An appliance repair license in Florida shows you’re legally cleared to fix household appliances, even though the state doesn’t issue a single statewide license for this work. Instead, counties and cities run the show through local business licensing and specific trade credentials. Think about the three points below.
State vs. local licensing plays a big role because Florida doesn’t issue one general “appliance repair license.” You operate legally when you hold a local business tax receipt, sometimes called an occupational license.
Trade-specific certifications matter for certain machines, especially anything with refrigerant systems. Those repairs need federal credentials like EPA Section 608 Certification.
County-level regulation keeps techs accountable through local business receipts that often require insurance and proof of training to protect customers.
Why Do You Need a Licence to Repair Appliances in Florida?
Appliance repair rules in Florida shift a bit based on where you live and what kind of work you do. Think about the three parts below.
Mandatory licensing vs. optional licensing affects most techs because local Business Tax Receipts in the “Repair & Maintenance – General” category (NAICS 811) are required to run a legal shop.
State-level licensing isn’t required for everyday appliance repair. Local jurisdictions, though, usually expect business and occupational licensing.
Federal Certifications (EPA 608) become mandatory the moment you handle refrigerants. The EPA requires this for sealed systems under federal law.
Electric-Only vs. Refrigerant/HVAC Work affects your daily workflow.
Electric appliance repair, like dryers or ovens that don’t use refrigerants, usually doesn’t require EPA certification. You mainly need a local business licence.
Refrigeration or HVAC Repairs on sealed systems need EPA 608 certification because you’re working with refrigerant recovery.
The variation in licensing also depends on county rules.
Florida gives counties and cities the authority to set requirements. One county may ask for strict registration, insurance, and proof of experience. Another may simply collect a small fee before issuing a licence.
Some counties want evidence of insurance, a DBA, or a vocational credential before approving your business licence.
What Type of License Is Required for Appliance Repair in Florida?
Four types of licences may apply to appliance repair in Florida, as outlined below.
- A local business tax receipt or occupational license is required almost everywhere in the state. It makes your business legitimate in your county, and you renew it yearly.
- A State Contractor’s License (DBPR) applies if your work goes beyond basic repair and enters wiring, plumbing, or HVAC territory.
- EPA Section 608 Certification is mandatory for anyone who repairs appliances containing refrigerants. You choose Type I, II, III, or Universal depending on the systems you service.
- Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) registration becomes essential when appliance work crosses into regulated trades overseen by DBPR.
What Are the Requirements to Get an Appliance Repair License in Florida?
You’ll want to consider the four points below when working toward your appliance repair licence in Florida.
Basic qualifications usually start at age 18. Some counties want a high school diploma. Others may ask for trade school training or work experience, especially when techs handle complex systems.
Business Setup Requirements include an EIN and a clear business structure. Sole proprietors, LLCs, and corporations all register with the IRS and Florida Department of Revenue. You may also need a Florida Sales Tax license depending on what you sell.
Local licensing requires a county occupational license (Local Business Tax Receipt under NAICS 811). It keeps your operation legal. Fees and renewals vary by county, so check with your local tax collector.
Insurance and bonding usually require liability coverage. Workers’ compensation is mandatory if you work on HVAC or gas appliances and plan to hire employees.
What Are Approved Appliance Repair Programs in Florida
Here are the top four appliance repair programs in Florida that mix hands-on training with EPA certification prep.
- Florida Career College offers appliance and refrigeration repair courses built for beginners entering the field.
- Erwin Technical College (Tampa), part of Hillsborough County Public Schools, runs solid trade programs that include appliance repair training.
- Miami Dade College / Miami Lakes Educational Centre runs a 1,200-hour appliance and refrigeration program focused on diagnostics, electronics, and refrigerant handling.
- Lincoln Tech provides national vocational certificates. Most of its programs lean HVAC or automotive, but some campuses include appliance-electronics and EPA prep.
How to Get an Appliance Repair License in Florida: Step-by-Step Guide
Choose Your Business Structure
First decide how your business will operate. LLCs and corporations give personal liability protection, while sole proprietorships are simple but leave you more exposed. Your structure shapes your paperwork and taxes.
Register with the Florida Division of Corporations
Go to Sunbiz.org to file Articles of Organization for an LLC or Articles of Incorporation for a corporation. Pick a unique name, choose a registered agent, and file a DBA if needed. Get your EIN from the IRS so you can open bank accounts and file state taxes.
