Hillsborough County, FL HVAC permit requirements

Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023). This is the statewide edition in effect; the county checklist pages do not name the edition.

Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation, 8th Edition (2023), which is the statewide edition.

New single-family construction checklist: 'Provide a digital set of Florida Energy Efficiency forms R402 and R405. Front sheet shall contain the digital signature of the person who performed the calculations and the digital signature of the owner/agent. Provide a digital set of load calculations (Manual “J”) obtained from Mechanical Contractor'. Residential Alterations checklist: 'If mechanical equipment is being retrofitted, provide a digital set of R402 or R405 ... Provide one digital set of load calculations Manual “J” obtained from Mechanical Contractor.'

No county checklist text naming Manual D was found.

A permit is required. The county's HB 803 (2026) exemption page says the under-$7,500 single-family exemption 'does not apply' when 'The work includes electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical or gas work'. For 'a project requiring only a mechanical permit, including one which involves the repair or replacement of an existing heating or air-conditioning system, a Notice of Commencement is required when the project cost is $15,000 or greater.' On the Residential Alterations checklist, retrofitted mechanical equipment needs R402/R405 plus a Manual J. Whether a standalone mechanical change-out permit requires a Manual J was not verified.

'Florida Energy Efficiency forms R402 and R405' for new construction; 'R402 or R405' for mechanical retrofits in alterations.

Digital energy forms R402 and R405, with the front sheet digitally signed by the calculation preparer and the owner/agent, plus a digital Manual 'J' 'obtained from Mechanical Contractor'. Everything goes through HillsGovHub. An NOC is required for mechanical-only HVAC repair or replacement at $15,000 or more.

The statewide 9th Edition (2026) FBC is scheduled to take effect 12/31/2026 per the Commission workplan. HB 803 (2026) permit exemption for non-structural single-family work under $7,500 excludes mechanical work (county page).

hcfl.gov/businesses/hillsgovhub