HVAC License Florida: Complete Guide for 2025

There are some unique requirements for getting an HVAC license Florida professionals must follow, and the process can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the system. I put this guide together to explain things clearly, in plain language, from someone who’s been in the trade (because let’s face it, the Florida DBPR website isn’t exactly user-friendly). Whether you’re just starting out or planning to run your own HVAC business, this guide walks you through every step of the Florida HVAC licensing process.

If you are looking for information on another state, check out our 50-state guide on how to get an HVAC license.

Understanding Florida HVAC Licensing: The Foundation

Florida’s HVAC market provides some huge opportunities for air conditioning contractors. Extreme heat keeps demand high and creates plenty of room for growth, including the potential to eventually run your own profitable HVAC business. Unlike many other states, Florida’s climate allows for year-round work, giving technicians consistent income and job stability.

Getting your HVAC license in Florida is the first step toward building a rewarding and lucrative career in the trade.

Who Needs an HVAC License in Florida?

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires anyone who performs air conditioning or refrigeration work independently, or advertises their own HVAC services, to be licensed. This includes installing, maintaining, repairing, or servicing HVAC systems in residential or commercial settings.

The HVAC License Florida issues is mandatory if you’re pulling permits, operating a business, or supervising work. However, employees working under a licensed contractor, such as apprentices, helpers, or technicians who do not advertise or contract work themselves, do not need their own license.

Who’s Exempt from HVAC Licensing in Florida?

While most independently performed HVAC work must be licensed in Florida, there are several specific HVAC license exemptions Florida allows under Statute § 489.103. These exemptions allow certain types of individuals and work to be completed without a license, provided specific conditions are met:

1. Property Owners Working on Their Own Homes

Homeowners are allowed to perform HVAC work on their own single-family residence without a license, as long as:

They own the property,
It is not for sale or rent, and
The work is personally performed (not hired out).
Permits and inspections may still be required by the local municipality.

2. Employees of Licensed Contractors

Unlicensed individuals may perform HVAC work under the employment and supervision of a licensed contractor, so long as they do not advertise or offer services independently.

3. Utility Company and Government Employees

Employees of regulated utility companies or government agencies performing HVAC-related tasks within the scope of their official duties do not need to be licensed.

4. Work on Exempt Systems

Some types of HVAC-related equipment fall outside licensing requirements, including:

Portable cooling units (like window A/C units),
Ice machines, and
Refrigerators and freezers used in food service or commercial environments.

However, commercial refrigeration still typically requires a certified license if part of a broader system installation or repair.

5. Certain New Construction Installers

Workers installing HVAC components in new construction projects under the direct supervision of a licensed contractor are often exempt from holding their own license. These individuals cannot advertise or pull permits independently.

Who Regulates HVAC Licensing in Florida?

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the primary agency responsible for overseeing Florida HVAC licensing. Specifically, Florida HVAC contractors are regulated under the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), a division of the DBPR. This board ensures that contractors meet experience, testing, and legal standards before being allowed to operate independently.

The legal framework governing HVAC licensing in Florida is codified under:

All license applications, renewals, and related documentation are submitted through the Florida DBPR website. The site also provides exam resources, CEU tracking, and public license lookup tools.

Why Enter the Florida HVAC Job Market

Florida’s HVAC industry is growing fast, and getting your HVAC license in Florida now can help you capitalize on high demand and job stability. The state boasts the highest number of HVAC technicians employed nationwide, with over 38,000 professionals as of 2024 as reported by Research and Markets. Employment in this sector is projected to grow by 17% from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the national average . This surge is driven by Florida’s booming construction industry, a growing population, and the increasing need for energy-efficient climate control systems

Background Check Requirements for HVAC Licensing in Florida

All applicants seeking an HVAC license in Florida, including registered technicians and certified technicians, must undergo a background check. A fingerprint must be submitted using a Florida-approved Livescan Service Provider after applying for a license. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) receives the fingerprints within 5 days.

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from obtaining an HVAC license in Florida. The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) evaluates each case individually, considering factors such as the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense, and its relevance to the HVAC profession. Notably, as of July 1, 2022, Florida law prohibits the CILB from denying a license based solely on convictions related to “good moral character” if the conviction occurred more than two years prior to the application date. However, certain serious offenses, including forcible felonies and sexual predator crimes, may still impact licensure decisions regardless of when they occurred.

Types of HVAC Licenses in Florida

Florida offers two main types of HVAC contractor licenses: Certified and Registered. Both licenses allow you to legally perform HVAC work, but the key difference is where you can operate.

