If you're looking to replace the air conditioner in your Florida home or business, you'll need to obtain a building permit from your local county. The Florida Building Code requires licensed HVAC contractors to obtain a building permit to install, remove, or replace an air conditioning system. If you've hired an HVAC contractor to replace your air conditioner, they will likely obtain the necessary building permit on your behalf. The High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) is an area consisting of the coastal counties of Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe.
In these counties, it is essential that the HVAC system is installed by a licensed contractor in order for the warranty coverage to be valid. If the equipment is not installed by an authorized HVAC contractor, the warranty coverage is void and the manufacturer will not cover the replacement of the defective parts. The scope of these Florida HVAC installation codes is wide, but there are certain items to consider when installing an HVAC system. It will only be accepted in Broward and Miami-Dade counties when the Florida Product Approval (FLPA) demonstrates that the product also meets HVHZ requirements.
Most HVAC equipment manufacturers require that the equipment be installed by a licensed HVAC contractor. In addition, a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) is not guaranteed to be accepted outside of Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Each county in Florida has 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 obtain one as an individual. As an expert in HVAC systems, I highly recommend considering Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) systems.
UFAD systems installed in accordance with Florida building codes are more energy efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly than traditional HVAC systems, making them the ideal choice for those considering fully replacing their HVAC evaporators and condensed units.
