How to Get an HVAC License in Florida (2026) | Steps & Requirements

Key Takeaways

Florida requires a state HVAC / heating and air conditioning license (Class A HVAC Contractor License), plus federal EPA Section 608 for refrigerant handling. Expect about 4 years of documented experience before the primary exam. Regulated by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

State HVAC license: Required
EPA 608 certification: Required (federal)
2 license types: Class A HVAC Contractor License, Class B HVAC Contractor License
Experience typically required: ~4 years
Continuing education: 14 hours
Regulator: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Quick facts for heating and air conditioning licensing in Florida
Fact	Detail
State HVAC license	Required
EPA 608	Required (federal)
Primary credential	Class A HVAC Contractor License
Experience (typical)	~4 years
Continuing education	14 hours
Regulator	Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Step-by-Step

How to Get a Heating and Air Conditioning License in Florida

Follow these steps in order. Always confirm final fees and forms with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) before you apply.

Get EPA Section 608 certification

Complete federal EPA Section 608 (Universal preferred) before or during your Florida heating and air conditioning training. It is required to purchase and handle refrigerants.

Build ~4 years of documented experience

Florida typically expects about 4 years of documented HVAC / mechanical experience (or an approved apprenticeship equivalent) before the primary heating and air conditioning license exam.

Pass the state trade knowledge and business exams

Demonstrate at least 4 years of experience

Provide proof of insurance and financial responsibility

Pass the state trade knowledge and business exams

Pass the Class A HVAC Contractor License exam

Apply through Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), schedule the exam, and pass the written (and any trade) exam required for Class A HVAC Contractor License.

Class A HVAC Contractor License: exam required

Class B HVAC Contractor License: exam required

Submit your heating and air conditioning license application

File with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), provide proof of experience/training, insurance/bonding if required, and pay application fees. Confirm current forms on the official site.

Complete continuing education to renew

Florida requires 14 hours of continuing education to keep your HVAC license current.

License Types

Florida HVAC Licenses

Florida offers 2 license types for HVAC professionals.

Class A HVAC Contractor License

Unlimited scope for air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilation work.

Experience: 4 yearsExam required: Yes

Pass the state trade knowledge and business exams

Demonstrate at least 4 years of experience

Provide proof of insurance and financial responsibility

Class B HVAC Contractor License

Limited to HVAC systems of 25 tons cooling or 500,000 BTU heating or less.

Experience: 3 yearsExam required: Yes

Pass the state trade knowledge and business exams

Demonstrate at least 3 years of experience

Provide proof of insurance

FAQ

Heating & air conditioning license questions in Florida

Answers match the FAQ structured data on this page for search and AI assistants.

Do you need a license to do HVAC in Florida?

Yes. Florida requires a state HVAC / heating and air conditioning (mechanical) license (Class A HVAC Contractor License). Federal EPA Section 608 certification is also required to handle refrigerants.

How do I get a heating and air conditioning license in Florida?

Earn EPA 608, complete the required training or experience (typically ~4 years), pass the state exam through Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), and submit your application with any bonding/insurance paperwork.

How much does an HVAC license cost in Florida?

State filing and exam fees vary by license class. Budget for application/exam fees plus EPA 608 testing and any required training. Confirm current amounts with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Is EPA 608 required in Florida?

Yes. EPA Section 608 is a federal requirement in every state, including Florida. Most employers expect Universal certification for heating and air conditioning refrigerant work.

What HVAC license types does Florida offer?

Florida offers Class A HVAC Contractor License and Class B HVAC Contractor License. Florida requires state HVAC contractor licensing with Class A (unlimited) and Class B (limited) tiers. Continuing education is required for each biennial renewal.

How many continuing education hours does Florida require?

Florida requires 14 hours of continuing education to renew an HVAC license.

Can I get a heating and air conditioning license through an apprenticeship in Florida?

Yes. Registered apprenticeships in Florida commonly satisfy the experience requirement toward licensure while you earn wages. Confirm hour documentation with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Data source: Licensing requirements sourced from official state regulatory body publications and verified against ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) state licensing guides. EPA Section 608 requirements per 40 CFR Part 82. Fee bands are typical published ranges — confirm current amounts with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) before applying. Last reviewed: June 2026.

How to Get an HVAC Licensein Florida

How to Get an HVAC License
in Florida