I'm in Clay County, Florida.

Short answer: No, and no.

Homeowner panel replacement: Florida law (Section 489.103, F.S.) allows property owners to pull permits for work on their own property, but electrical work must still comply with the National Electrical Code and local requirements. Clay County requires permits for service panel replacements, and while the homeowner can pull the permit, the work typically must be inspected and signed off by a licensed electrical contractor or inspector. Many jurisdictions won't let homeowners do high-amperage electrical work themselves due to safety and insurance concerns.

Unlicensed helper: Under Section 489.103(9), F.S., it's illegal for unlicensed individuals to perform electrical contracting work in Florida. Your helper cannot legally do electrical side jobs without a license. This includes anything from outlets to full installations.

Bottom line:

• You can likely pull the permit as the homeowner, but you may need a licensed electrician to do or sign off on the actual panel replacement.
• Your unlicensed helper cannot legally perform electrical work for others.

Recommendation: Hire a licensed electrical contractor (EC000XXX) for the panel replacement and any side jobs. It’s safer, legal, and protects your insurance.

Let me know if you want help finding a local electrician in Clay County.

Homeowner Permit (You): Yes, with strict conditions. Under Florida Statute 489.103(7), you may pull an "owner-builder" permit for your primary, owner-occupied residence. You must personally perform the work or directly supervise unpaid helpers. You must sign an affidavit acknowledging liability. You cannot do this for a rental, flip, or commercial property.

Panel Replacement Reality: This is high-risk. Clay County (NEC 2020/2023) requires:

• AFCI/GFCI protection on most circuits (NEC 210.12, 210.8).
• Surge protection (NEC 230.67).
• Proper grounding electrode system (NEC 250.50).
• Load calculation (NEC 220).
• Utility coordination for meter pull/reconnect.

Inspections will fail for missing arc-fault breakers, improper torque, grounding defects, or labeling errors. If you fail, you pay re-inspection fees and delay power restoration.

Unlicensed Helper (Him): Absolutely not. Florida Statute 489.127(1)(a) makes it a first-degree misdemeanor for an unlicensed person to contract, advertise, or perform electrical work for compensation. "Side jobs" = contracting. He cannot pull permits, bid work, or work under your permit for pay. If he touches wires on a job he’s paid for, you both face fines ($5,000+), stop-work orders, and liability for fires/injury. Homeowner’s insurance denies claims for unlicensed work.

Advice: Hire a licensed EC (Electrical Contractor) for the panel. It ensures code compliance, utility coordination, and liability coverage. If you proceed as owner-builder, you must turn every screw. Do not let an unlicensed person work for money—ever.