Gas furnace replacement cost in Tampa, FL
Installed, 80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency
A typical furnace (80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency) costs about $4,700 installed in the Tampa area, 3% below the national figure, because HVAC technicians here earn a median $24 an hour against $29 nationally.
Prices by size in Tampa
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60,000 BTU, 80% efficiency | $3,650 | $3,950 | $5,100 | $4,100 |
| 60,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency | $4,350 | $4,600 | $5,450 | $4,750 |
| 80,000 BTU, 80% efficiency | $3,700 | $3,900 | $4,700 | $4,050 |
| 80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency | $4,400 | $4,700 | $5,600 | $4,850 |
| 100,000 BTU, 80% efficiency | $3,900 | $4,100 | $5,150 | $4,250 |
| 100,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency | $4,550 | $4,800 | $5,650 | $4,950 |
Local labor: what HVAC technicians earn here
| Hourly wage | Tampa metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $22 | $23 |
| Median | $24 | $29 |
| 75th percentile | $30 | $37 |
The Tampa market
The City of Tampa handles water heater replacement as a plumbing trade permit, provided the new heater goes in the same location with no fuel conversion (gas to electric, for example). HVAC replacement is a mechanical trade permit. Work beyond those limits requires a full building permit. The 2026 fee schedule lists an HVAC equal change-out at $120 for homes, plus Florida's building permit surcharge of 2.5% of permit value or $4 minimum. There is no standard water heater line, so ask how it is priced. Who may pull these permits is not stated on the pages reviewed; check with the city. In-scope trade permits can use virtual inspections through the VuSpex system. This is an electric, cooling-heavy market, with EIA counting 90% of Florida homes on central air. St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Hillsborough County handle their own permits.
Gas furnaces are uncommon in Tampa, where most homes heat with a heat pump or electric heat strips in the air handler. If a contractor recommends replacing a furnace, confirm what you actually have. Heat strips cost a lot to run on the few cold nights, so when the air handler is aging, ask for a heat pump price. Get the strip size in kilowatts on the quote.
Permits in Tampa
| Permit for this job | Yes (mechanical trade permit) (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | HVAC equal change-out $120.00 residential ($162.00 commercial); no standard water heater replacement line (unlisted work priced by the Construction Services Manager using MAXIMUS NEXUS cost methodology); plus Florida Building Permit Surcharge 2.5% of permit value or $4.00 minimum. |
| Who can pull it | Not stated on the city pages we checked |
| Inspection | Yes (virtual inspection allowed for in-scope trade permits) |
Rebates in Florida
HEAR: status unclear. HOMES: status unclear. Source: FDACS Office of Energy, checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Tampa
- Gas tank water heater
- Gas tankless water heater
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas furnace cost in other metros
Sources
- City of Tampa: Trade permit limitations by discipline (2026)
- City of Tampa trade permit fee schedule (2026)
- Florida Building Commission declaratory statement on water heater replacement permits
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (49-9021 HVAC mechanics and installers)
- DOE Consumer Furnaces Final Rule TSD (Sep 2023), Table 8.2.12 (2022$); labor share from App. 8D (11.97 person-hours, $705 of $2,527)