florida hvac: How to get certified and licensed in FL

Ready to begin your thriving HVAC career in Florida? Find out about the costs, training, and benefits of the profession.

In this guide, you will learn the requirements for obtaining your Florida HVAC license.

Do you need a license in Florida to become an HVAC technician?

You do need a Florida HVAC license, issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, if you are performing work on a heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration unit. An apprentice HVAC technician or mechanic must work under a properly licensed contractor, or the person performing the work must be a licensed HVAC professional in Florida.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses?

Florida has four different HVAC technician licenses. State licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, which is overseen by the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

• State Certified Class A – This license allows technicians to work on units of any size in any location
• State Registered Class A – This license allows technicians to work on units of any size in a specific location
• State Certified Class B – Class B certifications let technicians work on cooling systems of less than 20 tons and heating systems lower than 500,000 BTU
• State Registered Class B – Professionals with a Class B registration can only work in specific local areas on systems under 20 tons or less than 500,000 BTU

In addition to these state-based licenses, you also can get additional licenses that provide further opportunities:

• NATE – This is a voluntary certification offered by the North American Technician Excellence non-profit organization. It shows employers you possess additional knowledge in the industry.
• EPA Section 608 Certification – This is issued by the Environmental Protection Agency and permits you to work on refrigeration units.

What is the difference between HVAC and Refrigeration licenses?

A refrigeration license, known as an EPA Section 608 Technician certification, is not mandatory for technicians in Florida. This license ensures that technicians know how to handle the refrigerant chemicals found in most air conditioning systems.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

You need a Florida HVAC license to get hired within the state. The license demonstrates to customers and employers your knowledge of the equipment. Without a license, most private individuals will not hire you for contract work. Also, getting a Class A license or NATE license is helpful because you can earn more money.

Average wages for HVAC positions in Florida

Hourly HVAC technicians in Florida can expect to earn an average of $26.23 per hour, although there’s a broad range. Apprentice HVAC techs or mechanics may earn wages closer to the lower end of the pay range, $16.24, while those with multiple certifications and years of experience may earn closer to the maximum, $42.38 per hour. A few other things affect your hourly rate: where you live, and whether your employer pays overtime, or pays more if you work nights or weekends (for emergency service calls). 

If you’re a salaried HVAC professional, like an HVAC manager or field supervisor, you can expect to earn an average of $78,257 per year, although salaried HVAC positions also have a wide range, with a low of $50,278 and a top salary of $121,806. Again, where you live, your experience, and whether you own your own HVAC business can all affect your income.

How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Florida?

Costs vary depending on the license. For the state certifications, the fees are as follows:

• Registered Contractor:
  • $209 when applying between September 1 of an even year and April 30 of an odd year
  • $309 when applying between May 1 of an odd year and August 31 of an even year
• Certified Contractor:
  • $149 when applying between September 1 of an even year and April 30 of an odd year
  • $249 when applying between May 1 of an even year and August 31 of an odd year

Licenses renew every 2 years, with a renewal fee of $209 for each type of license.

You must also pass several exams, administered by Professional Testing, Inc.:

• Statewide exam: $135
• Business and finance test: $80
• Knowledge-based trade exam: $80

How to get an HVAC license in Florida

For a certified license in Florida, you need either four years of active experience or a four-year degree from an accredited school and 2,000 hours of work experience to take the exam. You can enroll in the following schools: Florida Career College, Southern Technical College, Manatee Technical College, or Tulsa Welding School. Classes are available online. Total tuition and fees range from $3,000 to $17,000. 

After obtaining the appropriate training and education, you must pass the exam. Some schools include test preparation as part of their programs, or you can enroll in a separate test prep course. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation administers the exam. Check the DBPR’s construction examination schedule to see what exams are offered near you. 

In addition to their public exams, the agency also may conduct exams at private institutions, like a technical school. The renewal period varies based on license. The renewal involves paying a small fee and taking a 14-hour continuing education course to learn about new industry innovations. Check the expiration date on your license for your renewal information.

Insurance and bonding requirements in Florida

Florida HVAC contractors must demonstrate financial responsibility, either by having a credit score of at least 660 or higher, OR by obtaining a letter of credit of a licensing bond.

In addition, you must show proof of general liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000, with $25,000 in property damage coverage.

Applicants must also undergo a criminal background check, and submit their fingerprints as part of this process.