If you’ve started getting quotes for a kitchen remodel in Florida, you’ve probably noticed the numbers vary wildly. One contractor says $28,000. Another says $95,000. Both are remodeling the same kitchen. So what’s actually driving that gap — and what should you expect to pay in 2026?
The short answer: kitchen remodel cost in Florida typically runs $18,000 to $120,000+, depending on project scope, materials, and your county. Here’s what those ranges actually mean and how to figure out where your project lands.
What Drives Kitchen Remodel Costs in Florida
Florida has a few cost factors that most national estimates miss.
Labor rates vary by region. South Florida (Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade) runs 15–25% higher than Central Florida for the same scope of work. A cabinet installation that costs $4,200 in Orlando might run $5,400 in Boca Raton — same cabinets, same installer hours, different market.
Humidity affects material choices. Contractors in Florida steer clients toward moisture-resistant cabinet boxes, specific countertop sealers, and ventilation upgrades that wouldn’t apply in Arizona or Colorado. These aren’t optional add-ons here — they protect the investment.
Permit costs add up. Most Florida kitchen remodels require a building permit, and permit fees range from $200 in smaller municipalities to $1,200+ in cities with higher valuation-based fee schedules. If a contractor doesn’t mention permits in their quote, ask directly.
Supply chain realities for 2026. Custom cabinetry lead times in Florida are currently running 10–14 weeks from most manufacturers. Semi-custom is 6–8 weeks. Stock cabinets are available immediately but limit your layout options. Lead time affects your total project timeline and sometimes your material costs if you need to expedite.
The Three Cost Tiers: Budget, Mid-Range, and High-End
Most Florida kitchen remodels fall into three clear tiers. Understanding what each tier actually includes prevents the most common budgeting mistakes.
| Tier | Typical Range | Cabinet Type | Countertop | Appliances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $12,000–$25,000 | Stock or RTA | Laminate or tile | Builder-grade |
| Mid-Range | $35,000–$70,000 | Semi-custom | Quartz or granite | Mid-tier (LG, Samsung, KitchenAid) |
| High-End | $80,000–$150,000+ | Full custom | Natural stone or quartzite | Luxury (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele) |
Budget ($12,000–$25,000). This tier works if your layout stays the same and you’re replacing surfaces rather than reconfiguring space. Expect stock cabinets from a big-box store, laminate or tile countertops, basic hardware, and builder-grade appliances. Electrical and plumbing stays in place. Good results are possible here — but only if you’re not moving walls, sinks, or appliances.
Mid-range ($35,000–$70,000). This is where most Florida homeowners land for a real transformation. Semi-custom cabinets give you better sizing options and finish quality. Quartz countertops handle Florida humidity better than marble at this price point. You get new appliances, updated lighting, a tile backsplash, and often some layout adjustments. A skilled contractor can do a lot in this range.
High-end ($80,000–$150,000+). Full custom cabinetry, natural stone, luxury appliances, structural changes, whole-house electrical upgrades if needed. This tier is common in Palm Beach County waterfront homes and in older South Florida homes where the original kitchen needs a complete gut. For context on what premium projects actually look like, the Palm Beach kitchen projects we work on typically fall into this range.
Cabinet and Countertop Costs in Florida Kitchens
Cabinets and countertops are the two biggest line items in most kitchen budgets — typically 45–55% of total project cost. Here’s what the Florida market looks like in 2026:
Cabinets
Stock cabinets: $80–$150 per linear foot (materials only). Limited sizes, limited finishes, usually available immediately. Works for straightforward layouts where standard dimensions fit cleanly.
Semi-custom cabinets: $150–$350 per linear foot installed. More sizing flexibility, better construction (usually plywood box vs. particleboard), wider finish selection. Most reliable mid-range choice in Florida because the humidity-resistant box construction holds up better long-term.
Full custom cabinets: $500–$1,200+ per linear foot installed. Built to your exact dimensions, any wood species, any finish. Lead times are long (12–16 weeks from most Florida cabinet shops). Worth it when the layout demands it or when you’re building to a luxury spec.
For a Wellington kitchen remodel in the 200–250 sq ft range, most clients spend $18,000–$32,000 on semi-custom cabinets installed. Full custom in the same space runs $45,000–$75,000.
Countertops
| Material | Cost Installed (per sq ft) | Florida Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $15–$40 | Budget tier; moisture-resistant if properly edged |
| Ceramic/Porcelain tile | $25–$55 | Grout maintenance in humid climates |
| Quartz | $65–$130 | Most popular mid-range choice in FL; non-porous |
| Granite | $60–$120 | Classic choice; requires annual sealing |
| Quartzite | $85–$175 | Harder than granite, premium look; growing trend |
| Marble | $95–$200+ | High-maintenance in Florida humidity; mostly luxury projects |
Appliance Package Costs
Appliance packages are often underestimated in initial budgets. Delivery, installation, and removal of old appliances add $300–$800 on top of purchase price in most Florida counties.
Budget package ($2,500–$5,000): Basic refrigerator, range, dishwasher from LG, Whirlpool, or similar. Functional and reliable. Limited finish options.
Mid-range package ($6,000–$14,000): KitchenAid, Bosch, or Samsung. Better build quality, quieter dishwashers, more finish options. Bosch dishwashers are particularly popular in Florida because of their condensation drying cycle, which works better than heated drying in humid air.
