HVAC Licensing in Century, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, constructs, repairs, or maintains heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in Century must hold an active Florida HVAC contractor license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, HVAC work is defined as construction and falls under the Construction Industry Licensing Board's regulatory authority. The work includes installation of equipment, ductwork, refrigeration lines, and related mechanical systems that condition or control temperature, humidity, or air quality in buildings.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must meet experience and education requirements. For HVAC contractors, you typically need a combination of work experience (usually 4 years in the trade) and/or classroom hours. Verify exact requirements with the state board.

Step 2: Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board
The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, created under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, processes all contractor licenses. Submit your application through the state licensing system. You must demonstrate financial responsibility and good moral character.

Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exam
You must pass the state HVAC contractor exam covering trade knowledge, Florida construction law, and business practices.

Step 4: Obtain Local Permit Authority
Contact the Century Building Department to confirm local permitting procedures. Escambia County may also have permitting jurisdiction depending on the project location. Confirm whether Century operates its own building permit system or uses county permitting.

Local Requirements

Century is located in Escambia County, Florida. Contractors performing HVAC work in Century must comply with the Century Municipal Code. Review the code at https://library.municode.com/fl/century for any local licensing amendments, permit fees, or trade-specific regulations that may apply beyond state law.

Before beginning any HVAC work, pull a local permit from the appropriate permitting authority (Century Building Department or Escambia County, depending on jurisdiction). Unpermitted work may result in fines and stop-work orders.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensing requirements. These exemptions may include minor maintenance, repairs by property owners on their own property, or equipment installation by manufacturers. However, most commercial and residential HVAC contracting requires a license. Consult the statute or the state licensing board to confirm whether your specific work qualifies for an exemption.

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
• Century Municipal Code

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