HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning) technicians and professionals, fix and repair air conditioning and other climate control units installed in buildings. This is a highly technical job which is why there are certain qualifications and licensing requirements you need to meet to start working professionally.
Requirements to Become an HVAC Technician in Florida
You will have to be 18 years old at least. You will also have to show proof of worker’s compensation coverage according to the guidelines outlined by the Division of Workers’ Compensation in Florida. You will also have to pay a fee to get the license, the details of which can be obtained from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations’ website.
Steps to Become an HVAC Technician in Florida
Complete High School Diploma
You are required to have at least a high school diploma as the minimum education requirement.
Complete Training
There are a lot of training and vocational schools in Florida that are offering different training programs for potential HVAC technicians.
Get Practical Experience
Some jobs might require you to have additional experience. For example, mechanical contractors should have 4 years of work experience in the relevant field.
Get Licensed
You will have to get a license to work as an HVAC technician in the state of Florida. The state’s government recognizes the following licenses, with each of them having different eligibility requirements:
State Certified Class A Florida HVAC License – This license will make you eligible for work anywhere in Florida. You will need workers' compensation, meet educational requirements, pass an exam and complete practical training to get this license. You will also have to pay a fee to take the exam.
State Registered Class A Florida HVAC License – This license will allow you to work locally in areas where local requirements are met. You will be eligible to work on any unit, regardless of its size. Please contact the local government for further details.
State Certified Class B HVAC License – With this license, you can work in any part of Florida. To get this license you need workers' compensation, clear an exam, and meet educational as well as training requirements. You should also be 18 years old at least, should also possess an accredited 4-year long degree, and also have 1 year of practical experience. If you do not have the 1 year of experience, then you should have 2,000 hours of service experience.
If you do not meet these requirements, then you will need to have 4 years of experience to become eligible to sit for the state exam. With this license, you will be allowed to work only on units that are 20 tons or less.
State Registered Class B HVAC License – With this license you will only be allowed to work in local areas subject to local requirements. You will only be allowed to work on units weighing 20 tons or less (cooling systems) and 500,000 BTU or less (heating systems).
How Much Does an HVAC Technician Make in Florida?
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Florida earned $44,720 as mean annual income in the year 2019. This figure has been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.