Florida HVAC license lookup: how to check and get a license
Florida HVAC license lookup: who issues HVAC contractor licenses (DBPR), how to check one online, the license types, and 9,351 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do HVAC contractors need a license in Florida?
| Who licenses them | Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) |
|---|---|
| License types | Class A Air-Conditioning Contractor, Class B Air-Conditioning Contractor, Class C Air-Conditioning Contractor (servicing; issued before Oct 1, 1988), Mechanical Contractor, Sheet Metal Contractor |
| When a license is required | Class B limited to 25 tons cooling and 500,000 Btu heating per system; Class A unlimited. Residential contracts over $2,500 need the Recovery Fund notice; deposits over 10% trigger the 30-day permit / 90-day start rule. |
Each class may be certified (statewide) or registered (local only). Anyone handling refrigerant must also hold federal EPA Section 608 certification; Recovery Fund claims for Division II trades are capped at $30,000 for contracts signed on or after July 1, 2024.
How do you look up an HVAC contractor's license in Florida?
- Ask the HVAC contractor for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Florida HVAC license lookup run by DBPR.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the HVAC contractor about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact DBPR.
What HVAC licenses does Florida issue?
- Class A Air-Conditioning Contractor
- Class B Air-Conditioning Contractor
- Class C Air-Conditioning Contractor (servicing; issued before Oct 1, 1988)
- Mechanical Contractor
- Sheet Metal Contractor
How do you get a HVAC license in Florida?
Licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DBPR source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Florida city is the job in?
How many HVAC contractors are there in Florida?
The Census Bureau counted 9,351 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Florida in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Miami-Dade County | 1,046 |
|---|---|
| Broward County | 881 |
| Palm Beach County | 711 |
| Hillsborough County | 631 |
| Lee County | 550 |
| Pinellas County | 486 |
| Orange County | 454 |
| Duval County | 388 |
What do Florida homes mean for heating and cooling work?
The median home in Florida was built in 1988, 33% of households rent and 61% of homes are single-family houses. 5% of homes heat with utility gas and 91% with electricity.
How do you choose an HVAC contractor in Florida?
- Check the state or local mechanical or HVAC license, and ask whether the technicians hold EPA 608 certification for refrigerant work.
- For a new system, ask for a load calculation (often called Manual J) rather than a size picked from square footage.
- Ask which rebates and tax credits apply to heat pumps and high-efficiency equipment, and whether the contractor files the paperwork.
- Compare quotes on the same equipment model numbers and efficiency ratings (SEER2, HSPF2, AFUE).
- Ask what the labor warranty covers, separately from the manufacturer's parts warranty.
HVAC Contractors in other states
Sources: Florida licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.