How Much Does a Handyman Charge Per Hour in Florida?

Pricing transparency is hard to find in the handyman industry. Most websites say “it depends” and leave it at that. You search for a straight answer, and what you get is a vague range with no context — no explanation of why rates vary, what drives costs up or down, or how to actually budget for the work you need done.

This post gives you real numbers. Not exact quotes, because every project is different, but realistic ranges based on what we see across hundreds of projects in Southwest Florida every year. Our team at Chad The Handyman works across Estero, Naples, Fort Myers, and Bonita Springs, handling everything from single-item repairs to full-day project lists. We know what this work costs because we price it and perform it daily.

Whether you're budgeting for a small repair, planning a larger project, or trying to figure out if the quote you received is fair, this guide will help you understand what to expect from handyman pricing in Florida in 2026.

Average Handyman Rates in Florida (2026)

The typical hourly range for handyman services in Southwest Florida is $50–$120 per hour, depending on the contractor's license status, experience, and the scope of work. That's a wide range, so let's break it down.

Unlicensed handymen operating under Florida's $1,000 exemption — which allows unlicensed individuals to perform minor work under that threshold — tend toward the lower end at $50–$75 per hour. But lower rates come with trade-offs. Unlicensed operators typically carry no insurance, have no licensing board accountability, and can't legally take on projects exceeding $1,000 in total value. That creates real risks for homeowners, which we cover in detail in our post on whether handymen in Florida need a license.

Licensed contractors typically charge $75–$120 per hour. That rate reflects real overhead: general liability and workers' compensation insurance, state licensing fees, continuing education requirements, vehicle and tool costs, and the accountability that comes with having a license the state can revoke if work is substandard. When you hire a licensed contractor, you're paying for protection — yours and theirs.

Here's the important nuance: many handymen, including our team, don't charge hourly at all. We quote per project. That means you get a specific number for your specific job before any work begins. No watching the clock, no surprises on the invoice. Per-project pricing gives homeowners cost certainty, and it's how most reputable handyman companies in SW Florida operate.

The hourly rate also isn't the whole picture. Trip fees, material markup, minimum charges, and the contractor's efficiency all affect your total cost. A handyman who charges $90 per hour but finishes in two hours costs you less than one who charges $60 per hour but takes four. Experience and efficiency matter as much as the rate itself.

Southwest Florida rates are competitive with the rest of the state. They're lower than South Florida markets like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, where rates can push $100–$150+ per hour, and slightly higher than Central Florida. Our market reflects the cost of doing business in Lee and Collier County — insurance costs, vehicle expenses, and the demand that comes from a growing population and active real estate market.

What Factors Affect Handyman Pricing in Southwest Florida

Not every hour of handyman work costs the same. Several factors push pricing up or down, and understanding them helps you evaluate quotes and budget accurately.

License and insurance. This is the biggest cost differentiator. A licensed contractor carries general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and pays state licensing and continuing education fees. That overhead is reflected in the rate — but it's also what protects you if something goes wrong. If an unlicensed worker damages your property or gets injured on your job, you could be personally liable. The $20–$40 per hour premium for licensed work is insurance for you, not just for them.

Complexity and trade. Electrical and plumbing tasks typically cost more than painting, caulking, or general carpentry. They require more specialized knowledge, carry more liability, and often involve code compliance requirements. A GFCI outlet installation or a faucet replacement involves more expertise than hanging a shelf, and the pricing reflects that.

Materials. Some projects are labor-heavy — painting, drywall patching, door adjustments — where materials cost very little relative to the labor. Others are material-heavy — fixture replacements, hardware upgrades, screen panel repairs — where the parts themselves represent a significant portion of the total. Always confirm whether materials are included in the quote or if they're billed separately. This single question eliminates the most common source of billing surprises.

Access and conditions. Working in tight attic spaces, on tall ladders, or in areas that require moving furniture and appliances adds time and effort. A bathroom faucet replacement where the shut-off valve is easily accessible is a very different job from one where the plumber needs to work inside a cramped vanity cabinet with corroded connections. The task name might be the same, but the conditions change the scope.

