In January, My RV Resource welcomed RV service pros and industry experts at the third-annual My RV Resource Meetup. As a highlight, the event offered networking and educational and informational sessions. One of the event’s featured presenters was Steve Roddy of Dealer Resources Group. He spoke to us on Florida LP (propane) certification, and how it affects techs who perform appliance repairs and work on propane systems during snowbird season and throughout the year.
Weren’t able to attend the meetup? Wish you’d been able to catch Roddy’s comprehensive presentation? If so, here’s what you need to know.
You Probably Need a Liquefied Petroleum Gas License
The state of Florida issues an array of LP licenses to businesses that deal with LP gas in some manner. The state issues licenses to businesses only, not individuals. Then, the individual actually working with or dealing with the LP gas is what’s known as a certified “qualifier.”
In Florida, all qualifiers must work for a licensed business. Additionally, as an RV service pro, if you touch any RV appliance that uses LP, you must become a qualifier. The only exception is if your work simply requires you to simply turn a propane appliance on or off.
RV service provider businesses in Florida must have a specific LP “license for installation, service, and repair work." This excludes all sales of propane. Individuals working under a business with this license are Category 5 Qualifiers. (This is the most popular qualifier category and license for RV inspectors and technicians.)
A Category 5 Qualifier may engage in the following activities: installing, servicing, designing, modifying, altering or repairing apparatus, piping, tubing, appliances, equipment and LP gas storage tanks. The state further clarifies that “this license includes the activities of selling or leasing of said equipment for the use of liquefied petroleum or natural gas.”
How to Get a Category 5 LP Gas License for Installation, Service and Repair Work
If all of the above sounds like work you do or want to do as an RV service pro, here’s how to go about becoming a Category 5 Qualifier and ensuring your business has the correct license.
You’ll need to apply for the license with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. A license is $200 per year. You can apply for a one-year, two-year or three-year license at that price point.
When you apply for the license, you must provide proof of liability insurance. This includes “proof of $1 million (minimum) bodily injury and property damage liability insurance covering the products and operations of the business.” Make sure your insurance includes coverage specifically for LP work.
Additionally, your on-staff qualifier must pass the state-administered exam. You must also maintain at least one full-time (whether it’s you or another person) master qualifier as an employee of the business. Furthermore, the master qualifier must be the business’s owner, manager or “person primarily responsible for overseeing” the business.
How to Become a Qualifier and Employee Training
To become a qualifier, you must complete an examination in your license category. You have 160 minutes to complete this exam, which consists of 80 questions; a grade of 70% or higher is required to pass. If you do, you’ll receive a qualifier certificate that is good for three years. You can then renew your certificate by providing proof of 16 hours of continuing education, and paying a $20 fee.
Similarly, to become a master qualifier, there’s a 60-minute exam of 60 questions. You can find further information regarding all exams by clicking here.
If you do not renew your certificates every three years, your certificate will be revoked and you'll need to take the exam all over again.
Additional training is required for all employees at a licensed business, whether or not they’re qualifiers, and ongoing employee training is required every three years.
If the thought of taking an exam makes you sweat, though, there’s good news. The Florida RV Trade Association offers its members a wealth of resources related to LP gas licenses. The Association provides exam materials and manuals, as well as guides for what to expect on the exam. Members can also take advantage of free training that counts toward your continuing education units.
What Happens if You Don’t Have the Correct LP Gas License?
Without the correct license and qualifications, you may end up paying hefty fines, starting at a few thousand dollars for your first incident and increasing to tens of thousands of dollars per day.
Need More?
My RV Resource helps connect RV service pros with the resources they need to better serve RV enthusiasts and grow their RV service businesses all across the US. In Florida specifically, we’re working directly with Steve to provide LP Gas training sessions to RV technicians and RV inspectors throughout the year.
If you’re an RV service provider or product supplier, add your company listing on My RV Resource to take advantage of the most affordable marketing and networking solution today!
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