HVAC
Ductwork Replacement: Cost, Permits & Timeline
Replacing leaking or mold-contaminated attic ductwork. Florida requires a duct leakage test on replacement duct systems, which is why this is a permitted, inspected job.
Verified August 2026
Typical cost
$5,400
$2,500 – $12,000
per supply run
$250 – $600
Permit
Required
$90 – $320
Timeline
1-3 days of work
1-3 days of work, 1-3 weeks including permitting
Do you need a permit for ductwork replacement?
Yes
Ductwork 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
- Number of supply and return runs
- Flex duct versus rigid sheet metal
- Attic access and clearance
- Return air sizing corrections
- Removal of contaminated duct board
Permit, inspections and documents
| Permit status | required |
|---|---|
| Typical permit fee | $90 – $320 |
| Licensed contractor required | Usually yes |
| Owner-builder allowed | Rarely |
| Inspections | Duct rough-in, Duct leakage test, Final mechanical inspection |
| Timeline | 1-3 days of work, 1-3 weeks including permitting |
| DIY difficulty | 5/5 difficulty |
Documents typically required
- • Mechanical permit application
- • HVAC contractor license
- • Duct leakage test report
Ductwork Replacement cost by city
Local labor and material pricing applied to the national baseline.
| City | Typical range | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | $3,000 – $14,200 | +18% |
| Tampa | $2,600 – $12,500 | +4% |
| Orlando | $2,600 – $12,200 | +2% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $2,800 – $13,700 | +14% |
| Jacksonville | $2,400 – $11,500 | -4% |
| West Palm Beach | $2,800 – $13,400 | +12% |
| St. Petersburg | $2,600 – $12,400 | +3% |
| Fort Myers | $2,700 – $13,100 | +9% |
| Cape Coral | $2,700 – $12,800 | +7% |
| Sarasota | $2,700 – $13,000 | +8% |
| Naples | $3,100 – $14,900 | +24% |
| Port St. Lucie | $2,600 – $12,200 | +2% |
Frequently asked questions
Does duct replacement need a permit in Florida?
Yes. Replacing a duct system requires a mechanical permit and a duct leakage test in most Florida jurisdictions, because duct leakage is regulated under the energy code.
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.