HVAC Schools in Florida (Top Programs Listed)

There are many reasons to want to become certified as an HVAC technician in Florida, such as a good field to work in and having a decent income.

Let’s learn more about this occupation and how to get licensed.

Job Overview

The demand for these technicians is expected to increase by 30% in the future, so now it’s a really good time to start your training.

Salary

In Florida, HVAC specialists earn on average $44,315 per year, versus the national average of $46,648 per year.

The top 10% of these professionals earn as much as $50,215 per year, compared to the highest salary at a national level which is $46,648 per year.

Regional Salary in Florida

HVAC Certification Programs

There are several ways to get a certification as an HVAC specialist in Florida.

Enrolling in a technical or public college is one of the easiest routes to enter this work field.

The length of the program depends on the institution, but it can last anywhere from 1 semester up to 4 years.

Possibly the best program would be one lasting about 2 years as they specifically prepare students for the licensing exam in Florida.

The certification programs for this occupation include:

• Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Assistant Certificate
• Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technician Certificate
• Associate in Applied Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology
• Associate in Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Systems Technologies

Let’s have a look at the types of licenses you can obtain, and remember that all of them are either certified by or registered with the State of Florida.

Certified ‘Class A’ Florida HVAC License

With this license, you can work anywhere within the State of Florida.

To qualify, you must meet the educational requirements – this includes training on the job, known as an apprenticeship.

You’ll then have to pass the exam for which you have to pay a fee of $355.

The license itself and its renewal cost $125 each.

Make sure to have workers compensation as well.

Registered ‘Class A’ Florida HVAC License

Holders of this license can work in certain areas where local requirements are met, regardless of unit size.

Local authorities have more details reading this option, and you’ll have to fill out an application.

Both the registration and the renewal fees are $100 each.

Certified ‘Class B’ HVAC License

There are several requirements to obtain this certification that allows you to work in any region of the state.

The limitation comes from the equipment you can service:

• Up to 20 tons cooling systems
• Up to 500,000 BTU heating systems

Requirements:

• 18 years old
• 4-year accredited degree
• 1 year of experience (or 2000 hours)
• Pass the exam
• Have workers compensation

4 years of active experience is also accepted instead of the 4 year degree and 2000 hours of experience on the job.

You’ll have to pay $354 to take the exam.

Registered ‘Class B’ HVAC License

This license poses the most limitations, as it allows you to work only:

• In areas where you meet the requirements
• On up to 20 tons cooling systems
• On up to 500,000 BTU heating systems

Local governments have more details regarding this license for which you must submit an application.

For this license, you have to pay the $100 registration fee and the $100 renewal fee.

Schools

Have a look at the list of schools in the table below.

The EPA Certification

Those who want to work with refrigerants that are ozone-depleting need to get the additional EPA license.

You can get this license either from one of these organizations: HVAC Excellence or the North American Technician Excellence (or shortly, NATE).

There are additionally a few other certifications you can get, they’re recommended if you want to prove you really know your profession.

The more licenses you have, the more valuable you can be when it comes to searching for a job.

Contractor License

Florida has different types of contractor licenses, and these have some common requirements:

• Being over the age of 18.
• Get a credit report and a financial statement from current year
• Net worth between $2,500 – $20,000
• General liability insurances:
  1. $100,000 for bodily injury
  2. $25,000 for property damage

For the mechanical contractor license you need minimum 4 years of experience.

For the A + B Air conditioning contractor license, you need to take 2 exams:

1. In business/finance
2. For the desired trade

These 2 exams are not for electrical contractors as they need to sit through other state-regulated examinations.

There are 2 different fees that must be paid as follows:

• $249 From May 1st of an even year through August 31st of an odd year
• $309 From September 1st of an odd year through April 30th of an even year

Exam Process

As you already know, you have to sit through a test for each license you want to obtain.

Mechanical Contractor’s License Exam:

• The exam is taken in two sections lasting each 4.5 hour, with one taken in the morning and the other at night
• You need to score at least 70% to pass
• The exam fee is $135
• The test is taken onsite at the date and location selected on your application

A + B Air Conditioning Contractor’s License:

• The requirements are the same as above
• You will need 14 hours of continued education to acquire and maintain this license

NATE Exam:

• Choose your technician type: installation or service.
• Identify which specialty exam you would like to take in addition to the core exam
• Register for a testing session in your area
• It costs $95 to maintain a 5-year certification

Extra Considerations

A successful HVAC career is possible with classroom education along with workshops apprenticeships, followed by obtaining a license.

This field allows for further specialization, however specific certification is also needed, but the process can mean you have less competition in your field and a higher chance of finding a better position.

HVAC Schools by City

HVAC Schools by State