HVAC Licensing in University CDP (Hillsborough County), Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person performing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work in University CDP must hold a valid Florida contractor license unless exempted by law. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, an "air conditioning contractor" is defined as a person who undertakes to, offers to, or does construct, repair, or service air conditioning systems. This includes installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of HVAC equipment and components serving residential, commercial, or industrial properties.

How to Get Licensed

Florida issues HVAC licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (Fla. Stat. § 489.107). The state board administers the licensing program statewide; there is no separate local licensing board in University CDP.

Steps:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113:
2. Provide proof of experience (typically 4 years in the trade for an air conditioning contractor, or equivalent combination of education and experience)
3. Submit proof of workers' compensation insurance

4. Provide a Social Security number or federal tax identification number

5. Pass the state exam administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board covering HVAC trade knowledge, building codes, and business law

6. Apply through the state (not through University CDP). Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or visit the Construction Industry Licensing Board's application portal for current fees, exam scheduling, and submission procedures

7. Obtain local permits before beginning any HVAC work in University CDP (see Local Requirements below)

Local Requirements

Permit applications in University CDP are filed through the Hillsborough County Building Department, which has jurisdiction over unincorporated areas including University CDP. Before starting any HVAC work, contact the Hillsborough County Building Department to obtain necessary permits.

Review the University CDP (Hillsborough County) Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit fees, inspection requirements, or additional restrictions beyond state law.

Exemptions

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

• Homeowner work: A property owner performing work on their own residential property (not for hire)
• Employees: Workers employed by a licensed contractor, acting under the contractor's supervision
• Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks may be exempt depending on scope; consult the statute for specifics

Any work performed for compensation requires the performing entity to hold a valid state license, regardless of local exemptions.

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
• University CDP (Hillsborough County) Municipal Code

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