Quick Reference Table
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
License Types | Certified Class-A, Certified Class-B, Registered (Class C, legacy only) |
Agency | Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) |
Minimum Experience | 4 years (education/military may substitute for up to 3 years) |
Exam | Business & Finance and Air-Conditioning Knowledge, both via Pearson VUE |
Renewal | Biennial (every 2 years), expires August 31 of even years |
Continuing Education | 14 hours per cycle (includes specific mandatory topics) |
Application Fees | $245 (high period) or $145 (low period) as of June 2026, plus $4 unlicensed activity fund fee (fee details) |
Exam Fees | $199 per part (2 parts) as of June 2026 (exam details) |
Official Links | CILB Construction Industry Licensing Board | DBPR HVAC Application Portal |
Who Needs a License in Florida?
Florida law requires a license for anyone who contracts to install, maintain, or repair air-conditioning systems for compensation. This covers both commercial and residential HVAC work. Unlicensed HVAC contracting is prohibited statewide.
Both individuals and businesses that offer HVAC services must hold the correct Florida HVAC contractor license. Employees who work under a properly licensed contractor do not need an individual license unless they wish to operate as a contractor or sign contracts independently.
Scope of licensure is determined by the type of HVAC work performed. For example, central system installations, major repairs, and system design all require licensure. Minor repairs or basic servicing may fall under exemptions if performed as W-2 employees under supervision, but independent contracting always requires you to meet HVAC license requirements in Florida. Always check the board’s current legal thresholds before starting work.
HVAC License Types
There are three main HVAC license types issued in Florida, with clear distinctions in scope and requirements. Make sure to select the right class from the start:
Certified Class-A Air-Conditioning Contractor ("Class A"): This is the broadest HVAC license in Florida. It allows you to work statewide on any size or type of HVAC system, commercial or residential, including installation, maintenance, repair, and system design. However, you cannot run natural gas or LP fuel lines, potable water lines, sanitary sewer, pool piping, or main electrical wiring under this license.
Certified Class-B Air-Conditioning Contractor ("Class B"): This license is limited to HVAC systems of up to 25 tons cooling capacity and 500,000 BTU heating. Otherwise, it covers the same scope as Class A but only for smaller commercial systems and all residential work.
Registered Air-Conditioning Contractor (Class C): This is a legacy registration, only available to contractors who held this license before 1988. It is limited to servicing and partial disassembly of existing installed systems.
Most new applicants will choose the Certified Class-A or Class-B license. The differences are crucial: do not bid work exceeding your authorized system size or legal scope. For more detail on these classifications and where each is valid, consult the Construction Industry Licensing Board official page.
How to Get Licensed in Florida: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Experience and Background Requirements
To meet HVAC license requirements in Florida, begin by verifying your construction experience. You need at least four years of experience at the journeyman level or higher, with one year dedicated to HVAC. Education or military service can substitute for up to three years. You should be able to document experience using official forms.
Step 2: Financial Responsibility and Insurance
Obtain a credit report for yourself and your business. A FICO score of 660 or higher is required. If your score is below 660, complete a 14-hour CILB-approved financial responsibility course and be prepared to provide a bond or letter of credit. Additionally, obtain general liability insurance ($300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage) and workers’ compensation, unless you’re exempt. Name DBPR/CILB as the certificate holder on the policy.
Step 3: Fingerprinting and Application Submission
Schedule electronic fingerprinting using an approved Livescan provider. The results go directly to DBPR/CILB. Fill out the correct application form (CILB 5-G for Class A or 5-H for Class B). Include your experience documentation, credit report, insurance certificate, fingerprint confirmation, and application fee ($245 high period/$145 low period, plus $4 unlicensed activity fund fee).
Step 4: Exam Approval and Testing
After application review, CILB will authorize you for exams. You will take both the Business & Finance exam and the Air-Conditioning Trade Knowledge exam, which are open book, computer-based, and held at Pearson VUE centers. Each part costs $199 (as of June 2026). A 70% score is required to pass. Following approval, provide proof of financial responsibility course if required, EPA Section 608 certification (for refrigerant handling), and any other requested items.
Step 5: License Issuance and Renewal
Once approved and after paying the initial issuance fee (approximately $249), you will receive your Florida HVAC license. The license is valid until August 31 of the next even-numbered year. Continue to comply with HVAC license requirements in Florida by completing 14 hours of board-approved continuing education and renewing your license on schedule to remain in good standing.
Application Requirements
The HVAC license requirements in Florida are detailed and include several important components. You must meet all of the following before a license is granted:
Experience and Age Requirements
Applicants must document a minimum of four years of relevant HVAC construction experience at the journeyman level or higher. Up to three years of post-secondary education or military HVAC experience may count, but at least one year must be actual hands-on work on HVAC systems, ideally with some supervisory or foreman experience. There is no stated minimum age, but legal contract age (18) is generally enforced.