Premium package ($18,000–$60,000+): Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, Thermador. Panel-ready refrigerators that blend into cabinetry. Professional-grade ranges. Standard in Royal Palm Beach kitchen remodel projects and Palm Beach waterfront homes.
One planning note: if you’re adding or upgrading to a gas range in Florida, verify your gas line capacity before purchase. Many Florida homes were built with minimal gas infrastructure — upgrading a line can add $800–$2,500 to the project if the existing line can’t handle the BTU load.
Hidden Costs Florida Homeowners Overlook
These items rarely show up in the initial quote — but they come up in almost every project once work starts:
Electrical upgrades. Florida code requires GFCI protection for all kitchen receptacles near water. If your kitchen was built before 2000, you likely need a panel circuit upgrade to support modern appliance loads. Budget $800–$3,500 depending on your panel and what needs adding.
Plumbing moves. Moving a sink even 18 inches costs $1,200–$3,500 in South Florida. If you want the sink under a new window or in an island, get a separate plumbing line item in your quote before committing to the layout.
Flooring. Most kitchen remodels expose subfloor damage or moisture intrusion, especially in homes built in the 1990s on slab foundations in coastal counties. Subfloor repair runs $4–$8 per square foot. New flooring in the kitchen typically adds $2,500–$6,000 for a mid-range material.
Ventilation. Florida building code requires ventilation for range hoods, but many older kitchens have recirculating hoods rather than ducted exhaust. Adding duct runs through cabinetry and exterior walls adds $600–$2,200 to the project.
Structural work. Opening up a wall between kitchen and living area — common in Florida home remodels — requires a structural engineer’s assessment and often a beam. Budget $3,500–$9,000 for this if it’s in scope.
These five items alone can add $8,000–$20,000 to a project that initially quoted clean. The solution is a pre-construction walkthrough where a good contractor flags these before you sign. Any contractor who never finds these items isn’t looking hard enough.
How to Get an Accurate Quote (and Compare Contractors)
Getting three quotes is standard advice — but comparing those quotes is where most homeowners go wrong. A $38,000 quote and a $58,000 quote for the same kitchen often aren’t comparable at all.
Ask for itemized quotes. Each line item should specify: material grade (semi-custom vs. full custom cabinets), installation method, and who is doing the work (direct employee vs. subcontractor). A quote that says “cabinets and installation: $22,000” tells you nothing.
Verify permits are included. Any quote that doesn’t mention permits is either planning to skip them or will bill them as a change order. Ask directly: “Is permit procurement included, and who handles that?” Per National Kitchen and Bath Association guidelines, permitted work protects you at resale and during insurance claims.
Check payment schedule. Standard Florida contractor payment terms: 10–15% at contract signing, milestone payments at demo completion, cabinet delivery, and countertop install, with 10% held until punch-list completion. Contractors asking for 50%+ upfront are a red flag.
Ask about change order policy. Change orders are normal — but their pricing shouldn’t be. Get the hourly rate and markup percentage in writing before you sign. Some Florida contractors mark up materials 30–40% on change orders; others do cost-plus 15%. Know which you’re agreeing to.
For a complete picture of how a project runs week by week, the week-by-week remodel timeline breaks down each phase from demo through punch list.
FAQ
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Florida? Budget projects that don’t move plumbing or electrical: 3–5 weeks. Mid-range remodels with semi-custom cabinets: 8–14 weeks total (including the 6–8 week cabinet lead time). High-end custom projects: 16–28 weeks. The cabinet lead time is usually the longest single variable — order early.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Florida? Yes, for most work. Cosmetic-only changes (painting, hardware, countertop replacement without plumbing changes) typically don’t require a permit. But any electrical work, plumbing changes, cabinet replacement with wall modifications, or structural changes require a building permit in all Florida counties. Unpermitted work creates problems at resale and may not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
What’s the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel in Florida? Cabinets — typically 30–35% of total project cost. Custom cabinetry in a large kitchen can run $50,000–$90,000 alone. The second-largest item is usually countertops, followed by appliances. Labor is often 20–25% of total cost in Florida markets.
Is quartz or granite better for Florida kitchens? Quartz is generally the better choice for Florida’s humidity. It’s non-porous (no sealing required), consistent in appearance, and resists moisture-related warping. Granite looks beautiful and holds up well if sealed annually, but requires maintenance most homeowners skip. For coastal homes with salt air exposure, quartz holds its finish longer.
How much does it cost to open up a kitchen in Florida? Removing a load-bearing wall between kitchen and living area typically costs $4,500–$12,000 in Florida, including structural engineering, beam installation, drywall, paint, and flooring patch. Non-load-bearing wall removal is $1,200–$3,500. Always hire a structural engineer to assess before any wall comes down — this is not optional in Florida where hurricane-rated framing is standard.
What kitchen remodel features add the most resale value in Florida? Quartz countertops, semi-custom cabinets, and stainless steel mid-tier appliances consistently return 60–80% of cost at resale in Florida markets according to Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report. High-end custom kitchens in luxury markets (Palm Beach, Naples, Miami Beach) can return more — but only in neighborhoods where buyers expect that level.
Work With RenoVision on Your Florida Kitchen
Planning a kitchen remodel in South Florida? We work with homeowners across Palm Beach County and the surrounding area on projects from mid-range kitchen refreshes to full custom builds.
Tell us your space, your budget, and what’s driving the project — and we’ll walk you through what’s realistic for your home and neighborhood before you get a single contractor quote.
