How much does excavation and grading cost in St. Petersburg, FL?

Most St. Petersburg homeowners spend between $7,800 – $23,400 on excavation and grading, with an average around $15,600. Local labor prices 4% above the national average, so St. Petersburg quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

Why is excavation and grading more or less expensive in St. Petersburg than elsewhere?

St. Pete crews price with the Tampa Bay market. Salt air and storm surge affect siding, roofing and fencing.

Do I need a permit for excavation and grading in St. Petersburg, Florida?

City permits with coastal and flood-zone review. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in St. Petersburg?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Florida contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Tampa Bay market.

How much does excavation and grading cost in 2026?

Most homeowners pay between $7,500 and $22,500, with a national average near $15,000. Small, simple jobs land at the low end; large or premium-material jobs run well above the high end.

What is the cost per cubic yard?

Installed pricing usually runs $50.00 to $150.00 per cubic yard, including labor and materials. Expensive metros can run 15–45% higher than that range.

What drives the price up the most?

Scope and access. Larger quantities lower your per-cubic yard price, but difficult access, demolition of existing work, structural repairs found mid-job, premium materials and rush scheduling each add 8–30%.

Permits are typically required when the work changes structure or ties into electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical systems. Budget $75–$600 in most cities and confirm whether your contractor pulls it — unpermitted work can block a future home sale.

How long does the job take?

Most residential projects of this type finish in one to five working days once materials are on site. Custom orders, inspections and weather are the usual causes of delay.

How many quotes should I get?

Three. Bids on the same scope commonly vary 20–40%, and the middle bid with the strongest warranty and references is usually the best value — the cheapest bid often excludes prep, disposal or permits.

Home/Cost guides/Excavation and Grading/St. Petersburg, FL

Tampa Bay · Florida

Excavation and Grading cost in St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg homeowners typically pay $7,800 – $23,400 for excavation and grading. Local labor and materials price 4% above the national average.

Get my St. Petersburg estimate Use the St. Petersburg calculator

St. Petersburg average

$15,600

Typical low

$7,800

Typical high

$23,400

Per cubic yard

$52 – $155

Sample ZIP

33701

What drives St. Petersburg pricing

Local labor

St. Pete crews price with the Tampa Bay market.

Permits & code

City permits with coastal and flood-zone review.

Climate & conditions

Salt air and storm surge affect siding, roofing and fencing.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Material to move (cubic yards)150 cubic yards

Quality / material level

Site access

Removal / prep work

Timing

Estimated project cost

$9,120 – $12,540

Most homeowners pay around $10,830

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material in St. Petersburg

Installed St. Petersburg pricing per cubic yard.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Simple grading	$64 – $88	—	—
Standard excavation and haul	$88 – $115	—	—
Rock or difficult soil	$115 – $150	—	—
Excavation with retaining and drainage	$150 – $210	—	—

Where the money goes in St. Petersburg

A typical $15,600 St. Petersburg project, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $70
Materials0.38% · $59
Permits & inspections0.05% · $8
Overhead & profit0.12% · $19

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on St. Petersburg quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Soil haul-off

$21 – $62

Rock breaking

$105 – $310

Erosion control

$520 – $3,100

Compaction testing

$415 – $1,550

Ways to save in St. Petersburg

Keep excavated soil on site for backfill and berms to avoid haul-off.
Schedule when the ground is dry — wet soil doubles handling time.
Collect three written bids on an identical scope — spreads of 20–40% are normal.
Book in the off-season and stay flexible on the start date to save 5–15%.
Bundle nearby work into one mobilization so you only pay setup and travel once.
Ask what the contractor would change to cut 10% without hurting durability.

St. Petersburg FAQs

Get a St. Petersburg price you can budget against

Answer a few questions about your project and we'll model a low, average and premium price for your FL ZIP code — then connect you with vetted local pros.

Get free quotes from certified pros

More St. Petersburg research

Best excavation and grading companies in St. Petersburg Excavation and Grading permits in Florida Excavation and Grading near me All Florida prices

Excavation and Grading cost near St. Petersburg

Excavation and Grading cost in Tampa, FL

$7,875 – $23,625

More Florida cities

Miami Fort Lauderdale Hialeah Coral Gables Boca Raton West Palm Beach Orlando Jacksonville

Other project costs in St. Petersburg

Fence Installation in St. Petersburg

$1,560 – $4,160

Roof Replacement in St. Petersburg

$8,840 – $35,360

Kitchen Remodel in St. Petersburg

$18,720 – $98,800

HVAC Replacement in St. Petersburg

$5,720 – $18,720

Deck Building in St. Petersburg

$4,576 – $12,480

Window Replacement in St. Petersburg

$468 – $1,560

See every St. Petersburg cost guide