Urgency. Emergency or same-day service typically costs more than scheduled work. If a pipe is leaking or a door won't lock, you need someone today — and the premium reflects the contractor rearranging their schedule to accommodate your emergency. Planning ahead saves money.

Travel. Most SW Florida handymen cover Estero, Naples, Fort Myers, and Bonita Springs without extra travel charges. Jobs in Naples or the surrounding communities fall within the standard service area. But projects well outside the core area — north of Fort Myers, deep into the Estates, or out toward Lehigh Acres — may include a travel fee to cover the additional drive time.

Season. Snowbird season (November through April) is the busiest period in Southwest Florida. Seasonal residents return, real estate activity picks up, and everyone wants work done at the same time. Scheduling can be tighter during these months, and some contractors adjust pricing for peak demand. If your project isn't urgent, scheduling during the summer months can sometimes offer more flexibility and availability.

Hourly Rate vs. Per-Project Pricing

There are two fundamental ways handymen charge for their work, and understanding the difference will save you money and frustration.

Hourly pricing means you pay for time, regardless of how long the job takes. This can work in your favor on quick tasks — if a door adjustment takes 20 minutes, you pay for 20 minutes. But it creates uncertainty on more complex work. What if the “simple” faucet replacement turns into a two-hour project because the old connections are corroded? Hourly pricing shifts that risk onto the homeowner.

Per-project pricing gives you a fixed number before work starts. You know exactly what you'll pay, which makes budgeting straightforward and eliminates invoice surprises. The contractor absorbs the risk of complications — if a job takes longer than expected, the price stays the same. Most reputable handymen in Southwest Florida, including our team, provide per-project estimates after understanding the full scope of work.

Per-project quotes are especially valuable for multi-task visits. If you have five items on your list, a per-project quote for all five will typically cost less than what five separate hourly visits would total. You're paying for one trip, one setup, and efficient execution across multiple tasks. That bundled approach is the single best way to get value from handyman services.

Minimum charges are common under both models. Most handymen have a minimum — typically equivalent to 1–2 hours of work — regardless of how quickly the job is completed. This covers travel time, vehicle expenses, setup, and the opportunity cost of the visit. A 15-minute repair still requires 30–45 minutes of driving, loading tools, and administrative work that isn't billable but is very real.

Common Project Costs in Southwest Florida

The ranges below are based on typical projects we see across Estero, Naples, Fort Myers, and Bonita Springs. They're starting points, not guarantees — your specific project may be higher or lower depending on the factors we covered above. Always get a specific estimate for your work.

Electrical: Ceiling fan installation runs $150–$300. GFCI outlet upgrades cost $75–$150 per outlet. Light fixture swaps are $100–$250 depending on the fixture and wiring. Smoke detector replacement runs $50–$100 each. These are among the most common items on inspection reports, and we handle multiple electrical tasks in a single visit to keep your cost down.

Plumbing: Faucet replacement typically costs $150–$350 plus the fixture itself. Toilet repairs run $100–$250. Garbage disposal installation is $150–$350 plus the unit. Plumbing costs vary more than most categories because access and condition of existing connections matter enormously. A straightforward faucet swap on new supply lines is fast. The same task with corroded shut-off valves in a cramped cabinet takes significantly longer.

Drywall: A small patch and paint job runs $100–$250. Larger hole repairs with texture matching (orange peel, knockdown, or smooth) cost $200–$500. Water damage repair varies widely based on the extent of the damage and whether the source has been resolved. Texture matching is a skill — cheap drywall patches that don't match the surrounding wall are obvious and look worse than the original damage.

Doors and hardware: Door adjustments run $75–$150. Lockset and handle replacement costs $50–$125 per door. Weatherstripping is $50–$100 per door. These are small-ticket items individually, which is exactly why they're ideal for bundling into a multi-task visit.

