HVAC Licensing in Ocean Ridge, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who installs, maintains, repairs, or otherwise performs work on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in Ocean Ridge must hold a valid Florida HVAC contractor license, unless exempt under state law.

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, an "air conditioning contractor" is defined as a person who undertakes to, offers to, or does install, repair, service, or maintain equipment used to regulate temperature, humidity, or both in buildings or structures. This is a regulated construction trade in Florida.

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, issues HVAC licenses statewide. There is no separate local licensing board in Ocean Ridge.

2. Meet qualifications. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, applicants must:

3. Be at least 18 years old
4. Provide proof of experience (typically 4 years in the trade within the past 10 years) or equivalent education
5. Pass the state HVAC contractor exam

6. Provide proof of a valid state-issued identification

7. Submit the application. Apply through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). Contact the CILB directly for current application procedures, fees, and exam scheduling.

8. Obtain a local permit. After receiving your state license, contact the Ocean Ridge Building Department to pull required local work permits before starting any HVAC project in town.

Local Requirements

Ocean Ridge follows Ocean Ridge Municipal Code (available at https://library.municode.com/fl/ocean_ridge).

Contractors must comply with all local permitting requirements before beginning work. Contact the Ocean Ridge Building Department to determine which permits apply to your specific HVAC project and for any local amendments to state requirements.

Palm Beach County may also have overlapping jurisdiction on certain matters; verify local requirements directly with Ocean Ridge Building Department.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from HVAC contractor licensing:

• Employees of a licensed HVAC contractor performing work under the contractor's direct supervision and license
• Work performed by an employee of a building owner on that owner's property (limited scope)
• Certain equipment maintenance or service that does not involve installation or system alteration
• Property owners performing work on their own residential property (with restrictions)

Review Fla. Stat. § 489.103 in full to confirm your specific situation qualifies for 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

• 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
• Ocean Ridge Municipal Code

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