Meter Tag Requirements in Hillsborough County Per TECO

And Why Busy Bee’s Tags Are the Right Choice

If you’re setting up power in Hillsborough County and working with Tampa Electric Company (TECO), meter tags aren’t optional—they’re required. And not just any tags will do. TECO has very specific standards that must be followed before power can be connected.

At Busy Bee Custom Engraving, we specialize in creating fully compliant meter tags that meet TECO’s latest specifications. We know how critical time is for contractors and electricians, which is why we prioritize fast, one-day turnaround on most tag orders. We also work directly with a contact at TECO to confirm that our tags meet all current expectations—because getting it wrong means delays, rework, and headaches no one wants.

What TECO Requires for Meter Tags

These requirements are outlined in the 2023 TECO Standard Electrical Service Requirements. Tags are mandatory in cases where:

• A property has more than one meter (e.g., apartments, mobile home parks, office buildings), or

• The meter is detached from the building or load being served

Each meter must be labeled clearly to show what it serves (e.g., “Unit A,” “Lot 5,” “Suite 302”), and the label must match the posted address at the unit entrance.

According to TECO, tags must:

• Be made from non-ferrous metal or poly-plastic plates

• Be permanently attached

• Use engraved or stamped lettering

• Feature characters that are a minimum height

TECO will not approve meters labeled with stickers, pens, paint, or temporary materials.

How We Ensure Compliance and Save You Time)

At Busy Bee, we don’t just “make tags”—we make tags right. We’ve designed our standard tags to meet all TECO requirements, including:

• Poly-plastic plates with easy readability

• Two pre-cut for fast riveting

• A temporary adhesive on the back to hold the tag in place while installing

• Character size always meets or exceeds the minimum

While TECO allows metal tags too, we typically produce those upon request. Most customers prefer our poly tags due to their quick turnaround and weather resistance.

We also maintain a direct relationship with a TECO contact to ensure our work stays in line with their evolving requirements. That’s a level of oversight most online sellers or out-of-town shops simply can’t offer.

Why Working with the Right Vendor Matters

Ordering from a company that doesn’t understand local requirements—or uses non-compliant materials—can cause your project to fail inspection, delay service connections, and cost you time and money. TECO inspections are strict for a reason, and we’ve seen contractors get burned by tags that looked okay on the surface but didn’t meet code.

When you order from Busy Bee Custom Engraving, you’re working with a local business that:

• Knows TECO’s standards inside and out

• Delivers fast, high-quality tags (often same or next-day)

• Is available to troubleshoot or remake tags if needed

• Stands behind every tag we engrave

Let’s Get Your Tags Done Right

We serve electricians and contractors throughout Plant City, Tampa, Lakeland, and beyond. Whether you need one tag or a full batch, we’ll get them done fast and to spec.

Ready to order? Call, message, or stop by Busy Bee Custom Engraving—we’ll take care of the details so you can pass inspection the first time.