Gas tankless water heater replacement cost in Miami, FL
Installed, About 180,000–199,000 BTU (2–3+ bathrooms)
A typical tankless water heater (About 180,000–199,000 BTU (2–3+ bathrooms)) costs about $2,700 installed in the Miami area, 4% below the national figure, because plumbers here earn a median $28 an hour against $31 nationally.
Prices by size in Miami
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| About 150,000 BTU (1–2 bathrooms) | $2,000 | $2,550 | $3,200 | $2,650 |
| About 180,000–199,000 BTU (2–3+ bathrooms) | $2,550 | $2,700 | $3,550 | $2,800 |
Local labor: what plumbers earn here
| Hourly wage | Miami metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $23 | $24 |
| Median | $28 | $31 |
| 75th percentile | $31 | $41 |
The Miami market
The City of Miami's Easy Permit catalog lists water heater change-outs under plumbing, gas and electrical trades, and A/C change-out under electrical. Mechanical Easy Permits are limited to like-for-like replacements. Florida's Building Commission has held that the state code requires a permit to replace a gas or electric water heater unless the local jurisdiction has an exemption. The city's minimum permit fee is $110. Miami-Dade County guidance says only licensed contractors or owner-builders may obtain a permit, though that brochure is old, and the city's Easy Permit page mentions only qualified contractors in good standing. Inspection details were not found, so ask the city. This is an all-electric, cooling-first market: EIA found 88% of Florida homes heat water with electricity and 90% have central air. Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah and the Palm Beach cities issue their own permits.
Electric tankless heaters need very large circuits, and many Miami homes would need a service upgrade to run one. Gas tankless units are more practical where a gas line already exists, but only 10% of Florida homes heat water with gas. Warm incoming water much of the year helps any tankless unit here. Ask the installer how many amps the unit needs and whether your panel can supply it before you sign.
Permits in Miami
| Permit for this job | Yes (City of Miami Easy Permit trade items for water heater change-out) (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | City of Miami fee schedule: minimum permit fee $110.00 (Sec. 10-18, building/plumbing/mechanical/electrical). No itemized A/C change-out or water heater permit line found (water heater appears only as an annual inspection item at $85). |
| Who can pull it | Licensed contractor or owner/builder (county guidance); City Easy Permits are issued to qualified contractors in good standing |
| Inspection | Not stated on the city pages we checked |
Rebates in Florida
HEAR: status unclear. HOMES: status unclear. Source: FDACS Office of Energy, checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Miami
- Gas tank water heater
- Gas furnace
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas tankless water heater cost in other metros
Sources
- City of Miami: Get an Easy Permit
- City of Miami building fee schedule
- Miami-Dade County home renovation brochure
- Florida Building Commission declaratory statement on water heater replacement permits
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL (47-2152 plumbers)
- DOE Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters Final Rule TSD (Dec 2024), Table 8.2.6 (2023$)