Fort Lauderdale, FL · Broward County
Tub to Shower Conversion in Fort Lauderdale, FL: Cost & Permits
What tub to shower conversion actually costs in Fort Lauderdale, whether you need a permit, which inspections apply, and how long the job takes.
Model reviewed August 2026
Typical local cost
$8,800
$4,300 – $19,600
per conversion
$4,300 – $19,550
Permit fee
$115 – $415
Modeled — actual fee is valuation-based
vs national
+22%
local labor & materials
Looking for pricing detail? The full tub to shower conversion cost breakdown for Fort Lauderdale covers cost by size and material, the local cost model and nearby markets.
Do you need a permit for tub to shower conversion in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Usually yes
In most cases yes — Broward County and the City of Fort Lauderdale generally require a permit for tub to shower conversion. Height, size and location on the lot determine the exact review, so confirm with the building department before you start.
Broward County is also inside the HVHZ, so wind-borne debris protection is required for most exterior work.
Cost breakdown in Fort Lauderdale
| Low endSimple scope, competitive bid | $4,300 |
|---|---|
| TypicalMost homeowners land here | $8,800 |
| High endComplex access, premium materials | $19,600 |
| per conversion | $4,300 – $19,550 |
| Permit fee | Based on declared project valuationSee the department's adopted fee schedule. Typical range for this scope: $115–$415. |
| Permit authority | City of Fort Lauderdale Development ServicesConfirmed department |
| Timeline | 3-7 days of work, 2-5 weeks including permitting |
Math: national median $7,200 × 1.222 = $8,800 in Fort Lauderdale — +22% versus the national model. The multiplier blends local labor and material costs with this project's labor share, so it is not the same as the city's overall cost index (1.14). Permit fees use a 1.30 local multiplier. Estimates, not quotes.
What drives your price here
- 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 process and inspections
| Permit required | Usually yes |
|---|---|
| Who pulls it | Licensed contractor |
| Inspections | Plumbing rough-in, Shower pan water test, Final inspection |
| Documents | Plumbing permit application, Contractor license and insurance |
| Apply | Fort Lauderdale permit portal |
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.
How long does tub to shower conversion take?
3-7 days of work, 2-5 weeks including permitting. Permit review and inspection scheduling are usually the largest source of variation.
What changes the price the most?
The largest cost drivers are drain relocation from tub to shower position; tile versus acrylic shower base and walls; glass enclosure type.
Tub to Shower costs in nearby cities
Sources
Sources & verification
- City of Fort Lauderdale Development Services
- Fort Lauderdale permit portal
- Florida Building Commission
Model vintage August 2026. The links above are the issuing agencies' own pages — we publish them so you can confirm the current rule yourself, not as evidence that each fact on this page was re-checked with them today. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing, not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.