Exterior: Screen panel replacement costs $75–$200. Caulking and sealing around windows and doors runs $100–$300. Fascia and soffit repair is $200–$600 depending on the length and material. Exterior work in SW Florida is constant — the sun, humidity, and salt air take a toll on every home.

Home inspection repairs: A light report with 8–10 items typically runs $800–$1,500. A moderate report with 15–20 items across multiple categories costs $2,000–$4,000. Heavy reports with 25+ items can reach $4,000–$8,000 or more. For a detailed breakdown, visit our general home repairs page.

How to Get the Best Value From Your Handyman

Getting good value from handyman services isn't about finding the cheapest rate. It's about getting the most work done well for the money you spend. Here are the strategies that actually move the needle.

Bundle tasks. This is the single best way to save money. One visit with five tasks costs significantly less than five separate visits with one task each. Every visit carries travel time, setup, and minimum charges. When you combine a leaky faucet, a door adjustment, two outlet upgrades, and a screen repair into one visit, you eliminate four separate trips and get volume efficiency on labor. We encourage every customer to walk through their home before scheduling and write down everything that needs attention.

Prepare your list in advance. Walk through every room, open every cabinet, test every switch and faucet. Check the exterior — screens, caulking, fascia, doors. The goal is a complete list before the handyman arrives, not discovering items mid-visit. A prepared homeowner gets more done in less time because there's no guesswork on-site.

Provide materials if you've already purchased them. Some handymen charge markup on materials, others don't. Either way, if you've already bought the faucet, the light fixture, or the door hardware, let your handyman know. Just make sure you've purchased the right product — a quick call or photo before buying can prevent a return trip to the store.

Schedule during regular hours. Weekend and after-hours availability comes at a premium. Standard business hours (Monday through Friday, 8am–4:30pm for our team) give you the best rates and most availability.

Be realistic about scope. A handyman visit that runs from 8am to 3pm covers a lot of ground. That's a productive day — easily 8–12 tasks depending on complexity. If you have a long list, one full-day visit is more efficient than two half-day visits.

Communicate clearly about priorities. If budget is tight, tell your handyman which items are must-do and which are nice-to-have. A good contractor will help you prioritize so the critical items get done first and the cosmetic stuff can wait for the next visit if needed.

Ready to get started? Contact us for a free estimate and we'll give you a clear price for your specific project list.

Red Flags on Pricing

Most handymen in Southwest Florida are honest, hardworking professionals. But there are warning signs that should make you pause before hiring.

Suspiciously low rates ($25–$40/hr). If someone is charging significantly below market rate, they're almost certainly unlicensed and uninsured. The math simply doesn't work — after vehicle costs, tools, fuel, and the time it takes to get to your home, a $30/hour rate means they're earning very little per job. You get what you pay for, and the “savings” evaporate instantly if something goes wrong, if the work needs to be redone, or if a worker is injured on your property.

No written estimate. Any professional should provide a clear, written estimate before starting work. If someone wants to start the job based on a verbal conversation and “figure out the price as we go,” that's a recipe for a billing dispute. Written estimates protect both parties.

Large upfront deposits. A 10–20% deposit on materials is reasonable for larger projects. Being asked for 50% or more of the total before any work begins is a red flag. Legitimate contractors don't need half the project cost upfront to buy materials for a handyman-scale job.

Cash-only, no invoice. This means no paper trail, no recourse if something goes wrong, and almost certainly no license or insurance. You need documentation — for warranty purposes, for insurance claims, for home sales, and for your own records. A professional provides invoices.

Quoting sight-unseen for complex work. A professional needs to see the job before providing an accurate estimate for anything beyond basic tasks. If someone gives you a firm price for a “bathroom remodel” or “drywall repair” over the phone without seeing the space, they're either going to surprise you later or they don't know what they're quoting.

For more guidance on choosing between different types of professionals, read our post on Handyman vs. Contractor: When Do You Need Each?

Frequently Asked Questions