HVAC Licensing in Horizon West CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, repairs, or maintains heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems in Horizon West must hold a valid Florida contractor license unless exempt under state law. Florida Statutes § 489.105 defines these trades and requires licensing for work performed for compensation. This includes new installations, replacements, repairs, maintenance contracts, and system modifications.

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, issues HVAC contractor licenses statewide. Apply through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

2. Meet Qualifications. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must demonstrate competency through one of these paths:

3. Pass the state HVAC contractor exam AND provide proof of four years of active experience in HVAC work within the ten years before application

4. OR provide proof of licensure in another state with equivalent requirements and pass the Florida exam

5. Complete the Application. Submit your application, experience documentation, exam results, and required fees to DBPR. The Board reviews applications under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

6. Maintain Your License. Comply with all state requirements for license renewal and continuing education as outlined in § 489.113.

Local Requirements

Horizon West CDP is located in Orange County, Florida. Before beginning HVAC work in Horizon West:

• Obtain a permit from the Horizon West Building Department or Orange County Building Department, depending on local jurisdiction for your project location.
• Review the Horizon West Municipal Code at https://library.municode.com/fl/horizon-west-cdp-florida for any local amendments, permit application procedures, inspection requirements, or additional restrictions beyond state law.
• Ensure your state license is current and in good standing before pulling permits.

Contact the Horizon West Building Department or Orange County Building Department for specific permit locations, fees, and local procedures.

Exemptions

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

• Employees working under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
• Homeowners performing work on their own residential property (not for compensation)
• Manufacturers performing work on their own equipment
• Certain utility company employees performing specific work

Exemptions are narrowly construed. When in doubt, assume licensing is required.

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
• Horizon West Municipal Code

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