HVAC Licensing in Three Lakes CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who installs, repairs, or maintains air conditioning, heating, or refrigeration systems must hold a valid license issued by the state. This includes work on residential and commercial HVAC systems. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, an "air conditioning contractor" is defined as a person who undertakes to, offers to, or advertises to engage in the business of installing, maintaining, repairing, or servicing air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment and systems.

Unlicensed HVAC work in Three Lakes CDP is illegal and exposes property owners and contractors to fines and liability.

How to Get Licensed

Florida HVAC licensing is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under authority of Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps:

1. Verify eligibility under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which sets qualification requirements including work experience, education, and citizenship/residency status.

2. Apply to the CILB through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You must submit proof of required hours of experience and/or education in HVAC work.

3. Pass the state examination covering HVAC installation, repair, safety, and Florida construction code.

4. Obtain your license once you pass the exam and meet all qualifying conditions.

Contact the Florida DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current application procedures, exam dates, and detailed experience/education requirements.

Local Requirements

Three Lakes CDP is located in Miami-Dade County. HVAC contractors must comply with the Three Lakes Municipal Code available at https://library.municode.com/fl/three-lakes-cdp-florida.

Before beginning any HVAC work in Three Lakes:

• Obtain a permit from the appropriate building department (either Three Lakes or Miami-Dade County, depending on jurisdiction). Contact the Three Lakes Building Department to confirm which authority has jurisdiction over your project.

• Review local amendments to state licensing rules in the Three Lakes Municipal Code. Local codes may impose additional requirements beyond state law, such as local licensing fees, bonding, or insurance thresholds.

• Display your license at the job site as required by state and local law.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following work is exempt from HVAC licensing requirements:

• Installation, maintenance, or repair of portable room air conditioners or portable dehumidifiers
• Work performed on equipment owned and operated by the same company (in-house service)
• Certain work on equipment for industrial or manufacturing processes (context-dependent)

Homeowners performing work on their own single-family residence may have limited exemptions, but commercial contractors must be licensed regardless.

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
• Three Lakes Municipal Code

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