Certified Air Conditioning Contractor: This is the statewide license. It allows you to work anywhere in Florida, pull permits, advertise your services, and operate independently. You’ll need to pass a state exam and meet stricter eligibility requirements, but it gives you maximum flexibility if you want to grow a larger business or move between jurisdictions.
Registered Air Conditioning Contractor: This license is limited to local jurisdictions. You must pass a local exam and get a Certificate of Competency from the city or county where you plan to work. With a registered license, you can only pull permits and advertise in the jurisdiction that issued your certificate. If you plan to stay local or work under a single jurisdiction, this may be enough, but it comes with more restrictions than the certified license.

Each license is further divided into Class A and Class B, which define the scope of work:

Class A License: No limits on the size or capacity of HVAC systems. You can work on any residential or commercial system, regardless of tonnage or BTU rating. This is the best option if you plan to handle larger-scale commercial installs or want full flexibility.
Class B License: Limited to cooling systems under 20 tons and heating systems under 500,000 BTU/h. This license is best suited for contractors focused on residential or light commercial work. You’ll still need to pass the state or local exam (depending on whether you’re pursuing Certified or Registered status), but your project scope will be narrower.

If you’re serious about your HVAC career in Florida, most contractors recommend going for the Certified Class A license. It’s the most versatile and opens the door to long-term growth.

Insurance and Financial Responsibility

Florida takes financial responsibility seriously when it comes to issuing HVAC licenses. If you’re applying for either a Certified or Registered contractor license, you’ll need to show that your business is financially stable and properly insured to protect both you and your customers.

Here’s what you’ll need:

General Liability Insurance: At least $100,000 in bodily injury coverage and $25,000 in property damage coverage. This is required by law and proof must be submitted with your application.
Workers’ Compensation: If you have employees, you’re required to carry workers’ comp insurance. If you’re a solo operator with no employees, you may be exempt—but you’ll still need to file an exemption form with the state.
Credit Report: To qualify for an HVAC contractor license in Florida, all applicants must submit a personal credit report to demonstrate financial responsibility. If your credit score is below 660, you’ll need to take additional steps, such as:
- Posting a licensure bond (amount varies),
- Submitting extra financial documentation, or
- Having a financially responsible officer appointed (for companies).

Florida wants to know that you’re running a legitimate, solvent business before giving you a license. If your finances are in order, this part is straightforward. But if your credit is shaky, it’s better to know ahead of time and be prepared with the proper documentation or backup options.

Registered Air Conditioning Contractor in Florida: Requirements, Registration, and Pay

Understanding the Registration Requirement

The Registered Air Conditioning Contractor License allows the license holder to perform and advertise HVAC work under their own name or business name, but is limited to certain local jurisdictions. It is NOT a statewide license.

Minimum Age and Education Requirements for Florida Registered Technicians

To qualify for a registered HVAC contractor license in Florida, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. This educational requirement is part of the eligibility criteria set by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for HVAC licensing.

License Requirements and Prerequisites

To obtain a registered HVAC license in Florida, applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold either a high school diploma or a GED. You must also pass a local licensing examination and receive a Certificate of Competency from the local jurisdiction. Additionally, applicants are required to submit fingerprints for a background check, pass a credit check, and provide proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage (if employing others).

How to Get a Registered Air Conditioning Contractor License (Step-by-Step)

Assuming you meet the eligibility requirements noted above, you will want to follow these steps to get licensed:

Visit the Florida DBPL licensing page
Choose whether to apply as an individual or a business
Fill out the printable application on the website
Mail your application along with your application fee
Submit credit report with application
Submit Fingerprints using a Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE
Wait for DBPL approval

How Much Is the Registered Contractor License Fee in 2025?

From January through April 30th, the application fee is $155
From May through the end of the year, the application fee is $205

Note that these fees are determined by the application year being an odd or even number. The fees listed above are accurate for 2025.

What type of Work Can Registered Contractor Do?

Registered contractors can perform HVAC maintenance, repairs and installation under their own name or business name in the local jurisdiction where they hold a Certificate of Competency. This extends to central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilation systems. They can also advertise, pull permits, and supervise apprentices within that same jurisdiction.

Penalties for Unregistered or Unlicensed HVAC Work in Florida

Operating as an HVAC contractor in Florida without the appropriate license is a serious offense, carrying both criminal and civil penalties. Here’s an overview of the potential consequences:

Criminal Penalties

First Offense: Unlicensed HVAC contracting is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail, 12 months of probation, and a $1,000 fine.
Subsequent Offenses: Elevated to a third-degree felony, which can result in up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.
State of Emergency Violations: Committing unlicensed contracting during a state of emergency declared by the Governor is automatically considered a third-degree felony, regardless of prior offenses.

Civil Penalties

Restitution: Courts may order unlicensed contractors to pay restitution to victims for substandard work or damages caused. These amounts can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Unenforceable Contracts: Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors are considered legally unenforceable, meaning they cannot claim payment for work performed and have no lien rights.
Fines: Additional civil fines may be imposed, potentially up to $10,000 per offense, depending on the circumstances.

