Florida HVAC License: How to Get Certified as an HVAC Contractor in FL

To get an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) license in Florida, you need to follow these steps:

1. Meet the Requirements: You must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. You must also have at least 4 years of experience in HVAC work.
2. Pass the Exam: You must pass the Florida HVAC Contractor Exam. The exam consists of two parts, a business and finance section, and a technical section. You must pass both sections with a score of at least 70%.
3. Register your Business: You must register your business with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and obtain a Certificate of Competency.
4. Obtain Insurance: You must obtain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
5. Submit the Application: You must submit the application for a Certified HVAC Contractor License to the DBPR.
6. Pay Fees: You must pay the applicable fees for the license and any other required fees.

Once you have completed these steps, you will be a certified HVAC contractor in Florida. Keep in mind that you must renew your license every two years and complete continuing education requirements to maintain your certification.

Requirement to obtain HVAC license in Florida

The requirements for obtaining an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) license in Florida are as follows:

1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
2. Education: You must have a high school diploma or GED.
3. Experience: You must have at least four years of experience in HVAC work.
4. Exam: You must pass the Florida HVAC Contractor Exam, which consists of two parts: a business and finance section and a technical section. You must pass both sections with a score of at least 70%.
5. Insurance: You must obtain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
6. Business registration: You must register your business with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and obtain a Certificate of Competency.

It is important to note that the requirements may vary depending on the type of HVAC license you are applying for. For example, to obtain a Certified Class A HVAC Contractor License, you must have experience working on larger HVAC systems, while a Certified Class B HVAC Contractor License is limited to systems up to 25 tons. Therefore, it is important to review the specific requirements for the license you are interested in before applying.

Type of HVAC License in Florida

General Terms In general the term “contractor” means the person who is qualified for, and shall only be responsible for, the project contracted for and means, except as exempted in this part, the person who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to others; and whose job scope is substantially similar to the job scope described in one of the subsequent paragraphs of this subsection. For the purposes of regulation under this part, “demolish” applies only to demolition of steel tanks over 50 feet in height; towers over 50 feet in height; other structures over 50 feet in height, other than buildings or residences over three stories tall; and buildings or residences over three stories tall.

A “certified contractor” means any contractor who possesses a certificate of competency issued by the department and who shall be allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state without being required to fulfill the competency requirements of that jurisdiction. Certified contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “C“.

A “registered contractor” means any contractor who has registered with the department pursuant to fulfilling the competency requirements in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors may contract only in such jurisdictions. Registered contractors are designated by an occupation code which begins with the letter “R“.

In Florida, there are two types of HVAC licenses that HVAC contractors can obtain:

1. Certified Class A HVAC Contractor License: This license allows the holder to work on any size HVAC system, including systems over 25 tons. To obtain this license, contractors must have at least four years of experience in HVAC work, pass the Florida HVAC Contractor Exam, and meet other requirements such as obtaining general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
2. Certified Class B HVAC Contractor License: This license allows the holder to work on HVAC systems of up to 25 tons. To obtain this license, contractors must have at least four years of experience in HVAC work, pass the Florida HVAC Contractor Exam, and meet other requirements such as obtaining general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.

It is important to note that HVAC contractors in Florida must have a license to legally work on HVAC systems. Failure to obtain a license can result in fines, legal action, and damage to your reputation as a contractor. Therefore, it is essential to meet all the requirements and obtain the proper license before starting your HVAC business in Florida.

Florida HVAC Contractor Exam Detail

The Florida HVAC Contractor Exam is a two-part exam that covers both business and technical aspects of HVAC work. The exam consists of 130 multiple-choice questions, with 60 questions in the Business and Finance section and 70 questions in the Technical section.

The Business and Finance section covers topics such as:

• Business organization
• Contracts and agreements
• Estimating and bidding
• Financial management and accounting
• Liens, bonds, and insurance

The Technical section covers topics such as:

• HVAC system design and installation
• HVAC system maintenance and repair
• Electrical principles and practices
• Mechanical and refrigeration principles and practices
• Air distribution and ventilation principles and practices

To pass the exam, you must obtain a score of at least 70% on each section. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, and you must schedule and pay for the exam in advance. It is recommended that you prepare for the exam by studying the exam content outline, reviewing the reference materials, and taking practice exams.

Register HVAC Business in Florida

o register an HVAC business in Florida, you need to follow these steps:

1. Choose a Business Structure: You need to decide on the legal structure of your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Each structure has different tax and liability implications, so it is important to choose the one that best fits your needs.
2. Register Your Business: You must register your business with the Florida Department of State. You can file the necessary paperwork online or by mail. The paperwork includes the Articles of Organization or Incorporation, depending on your chosen legal structure.
3. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): You must obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This is a unique identification number that is required for tax purposes.
4. Obtain Required Licenses and Permits: As an HVAC contractor, you need to obtain a Certified HVAC Contractor License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You may also need to obtain other licenses and permits depending on the location of your business and the services you provide.
5. Obtain Insurance: You need to obtain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to protect your business and employees in case of accidents or damages.
6. Register for Taxes: You need to register for taxes with the Florida Department of Revenue. You may need to collect and remit sales tax, use tax, and other taxes depending on the services you provide.

