How to Become an HVAC Tech in Florida

Did you know that Florida is #1 in the nation for HVAC employment?  Florida is a great place to for HVAC careers!

Education and Training

To get your career started, we highly recommend an online course that will prepare you for certification:

What Benefits Does the Course Provide?

You will be ready to take these top 3 certification exam after graduating:

HVAC Excellence Professional Exam

NATE Core and Specialty Test

EPA 608 certification exam

Also, these online courses are self paced to you can study around your busy schedule on nights or weekends.

What Do You Study?

Fundamental Concepts:

• Introduction to HVAC
• Heat, Temperature, and Pressure
• Matter and Energy
• Refrigeration and Refrigerants

Safety and Equipment:

• Safety, Tools, and Equipment
• General Safety Practices
• Tools and Equipment Handling
• Leak Detection, System Evacuation, and System Cleanup

Technical Skills and System Management:

• Refrigeration Oil Chemistry and Management: Recovery, Recycling, Reclaiming, Retrofitting
• System Charging and Calibrating Instruments
• Basic and Advanced Automatic Controls, including DDCs and Pneumatics
• Electric Motors: Types, Application, Controls, and Troubleshooting

Commercial Refrigeration:

• Components: Evaporators, Condensers, Compressors, Expansion Devices
• Systems: Special Refrigeration Systems, Commercial Ice Machines
• Applications: Special Refrigeration Applications
• Operation: Troubleshooting and Typical Operating Conditions

Heating Systems and Air Quality:

• Types: Electric, Gas, Oil, Hydronic Heat
• Air-Conditioning (Heating and Humidification)
• Indoor Air Quality Management

Cooling Systems and Air Conditioning:

• Comfort and Psychometrics
• Refrigeration Applied to Air-Conditioning
• Air Distribution and Balance
• Residential and Commercial Air-Conditioning Systems, including Chilled-Water Systems

Installation and Maintenance:

• Installation Techniques
• Residential Energy Auditing
• Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting of Systems
• Commercial, Packaged Rooftop, Variable Refrigerant Flow, and Variable Air Volume Systems

Energy Management and Environmental Control:

• All-Weather Systems
• Heat Gains and Losses in Structures
• Air Source and Geothermal Heat Pumps

Domestic Appliances:

• Domestic Refrigerators and Freezers
• Room Air Conditioners

Professional Development:

• Simulation: Safety Quiz, Soft Skills Quiz, Challenge Mode for HVAC and Electricity
• Soft Skills Development: Communication, Decision-Making, Time Management, Problem Solving, Accepting Responsibility

How Long Does it Take?

Some students finish in as little as 9 months though the average time for completion is  months.  It is a 330 hour course.

How Much Does It Cost?

$3,100.  You can apply for monthly financing if needed.

Other Local Trade Schools

Salary Range

Average Salary Survey

Below are some average salary numbers for the state, from top employment websites.

• $39,948 per ZipRecruiter
• $46,877 per Salary.com
• $52,220 per Bureau of Labor Statistics
• $52439 per Indeed.com

The table below takes a look at more BLS data from various locations in the state.

Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.

Area	Per Hour	Per Year
Cape Coral-Fort Myers	$24.91	$51,820
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin	$23.71	$49,320
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach	$23.51	$48,900
Gainesville	$24.58	$51,120
Homosassa Springs	$21.95	$45,650
Jacksonville	$24.77	$51,530
Lakeland-Winter Haven	$25.01	$52,030
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach	$26.75	$55,640
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island	$25.30	$52,620
North Florida	$22.62	$47,050
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton	$24.48	$50,910
Ocala	$22.14	$46,040
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford	$25.02	$52,050
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville	$24.41	$50,770
Panama City	$22.49	$46,780
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent	$24.73	$51,440
Port St. Lucie	$24.27	$50,480
Punta Gorda	$24.01	$49,950
Sebastian-Vero Beach	$23.78	$49,460
Sebring	$22.34	$46,470
South Florida	$28.23	$58,730
Tallahassee	$22.02	$45,810
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater	$24.74	$51,460
The Villages	$23.91	$49,730

_{Occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC Code499021)
source: data.bls.gov}

Florida Requirements

State License

Class Licenses

To become a licensed HVAC technician in the state of Florida, either a Class A or Class B Air Conditioning Contractor License is required.

