Winter Garden 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 (Winter Garden / Orange County)

1. City of Winter Garden Business Tax Receipt
   Required before opening for any business at a city address (no PO boxes). Commercial sites may need a Land Use Review first and a fire inspection after payment. Half fee from April 1.
   ⏰ Tax year October 1 to September 30; renew via BS&A Online
   Source: City of Winter Garden: Business Tax
2. Orange County Business Tax Receipt
   The city says you also need an Orange County receipt after the city receipt is issued.
   ⏰ Verify the county renewal date with the Orange County Tax Collector
   Source: City of Winter Garden: Business Tax