Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler) replacement cost in Orlando, FL
Installed, 3 ton system
A typical heat pump (3 ton system) costs about $5,600 installed in the Orlando area, 3% below the national figure, because HVAC technicians here earn a median $25 an hour against $29 nationally.
Prices by size in Orlando
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 ton system | $3,850 | $4,750 | $6,750 | $4,850 |
| 3 ton system | $4,950 | $5,600 | $7,300 | $5,750 |
| 4 ton system | $6,400 | $6,900 | $8,900 | $7,150 |
| 5 ton system | $7,600 | $8,150 | $10,300 | $8,450 |
Local labor: what HVAC technicians earn here
| Hourly wage | Orlando metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $22 | $23 |
| Median | $25 | $29 |
| 75th percentile | $30 | $37 |
The Orlando market
The City of Orlando's Permitting Services Division does not publish a plain statement that replacements need permits, but its forms imply it: the plumbing application has water heater checkboxes, and the mechanical application has a Repair/Replace work type with fields for system type, tonnage and SEER2. Florida's Building Commission has also held that replacing a water heater needs a permit absent a local exemption. Mechanical fees are $66.24 for the first $1,000 of construction cost plus $11.03 per additional $1,000, residential plumbing and gas is $66.24 plus $7 per fixture, and a 3% technology surcharge applies. Registered licensed contractors apply, or owners with a notarized signature for stand-alone work. Inspections are scheduled through the PROMPT phone system. Kissimmee, Sanford and Orange County issue their own permits.
Heat pumps are a common like-for-like replacement in Central Florida, where they handle heating on the few cold nights. Since the cooling side runs most of the year, compare SEER2 ratings across bids before looking at heating numbers. Ask how large the backup heat strips are and how often they should kick on. Florida's state rebate status could not be confirmed, so verify any rebate a quote subtracts.
Permits in Orlando
| Permit for this job | Yes (inferred: City mechanical permit application includes a 'Repair/Replace' work type with system type, tonnage and SEER2 fields) (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Mechanical: $66.24 for first $1,000 of construction cost plus $11.03 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000 (then $8.28/$1,000). Plumbing/gas residential: $66.24 plus $7 per fixture. Plus 3% technology surcharge. |
| Who can pull it | Registered licensed contractor (license and insurance on file) or owner (notarized owner signature for stand-alone work); owner-builder rules not spelled out |
| Inspection | Yes (scheduled via PROMPT IVR; Notice of Commencement before first inspection if over $2,500, except HVAC repair/replace under $15,000) |
Rebates in Florida
HEAR: status unclear. HOMES: status unclear. Source: FDACS Office of Energy, checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Orlando
Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler) cost in other metros
Sources
- City of Orlando mechanical permit application
- City of Orlando plumbing permit application
- City of Orlando residential permitting and development fees (2026)
- Florida Building Commission declaratory statement on water heater replacement permits
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL (49-9021 HVAC mechanics and installers)
- DOE Residential CAC & Heat Pumps Direct Final Rule TSD (Dec 2016), Table 8.2.30, split heat pump (2015$; 4-ton interpolated)