HVAC Licensing in Lake Park, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who installs, repairs, or services air conditioning and refrigeration systems must hold an active, valid license as an air conditioning contractor. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "air conditioning contractor" means a person who engages in the business of installing, maintaining, or servicing air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems. This includes ductwork installation, system design, and maintenance contracts. If you perform HVAC work in Lake Park for compensation, you need a state license.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, issues HVAC contractor licenses. Follow these steps:

1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113: You must be at least 18 years old, provide proof of workers' compensation insurance, and demonstrate competency through examination or experience.

2. Experience pathway: Four years of full-time experience in air conditioning contracting work, with at least one year as a supervising contractor or equivalent responsible managing employee.

3. Exam pathway: One year of experience plus passage of the HVAC contractor exam.

4. Apply to CILB: Submit your application, required documentation, exam results (if applicable), and fees directly to Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board, the state agency that processes all contractor licensing.

5. Background check: The board will conduct a background investigation as part of approval.

Complete current requirements and application procedures are available through the CILB via the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Local Requirements

Lake Park operates under Palm Beach County permitting jurisdiction. Before beginning HVAC work in Lake Park:

• Pull permits through the Palm Beach County building permit system (not the town directly) or contact the Lake Park Building Department to confirm the current permitting authority.

• Review local amendments: Check the Lake Park Municipal Code for any town-level requirements, licensing amendments, or permit fee structures that may apply beyond state law.

• Proof of licensure: Have your current Florida HVAC contractor license available when applying for local work permits.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts the following from licensing requirements:

• Employees of a licensed contractor performing work under direct supervision
• Homeowners performing work on their own residential property (not for compensation)
• Manufacturers or equipment suppliers installing their own equipment
• Public employees performing work on public property

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
• Lake Park Municipal Code

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