HVAC
AC Replacement: Cost, Permits & Timeline
Replacing a residential split-system air conditioner or heat pump, including the outdoor condenser, indoor air handler and, in most cases, the line set and thermostat.
Verified August 2026
Typical cost
$8,900
$5,200 – $15,500
per ton of cooling capacity
$1,600 – $3,200
Permit
Required
$90 – $320
Timeline
1 day of work
1 day of work, 1-3 weeks including permit and inspection
Do you need a permit for ac replacement?
Yes
AC Replacement is permitted and inspected work in nearly every jurisdiction. Typical fees run $90 to $320, and a licensed contractor generally has to pull the permit.
What drives the cost
- System size in tons and SEER2 efficiency rating
- Heat pump versus straight cool with electric heat
- Air handler location (attic, closet, garage)
- Duct condition and any required duct replacement
- Electrical upgrades and new disconnect
Permit, inspections and documents
| Permit status | required |
|---|---|
| Typical permit fee | $90 – $320 |
| Licensed contractor required | Usually yes |
| Owner-builder allowed | Rarely |
| Inspections | Mechanical rough / equipment set, Electrical disconnect, Final mechanical inspection |
| Timeline | 1 day of work, 1-3 weeks including permit and inspection |
| DIY difficulty | 5/5 difficulty |
Documents typically required
- • Mechanical permit application
- • HVAC contractor license and insurance
- • Equipment model numbers and AHRI certificate
- • Manual J or equivalent load documentation in some jurisdictions
AC Replacement cost by city
Local labor and material pricing applied to the national baseline.
| City | Typical range | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | $6,100 – $18,300 | +18% |
| Tampa | $5,400 – $16,100 | +4% |
| Orlando | $5,300 – $15,800 | +2% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $5,900 – $17,700 | +14% |
| Jacksonville | $5,000 – $14,900 | -4% |
| West Palm Beach | $5,800 – $17,400 | +12% |
| St. Petersburg | $5,400 – $16,000 | +3% |
| Fort Myers | $5,700 – $16,900 | +9% |
| Cape Coral | $5,600 – $16,600 | +7% |
| Sarasota | $5,600 – $16,700 | +8% |
| Naples | $6,400 – $19,200 | +24% |
| Port St. Lucie | $5,300 – $15,800 | +2% |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace an AC unit?
Yes. A mechanical permit is required for a residential air conditioner changeout in every Florida jurisdiction, and the work must be inspected. Licensed HVAC contractors pull this permit as part of the job.
What size AC do I need in Florida?
A rough Florida rule of thumb is one ton of cooling per 500-600 square feet of conditioned space, but proper sizing uses a Manual J load calculation that accounts for insulation, window area, orientation and ceiling height. Oversized systems short-cycle and fail to remove humidity.
How long does an AC last in Florida?
Because systems run nearly year-round and coastal salt air accelerates corrosion, Florida air conditioners typically last 10-15 years versus 15-20 in cooler climates.
Sources
Sources & verification
Last verified August 2026. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing — they are not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.