TL;DR: Before you hire an HVAC contractor in Florida, check that their state license is active, ask for proof of insurance, and make sure they pull the permit themselves. Ask for a home visit and a written quote that lists each item, and get the warranty terms in writing. Then check local reviews, fees and the after-hours policy.
Here’s how to choose an HVAC contractor in Florida. Check that their state license is active, get proof of insurance, and make sure the contractor pulls the permit. Ask for a home visit and a written, itemized quote, and read the warranty terms. Then check local reviews, fees and the after-hours policy. Most of these checks take just a few minutes.
In Tavares, Grand Island and the rest of Lake County, the AC runs most of the year and fights humidity the whole time. The company you hire affects how well that system works for as long as you own it. Here are the eight checks, in the order we’d do them.
How to Choose an HVAC Contractor: Start With the License
1. Is the state license active?
Ask for the license number and look it up before you sign anything. Florida DBPR’s guide to hiring a contractor tells homeowners to ask to see the state license, verify the number with DBPR and check for complaints. You can do that for free at MyFloridaLicense.com. Make sure the name on the license matches the company on the quote. DBPR also points out that a local occupational license or an LLC registration does not make someone a contractor.
2. Can they show proof of insurance?
Ask for a certificate showing liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. DBPR notes that a licensed contractor has the proper workers’ comp and/or liability insurance. If a worker gets hurt in your attic, or a ladder goes through a window, you want their policy paying, not yours.
3. Will they pull the permit in their own name?
A licensed contractor should pull the permit for any AC replacement. The Town of Lady Lake’s building services FAQ says only a licensed contractor or the property owner may get a building permit. It also says it plainly: “If a contractor asks you to secure the permit, beware.” Permits also let the building department confirm the contractor is licensed and insured. While you’re at it, ask how they’ll set the outdoor unit. In Central Florida, that means a hurricane pad and tie-down straps.
What Should Happen Before You Get a Price?
4. Do they look at your home before quoting a new system?
A full replacement price given over the phone is a guess. A good estimator looks at your current equipment, the ductwork, the attic, the windows and the rooms that never cool down. Bigger is not better in Florida. An oversized unit cools the air fast, shuts off and leaves the moisture behind. Before anyone comes out, write down your current system’s model number and maintenance history. That helps any contractor understand what you have.
The same rule applies to repairs. A good tech finds the cause and shows it to you before talking about a new system. That cause might be a failing AC capacitor or a clogged drain line.
5. Is the quote written and itemized?
DBPR recommends getting written estimates from several licensed contractors. ENERGY STAR’s tips for hiring a heating and cooling contractor say to sign a written proposal before work starts. ENERGY STAR also notes that the lowest price may not be the best deal if the system is less efficient, because your energy bills will be higher. Use this table to compare quotes side by side.
| Quote line | What it should say | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Brand, model numbers, size and efficiency rating | So you’re comparing the same thing across quotes |
| Permit | Included and pulled by the contractor | Puts the job on record with the building department |
| Labor guarantee | How long it lasts, in writing, from the contractor | Covers the installation work itself |
| Parts warranty | How long it lasts and who backs it | Covers parts that fail, which is separate from labor |
| Install details | Pad, straps, drain line, thermostat, removing the old unit | Shows what’s in the price and what isn’t |
How Do You Know They’ll Stand Behind the Work?
6. Are the warranty terms clear?
The parts warranty usually comes from the manufacturer. The labor guarantee comes from the contractor. Ask how long each one lasts, what it covers and whether you need to register the equipment. If the answers are vague, get them in writing before you sign.
7. Do they have a local office and a track record?
ENERGY STAR suggests asking friends, neighbors and co-workers for referrals. Ask them whether the job was finished on time and on budget. When you read Google reviews, look for patterns, not just the star rating. Do people mention the same techs, clean work and fair prices? A real local office address matters too. Snowbirds, landlords and property managers should also ask how the company will reach them when they’re out of town.
8. Are they upfront about fees and after-hours help?
Ask what a diagnostic visit costs before anyone comes out. Ask what happens if the AC quits at 9 p.m. in August. Not every company is open around the clock, and that’s fine, as long as you know the policy before you need it.
What Red Flags Mean You Should Keep Looking?
- They ask you to pull the permit yourself.
- They won’t give you a license number, or the name on the license doesn’t match the company.
- They quote a full system over the phone without seeing your home.
- They push you to sign today or ask for a large cash payment up front.
- They recommend a new system before they’ve found out what’s actually wrong.
- They knock on doors after a storm, offering a quick deal.
Why Lucas Air Conditioning and Heating, LLC Is a Fit
Here are the facts, so you can check them yourself:
- Cameron Lucas, a U.S. Army veteran who served 8 years with the 82nd Airborne Division, founded the company in early 2018.
- Our office is at 15800 Old US Hwy 441 in Tavares.
- Our Florida license number is CAC1819409, and you can look it up on MyFloridaLicense.com.
- We have a 5.0-star Google rating with 1,000+ reviews.
- We’ve been a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite four years running.
- Style Magazine named us Best of the Best 2025.
- New systems start at $7,500, which includes the permit, a one-year labor guarantee and a ten-year manufacturer’s parts warranty.
- Estimates on new systems are free, and KwikComfort financing is available.
- Diagnostics are $125 for homes and $135 for businesses.
- Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and a technician is on call after hours for emergencies.
- At the Colonial Pines apartment complex in Tavares, we replaced 30 split systems and installed 2 ductless units in 10 working days.
- At The Frog & Monkey restaurant in downtown Mount Dora, we replaced a 20+ year-old unit in 4 days.
We serve Tavares and nearby communities such as Zellwood and Astor. You can read more about our HVAC contractor services in Tavares.
If you’re comparing contractors, call Lucas Air Conditioning and Heating, LLC at (352) 805-0359 or schedule an appointment online. We’ll give you straight answers, even if you’re still shopping around.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many HVAC quotes should I get before replacing my AC?
Florida DBPR recommends getting written estimates from several licensed contractors. For a full replacement, two or three detailed quotes that list the same kind of equipment are usually enough to compare.
Is the cheapest HVAC quote a bad sign?
Not always, but check what’s missing. ENERGY STAR notes that the lowest price may not be the best deal if the system is less efficient, so compare model numbers, efficiency ratings, permits and warranty terms before you decide.
Can I hire an AC contractor while I’m out of state for the season?
Yes. Look up the license online, get the quote and warranty terms in writing, and agree up front on how the company will contact you and get into the home while you’re away.
Where do I report an unlicensed contractor in Florida?
You can report suspected unlicensed activity to Florida DBPR’s Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 866-532-1440 or by emailing ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com.
Does Lucas Air charge for estimates?
Estimates on new system installations are free. Repair diagnostics are $125 for homes and $135 for businesses.
Recommended Reads
- HVAC Contractor in Tavares, FL
- MERV Ratings Explained: How to Choose the Right AC Filter for Your Home
- How Your HVAC System Affects Indoor Air Quality — and Your Family’s Allergies
