Licensing Guides
HVAC License Florida: How to Become an HVAC Professional in Florida
HVAC, FLTable of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Florida?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Florida
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to be an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Florida employs 38,290 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Florida, that growth rate is projected at 17%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Florida in July 2025 totaled 657,000, an increase of 3,800 (0.6%) from July 2024 and an increase of 79,600 (14%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to remain compliant with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Florida has both state and local licensing.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Florida
Is a license required for HVAC Contractors in Florida? Yes.
To legally perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work in the state of Florida, you must be a licensed air conditioning contractor or mechanical contractor, or a technician working under a licensed contractor.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, a division of Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board, issues the licenses.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Florida
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Florida?
There are three main statewide HVAC/Mechanical license types in Florida:
Class A Air Conditioning Contractor — Defined as, “a contractor whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems.”
Class B Air Conditioning Contractor — Defined as, “a contractor whose services are limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTU of heating in any one system in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system.”
Mechanical Contractor — Defined as, “a contractor whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system.”
Mechanical and Air Conditioning Contractor licenses have roughly the same requirements to qualify for licensure, though the exam content varies.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have at least four years of experience in the category of licensure you wish to obtain, with one year being supervisory experience. You can substitute up to three years of college credit or military experience.
Must submit an application with an exam registration fee.
Must pass a business and finance exam and a general trade knowledge exam.
Must obtain $100,000 liability and $25,000 property damage insurance, plus workers’ compensation insurance or an exemption.
Must submit a credit report showing a FICO credit score of 660 or higher. If an applicant has a FICO credit score lower than 660, they must provide proof of completion of a board approved 14-hour financial responsibility and stability course as part of their application.
Note: These licenses are called Certified Contractor licenses. You can also obtain local licensure, then pursue a Registered Contractor license. A State Registered License allows you to work only in the locality where you passed that locality’s competency exam. Each county will have its own licensure requirements.
Class C State Certified and Registered licenses are no longer offered but are still recognized by the state for those contractors who held them prior to Oct. 1, 1988.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Florida
Be 18 years of age.
Get verified experience in the HVAC industry.
Submit application with exam registration fee.
Pass a trade knowledge exam and a business and finance knowledge exam.
Acquire general liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 with $25,000 property damage coverage.
Demonstrate financial responsibility based on your submitted FICO credit report with a score of 660 or higher.
Complete a criminal background check.
Receive contractor license.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Florida
There are many benefits to getting your Florida HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Florida to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration unless under the supervision of a licensee.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Florida?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Florida is $55,110, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Florida, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,100
Intermediate (2-4 years): $63,300
Senior (4-7 years): $74,300
Supervisor (>7 years): $87,400
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Florida?
The cost to get an HVAC license in Florida is relatively affordable. While gaining the experience you need, you can even earn a wage. While not required, three years of advanced education can count toward your experience requirement.
The fees for licenses are based on whether you are using the certification or registration process and when you file for the license:
Registered Contractor Fee: $309 if applying between May 1 of an odd year and Aug. 31 of an even year; $209 if applying between Sept. 1 of an even year and April 30 of an odd year.
Certified Contractor Fee: $249 if applying between May 1 of an even year and Aug. 31 of an odd year; $149 if applying between Sept. 1 of an odd year and April 30 of an even year.
You will also have to pay fees for the examinations. The statewide exam is administered by Professional Testing Inc. The registration fee is $135. The business and finance test is $80. The trade knowledge-based test is $80.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Florida
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your HVAC skills and experience develop. In Florida, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward. The application process includes:
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: Work experience can be any combination of the following:
A bachelor’s degree in a related field and one year/2,000 hours of experience.
Four years of experience through an apprenticeship program, with at least one of those years as a foreman.
One year of experience as a foreman and at least three years of college credits.
One year of experience as a worker, one year as a foreman, and two years of college credits.
Two years of experience as a worker, one year as a foreman, and one year of college credits.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Start by applying for your Florida contractor license, which essentially means applying to take the required exams.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: After getting the training you need, you must pass the required exams. You need to earn at least 70% to pass. All examinations are open book and consist of multiple-choice questions.
PROVIDE PROOF OF:
INSURANCE: You will need to provide proof of general liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 with $25,000 property damage coverage.
SOLID FINANCES: You will need to submit your FICO credit score of 660 or better. If an applicant has a FICO credit score lower than 660, they must provide proof of completion of a board approved 14-hour financial responsibility and stability course as part of their application.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. And, if you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Florida?