Get licensed for the work you are going to do. It’s simply not worth doing unlicensed HVAC work in Florida.

Certified Air Conditioning Contractor: The Statewide HVAC License

Prerequisites and Pathways

To qualify for the certified air conditioning contractor exam in Florida, applicants must demonstrate four years of experience. However, the state allows certain combinations of education and military service to substitute for a portion of this practical experience. The approved pathways are outlined in a tiered substitution chart published by the DBPR:

Four-year construction-related degree plus one year of practical experience
Three years of college courses (any major) or military service plus one year of experience as a foreman
Two years of college courses or military service plus one year as a foreman and one year as a worker
One year of college or military service plus one year as a foreman and two years as a worker
Four years of practical experience, with at least one year in a foreman role

This flexible system allows individuals from a variety of backgrounds to pursue licensure, while still ensuring that all applicants meet minimum competency through hands-on experience.

How Do You Apply For a Certified Air Conditioning Contractor’s License?

Before applying make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements noted above. Then simply do the following:

Start you application on the Florida DBPR website
Fill out and submit the form on their website or download the printable form and mail it to the address noted on the application
Pay an application fee
Submit your credit information with the application
Submit fingerprints using a Florida-approved Livescan Service Provider
Wait for DBPR to approve your examination eligibility
Take and Pass the Exams (Certified Technician Exam & Business & Finance exam), administered by Pearson VUE (You can apply here)

Note that the application fee changes based on the date of application. In 2025, the application fee is $145 until August 31^st and then $95 for the remainder of the year.

Certified Technician Examination Requirements

Before receiving your license, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires applicants to pass two knowledge-based licensing exams. Testing is administered by Pearson VUE, and you can find registration details, testing locations, and a list of approved reference materials on their site.

Applicants must choose between the Class A and Class B Air Conditioning Contractor license exams. This choice determines both the scope of work you’ll be authorized to perform and the format of the exam itself:

Class A Exam: 120 questions – covers unlimited HVAC system capacity, including both residential and commercial work statewide. You have 7.5 hrs to complete the exam.
Class B Exam: 80 questions – limited to cooling systems under 20 tons and heating systems below 500,000 BTU/h. You have 5 hours to complete the exam.

These exams are open book, and you are allowed to bring only the specific reference materials listed by the DBPR. Familiarity with these materials is essential, as the exam is time-limited and designed to test both knowledge and your ability to quickly reference technical information.

To save you some time, here is a direct link to the approved reference materials for the Class A Exam.

The Class B exam has slightly different approved reference materials which you can view here.

Business and Finance Exam Requirement

In addition to passing the trade exam (Class A or Class B), all applicants for a Certified Air Conditioning Contractor license in Florida are also required to pass the Business and Finance exam. This is a separate test that focuses on the business side of running an HVAC company and it’s mandatory, even if you’ve worked in the field for years.

Exam Details:

Format: Open-book, multiple-choice.
Duration: 6.5 hours (390 minutes).
Number of Questions: 120.
Passing Score: 70%.
Cost: $80 exam fee

Content Areas:

Establishing the Contracting Business (11%)
Covers business structures, planning, and asset acquisition.
Managing Administrative Duties (26%)
Focuses on business development, outsourcing, overhead determination, bidding, invoicing, safety planning, and contract management.
Managing Trade Operations (10%)
Includes scheduling, OSHA compliance, procurement, and inventory management.
Conducting Accounting Functions (32%)
Encompasses accounts receivable/payable, cash flow management, tax filings, job costing, and payroll calculations.
Managing Human Resources (6%)
Addresses hiring, policy development, and employee evaluations.
Complying with Government Regulations (15%)
Involves adherence to federal and state laws and regulations.

It’s an open-book exam with 120 multiple-choice questions and a time limit of 6.5 hours. You’ll need to be familiar with the reference books approved by the DBPR, and your ability to navigate those materials efficiently under pressure is key.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Certified Technician License?

In addition to the costs of training required to be eligible for the exam, you will need to pay:

Application Fee of $145 before Aug 31^st, or $95 after Aug 31st
$80 Certified Contractor Exam Fee
$80 Business & Finance Exam Fee

There are no other immediate costs to get your Certified Air Conditioning Contractor license in Florida.

Certified Air Conditioning Contractor Renewal Requirements and Cost

All certified contractors are required by DBPR to renew their license every two years.

$209 biennial renewal fee
14 hours of Continued Education

If you’re qualifying a business entity, there is an extra fee of $50 per qualified business added to the renewal cost.

Important note: DBPR does not publish the renewal fee on their website. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to consult the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) directly.

