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If you’re looking for a solid career path in Florida, HVAC may be for you, and the Sunshine State has the resources you need to get started.
The growing demand for this skill set means you can feel confident that the time you put into training will pay off. Ten states in the United States collectively account for 61% of the entire U.S. construction market, according to Research and Markets, and Florida is one of them.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 15% growth rate for electricians in Florida and 6% nationwide over the next decade.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. There are thousands of HVAC installer jobs in Florida posted on Indeed.com and Zip Recruiter.
Keep reading to learn how you can get the training and experience you need to join this prosperous profession.
Accredited Florida HVAC Training Programs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Because HVACR systems have become increasingly complex, employers generally prefer applicants with post-secondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship.” Also, some craft workers enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including HVAC.
Formal education is not required by law in Florida for entry-level HVAC workers, but it can help you land that first job in the field. College education in a related field can also be used in place of part of the experience requirement for licensing in Florida. In general, there’s a direct correlation between a degree and higher long-term earnings, so though it’s not required to go to HVAC school to get started, it could pay off in the long run.
Florida has quite a few programs accredited by either of the two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). These organizations evaluate the programs based on the facilities, the faculty, and whether the curriculum meets or exceeds industry standards.
HVAC Excellence has accredited five programs in Florida, and PAHRA has accredited one.
HVAC Excellence Accredited Programs:
Lively Technical College in Tallahassee
Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth
Traviss Technical Center in Lakeland
Wilton Simpson Technical College in Brooksville
Withlacoochee Technical College in Inverness
PAHRA Accredited Programs:
Osceola Technical College in Kissimmee
The National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) has also approved dozens of HVAC programs in Florida. NCCER lists the following programs on their website as accredited schools:
AMIKids Orlando in Apopka
AMIKids Pinellas in Pinellas Park
AMIKids Space Coast in Melbourne
Atlantic Technical College in Pompano Beach
Charlotte Technical College in Port Charlotte
Erwin Technical College in Tampa
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida Technical College in Kissimmee
Florida Technical College in Lakeland
Florida Technical College in Orlando
Florida Technical College in Pembroke Pines
Fort Myers Technical College in Fort Myers
Fred K. Marchman Technical College in New Port Richey
Immokalee Technical College in Immokalee
Indian River State College in Fort Pierce
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College in Miami
Manatee Technical College in Bradenton
Miami Lakes Education Center in Hialeah
Northwest Florida State College in Niceville
Pensacola State College in Pensacola
Polk State College in Bartow
River Oak Technical College in Live Oak
Santa Fe College in Gainesville
HVACR Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefits of formal training at a technical or community college, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education. Other states, like Florida, don’t have educational requirements to become licensed. If the return on investment is not there in your state, it may make more sense to simply get an entry-level position and get on-the-job training.
Regardless of the educational requirements by state, anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere needs Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification. More on that later.
In terms of college education for HVACR techs, typically there is a range of degree and certificate programs.The time it takes to complete them and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common HVAC programs are:
Certificate Program – three to six months
Diploma Program – one year
Associate’s Degree – two years
Bachelor’s Degree – four years
Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. Most HVAC professionals have some post-secondary training because the heating systems and cooling systems used to regulate our homes and businesses and commercial refrigeration units are becoming increasingly complex and technical. However, very few HVACR professionals choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking an engineering degree to design and develop those complex systems. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Florida like:
As stated earlier, in many cases but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages.
Typical Courses in Technical College Programs
HVAC programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in the refrigeration, air conditioning and heating industries. All HVAC courses combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most encourage students to work in their field of interest while attending school if pursuing a longer degree, and many are designed with that in mind. One-semester programs typically prepare students to find entry-level work upon completion.
For the certificate programs, the coursework is very specialized. Broader programs of study for lengthier diploma programs would incorporate classes on blueprint reading, gas heat, heat pumps and related systems, refrigeration fundamentals, principles and practices and system components. Air Conditioning certificates or diploma programs would also include classes on air conditioning systems application and installation and troubleshooting air conditioning systems.
Students pursuing an associate degree in Applied Science will need to fulfill general education coursework in addition to the specialized HVACR classes to meet the more rigorous requirements for that associate degree.
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School Selection Criteria
There are a lot of things to consider when picking the right school and program.
Cost
Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Florida community colleges on average is $5,404 per year for in-state students and $11,632 for out-of-state students. However, many of the accredited HVACR programs listed here cost $2,000 to $3,000. There will be some variations in fees at each school, though, so be sure to review all of the costs involved.
There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your chosen occupational field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
As noted above, you can choose from a very specialized certificate or a broader diploma or associate’s degree. The certificates can require as few as 12 to 16 credit hours and take one semester to complete. Others may consist of as many as 45 credits and take three semesters but can be done within a year if students continue through the summer sessions. Associate’s degree programs typically take two years.
Benefits
There are many benefits to formal education if you want to join the HVACR profession. Although in Florida there is no educational requirement to get started in the field, many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.
Online vs in-person
You may choose to get HVAC training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. Both Penn Foster and Ashworth College offer online HVAC classes.
Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level HVAC jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salaries. HVACClasses.org gives a detailed description of some of the top online programs nationwide. If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes are very accessible throughout the state.
