Quick Price Ranges: South Florida 2026
These are real numbers from actual installations in Palm Beach County. Not national averages, not optimistic estimates — what projects actually cost when done properly with professional-grade fixtures, proper cable burial, and quality transformers.
| System Type | Fixture Count | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry / starter system | 6–10 fixtures | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Smaller home, focused areas | 10–16 fixtures | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Full residential (most popular) | 16–28 fixtures | $4,000–$7,500 |
| Large home, comprehensive design | 28–45 fixtures | $7,500–$14,000 |
| Luxury estate with moonlighting | 45–70+ fixtures | $14,000–$30,000+ |
| HOA / commercial | Custom | Custom quote |
These ranges assume LED fixtures, proper 6–8" cable burial, correctly-sized transformers at 60–70% load, and professional aim and programming. Budget-bid installations using cheap fixtures and surface-run wire will come in lower — and will cost more in repairs and replacements within 2–3 years.
Per-Fixture Pricing: Understanding the Components
| Fixture Type | Fixture Cost | Installed Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard spike-mount uplight (brass) | $80–$140 | $180–$280 |
| Well light / in-ground | $120–$220 | $260–$400 |
| Path light (professional grade) | $60–$120 | $140–$240 |
| Narrow-beam palm spotlight | $100–$180 | $200–$320 |
| Wall washer / flood | $90–$160 | $200–$320 |
| Transformer (150W smart) | $280–$450 | $380–$600 |
| Moonlighting (tree mount, per tree) | $120–$200 | $400–$700 |
| Underwater fixture | $160–$320 | $350–$600 |
Installed price includes fixture, hardware, cable, burial labor, and commissioning. Moonlighting has a higher labor premium because of the access equipment required to mount fixtures at height in trees.
What Drives the Cost: The Real Variables
1. Fixture Quality
The single biggest variable in landscape lighting price is fixture quality. Professional-grade brass fixtures from Unique Lighting, FX Luminaire, or Kichler cost 3–5× more than comparable-looking fixtures from wholesale distributors or big-box stores. The premium buys: corrosion-resistant housing, silicone seals (not rubber), UV-stable lenses, high-CRI LED modules, and serviceability.
Lower-quality fixtures struggle in South Florida's demanding climate — fixtures not built for the heat, humidity, and salt air simply won't hold up. A quality fixture from a professional manufacturer should outlast your ownership of the property.
2. Cable Work
Properly burying cable to 6–8" (or deeper in lawn areas), running conduit under driveways and hardscape, using corrosion-resistant direct-burial wire, and applying quality secure connectors all take significantly more labor than surface-running wire or burying at 2". This labor is invisible — the only way to evaluate it is to ask about burial depth and conduit use before signing a contract.
3. Design Complexity
A system with a single transformer zone and standard spike mounts throughout is straightforward to plan and install. A system with moonlighting, multiple zones, underwater features, smart home integration, and a precise layered design requires significantly more planning time and technical expertise. Complex designs cost more — and deliver noticeably better results.
4. Property Size and Access
More ground to cover = more cable = more trenching = more labor. Properties with difficult access — heavily planted beds, large water features, hardscape that cable must run under — cost more than open-plan properties of similar size.
Where Corners Get Cut: Recognize the Shortcuts
If a quote is significantly lower than competitors, something is being omitted. Common shortcuts:
- Shallow or surface cable: The most common. Wire at 1–2" or surface-run. Your landscaping crew will damage it within months.
- Budget fixtures: IP44 plastic housings, rubber seals, low-CRI LEDs. Look fine on install day. Fail fast in Florida's climate.
- 100% transformer loading: Maxing the transformer saves money on transformer cost but causes heat-related early failure and poor voltage to distant fixtures.
- No design phase: Fixtures placed randomly without a lighting plan. Results in uneven illumination, missed focal points, and fixtures that need to be moved.
- No commissioning: Fixtures installed but not properly aimed or programmed. The system works but doesn't perform.
"The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest outcome. We fix other people's installations every week — and those repairs often exceed what the difference would have been upfront."
Ongoing Costs: What to Budget After Installation
| Item | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual service visit (clean, re-aim, check connections) | Yearly | $150–$350 |
| Post-hurricane inspection | After major storms | $100–$200 |
| Fixture replacement (if damaged by landscaping crew) | Occasional | $180–$400 each |
| Electricity (20-fixture system, 6 hrs/night) | Monthly | $12–$18/month |
| LED module replacement | Rarely needed | $20–$60 per fixture |
Compare to a comparable halogen system: electricity costs 6–8× higher, bulb replacement every 1–2 years per fixture ($10–$30 each), and higher heat degrading other system components faster. Over 10 years, a properly installed LED system typically costs less in maintenance than halogen does in bulb replacements alone.
ROI and Home Value: Does Landscape Lighting Pay Back?
Multiple real estate and landscaping industry studies point to consistent findings:
- Professional landscape lighting increases perceived home value by 15–20%
- Homes with landscape lighting sell faster — lighting improves photography and evening showings significantly
- In Palm Beach County's luxury segment, landscape lighting is expected by buyers of properties over $800K
- Landscape lighting deters property crime — a documented security benefit beyond aesthetics
- Extends usable outdoor living hours, a significant quality-of-life benefit in South Florida's climate
For a $1,000,000 property, a 15% perceived value increase represents $150,000 in potential upside from an $8,000–$15,000 investment. Even conservatively discounted, the ROI is compelling — especially when the system also improves your daily quality of life while you own the property.
Comparing Quotes: What to Look For
When comparing proposals from multiple contractors, look beyond the total number:
- Fixture brands and model numbers — look them up. Are they professional grade or wholesale unknowns?
- Fixture count vs. total price — a very low per-fixture cost is a red flag for quality.
- Cable burial depth specified — 6" minimum, 8–10" in lawn areas. If not specified, ask.
- Transformer capacity and brand — sized at 60–70% load, smart timer included?
- Warranty terms — both workmanship and fixture manufacturer warranty
- Who actually installs — the company's own employees, or subcontractors?
We're happy to help you evaluate competing proposals and explain the differences. We don't win every job — but we want homeowners to make informed decisions, not price-only decisions they regret.
Get a Transparent, Detailed Quote
Our proposals specify fixture brands and models, burial depths, transformer sizing, and warranty terms. We believe you should know exactly what you're buying. Free consultation across all of Palm Beach County.
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