Arc Flash Study Requirements for Florida Businesses in 2026

Electrical safety regulations are tightening across the United States — and Florida businesses are under increasing pressure to demonstrate compliance with arc flash safety standards. As facilities plan budgets and maintenance strategies for 2026, arc flash studies are no longer optional or “nice to have.” They are a critical component of regulatory compliance, worker safety, and insurance risk management.

At Assured NDT, we support Florida businesses with professional arc flash studies that meet OSHA, NFPA 70E, and insurance expectations. This guide explains what Florida businesses need to know about arc flash requirements heading into 2026 — and how to stay compliant.

Photo by Edgar Serrano on Unsplash

What Is an Arc Flash and Why It Matters

An arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy caused by a fault or short circuit. Arc flash events can generate:

• Temperatures exceeding 35,000°F

• Explosive pressure waves

• Molten metal shrapnel

• Severe burns or fatalities

• Fire and equipment destruction

In Florida’s high-load, high-humidity environment — where electrical systems often operate continuously — arc flash risk is elevated, especially in aging facilities.

Are Arc Flash Studies Required in Florida?

While Florida does not issue a standalone “arc flash law,” arc flash studies are effectively required through federal and national standards adopted statewide.

Key Regulatory Drivers in Florida

OSHA (29 CFR 1910 Subpart S)

OSHA requires employers to:

• Identify electrical hazards

• Assess arc flash risk

• Protect workers from energized equipment hazards

• Provide proper PPE and training

Failure to perform an arc flash risk assessment can result in citations, fines, and liability following an incident.

NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)

NFPA 70E requires:

• Arc flash risk assessments

• Incident energy calculations

• Arc flash boundaries

• Equipment labeling

• PPE requirements

• Periodic review and updates

Most Florida AHJs, insurers, and safety auditors treat NFPA 70E compliance as mandatory.

Arc Flash Study Update Requirements for 2026

NFPA 70E requires arc flash studies to be:

➡️ Updated at least every 5 years

➡️ Updated whenever major system changes occur

System changes include:

• Electrical equipment replacement

• Load increases

• Transformer upgrades

• New distribution equipment

• Facility expansions

• Changes to protective device settings

For many Florida businesses, 2026 is the year existing arc flash studies expire and must be updated.

What Florida Businesses Should Expect in 2026

By 2026, Florida businesses should expect:

• Increased OSHA enforcement following incidents

• Greater insurance scrutiny during renewals

• Requests for current arc flash documentation

• Verification of labeling and PPE requirements

• Alignment with NFPA 70B maintenance documentation

• Higher expectations for electrical safety programs

Facilities without current arc flash studies face increased risk exposure.

What an Arc Flash Study Includes

A professional arc flash study from Assured NDT includes:

• Electrical system data collection

• One-line diagram review or creation

• Short-circuit analysis

• Protective device coordination study

• Incident energy calculations (IEEE 1584)

• Arc flash boundary determination

• NFPA 70E-compliant equipment labeling

• PPE recommendations

• Compliance-ready reporting

These studies provide both safety guidance and legal protection.

Which Florida Businesses Need Arc Flash Studies?

Arc flash requirements apply to nearly all facilities with energized electrical equipment, including:

• Manufacturing plants

• Commercial office buildings

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities

• Data centers

• Water and wastewater plants

• Airports and transportation facilities

• Universities and school campuses

• Condominiums and high-rise buildings

• Warehouses and distribution centers

If employees work on or near energized equipment, an arc flash study is required.

Cost vs. Risk: Why Arc Flash Studies Are Worth the Investment

While costs vary by facility size and complexity, arc flash studies typically range from:

• Small facilities: $3,000 – $6,000

• Mid-size facilities: $6,000 – $12,000

• Large or complex facilities: $12,000+

Compared to the cost of:

• OSHA penalties

• Serious injury claims

• Fatality investigations

• Equipment replacement

• Business interruption

…the ROI is clear.

Why Florida Businesses Choose Assured NDT

Assured NDT provides arc flash studies across Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Central Florida, and statewide industrial sites.

We offer:

• Licensed professional engineers

• NFPA 70E-compliant studies

• Clear, easy-to-understand labeling

• Support for OSHA inspections and audits

• Integration with infrared thermography and NFPA 70B programs

• Fast, professional project execution

Prepare Now for 2026 Arc Flash Requirements

If your arc flash study is nearing five years old — or your electrical system has changed — now is the time to act.

Contact Assured NDT to schedule an arc flash study or compliance review.

FAQs: Arc Flash Study Requirements for Florida Businesses

1. Are arc flash studies required in Florida?

Yes. While not a Florida-specific statute, OSHA and NFPA 70E require arc flash risk assessments for facilities with energized electrical equipment.

2. How often must arc flash studies be updated?

At least every five years, or whenever significant electrical system changes occur.

3. Does NFPA 70E apply to commercial buildings in Florida?

Yes. NFPA 70E applies to commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-facility environments statewide.

4. What happens if a Florida business does not have an arc flash study?

Facilities risk OSHA citations, fines, increased liability, insurance issues, and worker safety incidents.

5. Who is qualified to perform an arc flash study in Florida?

Arc flash studies must be performed by qualified electrical engineers or firms experienced with NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 calculations.