Published by Adjusterman LLC, a licensed Florida public adjusting firm. We don’t sell or earn commissions on anything listed here.
Updated September 23, 2026
Key takeaways
- Pick the type first: a home standby generator starts on its own, a portable or inverter generator is cheaper but must run outdoors, and a battery power station makes no exhaust.
- CPSC says to run a portable generator outside only, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away, and never in a garage even with the door open.
- Look for automatic carbon monoxide shutoff (Generac COsense, Honda CO-MINDER, Champion CO Shield) and put battery CO alarms on every floor.
- Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. FEMA says to use a qualified electrician or your utility to install a transfer switch.
- Since 1 August 2025, Florida exempts portable generators of 10,000 running watts or less, and CO alarms, from sales tax.
After a Florida hurricane, the power can stay off for days. A generator keeps the refrigerator, fans, medical devices and phones running, and it lets you run a wet vac or dehumidifier while you protect the house from further damage. It is also one of the most dangerous things you can own during a storm.
CPSC says more than 80 consumers die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by portable generators, and warns that CO “can kill within minutes, often before victims recognize symptoms.” This list covers real models you can buy today, sorted by type, and the safety rules from CPSC, CDC, FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management that should decide where and how you run them. For the rest of your storm plan, see our Florida hurricane season preparation guide.
We checked every model on its maker’s own website on 23 September 2026. Prices change often, so treat the listed MSRP as a starting point and check the current price with the maker or a dealer. Installation, fuel lines and permits add to the cost of any standby unit.
| Model | Type | Output (maker spec) | Fuel | MSRP when checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generac Guardian 26kW (G0072910) | Home standby | 26,000 W LP / 22,500 W NG | Propane or natural gas | From $7,899 |
| KOHLER 26RCA (Rehlko) | Home standby | 26 kW | Natural gas or LPG | From $7,546 |
| Generac GP8000E COsense | Portable | 8,000 running / 10,000 starting W | Gasoline | From $1,179 |
| Champion 5500W Dual Fuel Inverter (201273) | Inverter | 4,000 running W gas / 3,600 propane | Gasoline or propane | Check current price |
| Honda EU2200i | Inverter | 1,800 W rated / 2,200 W max | Gasoline | $1,199 |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 | Battery power station | 4,000 W; 4 kWh, expandable to 48 kWh | Battery (AC, solar, generator) | $2,799 sale |
| Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus | Battery power station | 6,000 W; 3.84 kWh, expandable to 53.8 kWh | Battery (AC, solar, generator) | Varies by bundle |
How we put this list together
We picked models that are currently listed on the manufacturer’s US site and used only specs the maker publishes. We chose at least one model from each of the four main types of backup power:
- Home standby generators are installed outside, run on natural gas or propane, and start on their own through an automatic transfer switch.
- Portable generators (open frame) give the most watts per dollar but are loud, burn gasoline, and must be run well away from the house.
- Inverter generators are quieter and produce cleaner power for electronics, usually at lower output.
- Battery power stations store electricity and produce no exhaust, but they only run as long as the battery lasts unless you can recharge them with solar or a generator.
We gave weight to carbon monoxide safety features, fuel flexibility (propane stores better than gasoline), and how each unit connects to the house. We did not test units ourselves, accept samples or use affiliate links.
The list
1. Generac Guardian Series 26kW Home Standby Generator
Best for: Whole-home backup that starts on its own
- Output
- 26,000 W on LP, 22,500 W on natural gas
- Transfer switch
- Whole-house switch included with this variant
- Monitoring
- Mobile Link remote monitoring
- Warranty
- 5-year limited
A home standby generator is the only option here that needs nothing from you when the power drops. Generac’s Guardian 26kW runs on propane or natural gas, comes in this variant with a whole-house transfer switch, and lets you check its status from a phone through Mobile Link. Its Quiet-Test mode runs a five or twelve minute self-test at lower RPM.
Generac lists an MSRP starting at $7,899, before installation. The real cost depends on installation, the gas line or propane tank, and local permitting, so get a written estimate from a licensed installer.
Consider if you have natural gas or room for a large propane tank and want power back without going outside after a storm.
generac.com2. KOHLER 26 kW Home Generator (26RCA)
Best for: Standby power with an enclosure designed for high winds
- Fuel
- Natural gas and LPG
- Response time
- 10 seconds, per KOHLER
- Transfer switch
- Sold separately on RCA models; included on RCAL models
- Warranty
- Five-year limited
KOHLER home generators are now sold under the Rehlko name. The 26RCA runs on natural gas or LPG, and KOHLER says its enclosures “are designed to endure winds up to 181 MPH.” The free KOHLER Energy Management app provides remote access.
KOHLER lists the 26RCA from $7,546 MSRP. On RCA models the transfer switch is sold separately, while RCAL models include one, so compare quotes on the same basis. The unit weighs 625 pounds, so plan for a proper pad.
