Tampa Bay area
Tampa Bay storm prep: renting a generator safely
The Tampa Bay area sees hurricane season (June–November). Rental generators go fast once a storm is named, so line up a provider early. Here is what the public record shows, the safety rules from federal agencies and the Red Cross, and local companies that state emergency service.
What the record shows
- In October 2024, Hurricane Milton left 3.4 million customers in Florida without power (U.S. Energy Information Administration (Dec 1, 2025)).
- Florida dealt with strong winds and flooding from Hurricane Helene in September 2024 that affected power lines and substations (U.S. Energy Information Administration (Dec 1, 2025)).
- The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 to November 30 (NOAA National Hurricane Center).
Generator safety checklist
Run it outdoors only
Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
Source: Ready.gov: Power Outages
Never in a garage, porch or carport
Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed or other enclosed spaces. Don’t operate a generator on a porch or in a carport.
Point the exhaust away
Direct the generator’s exhaust away from your home and other buildings’ entrances.
CO alarms on every level
Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
No backfeeding
Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as “backfeeding,” this practice puts utility workers, your neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution.
Use a transfer switch for house wiring
If you want to permanently connect your generator to your home’s house wiring, have an electrician install a power transfer switch.
Cool before refueling
Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
Source: Ready.gov: Power Outages
Keep it dry
Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
Source: Ready.gov: Power Outages
Right cords
Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
Tampa Bay providers that mention 24/7 or after-hours service (8)
- PCS -Power Cooling Sanitation Rentals · 2.8–110 kW stated · “PCS Rentals keeps Tampa running with Portable AC, Generator Rental and Restroom Trailer Rental delivered and set up by a local crew that ans…”
- Axis Portable Air - Tampa · 20–320 kW stated · “Emergency cooling and heating support is available 24/7 when timing is critical”
- Integrated Power Services (IPS) - Riverview (Custom Equipment) · 5–4,000 kW stated · “We handle emergency repairs and offer 24/7 outage support, plus predictive and preventive maintenance to extend service life”
- Ring Power CAT Rental Store · 3–2,000 kW stated · “24/7 emergency support and a massive inventory of genuine”
- United Rentals · 54–93 kW stated · “With extensive industry experience, a large network of European branch locations, a large rental fleet and true 24/7 service, United Rentals…”
- Caterpillar · 3–2,000 kW stated · “When uptime matters, you can count on Ring Power for fast, reliable generator rentals in Florida—backed by 24/7 support, flexible terms, and…”
- Ring Power Corporation · 3–2,000 kW stated · “When uptime matters, you can count on Ring Power for fast, reliable generator rentals in Florida—backed by 24/7 support, flexible terms, and…”
- Sunstate Equipment · 2–320 kW stated · “With one-hour lien releases, on-time delivery, 24/7 live local service, and innovative technology, Sunstate has the tools you need to ensure…”
Towable units with delivery (10)
FAQ
How far from the house should a generator be in Tampa Bay?
Ready.gov says generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
Can I plug a rented generator into a wall outlet?
No. The American Red Cross says never to power house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet (“backfeeding”); it puts utility workers, neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution. Have an electrician install a transfer switch instead.
How many Tampa Bay generator rental companies mention 24/7 or after-hours service?
8 of the 38 providers we list mention 24/7 or after-hours service on their own website, and 15 mention delivery (checked 2026-10-22).
Compare all 38 Tampa Bay providers