HVAC Licensing in Surfside, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who undertakes to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, or improve any building or structure in Surfside must hold the appropriate Florida license if the work involves air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, an "air conditioning contractor" is defined as a person who engages in the business of installing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing air conditioning systems. This includes ductwork, refrigerant handling, and associated mechanical systems.

Work requiring licensure includes new installation, replacement of major components, system repairs exceeding routine maintenance, and any work involving refrigerant or pressurized systems.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) issues air conditioning contractor licenses. Follow these steps:

1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires:
2. Four years of documented experience in air conditioning work, OR
3. Two years of experience plus completion of an accredited trade school program, OR

4. One year of experience plus an associate degree in a related field

5. Pass the CILB examination covering Florida building codes, business law, and trade-specific standards.

6. Apply through CILB with proof of experience, education documentation, and exam results.

7. Pay applicable state fees.

Consult Fla. Stat. § 489.107 for the Construction Industry Licensing Board's full authority and procedures.

Local Requirements

Surfside requires all contractors—including HVAC contractors—to obtain a local permit before beginning work. Contact the Surfside Building Department to file permit applications and pay local fees. The town will verify your current Florida CILB license as a condition of permit issuance.

Review the Surfside Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional insurance requirements, or town-specific standards that may apply to mechanical contracting. Miami-Dade County regulations may also apply; verify with the Building Department which code provisions govern your specific project.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts the following from licensure:

• Employees of licensed contractors performing work under direct supervision
• Owners performing work on their own property (with limitations)
• Emergency repairs that restore a system to its original state (without adding capacity or major modifications)
• Routine maintenance such as filter changes and minor adjustments

Any work requiring design, engineering, or system expansion falls outside these exemptions and requires a licensed contractor.

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
• Surfside Municipal Code

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