HVAC Licensing in University CDP (Orange County), Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person performing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration work in University CDP must hold a valid Florida Construction Industry License unless exempt. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "air conditioning contractor" means a person who undertakes to, offers to, or does install, service, or repair air conditioning systems. This includes ductwork, refrigerant handling, and system repairs.

Work requiring licensure includes new installations, replacements, maintenance contracts, and repairs to HVAC systems in residential, commercial, or industrial settings.

How to Get Licensed

HVAC licensing in Florida is regulated by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Step 1: Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Step 2: Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113. You must either:
- Have four years of documented experience in air conditioning work within the past five years, OR
- Have a high school diploma/GED plus an HVAC trade school certification (600+ hours) plus two years of documented experience within the past five years.

Step 3: Pass the HVAC contractor exam covering Florida Building Code, business practices, and technical standards.

Step 4: Apply for your license through DBPR and receive your active license.

The state board—not the local municipality—issues the license. However, before performing work in University CDP, you must comply with local permit and inspection requirements (see Local Requirements below).

Local Requirements

Work in University CDP must comply with Orange County and University CDP municipal codes. Consult the University CDP (Orange County) Municipal Code for local permit procedures, permit fees, inspection schedules, and any additional requirements beyond state law.

Before beginning HVAC work, contact the Orange County Building Department or University CDP building official to:
- Obtain required construction/trade permits
- Schedule inspections at required stages
- Verify compliance with local amendments to Florida Building Code

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensure:

• Homeowners performing work on their own residential property
• Employees of licensed contractors performing work under direct supervision
• Work performed by utilities on their own equipment
• Guaranteed energy/water performance savings contractors operating under Fla. Stat. § 489.145 (specific conditions apply)

Exempt work must still comply with building codes and local permit requirements where applicable.

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
• University CDP (Orange County) Municipal Code

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