- If service is nearby, costs are generally modest and fall within a builder’s standard allowances. However, if new equipment or long extensions are required, the owner may need to contribute to expenses that go beyond those allowances.
- Properties in rural or undeveloped areas may face higher hookup costs and longer wait times because infrastructure is limited. In these cases, extensive work may be required to bring power to the property.
- Timeline: For lots with existing service nearby, connections are often completed within a few weeks. For lots needing new infrastructure, installation may take 2–6 weeks or longer depending on provider workload. Timelines can also shift during peak demand or hurricane season, so schedules must always be verified with providers like LCEC or FPL. Your builder will factor hookup timing into your overall construction plan.
How Electric Can Affect Home Placement on Your Lot
Electric service doesn’t just power your home, it can also influence the placement of your home on your lot, particularly when it comes to garage and driveway orientation. Here’s why:
- Utility Equipment: Poles, underground boxes, and transformers are usually located along the front easement. Their placement can limit where a driveway or garage entry can go.
- Service Panel Access: The electric meter and panel are often installed on an exterior garage wall. If utilities connect in a way that makes this difficult, it can affect how the garage is positioned.
- Clearances: Utilities require space around equipment and overhead lines. Driveways and garages can’t intrude into these clear zones.
The good news? At Sposen, many of our floor plans can be flipped so the garage and driveway sit on the left or right side of the home. We also offer the option to customize either orientation into a side-entry garage, giving even more flexibility to accommodate the lot’s electric setup while still achieving the look and functionality you want. Keep in mind, certain customizations may involve additional costs, especially if utility placement requires extra work.
Powering Your Build With Confidence
While your builder will handle most of the details of your utility service hookups, knowing how electric service works and what to look for before you purchase land ensures your project stays on time and budget. And while this blog focuses on electric, remember that water, sewer, septic, irrigation, cable, and internet all have their own requirements.
In Southwest Florida, a little knowledge goes a long way. By partnering with a builder who understands the local utility process, you’ll save yourself stress and be one step closer to turning your vacant lot into the home you’ve been dreaming about.