HVAC Licensing in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person engaging in the business of air conditioning, heating, or refrigeration work in New Smyrna Beach must hold a valid Florida license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "air conditioning" is defined as the installation, maintenance, repair, or design of systems for heating, cooling, humidification, or dehumidification of air.

Work requiring licensure includes:
- Installation of HVAC systems
- Repair and maintenance of air conditioning or heating equipment
- Design of HVAC systems
- Refrigeration work

The license requirement applies regardless of whether you work as a sole proprietor, employee, or contractor.

How to Get Licensed

HVAC licensing is administered by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. To qualify for an air conditioning license, applicants must meet experience and examination requirements outlined in Fla. Stat. § 489.113.

Steps:
1. Verify you meet experience requirements (typically 4 years documented HVAC experience in the past 5 years, or equivalent apprenticeship/education combination)
2. Apply with the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) at the state level
3. Pass the HVAC contractor examination
4. Submit proof of workers' compensation insurance and liability insurance
5. Pay applicable state licensing fees

Contact the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board directly for current examination schedules, fees, and detailed application procedures. Applications are processed at the state level, not locally.

Local Requirements

New Smyrna Beach enforces its own permit and inspection requirements for HVAC work. Before beginning any HVAC project in the city, you must:

1. Obtain a local permit from the New Smyrna Beach Building Department
2. Comply with municipal codes in the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Code

Review the municipal code link above for local amendments, permit fees, inspection requirements, and any additional qualifications beyond state law. Contact the New Smyrna Beach Building Department for specific permit procedures, fees, and required documentation for HVAC installations and repairs in the city.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain limited activities are exempt from licensing requirements, such as:
- Maintenance of refrigeration systems in certain contexts
- Work performed solely on the owner's own residential property (with restrictions)

Review § 489.103 directly to determine if your specific work qualifies for an exemption, as exemptions are narrowly defined.

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
• New Smyrna Beach Municipal Code

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