Once you have completed these steps and obtained all the necessary licenses and permits, you can legally operate your HVAC business in Florida. It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments and regulations to ensure that your business is successful and compliant with state and federal laws.

Obtain insurance in Florida for HVAC

To obtain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance in Florida for HVAC, you can follow these steps:

1. Shop Around: Contact different insurance providers and compare their rates and coverage options to find the best fit for your business needs.
2. Determine Coverage Needs: Assess the risks involved in your HVAC work and determine the amount of coverage needed for general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. General liability insurance typically covers damages and injuries to third parties, while workers’ compensation insurance covers injuries to employees.
3. Obtain Quotes: Request quotes from insurance providers that meet your coverage needs.
4. Review and Select Policy: Review the quotes and policy details carefully, including the coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Choose the policy that best fits your business needs and budget.
5. Apply for Insurance: Complete the application process for the chosen insurance policy. You may need to provide information about your business, such as the number of employees and the types of services you provide.
6. Pay Premiums: Once the application is approved, you will need to pay the premiums for the insurance policy. The premiums may be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the insurance provider and policy terms.

By obtaining general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, you can protect your HVAC business and employees in case of accidents, damages, or injuries. It is important to review and renew your insurance policies regularly to ensure that your business is properly protected.

Submit Application for Certified HVAC Contractor License in Florida

To apply for a Certified HVAC Contractor License in Florida, you need to follow these steps:

1. Meet the Requirements: Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, and having at least four years of experience in HVAC work.
2. Complete the Application: Download and complete the application form for a Certified HVAC Contractor License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website.
3. Gather Required Documentation: Gather the required documentation to support your application, such as proof of education, experience, and insurance.
4. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee, which is currently $349.
5. Submit the Application: Submit the completed application, supporting documentation, and application fee to the DBPR by mail or online through the DBPR Online Services portal.
6. Schedule and Pass the Exam: Schedule and pass the Florida HVAC Contractor Exam, which consists of two parts: a business and finance section and a technical section.
7. Obtain Insurance and Register Business: Obtain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, register your business with the DBPR, and obtain a Certificate of Competency.

Once you have completed all these steps and your application is approved, you will receive your Certified HVAC Contractor License, which allows you to legally operate an HVAC business in Florida. Remember to renew your license every two years and fulfill any continuing education requirements to maintain your certification.

Cost to get an HVAC license in Florida

The cost of obtaining an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) license in Florida varies depending on the type of license you are applying for and the associated fees. As of 2022, the cost of obtaining a Certified HVAC Contractor License in Florida is as follows:

1. Application Fee: The non-refundable application fee is $349.
2. Examination Fee: The examination fee is $135.
3. License Fee: The initial license fee is $315.
4. Fingerprinting Fee: The fingerprinting fee is $52.
5. Insurance Costs: You must obtain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, and the costs for these policies may vary depending on your business and coverage needs.

Overall, the total cost of obtaining an HVAC license in Florida can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on various factors such as the type of license you are obtaining and the insurance costs. It is important to review and understand all the associated fees and costs before applying for a license to ensure that you can afford the expenses.

Renew HVAC License in Florida

To renew your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) license in Florida, you need to follow these steps:

1. Check Your Renewal Date: Check the expiration date of your HVAC license and ensure that you renew it before it expires.
2. Complete Continuing Education: Complete the required continuing education credits before renewing your license. For HVAC contractors in Florida, you must complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years.
3. Submit Renewal Application: Download and complete the renewal application form from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website. Submit the completed form, along with any required documentation and fees, to the DBPR by mail or online through the DBPR Online Services portal.
4. Pay Renewal Fee: Pay the renewal fee, which is currently $315.
5. Maintain Insurance: Ensure that you maintain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, as required by the state of Florida.

Once you have completed these steps and your renewal application is approved, you will receive a renewed HVAC license that is valid for another two years. It is important to renew your license on time and maintain all the required documentation and insurance to ensure that you can continue to legally operate your HVAC business in Florida.

License Expiration

If your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) license in Florida expires, you cannot legally work as an HVAC contractor until you renew your license. It is illegal to perform HVAC work without a valid license in Florida.

If you continue to work as an HVAC contractor with an expired license, you may face fines and legal consequences. Additionally, working without insurance coverage could leave you and your clients vulnerable to financial losses and damages in case of accidents or damages.

To avoid any legal and financial consequences, it is important to renew your HVAC license before it expires. You should also make sure to fulfill all the required continuing education credits, maintain insurance coverage, and submit all required documentation on time to ensure that your license remains valid.

Increased Earning Potential

Obtaining an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) license in Florida can increase your earning potential as an HVAC contractor. Having a license demonstrates to clients and potential employers that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to perform HVAC work safely and efficiently.

Clients are often willing to pay more for the services of licensed contractors because they perceive them as being more reliable and trustworthy. In addition, having a license can help you qualify for more job opportunities, such as working on larger and more complex HVAC systems that require a higher level of expertise.

Moreover, as a licensed contractor, you can bid on government contracts, which often pay higher rates than private sector contracts. Therefore, obtaining an HVAC license can lead to increased job opportunities, higher earnings, and greater professional success as an HVAC contractor in Florida.