AC Installation Miami: $5,000 to $12,000 + FPL Rebate (2026)

Miami rows are local figures from ConsumerAffairs and HomeAdvisor. HomeAdvisor's Miami heat pump range is well below its national average of $6,087.

How much does AC installation cost in Miami

A new central system in Miami costs $5,000 to $12,000, ConsumerAffairs reported in April 2026, while HomeAdvisor's 2026 national average is $5,978. Size drives most of the spread: HomeGuide's 2025 national prices run $4,700 to $6,500 for a 1.5-ton system, $5,800 to $7,800 for 3 tons and $7,000 to $9,500 or more for 5 tons. HomeAdvisor lists a Miami heat pump at $2,200 to $3,700 installed, far under its $6,087 national average, so get the line items when quotes differ.

Miami permits for a new AC: the Easy Permit

The City of Miami lists an A/C change-out among its Easy Permits, which are issued without plan review once the application is paid; the fee shows on screen when the contractor applies. Mechanical Easy Permits cover like-for-like replacements only, so ask the contractor whether your job qualifies. Outdoor units in South Florida also have to be anchored for wind; the AC repair in Miami page explains the tie-down approvals Miami-Dade permits look for.

Efficiency, rebates and what qualifies

• Federal minimum. Florida is in DOE's Southeast region, where a new split AC under 45,000 Btu/h must be at least 14.3 SEER2 when installed.
• FPL rebate. FPL pays $200 per qualifying unit if the SEER2 rating is at least one point above the federal minimum and an FPL Participating Independent Contractor installs it.
• No federal credit in 2026. The IRS says the 25C credit does not apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2025.
• Higher SEER2 costs more. HomeGuide's 2025 national prices run $5,300 to $7,900 at up to 13.4 SEER2 and $7,500 to $10,600 at 15.0 to 17.2 SEER2.

Heat pump or straight AC in Miami

Miami barely needs heat: NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals show a January normal low of 61.0 F and no nights at or below freezing at Miami International Airport. That makes a heat pump a simple choice where the price is close, since it cools like an AC and covers the few cool nights. HomeAdvisor's Miami range for a heat pump is $2,200 to $3,700 installed.

Help for income-qualified Miami-Dade homeowners

Miami-Dade's Weatherization Assistance Program can repair or replace heating and cooling systems for homeowners in the county with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, $29,160 for one person. Applications go by mail, first come, first served, through Community Services at 786-469-4600.

Local rules, programs and contacts for Miami, from the official city, county, state, utility, Census and NOAA pages listed under Sources.

Questions to ask a Miami AC installer

1. What is your Florida license number and class?
2. Will you pull the City of Miami permit, and which tie-down approval will it use?
3. Are you an FPL Participating Independent Contractor, and does this unit qualify for the $200 rebate?
4. What is the SEER2 rating, and can I see the AHRI certificate?
5. Is removal of the old unit and its refrigerant included? EPA requires Section 608 certification for that work.

More cooling help in Miami

Repair first? See AC repair in Miami or, after hours, emergency AC repair in Miami. National prices: AC replacement cost and heat pump installation cost. Other cities: AC installation in Tampa and AC installation in Orlando. Power for a new unit: electrician in Miami. All trades: home repair costs. Calls to the line go to an independent company that serves your area and takes this kind of job (how calls work).