Is continued education required for certified air conditioning contractor license renewal?

Yes, 14 hours of continuing education is required for the renewal of a Certified Air Conditioning Contractor license in Florida (every other year). The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) mandates that licensees complete specific continuing education courses during each renewal cycle to maintain their active status. These courses are designed to ensure that contractors stay updated on industry standards, safety protocols, and regulatory changes.

For detailed information on the specific continuing education requirements and to find approved courses, you can visit the DBPR’s Continuing Education Course Search page at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CESearch.asp

Can You Use a Florida HVAC License in Other States?

Yes, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Georgia all recognize Florida’s Certified Air Conditioning Contractor License.

Does Florida Recognize Out-of-state Licenses?

Yes. In addition to their formal reciprocity agreements with California, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Georgia, Florida also allow out-of-state contractors a pathway called “endorsement”. This can allow you to get a license without taking the state exam if:

You hold a valid license in another state
You have passed an exam in a state with a licensing exam equivalent to Florida’s
You meet Florida’s experience requirements
You can satisfy all background check, credit check, and insurance requirements
Your endorsement application is reviewed and approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board

It’s important to note that the Construction Industry Licensing Board rarely approves these endorsement applications.

All out-of-state license holders are still required to pass the Florida Business and Finance exam, prove their license was in good standing, and meet Florida’s requirements for background checks, credit checks, and insurance coverage.

EPA Section 608 Certification Requirements

Any technician handling refrigerants in Florida must obtain EPA Section 608 Certification. This is federally mandated and separate from your state license.

There are four types:

Type I: Small appliances
Type II: High-pressure systems
Type III: Low-pressure systems
Universal: Covers all categories

Training is available through most HVAC programs or online through EPA-approved testing providers.

How Much do Certified Air Conditioning Contractor’s Make in Florida?

According to zip-recruiter, the average annual salary for a licensed HVAC contractor in Florida is $91,414 or $43.95 per hour. Experience level, geographic location, and specialization can have an impact on earning potential. Self-employment or running your own business can further expand your earning potential.

Those without their Certified Air Conditioning Contractor license can expect to make less

According to Talent.com, here’s how salaries typically break down:

Entry-Level (0–2 years): $46,800 per year
Mid-Level (3–5 years): $57,000 per year
Senior-Level (6+ years): $80,000 per year or more

This is in line with statewide averages reported by Glassdoor, which estimates the base salary at $53,041, with total compensation (bonuses, profit sharing, etc.) reaching as high as $67,423 annually.

Optional Professional Certifications for Certified Air Conditioning Contractors

While not required, additional certifications can enhance career prospects:

NATE (North American Technician Excellence)
HVAC Excellence certifications
Manufacturer-specific training programs These credentials demonstrate commitment to professional development and can differentiate candidates in competitive markets.

HVAC Training Programs and Schools in Florida

If you’re serious about getting your HVAC license in Florida, quality training is non-negotiable. Florida has numerous technical schools and community colleges that offer HVAC programs—some fast-tracked, others more comprehensive—but not all programs are created equal.

Here are a few standout options to consider:

1. Indian River State College (IRSC)

Program: Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology
Length: Technical Certificate (1 year), A.S. Degree (2 years)
Accreditation: HVAC Excellence
Estimated Tuition: ~$3,200 in-state
Offers hands-on training, EPA Section 608 prep, and job placement assistance.

2. Palm Beach State College

Program: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) Career Certificate Program
Length: 1,350 hours
Accreditation: HVAC Excellence
Estimated Tuition: ~$4,000 in-state
Focuses on real-world troubleshooting and certification readiness.

3. Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ)

Program: Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration Career Certificate
Length: 1,350 contact hours
Estimated Tuition: ~$2,100 in-state
Offers flexible class schedules and prepares students for entry-level HVAC positions.

Make sure any program you choose aligns with your goals, whether that’s a quick entry into the trade or long-term plans to get your Certified Air Conditioning Contractor license. Let the training you pick match the scope of career you’re aiming for.

Final Thoughts: Is a Florida HVAC License Worth It?

If you are serious about your HVAC career, and looking to make the most money possible, then getting your Certified Air Conditioning Contractor’s License is essential. For those who are just getting into the trade, licensing might not be immediately necessary, or even on your radar, but I’d encourage you to look at licensing as a way to unlock more opportunity.

Sure the process is a little complex, and Florida’s DBPR website is a maze, but once you break down the process, it’s completely doable.

Florida’s HVAC market is booming, the pay is solid, and the need for skilled workers is here to stay. For all of these reasons, it is a great time to get licensed to work as an HVAC contractor in the state of year-round AC. Get your license, and then check out our Business Guides to set yourself up for long term success and profitability.

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