Hey Raul,
Technically, your basic certification doesn't ever expire (assuming you remember who you got it through), but I always tell people that if you've been out of the water for more than 5 years, it's easier just to get re-certified for your open water cert. It's fairly inexpensive ($350 for the class/dives) and also includes updates on the latest equipment, etc. I highly recommend it. Especially because you guys down south have warmer water and more 'tropical' species that we don't see up here (like Garibaldi).
Pick away, anytime you want!
Cheers,
Kat