HVAC Licensing in Greenville, Florida
Who Needs a License
Any person or entity performing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration work in Greenville must hold a valid state license unless exempt. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, an "air conditioning contractor" is defined as a person who undertakes to install, construct, repair, or service air conditioning or refrigeration systems. This includes ductwork installation, refrigerant handling, and system modifications. Work that alters, repairs, or installs these systems requires licensing; maintenance calls and minor repairs may fall under exemptions (see below).
How to Get Licensed
HVAC licensing in Florida is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To obtain a state HVAC license:
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Meet experience requirements: Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate 4 years of relevant work experience in air conditioning contracting, or 2 years if you hold an associate degree in a related field.
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Pass the state exam: Complete the state licensing exam covering HVAC codes, safety, and technical knowledge.
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Register with the state: Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Division of Construction Industry Licensing. Submit proof of experience, exam scores, and applicable fees.
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Obtain a local permit: Once state-licensed, register with Greenville's building department before performing any work in town.
The state issues the license; local authorities verify compliance before permits are issued.
Local Requirements
Greenville operates under Madison County jurisdiction for building and trade regulation. Contractors performing HVAC work in Greenville must:
- Pull permits through the Greenville Building Department (or Madison County if services are centralized)
- Comply with the Greenville Municipal Code — consult the Greenville Municipal Code for any local amendments to state licensing rules, permit fees, or work standards
Contact the Greenville Building Department to confirm current permit procedures and any local licensing amendments.
Exemptions
Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from HVAC licensing requirements:
- Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
- Installation or repair of certain equipment not classified as air conditioning systems
- Emergency repairs necessary to prevent safety hazards (though permanent repairs typically require a licensed contractor)
- Owners performing work on their own residential property (not for hire)
Verify applicability to your specific work with the state DBPR or Greenville Building Department.
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
- Greenville Municipal Code
The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)