Credit and Financial Responsibility
Your personal and business credit report must show a FICO score of at least 660. If below that level, you must complete a board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course and may be required to provide a $5,000 surety bond or equivalent letter of credit. Credit documents must be provided from authorized reporting agencies. Financial responsibility is a key focus of the licensing board.
Insurance Requirements
General liability insurance is mandatory for all Florida HVAC license holders. Minimum coverage: $300,000 public liability, $50,000 property damage. Provide a certificate of insurance with the DBPR/CILB named as the certificate holder. Unless exempted (as a properly registered officer/owner), you must have workers' compensation insurance for all employees, meeting Florida statutory rules.
Background Check and Fingerprinting
All new license applicants must submit electronic fingerprints. Use an approved Livescan provider. DBPR will use federal and state databases to check for criminal or relevant civil backgrounds. Most criminal records will not automatically prohibit licensure, but all findings are reviewed by the board.
Federal EPA Certification
Florida law incorporates federal rules on refrigerant handling. All technicians and contractors who will handle refrigerants must possess a valid EPA Section 608 Technician Certification (Type I, II, III, or Universal), even though it is not a state licensing requirement, it is still enforced during inspections or disputes. Be prepared to show proof if requested.
Exams
Passing the required exams is central to meeting HVAC license requirements in Florida. You must complete both exams before licensure:
Business & Finance Exam: This covers construction law, contract management, accounting, licensing law, and project management. Required for all certified contractor applicants. Confirm format and current content at the CILB exam information portal.
Air-Conditioning Trade Knowledge Exam: Tests practical and code knowledge specific to HVAC, including system design, installation, troubleshooting, and safety. Open book, multiple choice, about 120 questions, 390 minutes allowed. Pass score is 70% for both exams.
Exam provider is Professional Testing, Inc.; scheduling is via Pearson VUE. After your application is approved, you will get instructions to register.
Each exam part costs $199 (as of June 2026), so the total testing cost is approximately $398. Retake fees are $199 per part. Results are usually valid for up to four years. Visit the official exam site for current info.
Fees
All fees listed below are as of June 2026; verify fee amounts at the CILB official site:
Application Fee: $245 during high-fee period (May 1 of even year through Aug. 31 of odd year), $145 during low-fee period (Sept. 1 of odd year through April 30 of even year), plus a $4 unlicensed activity fund fee (official breakdown & schedule).
Initial License Issuance Fee: Approximately $249 (as of June 2026 – verify with CILB).
Exam Fees: $199 per exam part (two parts: Business & Finance, and Trade Knowledge) – total $398 (as of June 2026).
Renewal Fee: $209 biennially (every two years) as of June 2026. Some applicants report $205 plus $50 for each additional qualifying business.
State statutes cap application plus exam fees at $350 and renewals at $250 – actual rates align with these limits. All fees are non-refundable (§489.109). For the latest program fee lists and payment instructions, refer to the official agency fee schedules.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Florida HVAC licenses expire every two years, on August 31 of even-numbered years. To maintain your license, you must complete specific continuing education and pay the renewal fee on time.
Continuing Education Requirements
You must complete 14 hours of board-approved continuing education (CE) during each renewal cycle. CE courses must include at least 1 hour each on the following mandatory topics:
Workplace Safety
Workers’ Compensation
Business Practices
Laws and Rules (state construction law updates)
Advanced Building Code
The remaining hours may be taken in related construction or HVAC technical subjects approved by the CILB. You must submit certificates or completion records at renewal. Find approved providers on the CILB site.
Renewal Procedures and Consequences
To renew, pay the $209 renewal fee before the deadline. If you do not renew by August 31 of an even year, your license becomes delinquent. Practicing with a delinquent license is illegal and can result in fines or suspension. You must make up missed CE and pay late fees to restore the license to good standing. Always confirm renewal status online or with DBPR staff well before expiration to avoid work interruptions.
Reciprocity
No general HVAC reciprocity exists between Florida and other states. Most out-of-state contractors must complete all standard Florida HVAC license requirements in Florida, including the state exams.
However, limited agreements are in place for trade exam waivers. Certified Florida Class-A Air-Conditioning Contractors may have their trade section exam waived for Georgia and North Carolina licensing, and Florida may waive the trade exam for those with equivalent, active Class-A contractor status from these states. All other experience, financial, and insurance requirements still apply. Check the official board site for any updates to current reciprocity or endorsement policies.
Official Links
CILB Construction Industry Licensing Board – License Types, Scope, Fees, CE
Florida Administrative Register – HVAC Application Forms (CILB 5-G, 5-H, 6-G, 6-H etc.)
Class-B Certifying a Business Application Full Packet (Checklist, Fees, Credit, Insurance)
Official CILB Exam, Test Provider, Scheduling, and Content Information