It will take a minimum of four years to meet the experience/education requirement to take the exams. The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning, and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Florida HVAC Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an HVAC professional in Florida. Some certification programs only require one or two semesters before you can begin serving as an assistant and begin accruing the work experience you need. Other programs can be two- or four-year college degree programs in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems technology.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). HVAC Excellence has accredited five colleges in Florida:
The Technical Education Center of Osceola in Kissimmee is on the PAHRA list.
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in Florida:
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Florida
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition is approximately $4,761 per year for in-state students and $11,352 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are different kinds of apprenticeships that can help you gain the experience you need to qualify for licensure. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through UA Local 123 out of Dover or UA Local 803 out of Orlando.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Florida. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you instead. Just remember that your apprenticeship needs to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Florida, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Florida.
Florida HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Examinations are administered by Professional Testing Inc. Click this link to learn more about registration, exam fees, testing centers, the reference material for each exam, and rescheduling your appointment. A score of 70% or above is required to pass each exam.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Florida?
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation lists detailed content exams online. The Business and Financial Management exam includes 120 questions on the following topics:
Establishing the Contracting Business
Managing Administrative Duties
Managing Trade Operations
Conducting Accounting Functions
Managing Human Resources
Complying with Government Regulations
The Class A Air Conditioning Contractor exam is 130 questions on the following topics:
Pre-Installation
Sheet Metal Ducts
Installation of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems
Installation of Refrigeration and HVAC Equipment Components
Maintenance Analysis of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems
Maintenance Service of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems
Safety and Equipment
Energy Management
Indoor Air Quality
The Class B Air Conditioning Contractor exam is 130 questions on the same topics, but in different proportions.
The Mechanical exam consists of 130 questions on the following topics:
Pre-Installation and Design Engineering
Ductwork and HVAC Materials
Installation of Refrigeration and HVAC Systems
Installation of Mechanical Systems
Installation of Refrigeration and HVAC Equipment and Components
Installation of Mechanical Equipment and Components
Maintenance Analysis of Refrigeration and HVAC
Maintenance Service of Refrigeration and HVAC
Safety and Equipment
Excavating
Energy Management
Indoor Air Quality
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Florida?
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, a division of Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board, issues the licenses.
Does My Florida HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No, your Florida HVACR/Mechanical license does not work in any other state. If you are licensed in Florida, you will need to apply for a license in any other state following that state’s rules. Some states will accept your Florida license as proof of eligibility to test and apply for licensure.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Florida?
The CILB has reciprocity agreements with Louisiana, North Carolina, and Mississippi. Applicants from these states should use CILB form 32, and request a licensing certification from their state to show their license is in good standing. Additional requirements to qualify for reciprocity can be found on the application.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Florida, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Florida
Renewals are due every two years on Aug. 31. Certified licenses expire in even-numbered years, while registered licenses expire in odd-numbered years. The renewal fee for both types of license is $209.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Florida?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships in Florida. Some options include:
Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air offers a scholarship program in partnership with Fort Myers Technical College that will help fund tuition costs for students pursuing careers in plumbing and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning/refrigeration (HVACR).
Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric provides scholarships to regional students who will be enrolling in the plumbing, air conditioning, or electric training programs at Atlantic Technical Center in Coconut Creek or Sheridan Vocational School in Hollywood.
In addition to these scholarships, plumbing students in Florida can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Florida community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Florida?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Florida through the Florida DBPR Online Services Licensee Search. Users can verify a license by name or license number.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Florida?
A suspended license means that the individual is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Florida HVAC license can be suspended are:
Fraud
Failure to secure required permits
Misleading or deceptive practices
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing HVAC professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Florida HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Florida Statutes.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Florida?
Performing HVAC work in Florida without a license is illegal. According to Florida Statutes, “The department may impose an administrative fine of up to $10,000 on any unlicensed person guilty of unlicensed contracting. In addition, the department may assess reasonable investigative and legal costs for prosecution of the violation against the unlicensed contractor. The department may waive up to one-half of any fine imposed if the unlicensed contractor complies with certification or registration within 1 year after imposition of the fine under this subsection.”
For more information, see the Florida Statutes.
Continuing Education
Certified contractors must perform 14 hours of continuing education during each license period. The credits must come from a state-approved provider. As a part of the 14 hours of continuing education, contractors are required to have at least one hour in each of the following areas of study:
Workplace safety
Workers’ compensation
Business practices
Advanced module building code
Laws and rules
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
