The Complete Guide · Updated 2026
Florida Sod Installation
St. Augustine vs. Bahia vs. Zoysia vs. Bermuda — pricing, pros and cons, and when each one is the right call for your lawn.
The 4 sod varieties we install across SW Florida — current pricing per pallet, installed cost per square foot, and which one matches your property and budget.
4 Sod Varieties Compared
St. Augustine 'Floratam'
$280–$340/pallet
$0.55–$0.85 installed
Best for: 90% of Cape Coral and Fort Myers homes
Pros
- ✓ Heat & salt tolerant
- ✓ Dense weed-blocking turf
- ✓ Standard for most SW FL lawns
Cons
- ✗ Susceptible to chinch bugs
- ✗ Requires regular fertilization
Bahia (Pensacola/Argentine)
$170–$220/pallet
$0.35–$0.50 installed
Best for: Acreage, rural lots, budget projects
Pros
- ✓ Lowest cost option
- ✓ Drought-tolerant
- ✓ Low maintenance
Cons
- ✗ Coarser texture
- ✗ Tall seed heads
- ✗ Less dense turf
Zoysia 'Empire'
$340–$400/pallet
$0.75–$1.10 installed
Best for: Premium homes, formal landscapes, partial shade
Pros
- ✓ Premium fine-blade look
- ✓ Drought & shade tolerant
- ✓ Slow-growing — less mowing
Cons
- ✗ Slower establishment
- ✗ Higher upfront cost
Bermuda 'Tifway 419'
$240–$300/pallet
$0.50–$0.75 installed
Best for: Athletic fields, full-sun lawns
Pros
- ✓ Sports-field grade
- ✓ Very heat-tolerant
- ✓ Recovers fast from wear
Cons
- ✗ Needs full sun
- ✗ More mowing required
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does sod cost in Florida?+
Most SW Florida residential sod jobs run $0.55–$1.10 per square foot installed, depending on type. A typical 5,000 sqft Cape Coral lawn replacement (St. Augustine Floratam) runs $3,500–$5,500 fully installed including soil prep and roll-on compaction.
What is the best sod for Cape Coral and Fort Myers?+
St. Augustine 'Floratam' is the standard — installed in 80%+ of SW Florida residential lawns. It tolerates Cape Coral's alkaline soil, salt spray, and summer heat. We also install Bahia (budget), Zoysia 'Empire' (premium), and Bermuda 'Tifway 419' (sports-grade).
When is the best time to install sod in Florida?+
October through May is the optimal window — warm soil, less heat stress, and rooting before summer rainy season. We install year-round; summer installs just need more frequent watering during the first 14 days.
How long until I can walk on new sod?+
Light foot traffic at week 2, normal use at week 3, full mowing at week 4. The roots need to peg into the soil before any wear. Plan for 2 weeks of heavy watering (twice daily) followed by tapering to normal irrigation.
Do you remove old grass before installing new sod?+
Yes — we sod-cut and haul away the existing turf, grade and amend the soil, then lay fresh sod. Removing the old grass is critical; sod installed over existing turf rarely roots properly and dies within 60 days.
Get a Sod Quote in 24 Hours
Free measurement, transparent pricing, no pressure.