Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors in Texas are required to be licensed. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is the regulatory body responsible for licensure and enforcement of Texas air conditioning (A/C) and refrigeration contractors.
This program regulates contractors who install, repair or maintain systems related to A/C, refrigeration, or heating.
Disciplinary Action & Procedures
Air conditioning and refrigeration contractors (A/C contractors) may be subject to disciplinary action by the TDLR. Clients, colleagues, and other third parties may file a complaint against an A/C contractor.
The Agency has a duty to review complaints against licensees and has the authority to impose sanctions, including administrative penalties or even license suspension or revocation.
A person is subject to the denial of an application, the imposition of an administrative penalty, or disciplinary action if the person:
- Violates the statutes or a rule adopted under the A/C and Refrigeration Contractors Occupations Code, Chapter 1302. A violating of this chapter includes:
- Failing to provide proper installation, service, or mechanical integrity;
- Intentionally or knowingly misrepresenting a necessary service, service to be provided, or service that has been provided; or
- Making a fraudulent promise to induce a person to contract for services.
- Violates a municipal ordinance adopted under the Municipal A/C and Refrigeration Standards adopted under 1302.303.
Tex. Occ. Code §1302.401. In Fiscal Year 2019 there were 384 cases opened against program licensees. The TDLR reached 34 Agreed Orders with licensees to resolve allegations of rule violations or other misconduct. In that same year, the Agency assessed $155,250 in penalties against A/C contractors and collected $58,910 in penalties from licensees.
Proceedings for the denial of a license, certification, or registration application, or disciplinary action taken by the TDRL, and any appeal from such proceedings are governed by the Texas Administrative Procedure Act. Tex. Occ. Code §1302.402, Tex. Gov. Code §2001.002.
Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License
It is a Class C misdemeanor for a person to knowingly engages in air conditioning and refrigeration contracting work without holding the proper TDLR license, technician registration, or certification. Tex. Occ. Code §1302.453.
Defending Against Allegations
If you are a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor in Texas, and the TDLR notifies you of a filed complaint or pending investigation, then your license may be in jeopardy.
It is important to take allegations of violations or misconduct seriously from the start and to act quickly to mount a defense against the allegations. You do not want to face the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation alone. You need an experienced professional license defense lawyer by your side, to advocate for your rights and protect your license.
BERTOLINO LLP has been defending Texas licensed professionals for years, and we use a creative, results-driven approach to help you get the best possible outcome in your case. Our results speak for themselves.
We proudly represents licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas. To best serve our clients we have offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. If you are facing licensure issues or disciplinary action from a professional licensing board or state agency, contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
