Exterior
Exterior Door Replacement: Cost, Permits & Timeline
Replacing an entry, patio or French door assembly. In Florida an exterior door is an opening protection element, so most jurisdictions require a permit and an approved product.
Verified August 2026
Typical cost
$2,400
$900 – $6,500
per door installed
$900 – $4,200
Permit
Usually
$90 – $300
Timeline
Half a day to one day of work
Half a day to one day of work, 2-5 weeks with permitting
Do you need a permit for exterior door replacement?
Usually yes
Exterior Door Replacement is permitted and inspected work in nearly every jurisdiction. Typical fees run $90 to $300, and homeowners can usually pull an owner-builder permit on a home they own and occupy.
What drives the cost
- Door material: steel, fiberglass or wood
- Impact rating and glass area
- Whether the frame and threshold are replaced
- Sidelights and transoms
- Hardware and smart lock upgrades
Permit, inspections and documents
| Permit status | usually required |
|---|---|
| Typical permit fee | $90 – $300 |
| Licensed contractor required | Not always |
| Owner-builder allowed | Yes, on owner-occupied homes |
| Inspections | Installation and attachment, Final inspection |
| Timeline | Half a day to one day of work, 2-5 weeks with permitting |
| DIY difficulty | 3/5 difficulty |
Documents typically required
- • Permit application
- • Product approval for the door assembly
- • Contractor license
Exterior Door Replacement cost by city
Local labor and material pricing applied to the national baseline.
| City | Typical range | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | $1,100 – $7,700 | +18% |
| Tampa | $900 – $6,800 | +4% |
| Orlando | $900 – $6,600 | +2% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $1,000 – $7,400 | +14% |
| Jacksonville | $900 – $6,200 | -4% |
| West Palm Beach | $1,000 – $7,300 | +12% |
| St. Petersburg | $900 – $6,700 | +3% |
| Fort Myers | $1,000 – $7,100 | +9% |
| Cape Coral | $1,000 – $7,000 | +7% |
| Sarasota | $1,000 – $7,000 | +8% |
| Naples | $1,100 – $8,100 | +24% |
| Port St. Lucie | $900 – $6,600 | +2% |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace a front door in Florida?
Most Florida jurisdictions require a permit when the door frame is replaced, because the opening's wind-borne debris protection changes. A slab-only swap in the existing frame is sometimes exempt — confirm with your building department.
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.