Become an HVAC Technician in Florida

To become an HVAC technician in Florida here’s what you need to know.

Is a License Required to Work on HVAC Systems in Florida?

Yes. By law you must have an air conditioning contractor license through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) to work on heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

Or, if you don’t have a license yet, you can work as an apprentice under the supervision of a licensed contractor.

Note: The CILB is a division of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR).

What are the HVAC License Types in Florida?

1. Certified Class A Air Conditioning Contractor License
2. Registered Class A Air Conditioning Contractor License
3. Certified Class B Air Conditioning Contractor License
4. Registered Class B Air Conditioning Contractor License

The certified license allows you to work on HVAC systems anywhere in Florida. The registered license permits you to work only in the locality where you took and passed the competency examination.

The Class A license permits you to work on any HVAC systems of any size, whereas the Class B license limits you to heating capacities up to 500,000 BTUs per unit and cooling capacities up to 25 tons per unit.

1. CERTIFIED Class A Air Conditioning Contractor License

The certified Class A Air Conditioning Contractor License allows you to:

• Install, repair, maintain, alter or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems of any size
• Work anywhere in the state of Florida

2. REGISTERED Class A Air Conditioning Contractor

The registered Class A Air Conditioning Contractor License allows you to:

• Install, repair, maintain, alter or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems of any size
• Can work only in the county or locality where you passed the competency exam

3. CERTIFIED Class B Air Conditioning Contractor

The certified Class B Air Conditioning Contractor License allows you to:

• Install, repair, maintain, alter or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTUs of heating in any one system
• Can work anywhere in Florida

4. REGISTERED Class B Air Conditioning Contractor

The registered Class B Air Conditioning Contractor License allows you to:

• Install, repair, maintain, alter or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTUs of heating in any one system
• Can work only in the county or locality where you passed the competency exam

What are the Qualifications to Become an HVAC Technician?

What are the HVAC Technician Licensing Requirements in Florida?

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Complete required education and training:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 1 year (or 2,000 hours) of work experience, or
  • 4 years of work experience through an apprenticeship program in the category of licensure you want to get. One of those four years must be supervisory experience.
  • You can also substitute up to three years of military service or up to three years of college credit hours in place of the required field experience.

What are the Steps to Get an HVAC Technician License in Florida?

After you meet the requirements above, you can apply to get your Air Conditioning Contractor License. Here are the steps required to obtain either a certified or a registered contractor license in Florida:

1. Pass the construction exam, which consists of the trade knowledge exam, and the business and finance exam.
2. Complete the appropriate licensure application form.
3. Provide proof of work experience.
4. Pay all applicable fees.
5. Submit Financial Responsibility and Stability requirements:
   • Submit a credit report from a nationally recognized credit reporting agency – credit score of 660 or higher. If you don’t meet the minimum credit score, you’re required to complete a 14 hour financial responsibility course approved by the CILB.
   • No unsatisfied judgments or liens
6. Pass background check; fingerprints must be submitted
7. Obtain the following insurance:
   • Public liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by licensing board rule:
     • General and Building Contractors – $300,000 public liability; $50,000 property damage All other categories – $100,000 public liability; $25,000 property damage
   • Workers compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from workers compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license.

What are the Most Common HVAC Certifications?

A great way to differentiate yourself from other HVAC Technicians is to get a certification. While your license is about passing the state-mandated exams and getting the required experience, certification is above and beyond this. 

It’s about showing that you have expertise in a certain area or type of work. For instance, you can get the EPA 608 certification, which is a federal recognition that means you understand the complexities of how HVAC systems interact with the environment. 

EPA 608 Certification 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air conditioning and refrigeration certifications, known as EPA 608 certification, are required for all HVAC technicians in Florida. This certification is designed to ensure that technicians are properly trained in order to handle and repair equipment that uses different types of refrigerant safely and responsibly.

North American Technician Excellence (NATE)

NATE offers both core and specialty certifications. If you’re looking for a comprehensive certification that allows you to work in all areas of the industry, you’ll want to go for the Core certification exam, which covers topics like electrical systems fundamentals, heating systems, air conditioning systems, oil burners, gas burners, and more.

Having NATE credentials is important as it shows potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the HVAC field. Plus it can also help you stand out amongst other job applicants with similar experience.

HVAC Excellence Certification

You can also advance your career by becoming accredited through HVAC Excellence. This certification is highly sought-after, as it is recognized by many employers as a mark of quality. It also demonstrates your proficiency in HVAC systems and provides reassurance to customers that you are knowledgeable in all relevant subjects.