Level of difficulty
HVACR programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the HVAC industry in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics.
HVAC technicians have to learn to do a lot of different things to be successful, including how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair HVAC systems, connect systems to fuel and water supply lines and air ducts, install electrical wiring and controls, proper techniques of refrigerant recovery, reclaiming and recycling, run diagnostics, and so much more.
The BLS describes the many duties of a HVAC mechanics and installers this way: Install, clean, and maintain HVACR systems; install electrical components and wiring; inspect and test HVACR systems and components; discuss system malfunctions with customers; repair or replace worn or defective parts; recommend maintenance to improve system performance; keep records of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential HVAC work, customer service is key.
School Comparison: At a Glance
Many of the accredited training schools listed above are part of the Florida College System. They offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate. Let’s begin with the schools accredited by HVAC Excellence and PAHRA.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration 1 | Certificate | 750 hours
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration 2 | Certificate | 600 hours
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Certificate | 1350 hours
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration 1 | Certificate | 750 hours
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration 2 | Certificate | 600 hours
Wilton Simpson Technical College
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration 1 | Certificate | 750 hours
Withlacoochee Technical College
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Certificate | 1350 hours
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration 1 | Certificate | 750 hours
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration 2 | Certificate | 600 hours
The other programs highlighted up top are accredited by NCCER. Most of those offer the same types of programs as those listed above — certificate programs of 1,350 hours (1 year), 750 hours (7 months), or 600 hours (6 months). However some offer Associate’s Degree programs.
Indian River State College offers all of these options.
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating | Associate’s Degree | 64 credits
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration 1 | Certificate | 750 hours
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration 2 | Certificate | 600 hours
Santa Fe College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Construction Management Technology and two HVACR technology options.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology | Apprenticeship | 4 years
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology | Certificate | 1,350 hours
Steps for Enrollment in Florida
Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with visiting the school’s website and applying for admission online. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general the application process has the following steps:
Complete your application.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.
Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.
Submit placement test scores.
If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.
If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.
Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.
HVAC Career Requirements in Florida
As mentioned earlier, Florida does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level HVACR work in the state. Entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations to get started working for a licensed contractor. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations licenses air conditioning contractors.
To be eligible, applicants must: Get verified experience in the HVAC Industry; pass a trade knowledge exam and a business and finance knowledge exam; acquire general liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 with $25,000 property damage coverage; demonstrate financial responsibility based on your submitted FICO credit report with a score of 660 or higher; complete a Criminal Background check. College experience can be used in place of up to three years of the experience requirement for licensing. If you want to own your own HVAC business you will need to get your license.
For a detailed explanation of Florida’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Florida HVAC License.
No matter what state you live in, there are Environmental Protection Agency requirements at the federal level for technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere. According to EPA regulations under EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, this applies to any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems. EPA certification is often part of HVAC degree programs. If you choose a shorter certificate program, you may need to get EPA certification on your own. Your employer should be able to guide you to resources, or you can find them in our Florida HVAC License guide.
Salaries for HVAC Technicians in Florida
Before paying for technical education and getting started in the HVAC field you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an HVAC professional in Florida? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC salary in Florida for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years : $47,900
Intermediate 2-4 years: $54,900
Senior 4-6 years: $63,600
Supervisor > 7 years: $84,900
For more information about HVAC salaries,visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
Another way to get the hands-on training and knowledge you need to become an HVAC mechanic or installer is through a formal apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are three to five years long and require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a GED, and a valid driver’s license.
The Florida Association of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) has a four-year full-time apprentice program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Air Conditioning Contractors Association of Central Florida has an apprenticeship that requires 36 month (6,000 hours) of on-the-job training and coursework over three years. Union HVAC apprenticeships are also offered in Florida through the United Association local union chapters — LU 295 Daytona Beach, LU 123 Tampa, LU 234 Jacksonville, LU 725 Miami, LU 803 Orlando, LU 630 West Palm Beach. They are five years long. Each year includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of hands-on training and a minimum of 246 hours of classroom courses, including basics such as mathematics, science, drafting, welding and other trade-related courses. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.
Some HVAC companies will hire applicants who have had no previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A pretty typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced technician for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college or sometimes taught through the company itself. This typically includes getting EPA Certification and other HVAC certification such as North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification as a way to demonstrate your proficiency. The state also has a website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers.
Other School Options
Although accreditation can give you confidence in your technical or community college, accredited programs are not your only option in Florida. One other option is Florida Training Services.
Florida Training Services: Students at Florida Training Services complete a four-year apprenticeship recognized by the Florida Department of Education Registered Apprenticeship that satisfies the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship requirements. The curriculum follows NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research) standards. Graduates receive a certificate of completion that documents work hours required to qualify for journeyman testing.
There are many other programs throughout the state that may be more accessible to you based on where you live. There are just too many to list them all here, but each of the schools below has HVAC programs.
Florida has hundreds of college campuses across the state. If one of the schools above isn’t in your area, check this list to see where else you can look for HVACR training in Florida.
You can find the training you need to excel in a career in HVACR in Florida. The opportunities are all around you.
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