Home Repair Decoded

Home Repair Costs in Orlando

In the Orlando metro area, the median wage is $26.62 an hour for plumbers and $24.43 for electricians (BLS, 2025). Costs below are our estimates using those local wages.

Permits in Orlando

In Orlando, permits are required for most construction projects.

City of Orlando Permitting Services Division

Since July 1, 2026, state law HB803 exempts single-family home owners and contractors from building permits for work valued at less than $7,500 if eligibility criteria are met, and an exemption request must be submitted to the city. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas work, structural items such as railings, windows, doors, roofing and elevated decks, and work in a flood hazard area are excluded, and a project cannot be split to stay under the limit.

Estimated cost of common jobs

JobLowHigh
Water Heater Replacement$730$2,000
Roof Replacement$6,250$19,200
AC Replacement$3,750$8,900
Furnace Replacement$2,850$8,050
Toilet Replacement$220$860
Electrical Panel Upgrade$890$2,800
Drain Cleaning$90$350
Garage Door Repair$80$600

Hourly rates

TradeMedian wageBilled lowBilled high
Plumber$26.62$67$120
Electrician$24.43$61$110
HVAC Technician$24.74$62$111
Handyman$22.15$55$100
Roofer$22.74$57$102
Carpenter$23.92$60$108
Painter$21.73$54$98

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.