Chapter 489 of the Florida Statute requires all licensed HVAC contractors to obtain a building permit to install, remove, or replace any air conditioning system, as regulated by the Florida Building Code. If you plan to replace the air conditioner in your Florida home or business, you'll need a building permit from your local county. A permit is only needed if you are replacing the main unit of your central air conditioning system. You don't need a permit to replace a window air conditioner. Window units are generally designed to cool only one room, while central air conditioning systems cool the entire house.
HVAC permits are essential because an air conditioning system that is not properly installed can cause terrible accidents. Each Florida county maintains a different process for obtaining the building permit needed to replace or install an air conditioning unit, but that doesn't mean you have to get one individually. These authorized technicians know how to repair an HVAC system, they know how to install an HVAC system, they know which company has the best HVAC system, and a lot more. Most manufacturers of HVAC equipment require equipment to be installed by an authorized HVAC contractor.
While most states require an HVAC license, some states are still okay with their technicians not having an HVAC license. If the equipment is not installed by an authorized HVAC contractor, warranty coverage is void and the manufacturer will not cover the replacement of defective parts. There have been countless reports of homes burning down because the air conditioning system was not properly installed.
