SPEC SHEET · FL · HVAC
Florida HVAC technician license requirements
The answer
Florida licenses HVAC at the contractor level: the DBPR Certified Air-Conditioning Contractor (Class A = any size system; Class B = cooling ≤25 tons / heating ≤500,000 BTU). Qualify under s. 489.111, F.S. — commonly 4 years of trade experience with 1 year as foreman — and pass the state exams. Technicians work under a licensed contractor; EPA 608 is federally required for refrigerant work.Your paths to the license
4 years trade experience (1 as foreman)
At least 4 years of active experience as a skilled worker at a mechanic's rate or as a foreman — including at least 1 year as foreman (2,000 person-hours = one year).
Construction-related bachelor's + 1 year
A 4-year accredited degree in engineering, architecture or building construction plus 1 year of proven HVAC experience.
College credits + experience combinations
Combinations allowed by s. 489.111: e.g. 1 year foreman + 3 years accredited college credits, or 2 years skilled worker + 1 year foreman + 1 year credits. Class C AC contractors upgrade to B after 3 years or A after 4 years by passing that exam.
Licensed in another state
CILB endorsement (CILB 10) is available where your out-of-state license was earned on substantially equivalent standards; otherwise take the Florida exams with your experience credited.
License levels in Florida
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Technician (unlicensed by the state) | Works under a licensed AC contractor; EPA 608 certification required for refrigerant handling. | — |
| Certified Class B AC Contractor | Cooling ≤25 tons, heating ≤500,000 BTU; exam + s. 489.111 experience. | — |
| Certified Class A AC Contractor | Any size system; exam + s. 489.111 experience. A Class C (service) contractor with 3–4 years can upgrade by exam. | — |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam registration + parts | Paid to Professional Testing, Inc. / Pearson VUE — see their current fee schedule |
The exam
| Provider | Professional Testing, Inc. (registration) + Pearson VUE (computer-based) |
| Fees | Exam fees paid directly to Professional Testing, Inc. / Pearson VUE |
| Notes | Parts: trade knowledge + business & finance. |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: No automatic reciprocity; endorsement where standards are substantially equivalent. Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: Certified licenses expire August 31 of even years; board-approved CE required (Rule 61G4-18.001, F.A.C.).
Federal layer: EPA Section 608 certification is required federally for anyone who maintains, services, repairs or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants.
Watch out: Class A/B scope limits (25 tons / 500,000 BTU) are set in s. 489.105, F.S. — confirm which class matches the work you plan to do. · Financial responsibility and insurance are required at licensure.
Official sources for this page
Florida HVAC technician licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed HVAC technician in Florida?
Florida licenses HVAC at the contractor level: the DBPR Certified Air-Conditioning Contractor (Class A = any size system; Class B = cooling ≤25 tons / heating ≤500,000 BTU). Qualify under s. 489.111, F.S. — commonly 4 years of trade experience with 1 year as foreman — and pass the state exams. Technicians work under a licensed contractor; EPA 608 is federally required for refrigerant work.
What does the Florida HVAC technician license cost?
Exam fees paid directly to Professional Testing, Inc. / Pearson VUE. Fee amounts are published on the current official application — see the sources below.
Does Florida have HVAC technician license reciprocity?
No automatic reciprocity; endorsement where standards are substantially equivalent.
How often does the license renew?
Certified licenses expire August 31 of even years; board-approved CE required (Rule 61G4-18.001, F.A.C.).
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