HVAC Licensing in Highland Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, anyone performing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration work must hold an active license issued by the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, HVAC work is classified as a construction trade requiring licensure. This includes installation, maintenance, repair, and alteration of air conditioning and heating systems.

The specific definition of regulated HVAC work is established in Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and enforced statewide. If you perform compensated HVAC work in Highland Beach without a valid license, you are operating illegally.

How to Get Licensed

Licensure is administered by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps:
1. Meet qualification requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which include documented experience in HVAC work and passage of the Florida HVAC license examination.
2. Apply through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (state level—not local).
3. Submit proof of experience, typically 4 years of documented work in HVAC trade or equivalent combination of education and experience.
4. Pass the HVAC trade exam administered by the Board.
5. Pay applicable state licensing fees.

Specific experience requirements and exam details are codified in Fla. Stat. § 489.113. Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current application procedures, exam schedules, and fees.

Local Requirements

Highland Beach is located in Palm Beach County. Once licensed by the state, HVAC contractors performing work in Highland Beach must comply with local permitting and code requirements.

Permitting: Contact the Highland Beach Building Department to determine whether HVAC work in your project requires a local permit. Requirements vary by project scope.

Municipal Code: Highland Beach municipal regulations are available at the Highland Beach Municipal Code. Review this code for any local amendments, permit requirements, or restrictions on HVAC work within town limits.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 provides exemptions from state licensing. Common exemptions include:
- Homeowners performing work on their own residence
- Employees of licensed contractors working under direct supervision
- Certain maintenance or repair work performed by equipment manufacturers

Review Fla. Stat. § 489.103 carefully to confirm whether your specific work qualifies for an exemption.

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

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