Agree. We had ours replaced by Scott Plumbing earlier this year. $910. EZ PZ Great pro install of everything, and they haul the old one away.
Now NO WORRIES for the next 10 years+. That is IF I make it that long....

I checked and it is Scott’s Plumbing now. Thank God! Yes, you can use Scott’s Plumbing, in my opinion, if you chose not to do it yourself.

I'm not 100% sure but I'm pretty sure no permit is required if you are replacing an existing water heater with a similar item. I am 100% sure no one will know or care if you don't put it here or Facebook.

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Thanks
 

That very well would be worth it. Thanks.

From AI:

"Yes, in Florida, you generally need a permit to replace a water heater. The Florida Building Code mandates permits for plumbing work, including water heater replacements, to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. "

Likely a post installation inspection is required, too.

Items NOT requiring a permit. When is a Building Permit Required? | Sumter County, FL - Official Website

Pretty soon you’ll need a permit to use the rest room… at the rate we are going.

Last item on that list of changes that don’t require a permit is a water heater if same kind and location.

Like the post above says taken from "Items NOT requiring a permit. When is a Building Permit Required? | Sumter County, FL - Official Website" "Water Heater - change out if same type and same location"

Wow, I stand corrected. I guess go at it and change your hot water heater.

Yes you can do it yourself. I've done it twice since I've lived here.

The worst part is taking the old one down from the pedestal and putting the new one on.
I remember doing it myself when I was younger. Have they gotten heavier ?

I believe Sumter and Marion counties are okay with it, but Lake requires it so they can get the money. They require a permit for everything. This county sucks.

I just did my parents' house electric hot water heater, 50 gall, remove old, install new, in Massachusetts.

New tank/heater, plus permit required for plumbing, plus inspection, installation labor and disposal of old hot water heater,
$3,000 was the lowest quote, bundled all together.

FL is very cheap with labor. . . cost of living difference. .

Screw that, they should make people get a permit for using AI

Personally, I would pay Mike Scott Plumbing $910 to install a new water heater. But if you do it yourself, make sure you install an expansion tank and a drain pan. These are required by code and they are a good idea. Note that Mike Scott Plumbing was NOT bought out by Frank Gay.