Venice HVAC License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. Florida air-conditioning or mechanical contractor license (DBPR CILB)
   HVAC contracting needs a license in the right class: Class A air-conditioning (unlimited), Class B (up to 25 tons cooling / 500,000 Btu heating per system), or mechanical contractor.
   ⏰ Renew with DBPR each cycle, with continuing education (check the date on your license)
   Source: Florida Statutes §489.105 (contractor definitions) · Florida Statutes §489.115 (contractors must be certified or registered; renewals; CE)
2. Business name and entity filings (Sunbiz)
   LLCs and corporations file an annual report ($138.75 for an LLC). Using a name other than your legal name? Register it as a fictitious name.
   ⏰ Annual report: May 1 ($400 late fee). Fictitious name: renew every 5 years
   Source: Florida Division of Corporations: File Annual Report · Florida Statutes §865.09 (fictitious name registration)

Local (Venice / Sarasota County)

1. City of Venice Business Tax Receipt
   Required before starting any business, occupation or profession in city limits. Apply through Planning and Zoning, with a New Tenant Occupancy form (commercial) or Home Occupation application (home-based).
   ⏰ Expires September 30 each year
   Source: City of Venice: Starting a New Business
2. Sarasota County: none
   Sarasota County repealed its local business tax on July 9, 2024.
   ⏰ N/A
   Source: Sarasota County Tax Collector: County Business Tax Repealed