Right-size your tank or tankless unit for Florida's climate
Enter your household's peak usage to find the right First Hour Rating (FHR) and tank size for Florida conditions.
Florida's warm climate and hard water create unique considerations. Compare both options for FL conditions.
$900–$2,400 installed
$1,800–$4,500 installed
Florida's warm climate makes hybrid heat pump water heaters extremely efficient. The heat pump extracts heat from ambient air (your garage or utility closet) and transfers it to water — using 60–70% less electricity than standard electric tanks. FL's year-round warm air temps make heat pump mode viable 12 months/year (unlike northern states where units switch to resistance heat in winter).
| Household | Tank Size | Gas Tankless GPM | Elec Tankless kW |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 30–40 gal | 6–7 GPM | 18–24 kW |
| 3–4 people | 40–50 gal | 7–9 GPM | 24–36 kW |
| 5–6 people | 50–75 gal | 9–11 GPM | 36–48 kW |
| 7+ / vacation | 75–80 gal | 11–14 GPM | 48+ kW |
FL sizing assumes 75°F inlet water. Northern specs require 20–30% more capacity due to cold inlet water.
FL's largest utility, 5.7 million customers. FPL offers Heat Pump WH rebate ($200) and On-Bill Financing for ENERGY STAR appliances. No time-of-use rate for most residential customers. FPL On-Bill Financing: 0% interest up to $5,000 for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades.
Duke offers EV charging and home energy programs. Heat pump WH rebate available through Smart $aver program ($100–$300). Duke's Green Source program available for renewable energy offset. Citrus and Marion County customers have slightly different rate structure.
TECO Energy Efficiency Program offers appliance rebates including water heaters. TECO's lower rate makes electric water heating cost-competitive vs. gas in Tampa area. Smart Energy program includes time-of-use options for customers with smart meters.
JEA is a community-owned utility. JEA offers rebates for ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters. JEA's sustainability initiative includes GoGreen programs. Jacksonville's lower cost of living means water heating a smaller percentage of household budget.
Largest natural gas utility in FL. Gas water heating cost-competitive with electric in Peoples Gas service area. Peoples Gas ENERGIZE program offers rebates for high-efficiency gas appliances. 40-gallon gas tank costs approximately $360–$500/year in fuel.
Serves Southeast FL where natural gas availability is limited compared to other regions. Gas line installation cost $800–$2,500 if not already present. Gas water heating rebates available for high-efficiency units (EF ≥ 0.70).
Propane used where natural gas service unavailable. Propane tankless heaters very popular in rural FL and Keys communities. Annual propane cost for water heating: $480–$820 for average household. Bulk propane contracts reduce per-gallon cost 15–25%.
Applies to heat pump water heaters with Energy Factor ≥ 2.0. Claimed on Form 5695. Available through 2032. Electric panel upgrades needed for heat pump WH may also qualify (up to $600 additional).
Requires purchase of qualifying ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater. FPL customers in SE and SW FL. Must submit within 90 days of installation. Available to residential customers only.
Heat pump water heaters qualify for highest rebate tier. Central FL Duke customers. Rebate processed within 6–8 weeks. Additional rebates available for EV chargers and smart thermostats when combined with WH rebate.
Available in most FL counties for energy-efficient water heaters including heat pump and solar. PACE providers in FL: Ygrene, Renew Financial, Florida PACE Funding Agency. No minimum credit score. Loan stays with property if sold.
Licensed FL plumbers available within 2 hours. We'll size the right unit and handle permits.
Built for Florida homes - accounting for Florida's hard water, hurricane-season demands, and county permitting.
Serving Palm Beach County & Florida - get matched with a licensed plumber
On this page, Florida water heater sizing estimates run about $1,800-$4,500, depending on home size, materials, and project scope. Use the calculator above for a Florida-specific estimate.
Pricing depends on the size and layout of your home, the materials and fixtures you choose, your Florida region and local labor rates, and permit fees. Work that is more complex or harder to access generally costs more.
In Florida, minor maintenance may be DIY, but anything beyond that generally calls for a licensed plumber, and many jobs require a permit and inspection. When a permit, gas work, or your main water or drain lines are involved, hire a Florida-licensed plumber.
It depends on the cause and your specific policy. Sudden, accidental damage is more often covered than gradual wear-and-tear or maintenance - confirm the details with your insurer.
Many common jobs are completed the same day, while larger projects can take longer. Your licensed plumber can confirm a timeline after assessing your home.
Planning estimate, not a quote — confirm with a licensed Florida plumber. Confidence is qualitative: ranges reflect this page’s Florida assumptions, not a guaranteed price.
Estimates on this page are Florida-specific and reflect Water Heater Sizing for typical Florida homes.
From this page: On this page, Florida water heater sizing estimates run about $1,800-$4,500, depending on home size, materials, and project scope. Use the calculator above for a Florida-specific estimate.
Your actual cost depends on your home's condition, layout, and local labor and permit rates.
From this page: Pricing depends on the size and layout of your home, the materials and fixtures you choose, your Florida region and local labor rates, and permit fees. Work that is more complex or harder to access generally costs more.
Generally raises cost: harder access, older homes, added permits and inspections, premium fixtures or materials, and emergency or after-hours work.
Generally lowers cost: easy access, bundling several items in one visit, standard fixtures, and off-peak scheduling.
Curated Florida tools and resources related to this page.
Last reviewed: July 1, 2026 (US Eastern)
Reviewed by the FL Plumbing Tools editorial team.
Sources: Florida plumbing cost research and Florida Building Code / local authority-having-jurisdiction (AHJ) permit references.
Florida reference: Estimates and guidance reflect Florida labor rates, permitting, hard water, humidity, and coastal conditions.
Updates: Reviewed periodically and updated as Florida codes, permit fees, and market rates change.