Get an HVAC Contractor License in

To get a HVAC contractor license in Florida, apply to the DBPR’s Construction Industry Licensing Board as a Certified Air Conditioning Contractor (Class A or B), prove experience/education, pass the Business & Finance and trade exams, meet financial responsibility, submit fingerprints, carry required insurance, and pay the application fee.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-12

How to get a HVAC contractor license in Florida (step‑by‑step)

1. Choose your scope (Class A or B). Review statutory scopes in s. 489.105, F.S. to decide if you need unlimited (A) or ≤25‑ton systems (B).
2. Meet experience/education. Document 4 years’ experience (incl. 1 foreman year) or an allowed mix of college and field work. See Section VI in CILB 5‑G/5‑H.
3. Apply for the exams. Apply with Professional Testing, Inc., then schedule Business & Finance and Class A/B trade exams at Pearson VUE. See DBPR’s Construction Examinations page for outlines and scheduling.
4. Submit your license application. After passing exams, file your Certified Air Conditioning Contractor application (Class A: DBPR CILB 5‑G; Class B: DBPR CILB 5‑H) and pay the fee ($245 or $145 by cycle).
5. Complete fingerprinting. Immediately after applying, submit LiveScan fingerprints (ORI FL923400Z). See DBPR Fingerprinting and DBPR policy.
6. Prove financial responsibility. Provide a credit report with FICO score; if below 660, take a CILB‑approved 14‑hour financial responsibility course per Rule 61G4‑15.006. See application Section VIII in CILB 5‑G.
7. Carry required insurance. Attest to general liability ($100,000/$25,000) and workers’ comp compliance before activation. See Section VII in CILB 5‑G.
8. Renew on time and complete CE. Certified licenses renew August 31 of even years; complete 14 hours CE with required topics. See DBPR renewal dates and 61G4‑18.001.

Florida HVAC contractor license: Class A vs. Class B

Class A is unlimited in tonnage/BTU statewide. Class B is limited to systems up to 25 tons cooling and 500,000 BTU heating per system. Confirm scope in s. 489.105, F.S.. If you already hold a lower class, upgrade paths are outlined in each application’s Section VI (5‑G, 5‑H).

Exam format, provider, and outlines

DBPR contracts Professional Testing, Inc. to approve candidates and Pearson VUE to deliver computer‑based testing for Business & Finance and Air Conditioning (Class A/B). Find outlines and register via DBPR’s Construction Examinations page.

Financial stability and what to do if your credit is below 660

Applicants must submit a credit report with a FICO score. A 660+ score and no unsatisfied liens/judgments satisfy the rule; otherwise you must complete a CILB‑approved 14‑hour financial responsibility course per 61G4‑15.006, F.A.C. and the application’s Section VIII (5‑G).

Fingerprinting: LiveScan and timing

Submit electronic fingerprints with an FDLE‑registered LiveScan provider immediately after you apply; use ORI FL923400Z for Construction. DBPR’s fingerprinting page explains submission and timing (typically 2–5 days for results): DBPR Fingerprinting and DBPR policy.

Insurance you need to activate a Florida HVAC license

Before activating a Certified A/C license, attest to minimum general liability of $100,000 (public liability) and $25,000 (property damage), plus workers’ compensation compliance. See Section VII of the Class A application CILB 5‑G.

Renewal timing and continuing education

Certified contractors renew on August 31 of even‑numbered years and must complete 14 hours of CE each cycle, including at least 1 hour each in laws and rules, workplace safety, business practices, workers’ compensation, and an advanced Florida Building Code hour. See DBPR renewal dates and 61G4‑18.001, and topic list in CILB FAQs.

Related Florida contractor pathways you might consider

If your work expands into elevator systems or site utilities, compare the state pathways in our Florida trade guides: see Elevator Installation and Repair License Requirements in Florida (2026 Guide) and Well Drilling and Septic Systems License Requirements in Florida. For security‑adjacent service firms, review Florida Private Investigator License.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Certified or Registered HVAC license in Florida?

For statewide practice, you need a Certified Air Conditioning Contractor license (Class A or B) issued by the CILB. Registered licenses are tied to local jurisdictions. See DBPR overview and applications: DBPR Construction Industry and application packets CILB 5‑G/5‑H.

What exams are required for a Florida HVAC contractor?

You must pass Business & Finance plus the Air Conditioning trade exam for your class (A or B). Candidates apply with Professional Testing, Inc., then schedule with Pearson VUE. See exam logistics and content outlines on DBPR’s Construction Examinations page.

What are the exact Florida HVAC application fees?

The initial certification fee is $245 if you apply May 1 (even year) through August 31 (odd year) and $145 if you apply September 1 (odd year) through April 30 (even year). See the fee table on page 1 of CILB 5‑G (Class A) and CILB 5‑H (Class B).

What insurance is required to activate my license?

General liability minimums for A/C categories are $100,000 public liability and $25,000 property damage, plus workers’ comp compliance. See Section VII (Insurance Coverage) of the Class A application CILB 5‑G.

How often do I renew, and how much continuing education is required?

Certified contractors renew August 31 of even‑numbered years and must complete 14 hours of CILB‑approved continuing education, including specific 1‑hour topics (laws & rules, safety, business practices, workers’ comp, and advanced FBC). See DBPR renewal dates here and CE rule 61G4‑18.001.

Is there a minimum age to become licensed?

Yes. You must be at least 18 years old and meet character and competency criteria under s. 489.111, F.S. See Statute 489.111 and supporting guidance in CILB FAQs here.

Want a done‑for‑you path to licensure? License Navigator can map your exact steps, gather your evidence, and keep you on‑time for exams, fingerprints, and renewal.