HVAC Licensing in Jacksonville city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who installs, repairs, or maintains heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems must hold a valid license under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. This includes both new construction and service work on residential, commercial, and industrial systems. The state defines this regulated work under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 as activities requiring licensure by the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

How to Get Licensed

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

Step 1: Meet experience requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113. You must have at least four years of practical experience in HVAC work or equivalent documented training.

Step 2: Submit your application to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). Applications are processed at the state level, not locally.

Step 3: Pass the HVAC contractor exam administered by the CILB. The exam covers Florida law, industry standards, and technical knowledge.

Step 4: Once licensed at the state level, you are authorized to work throughout Florida, including Jacksonville.

Step 5: Before beginning work in Jacksonville, obtain any required local permits from the city.

Local Requirements

Jacksonville follows state licensing requirements but enforces them locally through building permits and inspections.

Permit and Inspection: Before starting HVAC work in Jacksonville, contact the Jacksonville Building Department to pull the required permit. The Building Department will verify your state license and issue the local permit.

Local Code: Jacksonville's local building and construction regulations are found in the Jacksonville Municipal Code. Review this code for any local amendments, additional safety requirements, or procedures specific to Jacksonville installations and repairs.

Failure to obtain a local permit before work begins may result in fines and orders to cease work.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 provides exemptions for certain activities. Owner-occupied residential properties where the owner performs work on their own home may be exempt under specific conditions. However, if you are contracting to perform HVAC work for compensation, a license is required regardless of property type.

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
• Jacksonville Municipal Code

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