Florida HVAC-B Contractor License
Florida HVAC – Class B Contractor License Requirements & Application Help
Getting your Florida HVAC – Class B Contractor license does not have to be difficult! The application may seem overwhelming — maybe you've already tried and received deficiencies, maybe you're scared to start, or you simply don't have the time to get it done. At Contractor Licensing Inc., we have a fast and easy system that takes the guesswork out of the application process. We take great pride in licensing our clients in record time!
We know that each application is unique, so we take the time to really get to know our clients. Application assistance is just one small part of our operation. Knowing all of the factors that go into that application is what takes time and experience.
Quick Answer
- A Class B Air-Conditioning Contractor's services are limited to systems of 25 tons cooling and 500,000 Btu heating in any one system — installation, maintenance, repair, fabrication, alteration, extension, and design of central A/C, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems.
- Larger systems above that cap require a Class A HVAC or Mechanical Contractor license instead.
- Five experience-and-education pathways qualify you to apply.
- Three application types exist: Initial Issuance, Change of Status, and Qualify an Additional Entity.
- Review every application type and purchase the Initial Issuance application service on our Florida Contractor License Information page.
- General liability insurance (plus workers' compensation or an exemption) is required for every certified license.
What Is a Florida HVAC – Class B Contractor?
Under Florida law, a Class B air-conditioning contractor means a contractor whose services are limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 Btu of heating in any one system, in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or — if not prohibited by law — design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems.
It's a Certified license issued by the DBPR's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), meaning it's valid across the entire state, not just one city or county. Projects that exceed the Class B tonnage/BTU cap require a Class A Air-Conditioning Contractor or Mechanical Contractor license instead.
Five Ways to Qualify
You must be able to prove one of the following options in order to submit your Florida HVAC – Class B Contractor License application to the DBPR:
- A 4-year construction-related degree from an accredited college, plus 1 year of on-the-job experience.
- 1 year of experience as a foreman, plus not less than 3 years of credit from accredited college-level courses.
- 1 year as a worker, 1 year of experience as a foreman, plus 2 years of credit from accredited college-level courses.
- 2 years as a worker, 1 year as a foreman, plus 1 year of credit from accredited college-level courses.
- 4 years as a worker or foreman, of which at least 1 year must have been as a foreman.
Class B Scope of Work & System Size Limit
A Class B license covers the same categories of central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating work as a Class A license, but every system you install, maintain, or alter must stay within the Class B size limit:
Central Air Conditioning
Refrigeration Systems
Heating & Ventilating
Ductwork
Insulation
Condensate Drain Lines
Florida HVAC – Class B Contractor License Application Types
Initial Issuance Application
For a first-time Class B HVAC Contractor license, filed as either an individual or a business entity.
Change of Status Application
For moving your existing license between business structures, or updating how it's held.
Qualify an Additional Entity Application
For an already-licensed qualifier who wants to extend their license to cover a second business entity.
Review Every Application Type & Purchase Initial Issuance
See every Florida contractor license application type side by side, and purchase the Initial Issuance application service directly, on our Florida Contractor License Information page.
Visit Florida Contractor License InformationGeneral Liability & Workers' Compensation
Every Certified Class B Air-Conditioning Contractor must carry general liability insurance before the DBPR will issue a license. Workers' compensation coverage is also required, unless you qualify for a state exemption.
We work closely with our sister company, Artisan Insurance Inc., to provide these coverages. Both businesses are family owned and operated, so your license paperwork and your insurance move together instead of stalling on each other.
Renewing a Class B HVAC Contractor License
Certified licenses renew every two years, due by August 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal requires 14 hours of continuing education per cycle, covering topics such as workplace safety, workers' compensation, business practices, and laws/rules.
Let Us Handle Your Application
Whether you are applying for a new HVAC – Class B Contractor license, changing from one business to another, or wanting to qualify an additional business, we are here to help.
We prepare and file your Florida HVAC-B Contractor application.
- Application preparation and review
- Experience documentation guidance
- Financial responsibility guidance
- Help with DBPR deficiency notices
- Status follow-up until your file is complete
Florida HVAC – Class B Contractor License FAQ
What is a Florida HVAC – Class B Contractor license?
A Certified, statewide license limited to systems of 25 tons cooling and 500,000 Btu heating per system, covering central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating work.
What experience do I need?
One of five education-and-experience combinations in HVAC work.
What's the difference between Class A and Class B?
Class A is unlimited in size. Class B is capped at 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 Btu of heating per system.
What application types are available?
Initial Issuance, Change of Status, and Qualify an Additional Entity applications.
What insurance do I need?
General liability insurance, plus workers' compensation coverage or a qualifying exemption. Artisan Insurance Inc. coordinates this coverage alongside your application.
Contact
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Construction Industry Licensing Board
Customer Contact Center: 850.487.1395
© 2026 Contractor Licensing Inc. Theme by HB-Themes.