Apply for a Business Tax Receipt (County License)
Visit your county tax collector for a local business tax receipt. It’s an annual licence that lets you operate legally where you live. Fees range widely. For example, Miami-Dade often runs $50–$100, and Orange County includes some city-level fees.
Obtain Liability Insurance
Hold at least $1M in liability insurance because accidents do happen. Workers’ compensation is required if you hire staff under Florida law.
Apply for Speciality Licences/Certifications
Depending on your service list, you may need the three credentials below.
Refrigeration work requires EPA Section 608 Certification.
Electrical/HVAC modifications require Florida DBPR trade licences.
Contractor-level services involving plumbing, wiring, or structural changes require DBPR contractor licences.
Do You Need EPA Certification to Repair Appliances in Florida?
Yes, you do if you handle appliances containing refrigerants. The Clean Air Act requires EPA certification in every U.S. state.
Section 608 requires techs who service or dispose of refrigerant-bearing appliances to pass a federally approved exam. The certification never expires.
The five certification types work as follows.
- First is the core exam. The core exam covers ozone protection and legal rules.
- Type I applies to small appliances with 5 lbs or less of refrigerant like countertop fridges.
- Type II covers high-pressure systems like home air conditioners.
- Type III focuses on low-pressure systems like industrial chillers.
- Universal includes Core + Types I, II, and III so you can work on all systems.
You need certification any time you open a sealed system, attach gauges, or recover refrigerant. You don’t need it when you stick to electric appliances that don’t contain refrigerants.
Follow the five steps below to apply for EPA 608 certification.
- Choose the certification level based on the appliances you plan to repair.
- Study with EPA-approved materials through places like Mainstream Engineering, SkillCat, or ESCO Institute.
- Take a proctored exam. Type I is open-book. Types II, III, and Universal are closed-book and supervised.
- Score at least 70–72% on each part to pass.
- Receive your certification card, which stays valid permanently unless revoked.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Appliance Repair License in Florida?
The five cost categories below give you a realistic idea of startup expenses for appliance repair work in Florida.
Business registration usually costs $125 for an LLC ($100 filing + $25 registered agent fee).
County business tax receipts range from $30 to $150 yearly depending on where you operate.
Liability insurance costs fall under three points.
General liability averages about $807 a year (roughly $0.05 per kilometer if you travel for jobs).
A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) runs about $990 yearly.
Workers’ Compensation often runs near $3,054 yearly if you hire employees.
EPA Section 608 Certification Exam costs vary for two reasons.
A Type I open-book exam is about $26.95, with retakes around $7.95.
Universal exams range from around $10 to $150 depending on study bundles.
Optional training programs cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000 depending on whether you join an in-person bootcamp or online course.
Can You Start an Appliance Repair Business Without a Licence in Florida?
Yes, you can start one, but only with limits. Florida allows unlicensed individuals to do minor, non-structural work under $2,500 total, including materials and labor.
Many counties still require a local business tax receipt for any repair work. Sole proprietors must check local rules first. Working without proper licensing may lead to fines, no insurance coverage, and losing customer trust.
How long does it take to get an appliance repair licence in Florida?
Most people finish everything in 4–8 weeks. The timeline depends on your business setup, insurance approval, and how fast your county and DBPR process paperwork.
Is appliance repair a regulated trade in Florida?
General appliance repair isn’t a regulated trade. But electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work is. The DBPR regulates those specific trades even though everyday appliance repair isn’t state-regulated.
What happens if I operate without a licence?
If you go beyond the $2,500 limit or perform regulated work without a licence, you’ll face misdemeanors, fines, and possibly lawsuits from customers.
How do I renew my appliance repair licence?
Keep the three renewal steps in mind.
- Local business tax receipts renew yearly through your county.
- DBPR licences renew every two years when applicable.
- EPA 608 certification doesn’t expire.
Do I need continuing education in Florida?
No, not for general appliance repair. But DBPR-regulated trades like contractors and electricians must complete 14 hours every two years.
Is an appliance repair license required for all parts of Florida?
No, requirements vary. Some counties require a licence. Others ask for registration only. Always check with your county tax collector or DBPR.
Are there any special requirements for out-of-state applicants?
Yes, non-residents must complete the three steps below.
File foreign entity documents through Sunbiz.
Get a unique EIN.
Meet local licensing and insurance requirements.
What is the difference between an appliance repair licence and a contractor’s licence?
Appliance repair covers basic fixes on plug-in, non-regulated appliances. A contractor’s licence through DBPR is required for regulated trades like wiring, plumbing, and HVAC. Contractor work needs exams, experience, and continuing education.
