HVAC Licensing in Coral Gables, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, maintains, repairs, or alters heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in Coral Gables must hold a valid state license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, HVAC work falls under the regulated "Construction Industry," and § 489.113 prohibits unlicensed individuals from performing or offering to perform this work.

You need a license if you:
- Install new HVAC systems
- Repair or service existing systems
- Design HVAC components
- Alter ductwork or refrigeration lines
- Perform any work requiring permits under local building codes

How to Get Licensed

Florida licenses HVAC contractors through the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The process requires:

1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which include:
2. Four years of verifiable experience in HVAC work (or equivalent education/apprenticeship)

3. Pass a written examination on Florida construction law and HVAC standards

4. Apply with the state (not the city). Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or the Construction Industry Licensing Board for application forms, exam dates, and fees.

5. Pass the state exam covering HVAC practices, building codes, and Florida Statutes § 489.

6. Receive your state license, valid for two years with renewal requirements.

Local Requirements

Coral Gables enforces state licensing requirements and maintains additional local construction standards. Before beginning any HVAC work in the city:

• Pull permits through the Coral Gables Building Department (city level, not county)
• Review local amendments in the Coral Gables Municipal Code for any additional restrictions, inspection requirements, or modifications to state standards
• Ensure your state license is current and in good standing before applying for city permits

Contact the Coral Gables Building Department for specific permit procedures, inspection schedules, and local code requirements applicable to your project.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts:
- Employees working directly for a licensed HVAC contractor (under the contractor's license)
- Owners performing work on their own residential property (single-family homes only; not rental or commercial property)
- Maintenance employees of large facilities performing routine, non-design work within their employer's facility
- Work on system components not requiring a permit under local building codes

Work requiring permits always requires a licensed contractor, regardless of exemption claims.

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
• Coral Gables Municipal Code

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