Interior
Bathroom Remodel: Cost, Permits & Timeline
Renovating a full or half bathroom. A shower pan replacement, relocated fixtures or new circuits generally require a permit and a pan water test inspection.
Verified August 2026
Typical cost
$18,500
$9,000 – $42,000
per bathroom
$9,000 – $42,000
Permit
Depends
$150 – $600
Timeline
3-6 weeks
3-6 weeks
Do you need a permit for bathroom remodel?
It depends on scope
Cosmetic, like-for-like bathroom remodel work is often exempt. A permit is required as soon as you change structure, plumbing, electrical or the building envelope.
What drives the cost
- Tub-to-shower conversion versus like-for-like replacement
- Tile area and material
- Vanity, fixtures and glass enclosure
- Whether plumbing is relocated
- Waterproofing and subfloor repair
Permit, inspections and documents
| Permit status | conditional |
|---|---|
| Typical permit fee | $150 – $600 |
| Licensed contractor required | Not always |
| Owner-builder allowed | Yes, on owner-occupied homes |
| Inspections | Rough plumbing, Shower pan water test, Final inspection |
| Timeline | 3-6 weeks |
| DIY difficulty | 4/5 difficulty |
Documents typically required
- • Permit application
- • Plumbing scope
- • Waterproofing details for shower pans
Bathroom Remodel cost by city
Local labor and material pricing applied to the national baseline.
| City | Typical range | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | $10,600 – $49,600 | +18% |
| Tampa | $9,400 – $43,700 | +4% |
| Orlando | $9,200 – $42,800 | +2% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $10,300 – $47,900 | +14% |
| Jacksonville | $8,600 – $40,300 | -4% |
| West Palm Beach | $10,100 – $47,000 | +12% |
| St. Petersburg | $9,300 – $43,300 | +3% |
| Fort Myers | $9,800 – $45,800 | +9% |
| Cape Coral | $9,600 – $44,900 | +7% |
| Sarasota | $9,700 – $45,400 | +8% |
| Naples | $11,200 – $52,100 | +24% |
| Port St. Lucie | $9,200 – $42,800 | +2% |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?
Replacing a vanity, toilet or fixtures in the same location is usually permit-exempt. Rebuilding a shower pan, moving drain lines or adding circuits requires a plumbing or building permit and inspection.
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.