2025 Fixer-Upper Math: The New Cost Equation for South Florida

Scott Lehr

Licensed Realtor & Renovation Analyst
954-342-6180 | scott@reallistingagent.com

2025 Market Reality Check

Broward County Trends:

• ↗️ 22% increase in permit fees since 2023 (County Records)
• ⏳ 68-day avg. permit approval time (Miami Herald 2024)
• 🌀 40% of homes need hurricane retrofits (FEMA South FL Assessment)

Cost Breakdown: 1500sqft Case Study

Wilton Manors 1950s Bungalow

Initial Estimate

• Kitchen: $45k
• Bathrooms: $28k
• Roof: $22k

Actual 2025 Costs

• + $18k hurricane clips
• + $12k impact windows
• + $8k soil stabilization

Total overage: 38% | Common in coastal neighborhoods

ROI Leaders (2025 FL Market)

Improvement	Cost Range	Value Added
Impact Windows	$15k-$35k	92% ROI
Flood-Proof HVAC	$8k-$12k	87% ROI
Permitted ADU	$45k-$75k	79% ROI

Source: 2025 Florida Realtors® Renovation Report

Permitting Hacks

Ft. Lauderdale Fast-Track Options

• ✔️ Pre-approved ADU designs: 14-day approval ($1,200 fee)
• ✔️ Emergency seawall permits: 72hr turnaround
• ❌ Avoid: Unlicensed "permit expediters" ($5k avg. loss)

Get Your 2025 Renovation Roadmap

Includes contractor network access + permit checklist

Request Free Analysis

or text "FIXER2025" to 954-342-6180

© 2025 The Listing Team at RESF
Privacy Policy | Contact Us