• A Class A license allows you to work on any size of air conditioning unit.
• A Class B license will enable you to work on units with 25 tons of cooling or less and a maximum of 500,000 BTU of heating.

Certified vs Registered Licenses

In addition to these 2 classes, Florida offers two licenses: a State Certified License and a State Registered License.

• A State Certified License enables contractors to work anywhere in Florida upon passing the respective licensing exam.
• A State Registered License is county-specific, and contractors with this license may only work in the respective locality of their competence exam, restricting them to specific counties.

Ultimately, Florida offers 4 licenses to prospective HVAC technicians: a Class A State Certified License, a Class B State Certified License, a Class A State Registered License, and a Class B State Registered License.

You may work with a state-certified or registered license, though if you only possess the latter, your work will be limited to certain jurisdictions.

License Exam Requirements

You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, complete a training program, and gain experience in the industry to qualify for either of Florida’s HVAC licensing exams.

Apprenticeships

Though Florida requires 4 years of vocational training to gain licensing as an HVAC technician, acquiring an apprenticeship is optional to meet these criteria.

Still, an apprenticeship can be an excellent way for prospective technicians to start earning early, even before receiving state licensing, and it can grant students hands-on experience and customer service skills a degree program may cover more superficially. The cost of extensive education may be unaffordable for some, so an apprenticeship enables students to get paid while still learning the necessary skills to work independently.

Students may pursue both an education and an apprenticeship, optimizing their training by completing a 1-year course or certificate program and following up with an apprenticeship, paying back their initial educational investment.

Common Certifications

A wide variety of additional certifications are available to HVAC technicians, enabling them to work in higher-demand specialties and increase their earning potential.

NATE

The nonprofit organization North American Technician Excellence (NATE) offers an additional certification emphasizing various HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair technicalities.

Completing the NATE exam and earning this license may increase an HVAC technician’s annual salary by up to $20,000.

HVAC Excellence

The HVAC Excellence certification, managed by the ESCO Institute, is another high-level HVAC certification that can increase a technician’s earning potential.

This certification addresses the fundamentals of air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

 

EPA

Additional certifications offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit HVAC technicians to work with more technically-advanced aspects of refrigeration systems.

The EPA 608 certification addresses servicing and repairing air conditioning systems under the compliance of environmental laws and regulations.

The EPA 609 certification educates technicians on servicing and repairing air conditioning and refrigeration systems used in motor vehicles.

Job Description

At a very high level, here are some of the duties and responsibilities of an HVAC tech.

• Primary Responsibilities:
  • Assist senior technicians and supervisors in their daily tasks.
  • Aid in the installation and repair of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems for both residential and commercial clients.
• Additional Duties:
  • Provide physical support with equipment and parts management.
  • Perform managerial tasks such as documenting services performed and calculating price estimates.
• Technical Skills and Compliance:
  • Read and interpret blueprints.
  • Perform basic electrical, mechanical, and construction tasks associated with HVAC system installation or repair.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Soft Skills:
  • Communicate effectively and empathetically with customers, providing clear explanations even to those unfamiliar with HVAC terminology.
  • Problem-solving skills applicable to identifying faults in air conditioning systems are essential when repairing pre-existing systems, as is the general ability to work efficiently and effectively.
• Technology Proficiency:
  • Stay updated with the increasingly advanced nature of HVAC technology, including navigating relevant computer software.

What Employers in Florida Are Looking for in an HVAC Technician

The HVAC industry in Florida is booming, driven by the region’s high demand for reliable climate control systems. Employers across the state are seeking skilled and adaptable technicians who can handle a diverse range of responsibilities, from installation and maintenance to troubleshooting and customer service. Based on current job listings, companies such as Cumberland Farms, Inc., Brisk Air, Inc., Air Express HVAC LLC, and Ebens Air Conditioning & Plumbing are actively recruiting HVAC techs with a mix of technical expertise, soft skills, and flexibility.

