No floating floor, including vinyl, should be installed under built in elements like cabinets.

What about appliances would that be ok?

Yes under the appliances and to be honest I have installed laminate and vinyl plank under cabinets with never an issue I do usually use Ikea cabinets which do not sit directly on the floor but have legs amybe that is why I have had no issues.

No cabinets, or cabinet legs, should be installed on top of vinyl, or laminate, or wood, floating floors. It restricts their ability to move and will lead to buckling or gapping. If you have gotten away with it, you are very lucky. Many have not, and have had to pay for all new floors for their clients. It pays to for professionals to actually read and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Not doing so will cost you, the professional, money, as any claim will be denied.

To add clarity, the installation for your FLOATING vinyl flooring (we are assuming you are using a click-together floor....ahem....are you floating or gluing down the vinyl?):

1. Install permanent fixtures (cabinets, lights, counter tops, backsplash, paint, windows, etc)

2. Prepare the subfloor so that it is ready for a rigid floor product (such as a floating vinyl plank)

3. Install the flooring LAST; run it UP TO the cabinets...always leaving the required expansion gap

4. Install molding to hide expansion gap.