Welcome to our forum.
Surgtech, again in Missouri its not up to the homeowner or the electrician. Its code period. And I'm assuming in Florida, its the same. That's national code. You were "told" wrong. And a service disconnect for my tub which requires 60 amp, which is more than an average bear. only costs 9 dollars at Lowe's. I'd get a different electrician. Or call them back and have a nice chat about work that was done improperly. This type of thing usually gets caught when its time to sell a house. This will not pass a home inspection Go outside and look at your airconditioner unit. Is there an electrical box close by? Guess what, that is a service disconnect. I'm just trying to help not cause a problem for you. I was a safety captain on a railroad for 25 years. Its habit.