HVAC Licensing in North Miami city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who installs, maintains, repairs, or replaces heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) systems must hold a valid license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Work that requires licensing includes installation of new systems, repair or replacement of compressors, refrigerant handling, ductwork modification, and system diagnostics performed for compensation.

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, an "air conditioning contractor" is defined as a person who engages in the business of installing, maintaining, or repairing air conditioning systems. This definition establishes the scope of regulated activity in North Miami.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure (required first):

1. Apply to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, which administers HVAC contractor licenses statewide under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

2. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which typically requires:

3. Proof of technical knowledge through examination
4. Documented experience (usually 4 years of verifiable work in HVAC trade, or equivalent education substitution)
5. Financial responsibility documentation

6. Workers' compensation insurance or proof of exemption

7. Pass the Florida HVAC contractor examination covering technical, code, and business topics.

8. Submit proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

Contact the Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current application forms, examination schedules, and fees. The state board does not issue local permits; it issues the statewide license only.

Local Requirements

North Miami Permits:

Once you hold a valid Florida state HVAC license, you must obtain a city permit before beginning work in North Miami. Contact the North Miami Building Department to apply for local work permits, which are required for any HVAC installation, replacement, or major repair within city limits.

Check the North Miami Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional bonding requirements, or restrictions that may apply to HVAC contractors operating in the city. Municipal codes can impose local standards beyond state minimums.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work and individuals are exempt from licensure, including:

• Employees of licensed contractors performing work under direct supervision
• Maintenance performed by the property owner on their own residential property (not for compensation)
• Certain emergency repairs (check statute for specific conditions)

An individual must verify exemption status directly, as exemptions are narrowly defined and have strict conditions.

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
• North Miami Municipal Code

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