In order to be eligible for the exams, you must have at least two years of experience in the field and complete a formal course in the fundamentals of HVAC. Upon passing both the written and practical exams, you will earn your certification, which will give you an edge when seeking employment opportunities. 

How to Find the Best HVAC Trade School?

For starters, you want a school that’s accredited and approved by the state of Florida. You should also look for a school that offers hands-on training and prepares students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. It might also be helpful to talk to other HVAC technicians in the area to see which schools they recommend.

What are the HVAC License and Certification Fees in Florida?

Here are the fees you’re expected to pay to get your Air Conditioning Contractor License:

• Application License Fee:
  • Certified Class A or B Air Conditioning Contractor (Individual or Business):
    • $245 (applying for initial certification between May 1st of an EVEN year through August 31st of an ODD year)
    • $145 (applying for initial certification between September 1st of an ODD year through April 30th of an EVEN year)
  • Registered Air Conditioning Contractor (Individual or Business):
    • $305 (applying between May 1st of an ODD year through August 31st of an EVEN year)
    • $205 (applying between September 1st of an EVEN year through April 30th of an ODD year)
  • Renewal fee: $205 (+$50 per qualified business)
• Exam Fees for Certified Class A or B:
  • Registration Fee: $135 (paid to Professional Testing Inc.)
  • Construction Business and Finance: $80 (paid to Pearson Vue)
  • Construction Trade Knowledge Exam: $40 (paid to Pearson Vue)
• Exam Fees for Registered Class A or B varies depending on which county or locality you’re taking exam in.

How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC License and/or Certified?

Education

• Trade school takes 8 months to two years, or
• Bachelor’s degree can take 3-4 years

Required Work Experience

• 4 years field experience as an apprentice; one of the 4 years must be under the supervision of a licensed contractor, or
• If you get a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, you must get 1 year (or 2,000 hours) of work experience, or
• You can also substitute up to three years of military service or up to three years of college credit hours in place of the required field experience.

To get an Air Conditioning Contractor License from the state of Florida, it will take approximately 3-5 years depending on the path you take.

How Much Do HVAC Technicians Make in Florida?

According to Indeed.com, the average wage for HVAC technicians in Florida is $24 per hour or just over $48,000 per year on average. However, this salary can vary depending on your experience level and specialization. 

If you have more than 10 years experience as an HVAC technician, your salary will start at $65,000 per year.

What are the General Job Responsibilities of HVAC Technicians in Florida

This is what your job responsibilities as an HVAC technician could look like:

• Troubleshoot and repair hvac equipment.
• Diagnose and repair issues with commercial refrigeration system.
• Maintain systems like centrifugal compressors, evaporative condensers, electrical controls, pumps, fans, boilers, and heating equipment.
• Charge air conditioning systems with refrigerant; test for leaks; adjust controls and regulators.
• Fabricate, install and repair ductwork.
• Interpret blueprints, specs, or diagrams for installation, development or operation activities.
• Work with engineering and other departments.
• Perform troubleshooting to locate and determine cause of equipment malfunctions
• Service, modify, and maintain centralized HVAC computer systems and make program corrections

What’s the Job Outlook for HVAC Technicians in Florida?

The job outlook for HVAC technicians is looking pretty good. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of HVAC professional jobs will grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031 in the US.

In Florida, from 2020 to 2030 the projected employment growth for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers is 15%, and the projected annual job openings is 4,250.

Florida is third in the country in both the highest employment level and highest job concentration in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, according to BLS.

This makes the HVAC professional a great career choice if you’re looking for stability and job security.

What are the Benefits of Becoming an HVAC Technician?

For starters, you’ll benefit from a steady paycheck and job security since HVAC technicians are in demand in Florida.

If you enjoy working on site (indoors and outdoors), engaging in physical activity, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and generally working with your hands, then this profession is right along your alley.

Also, there’s no shortage of learning opportunities as an HVAC technician. From attending various seminars and classes to staying up-to-date on the latest technology and building codes, the potential for professional growth and development is endless.

And of course, as you gain more experience your salary will continue to increase – leaving plenty of room for financial flourish.

Conclusion

So if you’re interested in a career as an HVAC technician, we hope you find this guide helpful. It’s a great career choice with plenty of opportunity for growth, and it’s a field that’s only going to continue to grow in popularity.