How to Become an HVAC Technician in Florida

HVAC professionals are a necessary addition as the demand for skilled individuals soars daily.

Their capabilities help to ensure maximum comfort in the usage of refrigerators, particularly for hot regions like Florida, among others.

This makes becoming an HVAC technician a worthy idea.

In this article, we will review some of the basics of how to successfully attain the position as an HVAC technician in Florida.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Florida – Step-by-Step

Without further delay, let us jump into the details of how to become an HVAC technician in Florida, which we will complement with highlights of schools that offer education and training programs for this career path in the region.

1. Obtain a High School Certification

This is the first stage to achieving that career dream of becoming a licensed HVAC expert.

All diverse training routes that you may consider as an option to becoming an HVAC technician would require that you present this basic school certification which could be in the form of a GED or its equivalent.

2. Commence an HVAC Certification Education or Training

You can opt to become an HVAC expert by either formal educational training or through an apprenticeship program:

• Specific candidates choose to pass through the conventional learning route, which is classroom training. Many of the training sessions under this option last between six months to 24 months at colleges and the like. These institutes offer diverse courses that can qualify students for different HVAC-related job titles.
• Many individuals have been noted to have chosen the apprenticeship route in obtaining a license as an HVAC technician in the Florida region. These training sessions often span between three to five years consisting of more than 144 hours of standard teachings and thousands of hours under direct surveillance of a licensed HVAC expert.

3. Get Your HVAC Certificate of Completion

HVAC stands out as a distinctive career choice due to the mastery required to succeed in its task.

This makes it an enjoyable choice of job, yet, with a bit of confusion as the important certifications vary from region to region.

All aspiring HVAC professionals are advised to obtain an EPA certificate which is often tagged as a 608 certificate.

This certificate formally reflects that an HVAC technician is well acquainted with the guidelines of fixing and detaching ducts from a heating or cooling device and many more.

Candidates may also need to apply and sit for a NATE certificate to qualify them as installation and servicing professionals.

While some regions do not prioritize certain certifications to obtain an HVAC license, these certificates tend to give individuals a competitive edge for the job.

4. Obtain an HVAC License

Upon the completion of the HVAC education and training program, Florida residents who aspire to become recognized HVAC technicians operating under a contractor do not necessarily need to obtain a permit or license.

However, individuals who aim to become autonomous HVAC contractors may need to apply for a “myFloridalicense” which is issued by the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

The regulatory body will require that you go through a thorough testing session to ascertain your all-around qualification for the permit.

5. Apply for HVAC jobs

After concluding all of these processes, the next step would be to source for HVAC-related job openings and apply for them.

There are diverse service units set up by different HVAC institutes to assist students with this stage.

HVAC Schools in Florida

Here is a breakdown of some HVAC institutes in the Florida region approved by either the HVAC Excellence or the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating Refrigeration and Accreditation (PAHRA).

Travis Technical College

http://www.polkedpathways.com/traviss-technical-college/

This technical college situated at Lakeland, Florida offers a rigorous theory and practical HVAC education program to equip students with all of the basic to professional skills as an HVAC expert.

Its adult-targeted training covers two innovative programs that are required to be concluded in 750 hours and 600 hours independently.

Florida residents are required to pay around $2.88 per hour in tuition and others pay an hourly tuition of about $11.52.

Lively Technical College

https://www.livelytech.com/

This Tallahassee, Florida-situated institution also offers two distinct HVAC-related courses that expose students to the skills of handling equipment on the job.

Its curriculum covers the introduction aspect of HVAC/R, as well as advanced training.

While the institute’s part one program for HVAC focuses on how to help students learn all about the job, the other part drills the students to ascertain their readiness to be utilized as an HVAC technician.

Lively’s tuition is calculated to be around $2.92 per hour of learning.

SunCoast Technical Education Center

https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/suncoasttechnicalcollege

This institute is situated in Sarasota, Florida with its curriculum spaced out to train students for about 38 weeks.

Their training session aims to get candidates duly set to sit for the 608 certification assessment alongside other job-ready tests.

Students are required to follow through with HVAC/R-related topics that cover the introductory and experimental aspects of the course.

Access to hourly study in this college costs a tuition of around $2.44.

Other accredited HVAC education and training centers include:

Osceola Technical College which is situated in Kissimmee, Florida

https://www.osceolaschools.net/otech

CBT College is located in five regions of Florida, including Miami and Hialeah.

https://www.cbt.edu/

Palm Beach State College which is situated in Lake Worth, Florida

https://www.palmbeachstate.edu/

Withlacoochee Technical College located in Inverness, Florida

https://wtc.citrusschools.org/

HVAC Technician Salary in Florida

HVAC technician’s average annual pay may differ in response to diverse factors like mastery, experience, city, and even incentives.

Regardless, It is estimated an HVAC expert’s yearly salary is on the $45,500 Mark, with different individuals earning a total between $21,000 to $81,000.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Jacksonville	$46,618
Miami	$47,585
Tampa	$46,667
Orlando	$46,575
St. Petersburg	$46,677
Hialeah	$47,363
Tallahassee	$44,176
Fort Lauderdale	$47,613
Port St. Lucie	$46,227
Cape Coral	$45,887

Regional Salary in Florida

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, OCC Code 49-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are certifications necessary to become an HVAC technician in Florida?

Yes.

Bagging HVAC certification is an important requirement that places you in a better position for employment.

Is it easy to obtain an HVAC skill in Florida?

HVAC is, generally, a demanding job that may require you to commit months or years to education and training.

Specific colleges make it less difficult as they offer programs that can get your HVAC career started in less than a year.

Can I take my HVAC lessons online?

While some Florida schools may offer theoretical courses that can be accessible online, practical sessions may require your presence.

This part of HVAC training is not one to neglect if you aspire to be a professional in the field.

HVAC Technician Info by State