HVAC Licensing in Atlantic Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, maintains, repairs, or replaces heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems in Atlantic Beach must hold a valid Florida contractor license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, HVAC work is classified as a construction trade requiring licensure. The work includes new installation, retrofitting, repair, and service of these systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

How to Get Licensed

Florida issues HVAC licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. You must:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires:
2. A high school diploma or equivalent
3. Four years of documented experience in HVAC work under a licensed contractor (or an equivalent combination of apprenticeship and work experience)

4. Proof of workers' compensation insurance if you employ others

5. Pass the Florida HVAC contractor examination administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

6. Apply for your license with DBPR, submitting proof of experience, exam passage, and insurance documentation.

7. Renew biennially and complete continuing education as required by state law.

Contact the DBPR website for current exam schedules, application procedures, and fees.

Local Requirements

Atlantic Beach falls under Duval County jurisdiction for building permitting. Before performing HVAC work in Atlantic Beach, you must:

• Obtain a permit from the Atlantic Beach Building Department for most installations and major repairs
• Comply with Atlantic Beach Municipal Code — review the full code at https://library.municode.com/fl/atlantic_beach for any local amendments, permit requirements, and inspection procedures that may exceed state standards

Contact the Atlantic Beach Building Department to determine which specific projects require permits and to submit applications.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensure:

• Employees of the property owner performing work solely on that owner's property (with limitations)
• Employees of licensed HVAC contractors working under the contractor's supervision and license
• Installation or repair of portable air conditioning units that do not require permanent installation
• Routine maintenance and cleaning that does not involve system modification or replacement

Owner-occupants performing work on their own residential property may be exempt from licensing but typically still require permits before work begins.

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
• Atlantic Beach Municipal Code

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