HVAC Licensing in Goulds CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, repairs, or maintains air conditioning, heating, or refrigeration systems in Goulds CDP must hold an active Florida HVAC license. Under Florida Statute § 489.105, an "air conditioning contractor" is defined as a person who engages in the business of installing, maintaining, or repairing air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems. This includes ductwork, equipment placement, electrical connections to equipment, and system testing. Work on residential and commercial systems requires licensure.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) issues HVAC licenses under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113: You must have either (a) four years of documented experience as an HVAC contractor or equivalent, or (b) two years of experience plus an associate degree in air conditioning/refrigeration from an accredited institution.

2. Pass the HVAC contractor exam administered by CILB. The exam tests knowledge of Florida building codes, mechanical systems, and safety standards.

3. Apply to CILB with proof of experience, exam results, and applicable fees. Applications are processed by the state, not locally.

4. Obtain workers' compensation insurance and general liability insurance as required by state law before commencing work.

Once licensed by the state, your license is valid throughout Florida, including in Goulds CDP.

Local Requirements

Goulds CDP is an unincorporated community in Miami-Dade County. Permits and inspections are handled by Miami-Dade County, not a municipal authority.

Before beginning HVAC work in Goulds CDP, you must obtain a mechanical permit from the Miami-Dade County Building Department. Submit plans, your active state HVAC license, and project details. The county will inspect work at rough-in and final stages to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code.

Consult the Goulds Municipal Code for any community-specific regulations, though Goulds CDP defers to county codes for most building and trade matters.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensure:

• Persons installing, maintaining, or repairing air conditioning systems in their own home (owner-occupied residential property only)
• Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor
• Manufacturers or distributors performing work on their own equipment
• Public employees acting in their official capacity

Replacement of filters, minor maintenance, or non-structural repairs by building owners on their own single-family residence do not require licensing. Any work for compensation, or work on properties you do not own, requires an active license.

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
• Goulds Municipal Code

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