Consider if you are comparing standby brands and want a choice of transfer switch or an enclosure the maker designed for high winds.
kohlerhomeenergy.rehlko.com3. Generac GP8000E COsense Portable Generator
Best for: High output for the money, with CO shutoff
- Output
- 8,000 running W, 10,000 starting W
- Fuel
- Gasoline, 7.9-gallon tank
- Safety
- COsense carbon monoxide detection and shutdown
- Weight
- 198 lb
An open-frame portable like the GP8000E can run a refrigerator, freezer, fans and a window AC unit at the same time, at a fraction of standby cost. Generac says its COsense technology is “engineered to detect building amounts of CO faster than a household carbon monoxide monitor” and shuts the engine down.
At 198 pounds it needs wheels and flat ground, and it burns gasoline, which can be scarce after a storm. Store fuel safely outside the house, and plan how you will connect it (see the transfer switch section below). Generac lists an MSRP starting at $1,179.
Consider if you need to power several large appliances on a budget and can keep the unit at least 20 feet from the house.
generac.com4. Champion 5500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter with CO Shield (201273)
Best for: Running on propane when gasoline is hard to find
- Output
- 5,500 starting W; 4,000 running on gasoline, 3,600 on propane
- Run time
- Up to 20 hours on gasoline or 15 hours on a 20-lb propane tank at 25% load
- Noise
- 61 dBA
- Safety
- CO Shield carbon monoxide auto shutoff
Dual fuel matters in Florida, where gas stations can run dry or lose power after a storm. Champion’s 5500W inverter runs on gasoline or propane, produces clean power (Champion lists under 3% THD) for electronics, and includes CO Shield, which shuts the engine off if CO builds up.
Outlets include a 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R) and two 120V 20A household duplex outlets. Champion’s spec table lists compliance with PGMA G300-2018; CPSC now points buyers to models certified to the 2023 versions of PGMA G300 and UL 2201, so ask the seller which standard a unit is certified to.
Consider if you want a quieter mid-size unit and would rather store propane tanks than gasoline.
championpowerequipment.com5. Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator
Best for: Quiet, light power for essentials overnight
- Output
- 1,800 W rated, 2,200 W max (120V)
- Run time
- 3.2 hours at rated load, 8.1 hours at 1/4 load (0.95-gallon tank)
- Safety
- CO-MINDER carbon monoxide shutdown
- Weight
- Just over 47 pounds, per Honda
The EU2200i will not run central air, but it will run a refrigerator, fans, a CPAP and chargers quietly. Honda says CO-MINDER “continuously monitors carbon monoxide (CO) levels” and “automatically shuts down the generator before detected CO levels near the generator become dangerously high.”
Two identical units can be paralleled with an optional cable for up to 4,400 watts. Honda lists an MSRP of $1,199, and its Bluetooth app offers wireless stop, operation monitoring and service reminders.
Consider if you need modest, quiet power for essentials and value light weight over raw output.
powerequipment.honda.com6. EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3
Best for: Exhaust-free backup with 240V output
- Capacity
- 4 kWh per unit, expandable to 48 kWh
- Output
- Up to 4,000 W, 120V and 240V
- Battery
- LFP; EcoFlow says it retains 80% capacity after 4,000 cycles
- Home connection
- Smart Home Panel 2 (requires installation)
A battery power station burns no fuel, so it makes no carbon monoxide, which makes it the practical choice where a fuel generator cannot be run safely (follow EcoFlow’s own placement and charging guidance). The DELTA Pro 3 delivers both 120V and 240V, and EcoFlow says a single unit can power a 3-ton central AC along with other essentials. It recharges from the wall, solar panels, a generator, or a vehicle through EcoFlow’s alternator charger accessory.
Its limit is energy, not power: once the battery is empty, you need sun or fuel to refill it. EcoFlow’s Smart Home Panel 2 connects the unit to household circuits but must be installed. EcoFlow listed a sale price of $2,799 when we checked.
Consider if you live in a condo or townhome where running a fuel generator safely is not possible, or you already have solar.
us.ecoflow.com7. Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus
Best for: Battery backup that can grow into whole-home power
- Capacity
- 3,840 Wh, expandable to 53.8 kWh
- Output
- 6,000 W, 120V/240V
- Solar input
- Up to 3,200 W
- Weight
- 136.7 lb; 5-year warranty
Anker’s F3800 Plus is a large LiFePO4 power station on wheels. It offers 120V/240V output and an L14-30R port, and Anker sells kits with a 10-circuit manual transfer switch or its Smart Home Power Kit for connecting to household circuits.
Up to 3,200 W of solar input means it can refill during sunny days between storms. Price varies by bundle on Anker’s site, so compare the exact kit you need.
