HVAC Certification in Florida with Training Information

Florida has more than 30 colleges that offer heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) training programs. Learn about the training programs, tuition info and program options for the ten largest schools to make an informed education decision.

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HVAC Training Programs in Florida

In Florida, there are three levels of air conditioning contractors that range from A-C. A class A contractor is able to service any HVAC system, while a class B contractor is limited to specific heating and cooling systems. A class C contractor is someone who received his or her certification prior to October 1988. Class A and B contractors must hold four years of combined experience and education, be 18 years of age and pass the certification exam. HVAC contractors in Florida are required to be certified, but technician and mechanic positions may be available without state certification. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires those who handle refrigerants to become certified in one of three areas of specialization by passing an exam, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There are over 30 schools in the state of Florida that offer HVAC training, including certificate, associate degree and apprenticeship programs. The schools outlined below are the ten largest schools in the state.

Brevard Community College

Brevard Community College offers a certificate program in HVAC through the Cocoa and Palm Beach campuses. The program includes 1,350 clock hours of coursework in air conditioning components, electrical circuitry, heating technology and mechanical systems. The 32-credit program, which is available in fall, spring and summer terms, also prepares students for EPA certification exams. Applicants to this program aren't required to hold a high school diploma or GED.

Daytona State College

Located in Daytona Beach, Daytona State College is Florida's first comprehensive community college. The 1,000-contact-hour HVAC certificate program includes coursework in wiring, psychrometrics, heat load calculations and refrigerants. While students are not required to hold a high school diploma or GED, they must be able to lift 50 lbs, climb a 12-foot ladder and pass the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Graduates of this program are prepared for careers as HVAC helpers, mechanic assistants and mechanics; however, graduates will need additional work experience to become certified contractors.

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville's Florida State College offers an HVAC certificate through Florida Coast Career Tech. The 1,350-contact-hour, 44-credit certificate program includes professional courses, as well as vocational preparatory instruction for student who don't pass the TABE. In addition to academic instruction in air conditioning theory, students have the opportunity to complete laboratory work and gain hands-on training through internships. Completion of this program will prepare students for entry-level HVAC technician positions. However, more training or experience is required for contractor certification.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC)

In Tampa's Drew Park community, students can find the HCC - Dale Mabry Campus, which offers an ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) apprenticeship program for students interested in HVAC training. The program combines classroom learning with on-the-job training, making it possible for graduates to be certified with journeymen status. In addition to being the oldest and largest campus in HCC, Dale Mabry is home to the Connections Center, which offers enrollment information and career guidance.

Indian River State College

The Indian River State College is a four-year college that offers HVAC programs through four different campuses, including a location in Fort Pierce. The associate degree program is a two-year program that delves into basic electricity, HVAC controls, refrigerant recovery and heating technology, in addition to general education. Students also complete four levels of cooperative work training. In the career training programs, students can choose to complete a 750- or 600-clock-hour certificate program or an 8,400-clock-hour apprenticeship program. These programs can prepare graduates to become state-certified contractors, but additional experience may be required.

Miami Dade College

With eight campuses, including a main campus in Miami, and 174,000 students, Miami Dade College has one of the nation's largest student enrollments. At Miami Dade, students can complete an associate degree program that includes general education requirements and major courses in air distribution, air conditioning motors and structural drafting. In addition to the associate degree program in HVAC technologies, Miami Dade offers a vocational HVAC apprenticeship program allowing students to work while they learn. Graduates of these programs can take certification exams.

Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth's Palm Beach State College is a large, four-year college that offers an HVAC program through its trade and industry division. The Post Secondary Adult Vocational Certificate includes 1,350 hours of training in areas like HVAC and refrigeration (HVACR) principles, electronics, air quality and installation. Students also complete four field experience requirements. Program applicants aren't required to hold a high school diploma; however, they must pass the TABE exam. Graduates need to gain additional experience to become certified Florida HVAC contractors. HVAC students at this college can take advantage of the Career Center, which assists students with career and education counseling and employment guidance.

Pensacola State College

Students can find an HVAC program offered as part of the building construction programs in Pensacola State College in Pensacola. The 45-credit program prepares students for entry-level employment, and enables them to obtain level 1-4 certification from NCCER (the National Center for Construction Education and Research), which is the education model used for apprenticeship programs. The program is offered in both full- and part-time formats and emphasizes theory and application of HVAC systems. To become certified contractors, graduates of this program will need additional work experience.

Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College, in Gainesville, is a midsized suburban college that offers a certificate and apprenticeship program in HVAC through the construction and technical education division. The 1,362-contact-hour certificate program includes coursework in refrigeration, air conditioning fundamentals, mechanical repair and automotive air conditioning. Students take the EPA certification exam as part of the program. Graduates are qualified to gain entry-level mechanic positions. The apprenticeship program combines classroom learning and hands-on training in trade tools, air distribution, construction drawings and circuit troubleshooting. An employer typically sponsors the apprenticeship program and fees are paid by the employer. Additionally, the instructors are NCCER-certified, which allows the uniform delivery of training. Graduates may have the experience and education requirements to qualify for certified contractor exams.

Seminole State College of Florida

In the construction, engineering and design division of Seminole State College, in Sanford, students can find the Vocational Certificate in HVAC. The program requires applicants to be at least 18 and hold a high school diploma or take the TABE exam. The three-term, 270-program-hour certificate program examines HVACR concepts, history of HVACR, tools, codes and HVACR fundamentals through three courses. While students will need additional work experience to qualify for certified contractor status, they will have the experience needed to earn entry-level HVAC technician positions.

School Comparison Table

School Name School Type and Setting HVAC Training Offered Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
Brevard Community College Two-year, public; large suburb Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology Certificate $2,458 in-state*
$8,986 out-of-state*
(2012-2013)
Daytona State College Four-year, public; small city Vocational Certificate in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Mechanic $3,371 in-state*,
$12,441 out-of-state*
(2012-2013)
Florida State College at Jacksonville Four-year, public; large city Workforce Certificate in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology $3,240 total estimated costs**
(2009-2010)
Hillsborough Community College Two-year, public; large city ABC Apprenticeship $2,506 in-state*,
$9,111 out-of-state*
(2012-2013)
Indian River State College Four-year, public; large suburb Career Training in A/C, Refrigeration and Heating Technology I and II,
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technical Certificate,
A/C, Refrigeration and Heating Apprenticeship,
Associate in Applied Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology 		$2,764 in-state*,
$10,201 out-of-state*
(2012-2013)
Miami Dade College Four-year, public; large city Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technologies Apprenticeship,
Associate of Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technologies 		$3,366 in-state*,
$11,895 out-of-state*
(2012-2013)
Palm Beach State College Four-year, public; large suburb Post Secondary Adult Vocational Certificate in HVAC $3,753 cost of program***
(as of January 2013)
Pensacola State College Four-year, public; small city Vocational Certificate in HVAC $2,704 in-state*,
$10,875 out-of-state*
(2012-2013)
Santa Fe College Four-year, public; midsized suburb Certificate in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Service Technology,
Apprenticeship in HVAC 		$2,457 in-state*,
*$9,057 out-of-state*
(2012-2013)
Seminole State College of Florida Four-year; small city Vocational Certificate in HVACR $766.80 program cost****
(2012-2013)

Sources: *NCES College Navigator, **Florida State College at Jacksonville, ***Palm Beach State College, ****Seminole State College of Florida

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