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HVAC Qualifier – Frequently Asked Questions

I will work for you as a part-time, W2 employee. Under Florida Statutes Section 489.1195, a licensed HVAC qualifier or HVAC contractor can be an employee of someone else's business and act as a qualifying agent for that business. This arrangement allows the licensed contractor to ensure that the business complies with all licensing and regulatory requirements. The primary qualifier is responsible for supervising all operations of the business, including fieldwork and financial matters(unless a Financially Responsible Officer is designated). If there are multiple qualifying agents, one can be designated as the sole primary qualifying agent, while others can serve as secondary qualifying agents responsible for specific jobs.

The level of control that I assume over your business is a negotiable term of our employment arrangement, however maintaining acceptable legal, safety and workmanship standards is not negotiable and will be enforced.

A Financially Responsible Officer (FRO) in a Florida contracting business is responsible for managing the financial aspects of the business, ensuring regulatory adherence, and providing necessary financial documentation for business certification or registration. The responsibility of FRO can be held by the license holder or another person. The role and responsibilities of an FRO are outlined in the Florida Statutes, specifically in Chapter 489, Section 1195.

I will not act as a financially responsible officer for any business that I work with. This has nothing to do with you, your business or my thoughts about your financial stability. I do not and will not act as a financially responsible officer for your business or any other business, because it protects your business and the other businesses that I work with. If I act as a financially responsible officer for a company that has financial issues it can impact my ability to work with other businesses that need my help. Not acting as a financially responsible officer for anyone is an intentional strategy to protect all of the businesses that I work with(including yours), from the risk of issues with my license.

No. That's illegal. In Florida, a licensed air conditioning contractor cannot pull permits for someone else unless they have a contract to perform the work specified in the permit. This is to prevent unlicensed activity and ensure that work is completed by licensed air conditioning and HVAC contractors. According to Section 489.127(4) of the Florida Statutes, pulling a permit for construction work performed by others is punishable as a misdemeanor.

No. That's illegal. According to Florida Statutes Section 489.127, a certified or registered HVAC contractor may not enter into an agreement, either oral or written, whereby their certification number or registration number is used by a person who is not certified or registered, or by a business organization that is not duly qualified to engage in the business of contracting. Violating this statute can result in severe penalties, including criminal charges, fines, loss of license, and liability for any damages or injuries that occur as a result of unlicensed work.

The Florida HVAC licensing process typically takes 6-12 months for most applicants. This includes meeting the 4-year experience requirement, completing exam preparation, passing the state and business law exams, submitting application paperwork, and background check processing. The DBPR processing time can vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Operating without an HVAC license in Florida is a criminal offense under Florida Statute 489.127. First-time violations are first-degree misdemeanors punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 in fines. Repeat offenses escalate to third-degree felonies with penalties of up to $5,000 and 5 years in prison. Additional consequences include civil penalties, stop-work orders, and potential liability for damages.

Florida requires 4 years of experience in HVAC work including installation, maintenance, repair, and design of air conditioning systems. Experience must be in mechanical contracting, HVAC engineering, or related fields. Alternative pathways include engineering degrees (2-year reduction) or technical school completion (1-year reduction). Experience must be documented with employer verification and detailed work descriptions.

No, Florida does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state HVAC licenses. However, out-of-state experience may count toward Florida's experience requirements if properly documented. Licensed contractors from other states must still take Florida's state-specific exam, meet financial responsibility requirements, and complete the full application process through the DBPR.

Florida HVAC contractors must carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Minimum liability coverage varies by registration type but typically starts at $300,000. Workers' compensation is required for businesses with employees. Some local jurisdictions may require additional coverage. Proof of insurance must be maintained and provided during license application and renewal.
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