HVAC Licensing in Marathon, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person or business performing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration work in Marathon must hold a valid Florida construction license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, this includes installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of HVAC systems serving residential, commercial, or industrial properties. Design, estimation, and supervision of such work also require licensing.

Work performed on your own single-family home that you occupy may be exempt, but any work performed for compensation—or on rental properties—requires a license.

How to Get Licensed

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

1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, including:
2. Four years of documented work experience in HVAC within the past 10 years, or equivalent education/apprenticeship
3. Proof of workers' compensation insurance

4. Proof of general liability insurance

5. Pass the state exam administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The exam covers Florida construction law, HVAC technical knowledge, and business practices.

6. Submit your application to DBPR with required documentation, exam scores, and applicable fees.

7. Obtain your license once approved. Florida issues an air conditioning contractor license valid for two years.

Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for current exam dates, fees, and application procedures.

Local Requirements

Marathon enforces building and construction standards through Monroe County and local municipal code. Contractors must:

• Obtain a local permit from the Marathon Building Department before beginning any HVAC work
• Comply with Marathon Municipal Code standards for construction work in the city

Consult the Marathon Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit procedures, fees, and inspection requirements specific to the city. Contact the Marathon Building Department for permit application processes and local building official contacts.

All work must meet current Florida Building Code standards and local amendments adopted by Marathon.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing:

• Owners performing work on their own single-family residential property (not for compensation)
• Employees working under a licensed contractor's direct supervision
• Manufacturers and distributors installing equipment they produce
• Certain service work on equipment owned by the same company

Any work performed for payment, on property you don't own, or on multi-family or commercial properties requires a license, 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
• Marathon Municipal Code

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