How Much Does a New AC Unit Cost on the Treasure Coast in 2026?
The short answer: Most cost guides published in 2026 put a full central AC replacement in Florida somewhere between about $6,000 and $13,000 installed, with South Florida at the higher end. Where your home lands depends on system size, efficiency (SEER2), whether the air handler and ductwork are replaced too, and access. The federal 25C tax credit ended December 31, 2025, but FPL customers can still get a $200 instant rebate on qualifying systems rated 15.2 SEER2 or higher. The only way to get your real number is an in-home evaluation and a written quote.
Key takeaways
- Published 2026 Florida ranges cluster around $6,000 to $13,000 for a typical full split-system replacement.
- Florida’s minimum for new split ACs under 45,000 Btu/h is 14.3 SEER2. Higher efficiency costs more up front and less every month.
- There is no federal tax credit for a new AC or heat pump installed in 2026. The 25C credit ended with 2025 installations.
- FPL’s residential rebate is $200, instant, for complete systems rated 15.2 SEER2 or higher installed by an FPL Participating Independent Contractor.
- Fall and early winter are the best time to replace on the Treasure Coast. You choose the date instead of the heat choosing it for you.
What a new AC costs in Florida right now
National guides lag the Florida market, because our systems are sized for long cooling seasons and run more hours per year. Here is what several 2026 Florida cost guides report:
| Source (2026) | Reported Florida range |
|---|---|
| HVACBase, Florida HVAC cost guide | $6,400 to $13,000; South Florida $9,200 to $14,000 |
| HVAC Project Cost, Florida city guide | $4,500 to $15,500 statewide; most pay $6,000 to $12,000 |
| Air Flow Designs, Florida 2026 guide | $5,850 to $15,000+ |
What moves your price up or down
1. Size (tonnage). Most Treasure Coast homes run 2.5 to 5 tons. A correctly sized system matters more than a bigger one. An oversized AC cools fast, shuts off, and leaves humidity behind.
2. Efficiency (SEER2). The legal minimum for a new split AC under 45,000 Btu/h in Florida is 14.3 SEER2 (13.8 SEER2 for larger systems). Heat pumps must also meet 14.3 SEER2. Moving to 15.2 SEER2 or above unlocks the FPL rebate and lowers your bill. Variable-speed systems cost more and control humidity better.
3. Full system or condenser only. Replacing just the outdoor unit looks cheaper, but a mismatched indoor coil can cut efficiency, void warranties, and lead to early failure. Most replacements here are matched indoor and outdoor systems.
4. Ductwork. Leaky, undersized or crushed ducts in a hot attic can waste a big share of what you pay for. If ducts need repair, it is cheaper to do it with the new system. See signs your ducts need repair.
5. Refrigerant. New split systems built since January 1, 2025 use newer A2L refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32. In May 2026 the EPA removed the deadline for installing older R-410A equipment that was built before 2025, so some contractors still have that inventory. Ask which refrigerant your quote includes and why.
6. Coastal protection. Homes near the Intracoastal or the ocean in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Hutchinson Island and Sewall’s Point see faster coil corrosion. Coated coils and stainless hardware add cost and years.
7. Permits and code items. A changeout needs a permit and inspection. Pads, hurricane tie-downs, disconnects and condensate safety switches may need updates to meet code.
Rebates and credits in 2026
| Incentive | Status in 2026 | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Federal 25C tax credit | Ended for systems installed after Dec. 31, 2025 | 2025 installs can still be claimed on 2025 returns |
| FPL residential AC rebate | Active | $200 instant rebate, complete indoor and outdoor system, 15.2 SEER2+, installed by an FPL Participating Independent Contractor |
| Manufacturer promotions | Varies | Ask for the program name and dates in writing |
Before you count on the FPL rebate, ask your contractor to confirm they are an FPL Participating Independent Contractor and that your system qualifies.
Paying for it
Sharkey Air offers special financing through Wells Fargo, with approved credit. Financing is worth comparing against the cost of another summer of repairs on a 15-year-old system.
Why November is the smart time to replace
From June through September, replacements happen on the system’s schedule: it fails, the house hits 85 degrees, and you take the first available install. In November you can compare quotes, pick efficiency without pressure, and schedule a day that works. Your old system can keep running until the new one is ready.
If your system is 10 to 15 years old, read how long AC units last in Florida and the $5,000 rule for repair or replace before you decide.
Questions to ask on every quote
- Did you do a load calculation, or are you matching the old tonnage?
- Is this a matched system with an AHRI certificate showing the SEER2 rating?
- Which refrigerant does it use?
- What is included: permit, pad, disconnect, drain line, thermostat, disposal?
- What are the equipment and labor warranties, and who honors them?
Frequently asked questions
How much is a new AC unit in Florida in 2026? Most Florida cost guides published in 2026 report roughly $6,000 to $13,000 for a full central AC replacement, with South Florida toward the higher end. Your price depends on size, efficiency, ductwork and access.
Is there a federal tax credit for a new AC in 2026? No. The 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit ended for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025.
What SEER2 rating is required in Florida? 14.3 SEER2 for split air conditioners under 45,000 Btu/h, 13.8 SEER2 for 45,000 Btu/h and above, and 14.3 SEER2 for split heat pumps.
Can I just replace the outside unit? Sometimes, but a mismatched indoor coil can lower efficiency and affect warranties. A matched system is usually the better long-term value.
How long does an AC replacement take? Many straightforward changeouts are finished in a day. Attic air handlers, ductwork changes or electrical upgrades can add time.
Get a real number for your home
Sharkey Air is a Tempstar Elite Dealer serving Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Port St. Lucie, Jupiter and the rest of the Treasure Coast. We will measure, explain your options in plain language, and put the price in writing. Schedule a free replacement evaluation or call (772) 220-2487.
Sources – HVACBase, HVAC Cost in Florida 2026: https://www.hvacbase.org/hvac-cost-florida – HVAC Project Cost, Florida HVAC Replacement Cost 2026: https://hvacprojectcost.com/hvac-replacement-cost-florida/ – Air Flow Designs, How Much Should a New AC System Cost in Florida in 2026: https://www.airflowdesigns.com/blog/how-much-does-new-ac-system-cost-florida-2026/ – U.S. Department of Energy, 2023 Central Air Conditioner Standards FAQ (Southeast region): https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/pdfs/2023_CAC_Standards_FAQ_10-5-2022_Final.pdf – Baker Distributing, Southeast Regional Efficiency Standards: https://www.bakerdist.com/doe-regulations-southeast-region – FPL HVAC rebate certificate (15.2 SEER2, $200): https://www.fpl.com/partner/pdf/hvac-rebate-certificate.pdf – Trane, Federal tax credits for energy efficiency (25C terminated Dec. 31, 2025): https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/blog/federal-tax-credits-energy-efficiency/ – Fallbrook Heating, R-410A phase-out and R-454B (May 2026 EPA rule): https://fallbrookheating.com/hvac-tips/r-410a-phase-out-r-454b/