How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Fort Lauderdale? (2026 Guide)

Kitchen remodeling is the most common project we’re asked to price in Fort Lauderdale, and the most common question is simply “what will it cost?” The honest answer depends on scope, but costs follow predictable patterns in Broward County. This guide breaks down real price ranges, what pushes a budget up or down in South Florida specifically, and how to plan a remodel that holds its value.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Ranges in Fort Lauderdale (2026)

Project level	Typical cost	What’s usually included
Cosmetic refresh	$12,000 – $25,000	Cabinet refacing or painting, new countertops, backsplash, sink and faucet, lighting
Mid-range full remodel	$25,000 – $60,000	New semi-custom cabinets, quartz or granite, tile, flooring, appliances, updated electrical — same layout
High-end / custom	$60,000 – $120,000+	Custom cabinetry, island, wall removal, relocated plumbing, premium appliances and finishes

These ranges reflect typical projects in Broward County. Every home is different, which is why we give a fixed written quote after an in-home consultation rather than a per-square-foot guess.

Where the Money Goes

On a typical mid-range kitchen, the budget breaks down roughly like this:

• Cabinets and hardware: about 30% — the single biggest line item
• Labor and installation: about 20%
• Appliances: about 15%
• Countertops: about 10%
• Flooring and backsplash tile: about 10%
• Plumbing, electrical and lighting: about 10%
• Design, permits and contingency: about 5%

Always hold back a 10–15% contingency. Older Fort Lauderdale homes regularly reveal surprises once the walls are open.

What Drives Kitchen Remodel Costs Up in South Florida

Moving plumbing on a concrete slab

Most South Florida homes are built slab-on-grade. Moving a sink or dishwasher to an island means cutting and trenching concrete to reroute the drain line, then patching the slab. Keeping your sink where it is is one of the easiest ways to protect your budget.

Removing or opening walls

Opening a closed 1960s or 1970s kitchen to the living area is a popular upgrade in neighborhoods like Coral Ridge and Imperial Point. If the wall is load-bearing, it needs an engineered beam and a permit — real money, but often the change that transforms the whole home.

Aging wiring and drains in older homes

Many CBS homes from the 1950s–70s still have original wiring, undersized panels or cast-iron drains. A licensed contractor will flag these when walls are open; fixing them during the remodel costs far less than reopening finished walls later.

Condo building requirements

High-rise condos along Galt Ocean Mile, Las Olas and the beach corridor often require association approval, proof of license and insurance, restricted work hours and elevator reservations. These add time to the schedule, so plan for them up front.

Material choices

Stock cabinets cost a fraction of custom; quartz and porcelain slabs vary widely by brand and thickness. Moisture-stable materials — plywood cabinet boxes, sealed stone, stainless or brass hardware — cost a little more but hold up far better in our humidity and salt air.

Do You Need a Permit?

In Fort Lauderdale, a kitchen remodel that relocates plumbing, adds or changes electrical circuits, or alters walls requires a building permit from the City of Fort Lauderdale (or your own municipality elsewhere in Broward). Purely cosmetic work — painting, cabinet refacing, swapping a countertop in place — often does not, but confirm with the building department before you start. A licensed general contractor should pull the permit and schedule inspections; unpermitted work can create problems with insurance claims and when you sell.

How Long Does It Take?

• Design and quote: 1–2 weeks
• Permitting: varies by city and scope — plan for a few weeks
• Cabinet lead time: 2–8 weeks depending on stock, semi-custom or custom
• Construction: 4–8 weeks for most full remodels

How to Save Without Cutting Corners

• Keep the existing layout and plumbing locations.
• Reface or repaint solid cabinet boxes instead of replacing them.
• Choose semi-custom cabinets with a few custom accents.
• Spend on what you touch daily (counters, faucet, drawer hardware) and save on what you don’t.
• Order materials early so the crew isn’t waiting on deliveries.

National Cost vs. Value data consistently shows that modest, well-executed kitchen updates recoup a larger share of their cost at resale than full luxury overhauls — something to weigh if you plan to sell within a few years.

Get an Exact Price for Your Kitchen

Ranges help you plan, but a real number comes from seeing the space. Vision Build & Development provides free in-home consultations and fixed written quotes for kitchen remodeling in Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County, including kitchen remodeling in Boca Raton. Call (954) 835-4490 or request a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Fort Lauderdale?

Most projects fall between $20,000 and $60,000. Cosmetic refreshes start around $12,000, while custom kitchens with layout changes can exceed $120,000.

Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes, if the work relocates plumbing, changes electrical circuits or alters walls. Cosmetic work often doesn’t require one, but confirm with the City of Fort Lauderdale building department.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Construction typically takes 4–8 weeks, plus time for design, permitting and cabinet lead times.

Is it cheaper to keep my kitchen layout?

Yes. On a slab foundation, moving the sink or adding an island sink means cutting concrete to reroute drains — keeping fixtures in place is one of the biggest savings available.

Can I remodel a condo kitchen in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes, but most associations require approval, proof of a licensed and insured contractor, and set work-hour rules. A contractor experienced with high-rise condos will handle the paperwork.

Written by the Vision Build & Development team — a licensed and insured Florida Certified General Contractor (license #CGC1537007) at 5711 NE 14th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, rated 5.0 on Google. Last updated October 2026.