HVAC Licensing in Pace CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who performs air conditioning work—including installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of HVAC systems—must hold a valid license unless exempt. HVAC work is regulated under the Construction Industry Licensing Board framework and constitutes "construction" as defined by state law.[^1] This includes both commercial and residential systems.

How to Get Licensed

Florida issues HVAC licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board established under state statute.[^2] To qualify for licensure, applicants must:

1. Meet experience requirements — Demonstrate competency through documented work experience or equivalent training in air conditioning work, as defined by board rules.[^3]
2. Pass the state exam — Take and pass the Florida HVAC contractor examination administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
3. Apply to DBPR — Submit your application directly to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, not to local authorities. The state board, not Pace CDP, issues the license.

Specific experience hours and exam details are set by the Construction Industry Licensing Board and available through DBPR's licensing portal. Consult the board rules and DBPR for current requirements.[^4]

Local Requirements

Permits for HVAC work in Pace CDP must be obtained through the Santa Rosa County Building Department, as Pace CDP is an unincorporated community. Contact the Santa Rosa County Building Department to pull permits before beginning any HVAC installation, replacement, or major repair work.

Review the Pace Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional permitting requirements specific to the area. While state law governs licensing, local code may impose separate permitting, inspection, or design standards.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida's HVAC licensing requirement:[^5]

• Employees performing work under direct supervision of a licensed contractor
• Work performed by a property owner on their own property (limited to single-family residential)
• Routine maintenance and repair by the manufacturer or original contractor under warranty
• Certain utility company work performed in their service territory
• Federal, state, and local government employees performing official duties

Exemptions are narrowly construed; consult the statute to confirm your specific situation qualifies.

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113
[^5]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

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