HVAC Licensing in Hollywood, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, maintains, repairs, or alters air conditioning, heating, ventilation, or refrigeration systems in Hollywood must hold an active Florida contractor license unless exempt. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, an "air conditioning contractor" is defined as a person who undertakes to, offers to, purports to, or does construct, repair, service, or alter air conditioning systems. This includes both new installation and service work on residential and commercial systems.

How to Get Licensed

Florida licensing for HVAC work falls under the Construction Industry Licensing Board established by Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To obtain an air conditioning contractor license:

1. Apply through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers licensing under Chapter 489.
2. Meet qualification requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which include:
3. Four years of experience in the air conditioning trade (may be reduced with formal education)
4. Passage of the Florida air conditioning contractor examination
5. Proof of financial responsibility
6. Pass the HVAC contractor exam covering Florida construction law, trade practices, and technical knowledge.
7. Maintain active status through renewal and continuing education requirements.

Contact the DBPR directly for current application procedures, exam dates, and fees.

Local Requirements

In Hollywood, all construction work—including HVAC—requires a local permit before work begins. Submit permit applications and plans to the City of Hollywood Building Department.

Review the Hollywood Municipal Code for local amendments or additional requirements that may apply to HVAC work within city limits. The municipal code may contain specific provisions on contractor licensing, permit procedures, and inspections that supplement state law.

Contact the Hollywood Building Department for current permitting procedures, fees, and inspection requirements specific to the city.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensing requirements:

• Owner-occupied residential property: A property owner performing work on property they own and occupy may not need licensing for minor repairs, though this exemption is limited.
• Employees: Persons working under a licensed contractor's direct supervision as employees (not independent contractors) are not required to hold individual licenses.
• Minor repairs: Some routine maintenance activities may fall outside the definition of regulated "construction" work.

Check Fla. Stat. § 489.103 in full for complete exemption language and limitations.

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Phone: 850-487-1395
- Website: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/

References

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Hollywood Municipal Code

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)