Plumbing
Tub to Shower Conversion: Cost, Permits & Timeline
Removing a bathtub and building a walk-in shower in the same footprint. Because the drain and valve change, this is a permitted plumbing job in most Florida jurisdictions.
Verified August 2026
Typical cost
$7,200
$3,500 – $16,000
per conversion
$3,500 – $16,000
Permit
Usually
$90 – $320
Timeline
3-7 days of work
3-7 days of work, 2-5 weeks including permitting
Do you need a permit for tub to shower conversion?
Usually yes
Tub to Shower Conversion 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
- Drain relocation from tub to shower position
- Tile versus acrylic shower base and walls
- Glass enclosure type
- Accessibility features such as grab bars and a bench
- Subfloor or slab repair after demolition
Permit, inspections and documents
| Permit status | usually required |
|---|---|
| Typical permit fee | $90 – $320 |
| Licensed contractor required | Usually yes |
| Owner-builder allowed | Yes, on owner-occupied homes |
| Inspections | Plumbing rough-in, Shower pan water test, Final inspection |
| Timeline | 3-7 days of work, 2-5 weeks including permitting |
| DIY difficulty | 4/5 difficulty |
Documents typically required
- • Plumbing permit application
- • Contractor license and insurance
Tub to Shower Conversion cost by city
Local labor and material pricing applied to the national baseline.
| City | Typical range | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | $4,100 – $18,900 | +18% |
| Tampa | $3,600 – $16,600 | +4% |
| Orlando | $3,600 – $16,300 | +2% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $4,000 – $18,200 | +14% |
| Jacksonville | $3,400 – $15,400 | -4% |
| West Palm Beach | $3,900 – $17,900 | +12% |
| St. Petersburg | $3,600 – $16,500 | +3% |
| Fort Myers | $3,800 – $17,400 | +9% |
| Cape Coral | $3,700 – $17,100 | +7% |
| Sarasota | $3,800 – $17,300 | +8% |
| Naples | $4,300 – $19,800 | +24% |
| Port St. Lucie | $3,600 – $16,300 | +2% |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to convert a tub to a shower?
Usually yes. Moving or replacing the drain and valve is regulated plumbing work, so most Florida building departments require a plumbing permit and a shower pan water test.
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.