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1. Core Technical Skills and Certifications

Employers in Florida prioritize candidates with:

• Technical proficiency in HVAC systems: This includes the ability to install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Companies like Cumberland Farms and Anderson Kool Air highlight the need for experience in diagnosing and resolving issues efficiently.
• EPA certification: Many job listings, including those from Ebens Air Conditioning & Plumbing, require at least EPA Type II certification, with Universal EPA Certification preferred. This ensures that technicians are qualified to handle refrigerants safely and legally.
• Electrical and mechanical knowledge: Since HVAC work frequently overlaps with electrical and plumbing systems, many Florida employers, such as Air Express HVAC LLC, value candidates with experience in residential construction and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Diagnostic skills: The ability to accurately diagnose and troubleshoot system malfunctions is a critical competency. For example, Lockes Expert & Quality Service specifically seeks techs who can effectively diagnose and repair residential HVAC systems.

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2. Hands-On Experience and Adaptability

While entry-level positions, such as the HVAC Apprentice role at Brisk Air, welcome candidates with minimal experience, most employers prefer technicians with at least 1-3 years of field experience. Companies like Air Express HVAC LLC and AppleOne list 3+ years as a common requirement, particularly for lead technician roles.

Additionally, adaptability is essential. Many Florida employers expect techs to handle a variety of tasks, including:

• Installation and repair of both residential and commercial systems
• Preventative maintenance to minimize future issues
• Emergency on-call services to address urgent client needs
• Travel flexibility: Some roles, such as those at Cumberland Farms, require travel up to 50% of the time, making flexibility a key asset.

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3. Soft Skills and Customer Service Abilities

In addition to technical expertise, Florida employers highly value customer service and communication skills. Companies like Brisk Air emphasize the importance of effective communication with customers, believing that strong interpersonal skills can lead to better service experiences and higher client retention.

Key soft skills in demand include:

• Attention to detail: Ensuring accurate installation, maintenance, and repair to avoid costly mistakes.
• Problem-solving skills: Quickly identifying issues and offering solutions.
• Professional demeanor: Maintaining a clean, presentable appearance and demonstrating courteous, professional behavior.

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4. Physical Stamina and Work Conditions

HVAC technicians in Florida must be prepared for physically demanding work. Job descriptions frequently mention the need to:

• Lift and carry heavy equipment (up to 80 lbs. in some cases)
• Work in challenging environments, such as hot attics, crawl spaces, or commercial rooftops
• Be on call and occasionally work overtime or weekends, particularly during peak seasons

For example, Ebens Air Conditioning & Plumbing lists overtime and weekend availability as necessary for their full-time positions.

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5. Cross-Disciplinary Skills and Growth Potential

Many Florida employers seek techs with cross-disciplinary skills, as HVAC work often overlaps with:

• Electrical systems: Wiring, circuit boards, and electrical diagnostics.
• Plumbing: Especially relevant for refrigeration systems and water-cooled HVAC units.
• Construction and carpentry: Skills that help with duct installation, structural modifications, and system retrofits.

Furthermore, many companies offer career advancement opportunities, including training and certifications. Cumberland Farms provides on-the-job training and scheduled pay raises for entry-level technicians, while Brisk Air covers the cost of trade school training, providing a clear pathway for growth.

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6. Competitive Compensation and Benefits

Employers in Florida offer competitive pay, with hourly rates ranging from $17 to $40+, depending on experience and specialization. Many companies provide:

• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Performance-based bonuses
• Company vehicles and tool provisions

For instance, Air Express HVAC LLC offers performance-based bonuses and company vehicles, while Cumberland Farms provides take-home vehicles and on-call stipends.

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Key Takeaway

Florida HVAC employers are seeking technicians who combine strong technical abilities with customer service skills, adaptability, and a willingness to grow. Companies value certifications, hands-on experience, and the ability to troubleshoot across HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. With many offering benefits like paid training and career advancement, the HVAC field in Florida presents significant opportunities for growth and long-term stability.

Career Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the forecasted growth rate for careers in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installation from 2021 to 2031 is 5%, which matches the average growth rate across all occupations. Additional openings are expected to arise–nearly 41,000 per year–due to a retiring workforce and heightened demand for increasingly trained technicians because of the increasing complexity of HVAC systems.