Environmental Resources Management

Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit

• What is the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit (APCF) used for?
• Why is the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit (APCF) necessary?
• What other permits are needed for the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit Application (APCF) before I can start work?
• How long does it take to process the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit Application (APCF)?
• How much are the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit Application (APCF) fees?
• How long is the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit (APCF) valid?

What is the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit (APCF) used for?

Section 24-18(A)17 of the Miami-Dade County Code requires that a Stratospheric Ozone Protection (APCF) permit is required in order to:

(a) Purchase, sell, offer to sale, let or allow the distribution of regulated ozone-depleting compounds (ODCs) as defined in 24-5 of Chapter 24, the Environmental Code of Miami-Dade County. Regulated ODCs include, but are not limited to, Freon (R-12 and R-22), halon and various other compounds defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as having ozone-depleting potential.

(b) Perform installation, evacuation, recharge, repair, salvage and maintenance services on any appliance or system containing regulated ODCs. Examples of these appliances or systems include, but are not limited to, mobile (automotive and freight) and stationary (wall and central) air-conditioning units, refrigerators, freezers and fire extinguishing systems.

(c) Handle, recover or recycle regulated ODCs from any appliance or system.

Why is the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit (APCF) necessary?

Section 24-18(A)17 of the Miami-Dade County Code requires that a Stratospheric Ozone Protection (APCF) permit be obtained to ensure that individuals meet and maintain the required training and certification and that they utilize the required recovery and recycling equipment and approved practices to prevent venting of Ozone Depleting Compounds (ODCs) to the environment.

Scientists have documented that venting of these regulated ODCs results in destruction and thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer. A thinner ozone layer allows more harmful ultraviolet radiation to reach the earth's surface, resulting in a higher incidence of human cancer, cataracts and crop damage. Due to their stability and lengthy travel time to the stratosphere, these compounds can continue to damage the ozone layer long after they have been released.

What other permits are needed for the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit Application (APCF) before I can start work?

The following is a list of other agencies that may have jurisdiction over these projects. Please be advised that their involvement will depend upon the location, nature, type and size of the project:

• Local municipality (structural, zoning, building)
• Miami-Dade County Building department (if located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County)
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (training, certification, equipment specifications and procedures)

Questions regarding specific situations not outlined above should be referred to the Permitting Section staff at 305-372-6600.

This question is intended to give you an idea of what other permits may be needed. Depending on your situation, you may need one or more of the above-mentioned permits. Additionally, there may be instances when a permit that is not listed here is required. We encourage you to call the contact number at the bottom of this page to discuss your particular case or to receive additional information.

How long does it take to process the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit Application (APCF)?

The processing time for a permit will vary, depending on whether or not there are some other Environmental Resources Management permits involved. Corporations operating at a business location must obtain a Certificate of Use (if within Unincorporated Miami-Dade County) or an Occupational License (when within a Municipality) before applying.

How much are the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit Application (APCF) fees?

There is a flat annual permit fee. Please see the Fee Schedule.

How long is the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit (APCF) valid?

APCF permits are valid for one year and they are valid from July 1 of the current year through June 30 of the following year.

For more information, please call 305-372-6600.

• View the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Annual Operating Permit (APCF)

Back to Top Page Last Edited: Thu Oct 13, 2011 12:17:37 PM