HVAC Licensing in Wellington village, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who installs, repairs, or maintains air conditioning systems must hold an active license issued by the state. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "air conditioning contractor" means a person who undertakes to, offers to, or does install, service, repair, or alter air conditioning systems. This includes ductwork, refrigerant handling, and system replacement work. Routine maintenance calls and diagnostic service also require licensure if they involve system repair or alteration.

How to Get Licensed

Florida regulates HVAC work through the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To become licensed:

1. Meet experience requirements: You must document at least 4 years of verifiable full-time work experience in air conditioning contracting during the 10 years preceding application.

2. Pass the state exam: Apply through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The exam tests knowledge of the Florida Building Code, HVAC installation standards, and safety practices.

3. Submit application materials: Provide proof of experience, a completed application, and the applicable fee to DBPR.

4. Obtain your license: Once approved, you will receive a state contractor license number valid for two years, renewable upon payment of renewal fees.

Details on qualifications and practice restrictions appear in Fla. Stat. § 489.113.

Local Requirements

Wellington village is located in Palm Beach County, Florida. Permit requirements and local enforcement are governed by the Wellington Municipal Code. Before beginning any HVAC work in Wellington, you must:

1. Pull a permit from the Wellington Building Department for installation, replacement, or major repair work.
2. Comply with local amendments: Review the Wellington Municipal Code for any local amendments to state HVAC standards, permit fees, or inspections.

Contact the Wellington Building Department for specific permit procedures, fees, and inspection requirements applicable in the village.

Exemptions

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

• Employees: A person working under the direct supervision of a licensed air conditioning contractor.
• Maintenance only: Routine maintenance that does not involve repair or alteration (limited cleaning and minor adjustments).
• Owner-occupied property: An owner performing work on their own residential property (does not apply to rental or commercial property).

Any work involving system repair, refrigerant handling, or alteration requires a valid state license regardless of exemption claims.

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
• Wellington Municipal Code

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