Final Touch Builders Inc. — Building Contractor & Roofing

Certified Building Contractor CBC1265305 · AC & Heating

AC & Heating (HVAC), planned and built in Hollywood, FL

AC & Heating (HVAC) for homes in Hollywood and the surrounding area — permitted, inspected and closed out. Free estimate.

In Hollywood, where the Census puts the median home at about 1969 construction, an AC change-out usually starts with a mechanical permit from the City of Hollywood building department. The permit is pulled by the licensed air-conditioning contractor, and the job is inspected and closed out before it is finished. Many 1950s–70s block ranch homes and beach-area condos still run older systems, so planning around the permit, the equipment size and any duct condition is part of the job.

We manage your AC or heating project under our Florida Certified Building Contractor license, CBC1265305. The AC work itself is performed by our Florida-licensed air-conditioning subcontractors, who pull the mechanical permit. You get a free estimate and a written scope before work starts, and we schedule the inspections and see the permit closed out.

Hollywood sits on the Atlantic with year-round humidity and salt-laden breezes that reach well inland. Near the Broadwalk and the Intracoastal, salt air can corrode outdoor coils and fittings faster than it would inland. Humidity keeps condensate drains and ducts prone to clogs, mold and leaks. With many homes dating from the 1950s through the 1970s, per the Census, older equipment and ductwork are worth inspecting before a replacement is sized. Hurricane season outages and power surges can also stress compressors and controls.

Permits, inspections and close-out in Hollywood

Start with the permit. Replacing an AC system or air handler, or installing a new one, typically requires a mechanical permit from the city or county building department, pulled by the licensed air-conditioning contractor. Thermostat swaps, condensate drain clearing and routine maintenance usually do not. Next comes inspection. The usual sequence is in-progress inspections where the code requires them, such as anchoring or fastening while it is visible, then a final inspection. Exact inspections vary by city, so verify with the City of Hollywood building department. Hollywood is in Broward County, which is in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, and the Florida Building Code requires outdoor units to be secured for the wind requirements at the home. The Florida Building Code Mechanical and Energy Conservation volumes also apply, and new central systems are rated under SEER2. Finally, close out the permit after the final inspection. Open or unpermitted work can surface at sale, refinance or insurance renewal, and code enforcement may cite it. Air-conditioning work is a licensed trade under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, overseen by the Florida DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board. Under s. 489.113(3), a building contractor subcontracts that work to a licensed air-conditioning contractor, and technicians handling refrigerant also need EPA Section 608 certification. You can check any license on the DBPR website.

Verify our building certification, or any Florida air-conditioning contractor's license, at Florida DBPR.

Problems to watch for in Hollywood

System running but not cooling

In South Florida heat the cooling load runs most of the year, so a weak or failing system shows up quickly. Diagnosis comes first, so you know whether it is a repair or a replacement.

Salt-corroded outdoor coils

Homes and condos near the beach and Intracoastal can see salt air attack outdoor coils and cabinets. Corrosion can shorten the life of an outdoor unit.

Clogged condensate drains

Constant humidity can clog the drain line, and the overflow can leak into ceilings and closets. It is a common cause of AC water leaks in humid climates.

Refrigerant leaks in aging systems

With so much housing from the 1950s–70s, older systems and line sets may be due for attention. A leak calls for a proper repair or a replacement decision, not repeated top-offs.

Storm surge damage to compressors

Outages and power surges during hurricane season can damage compressors and controls. After a storm, a system that will not start is worth having checked.

Condo and older-home layout limits

Beachfront condos and older block homes may suit a heat pump or ductless mini-split better than new ductwork. Association rules can also affect where equipment goes.

What we do

  • AC repair and diagnosisWhen the system is not cooling, our licensed air-conditioning subcontractors diagnose it, including refrigerant leak repair. We give you a written scope before work starts.
  • AC replacement to SEER2 standardsChange-outs are done to current SEER2 efficiency standards. The mechanical permit is pulled by the licensed air-conditioning subcontractor.
  • New installs, heat pumps and mini-splitsFor additions, converted garages or condo units, we plan new systems, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. As the general contractor, we coordinate them with the rest of the remodel under one permit path.
  • Maintenance, drains and thermostatsWe handle maintenance, condensate drain clogs, AC water leaks and thermostat work. Those jobs usually do not need a permit, but confirm with the local building department.

When to call

Cooling runs most of the year in South Florida, and hurricane season, June to November, brings outages and surges that can damage compressors. Demand tends to rise in late spring and early summer as people prepare for the season. It rises again from November to April, when seasonal owners reopen long-vacant homes and condos. Planning a replacement before the peak gives room for the permit and inspections. Call (954) 620-7812 or use the quote form on this page for a free estimate.

We serve Hollywood Beach, Downtown Hollywood, Hollywood Lakes, Hollywood Hills, Emerald Hills, Boulevard Heights, Driftwood, Liberia, Beverly Park, North Beach, Oakwood Hills and Washington Park.

AC & Heating in Hollywood: questions we hear

Do I need a permit to replace my AC in Hollywood?
A change-out or new install typically requires a mechanical permit from the building department, pulled by the licensed air-conditioning contractor. Thermostat swaps and routine maintenance usually do not. Confirm specifics with the City of Hollywood building department.
Who actually does the AC work?
We contract and manage the project under our Florida Certified Building Contractor license. Our Florida-licensed air-conditioning subcontractors perform the AC work and pull the permit, as s. 489.113(3), Florida Statutes provides.
Does salt air near the Broadwalk affect my AC?
Salt air can corrode outdoor coils and hardware faster near the beach and Intracoastal. Keep that in mind when choosing equipment and planning where it sits.
Why does an open permit matter if I sell my Hollywood home?
Unpermitted or open permits can come up at sale, refinance or insurance renewal, and code enforcement may cite them. Closing out the permit after the final inspection avoids that.
My home was built around 1969. Should I expect issues?
The Census median for Hollywood is about 1969, so many systems and duct runs are older. A diagnosis can show whether a repair, replacement or new layout makes sense. Get a free quote with a written scope.

Request a free ac & heating estimate in Hollywood

Tell us about the project. We'll get back to you; the air-conditioning work is done by our Florida-licensed air-conditioning subcontractors.

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(954) 620-7812Free estimate