Florida AC rules in 2026: what actually changed

The short version

• Efficiency: since January 1, 2023, a new split AC installed in the Southeast must meet at least 14.3 SEER2 if it is under 45,000 Btu per hour, or 13.8 SEER2 if it is 45,000 or larger.
• Refrigerant: since January 1, 2025, new residential AC and heat pump systems must use a refrigerant with a global warming potential of 700 or less. That rules out R-410A in new systems.
• Repairs: existing R-410A systems can still be serviced and repaired.
• Locally: replacing an AC in Cape Coral needs an A/C Change Out permit, pulled by a licensed contractor or an owner-builder.

Most of the "new AC law" stories are about the two federal changes. Neither one forces you to replace a working system.

DOE efficiency minimums (SEER2)

The Department of Energy sets regional minimums, and Florida is in the Southeast region. For split air conditioners installed on or after January 1, 2023, the minimum is 14.3 SEER2 under 45,000 Btu per hour and 13.8 SEER2 at 45,000 and up. A ton of cooling is 12,000 Btu per hour, so most homes fall in the smaller category. Heat pumps have a national minimum of 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2.

DOE says it is illegal for a contractor to install a split AC below the regional standard in the Southeast. That is useful when comparing quotes. If one bid is far cheaper, check the SEER2 rating on it. Our quote guide lists what else should be itemized.

EPA refrigerant transition

Under EPA's technology transitions rule, new residential AC and heat pump systems are limited to refrigerants with a GWP of 700 or less. The compliance date for manufacture and installation was January 1, 2025. Systems whose components were all made before 2025 have no installation deadline, which is why some contractors still had R-410A equipment to install.

What this does not mean: it does not ban R-410A refrigerant, and it does not make your current system illegal to fix. Existing R-410A systems can still be serviced and repaired. If someone tells you your R-410A system "can't be repaired anymore", ask for the specific failed part, the repair price and a photo, and get a second opinion. The repair might be uneconomical for other reasons, such as age or a failed compressor, but the refrigerant rule alone is not one of them. I have not seen an EPA deadline in 2026 that changes this, and I'd be skeptical of anyone claiming one.

Fixr lists R-410A refrigerant at $12 to $25 a pound. The much older R-22 runs $50 to $80 a pound, which is where real repair-or-replace decisions tend to come up. Our repair or replace guide goes through it.

Cape Coral A/C Change Out permit

Cape Coral requires an A/C Change Out permit when AC units are replaced or duct work is done. The guideline was revised in January 2026. Key points:

• Only an HVAC contractor (CAC), a mechanical contractor (CMC) or an owner-builder can apply.
• An HVAC Data Sheet is always required.
• The city may also require a Notice of Commencement, a FEMA packet or elevation certificate, and a duct layout, with floodplain review where it applies.
• Inspections are an HVAC rough, if applicable, and an HVAC final.
• A new mini split needs a separate electrical permit.

Ask whether the permit is included in a replacement quote. If a company suggests skipping it, find another company. An unpermitted change out can cause trouble when you sell or file an insurance claim.

Licensing

Florida licenses AC contractors at the state level. The license prefixes you will see are CAC (Certified Air Conditioning Contractor), CMC (Certified Mechanical Contractor), RA (Registered Air Conditioning Contractor) and RM (Registered Mechanical Contractor). Under section 489.105, Class A has no size limit and Class B is limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 Btu of heating in any one system, which covers any house. Look up a license on MyFloridaLicense.com. Our license guide walks through it.

Two more rules worth knowing before you sign a big contract: a direct residential contract over $2,500 must include Florida's construction lien notice, and a sale signed at your door or in your home can generally be canceled until midnight of the third business day.

Rentals

Florida's landlord statute, section 83.51, does not list air conditioning among the landlord's duties, though a lease or local code may still cover it. Tenants should read our guide to a broken AC in a Florida rental.