HVAC contractor license requirements in Florida.
Florida licenses air-conditioning contractors through the Construction Industry Licensing Board at DBPR. Like plumbing, it splits into certified licenses that work statewide and registered licenses limited to the local jurisdiction — and the certified track is further divided into Class A and Class B by system size.
What Florida requires.
Class A Air-Conditioning Contractor (certified)
No limitation on the size or type of HVAC system. Valid statewide.
Class B Air-Conditioning Contractor (certified)
Limited to systems of 25 tons of cooling or less and 500,000 BTU of heating or less per unit. Valid statewide.
Registered Air-Conditioning Contractor
Based on a local competency exam — authorizes work only in the jurisdictions where that competency was established.
Getting the Class A Air-Conditioning Contractor
- Be at least 18 years old
- Four years of HVAC experience at journeyman level or higher, documented through employer affidavits — or a four-year accredited construction-related degree plus one year of experience, or a combination of college coursework and experience totaling four years
- Pass a business and finance exam plus the trade knowledge exam for your class (Class A and Class B have different trade exams)
- Submit a background check and credit report; applicants below the board’s credit threshold must complete a 14-hour financial responsibility course
- · Applicants with an approved four-year construction or trade-related degree may be exempt from the trade knowledge exam, but everyone takes the business and finance portion.
The official board
Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) — Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Visit the boardVerified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Florida HVAC licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do HVAC work in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires an air-conditioning contractor license issued through the Construction Industry Licensing Board at DBPR. You can hold a certified license valid statewide, or a registered license limited to the local jurisdiction where you passed the competency exam.
What is the difference between a Class A and Class B HVAC license in Florida?
Class A has no limitation on the size or type of system. Class B is limited to cooling systems of 25 tons or less and heating systems of 500,000 BTU or less per unit. Both are certified licenses valid statewide.
How much experience do you need for a Florida HVAC license?
Four years at journeyman level or higher, documented by employer affidavits. Alternatively, a four-year accredited construction-related degree plus one year of experience, or a combination of college coursework and experience totaling four years.
Do you need a credit check for a Florida HVAC license?
Yes. DBPR requires a background check and a credit report. Applicants who fall below the board’s credit threshold must complete a 14-hour financial responsibility course before licensure.
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