National cost guides put AC replacement at about $2,500–$7,500 for a central AC unit and $5,000–$11,000 for a full system, with ductwork pushing it to $7,000–$16,000. Fort Lauderdale-specific prices are UNKNOWN: we found no local price survey. Get written quotes.
Fort Lauderdale HVAC › AC Replacement Cost in Fort Lauderdale (2026)
AC replacement cost ranges, with sources
| Job | Range (US, national) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC unit replacement | $2,500–$7,500 | HomeGuide, "HVAC cost", updated Aug 27, 2025 |
| Install an AC unit | $3,887–$8,073 (average $5,978) | HomeAdvisor, "Cost to install an AC unit", updated Jun 17, 2026 |
| AC installation | $5,000–$12,000 (about $6,000 average) | Fixr, "Air conditioner installation cost", updated Jan 28, 2026 |
| Central AC installation | $5,800–$14,400 (average $8,750) | Fixr, "Central air conditioner installation cost", updated Aug 29, 2025 |
| Full HVAC system (AC + furnace/air handler) | $5,000–$11,000 (average $8,000) | HomeGuide, "HVAC cost", updated Aug 27, 2025 |
| Full system with new ductwork | $7,000–$16,000 | HomeGuide, "HVAC cost", updated Aug 27, 2025 |
| Heat pump replacement | $3,800–$8,200 | HomeGuide, "HVAC cost", updated Aug 27, 2025 |
| HVAC permit | $100–$250 nationally | HomeGuide, "HVAC cost", updated Aug 27, 2025 |
| Fort Lauderdale / Broward prices | UNKNOWN: no local survey found | — |
| Fort Lauderdale / Broward permit fee | UNKNOWN: check the city or Broward County building department | — |
All figures are national ranges as published by each source on the date shown, checked 2026-10-21. They are not quotes and not Fort Lauderdale data.
What changes the price
- Whether only the outdoor unit is replaced or the full system (air handler and coil too). See the full-system range above.
- Ductwork replacement or repair (the ductwork range above).
- Heat pump versus AC-only system.
- Permits and inspections. Florida requires a licensed contractor for HVAC replacement work; check that your contractor's CAC or CMC license is active at the DBPR license search.
Find a licensed contractor
See Fort Lauderdale AC Contractors Ranked by Verified Public Facts (2026), which matches listings to active DBPR licenses, or browse HVAC installation and all companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does AC replacement cost in Fort Lauderdale?
- Local prices are UNKNOWN. National guides show $2,500–$7,500 for a central AC unit and $5,000–$11,000 for a full system (HomeGuide, updated Aug 27, 2025).
- Does ductwork change the cost?
- Yes. HomeGuide lists $7,000–$16,000 for a full system with ductwork (updated Aug 27, 2025).
- Do I need a permit?
- Permits are typically required. HomeGuide lists $100–$250 nationally. The Fort Lauderdale or Broward fee is UNKNOWN; ask the building department or your contractor.
- How do I check a contractor's license?
- Search the DBPR license database at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp for an active CAC or CMC license.