Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Replacing a fluorescent light fixture with a ceiling fan...

I want to replace my flourescent light in my kitchen with a ceiling fan with a light but I was told that I need to install a stronger light box or something. I replaced the light in my dining room and all I had to do was plug the wires into each other and that was that. How do I hang the fan if it needs to be stronger? Do I need to cut a hole in the ceiling?

Most likely you will need to change the box to one that is listed as "Acceptable for fan support". The style would depend on how the existing box is mounted. Some are nailed to the side of a joist, others are mounted on a bar between 2 joists. Removal depends on the box style. Nails can be carefully cut through the existing hole with a hacksaw blade.

Here are 2 examples.
http://aifittings.com/whnew48.htm
http://aifittings.com/whnew88.htm

Pay attention to which wires connect where so that the re-insatallation will go much smoother.

Your job will be easier if have access to the attic above the ceiling box.

if box is nail to a wood and is not plastic be sure if you can add 2 screws to hold it to the wood from inside the box to the side close to the wood. if no replace box remember dependin of the base of the fan on the ceiling will be the most you can go to make a hole so if you know that the fan base wiil cover the hole the more space you wiil have to screw the box there are many boxes for fans dependin of the circunstances.