Consider if you want silent, exhaust-free power and plan to add batteries or solar over time.
ankersolix.com
Carbon monoxide rules for every fuel generator
- CPSC: operate portable generators outside only, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust directed away from the home and other buildings.
- CPSC: never run one inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed or on a porch, even if doors and windows are open.
- CPSC: ask for a generator that shuts off automatically when CO builds up. Its 2026 hurricane-season warning points to models certified to PGMA G300-2023 and UL 2201-2023.
- CPSC and CDC: install battery-operated CO alarms, or alarms with battery backup, outside sleeping areas and on each floor, and test them monthly.
- CDC: the most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. CPSC says to get outside immediately, then call 911.
- Florida Division of Emergency Management: before refueling, turn the generator off and let it cool for at least 20 minutes, and use only heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords.
Under Fla. Stat. s. 553.885, buildings and additions constructed on or after 1 July 2008 that have a fossil-fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage must have a CO alarm within 10 feet of each sleeping room. Older homes are not covered by that rule, which is all the more reason to add battery alarms before storm season.
Never backfeed: use a transfer switch
FEMA warns that hooking a generator directly into your home power supply “could cause a surge to the outside power lines and potentially injure or electrocute an unaware utility lineman,” and that it bypasses household circuit protection. Its guidance is to “use a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment in accordance with local electrical codes or ask your utility company to install an appropriate power transfer switch.” Until then, run appliances from the generator with heavy-duty extension cords.
Florida sales tax and your insurance
Florida Department of Revenue TIP 25A01-05 says that effective 1 August 2025, portable engine-driven generators capable of producing 10,000 running watts or less are always exempt from sales tax, as are carbon monoxide alarms, portable gas cans of 5 gallons or less, and waterproof tarps of 1,000 square feet or less. Battery power stations are not on that list, and the generator item covers portable engine-driven units only.
A generator also protects against losses your policy may not pay. The standard HO 3 form excludes “the failure of power or other utility service if the failure takes place off the ‘residence premises’,” unless the outage leads to a loss from a covered peril on the property. If a storm does damage the house, document it before cleanup and read our hurricane claims page. Adjusterman LLC, a licensed Florida public adjusting firm, reviews storm and fire claims if you have covered damage, and you can compare firms in our list of hurricane claim public adjusters in Florida.
Frequently asked questions
How far from the house should a portable generator be in Florida?
CPSC says to run portable generators outside only, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust directed away from the home. CDC also says more than 20 feet from any windows, doors and vents. Never run one in a garage, even with the door open.
Can I run a generator in my garage if the door is open?
No. CPSC says never to use a portable generator inside a home or garage even if doors and windows are open, and FEMA says fans will not prevent carbon monoxide from building up.
Is a battery power station safe to use indoors?
A battery power station burns no fuel, so it produces no carbon monoxide. Follow the maker’s instructions for placement and charging. It runs only as long as its stored energy lasts unless you can recharge it.
Are generators tax-free in Florida?
According to Florida Department of Revenue TIP 25A01-05, since 1 August 2025 portable engine-driven generators producing 10,000 running watts or less are always exempt from Florida sales tax. Carbon monoxide alarms are also exempt. Check floridarevenue.com for any later changes.
Can I plug my generator into a wall outlet to power the house?
No. FEMA warns this can send power back onto utility lines and injure or electrocute a lineman, and it bypasses household circuit protection. Use extension cords, or have a qualified electrician or your utility install a transfer switch.
Does homeowners insurance cover food lost in a power outage?
The standard HO 3 form excludes power failure that happens off the residence premises unless it leads to a loss from a covered peril on the property. Some policies add limited coverage, so check your own policy and declarations page.
Related guides
Sources
- Generac: Guardian Series 26kW Home Standby Generator (G0072910)
- KOHLER (Rehlko): 26 kW Home Generator, 26RCA
- Generac: GP8000E COsense Portable Generator
- Champion Power Equipment: 5500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter with CO Shield (201273)
- Honda Power Equipment: EU2200i
- EcoFlow: DELTA Pro 3
- Anker SOLIX: F3800 Plus
- CPSC: What to Know About Generators and Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- CPSC: Warns of Generator, Carbon Monoxide and Fire Hazards Ahead of Hurricane Season (27 May 2026)
- CDC: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning basics
- FEMA: Use Generators Safely at Home (fact sheet)
- Florida Division of Emergency Management: Generator Safety
- Fla. Stat. s. 553.885, Carbon monoxide alarm required (2026)
- Florida Department of Revenue: TIP 25A01-05, New Sales Tax Exemptions Beginning August 1, 2025
- Homeowners 3 Special Form, ISO HO 00 03 10 00 (sample published by the Insurance Information Institute)
Adjusterman LLC, FL DFS Public Adjusting Firm License #W913130 · Michael Klavan, FL DFS Public Adjuster License #P151443. Public adjusters do not provide legal advice.