The short answer
Georgia enforces NEC 2023, the current edition there, statewide, in effect since January 1, 2025. The state record lists six amendments to know: 210.12(B), 210.8(A), 210.8(D), 210.8(F), 230.67(A) and 210.52(C)(2).
- Current edition
- NEC 2023 (current)
- Adoption
- Statewide
- In effect since
- January 1, 2025
- Primary source
- rules.sos.ga.gov
Code adoption cycles change. Always confirm the edition and amendments in force with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before permitting work.
How does Georgia adopt the NEC?
Georgia enforces the 2023 NEC statewide as the Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code, with the 2026 Georgia Amendments in effect since January 1, 2026 (DCA Rule 110-11-1-.31); during 2025 it applied without amendments. One- and two-family dwellings follow the same code: Georgia's residential code (2024 IRC with Georgia amendments) deletes the IRC electrical chapters (Part VIII) and substitutes the state electrical code (DCA Rule 110-11-1-.25). The 2026 amendments narrow the dwelling AFCI and GFCI lists (210.12(B), 210.8(A), 210.8(D)), keep the listed-HVAC GFCI exception without its expiration (210.8(F)), exempt one- and two-family dwellings from the surge-protective device requirements (230.67(A), 215.18(A), 225.42(A)), require a receptacle at each island and peninsular countertop at least 24 by 12 inches and allow one up to 12 inches below the countertop in stated cases (210.52(C)(2), (C)(3)), and add two health-care rules effective January 1, 2027 (517.40(A), 517.45(F)). A city or county may adopt a local amendment only if it is not less stringent than the state code and rests on local climatic, geologic, topographic or public safety factors, after submitting it to DCA (O.C.G.A. 8-2-25(c)).
What are Georgia's amendments to the NEC?
210.12(B): Dwelling-unit AFCI applies to 10-, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways and similar areas; kitchens and laundry areas, which the 2023 NEC lists, are not on Georgia's list (2026 Georgia Amendments, DCA Rule 110-11-1-.31).
210.8(A): Dwelling-unit GFCI: kitchen receptacles need GFCI only where installed to serve the countertop, and the 2023 NEC item for areas with a sink and permanent provisions for food or beverage preparation or cooking is not on Georgia's list (2026 Georgia Amendments).
210.8(D): The appliance GFCI list ends at dishwashers: electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes dryers and microwave ovens are not on it (2026 Georgia Amendments).
210.8(F): Exception No. 2 (no GFCI required for listed HVAC equipment) has no expiration date in Georgia; the unamended 2023 NEC ends it on September 1, 2026 (2026 Georgia Amendments).
230.67(A): One- and two-family dwellings are exempt from the service surge-protective device requirement, and from the feeder requirements in 215.18(A) and 225.42(A) (2026 Georgia Amendments).
210.52(C)(2): At least one receptacle is required at each island and peninsular countertop space with a long dimension of 24 inches or more and a short dimension of 12 inches or more; the 2023 NEC allows provisions for a future receptacle instead (2026 Georgia Amendments).
Who issues electrical permits in Georgia?
Cities and counties that enforce the state codes issue permits, set permit fees and inspect (O.C.G.A. 8-2-26(a)). Each local government chooses which of the mandatory codes it enforces locally, but the electrical code applies to all construction in Georgia whether or not it is enforced locally (O.C.G.A. 8-2-25(a); DCA). A permit applicant may use a private professional provider for plan review or inspections, including electrical (O.C.G.A. 8-2-26(g)).
Who licenses electricians in Georgia?
Electrical contracting requires a license from the Division of Electrical Contractors of the State Construction Industry Licensing Board (O.C.G.A. 43-14-8(b), as re-enacted effective July 1, 2026): Class I, limited to single-phase residential work not exceeding 400 amperes in single-family dwellings of up to three levels and multifamily buildings of up to two levels, or Class II, without restriction (O.C.G.A. 43-14-2). Georgia issues no journeyman electrician license; the board licenses electrical contractors, not electricians. A state license is valid statewide, and an individual may do electrical work in a dwelling the individual owns or occupies, subject to local codes and inspections (O.C.G.A. 43-14-19). Licensing board: State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors.
State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Electrical Contractors
Is Georgia moving to a newer NEC edition?
Georgia enforces the 2023 NEC with the 2026 Georgia Amendments; two health-care amendments (517.40(A), 517.45(F)) take effect January 1, 2027 (DCA Rule 110-11-1-.31). DCA's January 1, 2027 code cycle keeps the 2023 NEC (with the 2026 Georgia Amendments); no adoption of the 2026 NEC has been announced; the State Codes Advisory Committee's July 23, 2026 agenda listed approval of an NEC task force.
Is Georgia on NEC 2026?
No. NEC 2026 is the newest edition; the one current in Georgia is NEC 2023, one edition older. NFPA publishes a new edition every three years and each state adopts on its own schedule.