Home Repair Decoded

Home Repair Costs in Miami

In the Miami metro area, the median wage is $27.77 an hour for plumbers and $28.19 for electricians (BLS, 2025). Costs below are our estimates using those local wages.

Permits in Miami

The City of Miami lists the work exempt from permits under Section 10-5 of its City Code, in line with the Florida Building Code. Even without a permit, the work must follow building code, safety rules, and zoning and flood regulations, and the city says to check with the Building Department before starting when in doubt.

City of Miami Building Department

Miami lists painting (a permit is needed if the project affects the stucco), wallpapering, and, in single-family homes and duplexes, floor finishes and cabinets and countertops, with no changes to plumbing, wiring or load-bearing walls. In a duplex with one unit above the other, flooring needs a permit. Also listed are stopping leaks in accessible pipes, unclogging drains, toilet or faucet repairs, like-for-like sink replacement, and plumbing or mechanical repairs under $2,500 by a licensed contractor. A licensed electrical contractor may replace a damaged outlet or switch with an identical part, or install a ceiling fan on existing wiring.

Estimated cost of common jobs

JobLowHigh
Water Heater Replacement$740$2,000
Roof Replacement$6,300$19,400
AC Replacement$3,800$9,000
Furnace Replacement$2,900$8,250
Toilet Replacement$220$870
Electrical Panel Upgrade$960$3,000
Drain Cleaning$90$360
Garage Door Repair$80$600

Hourly rates

TradeMedian wageBilled lowBilled high
Plumber$27.77$69$125
Electrician$28.19$70$127
HVAC Technician$27.90$70$126
Handyman$22.26$56$100
Roofer$23.09$58$104
Carpenter$24.79$62$112
Painter$23.31$58$105

Florida contractor licensing

Sources

General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.