How to get your Class B Air Conditioning Contractors License?

How to get your Class B Air Conditioning Contractors License? Below are the requirements you need to meet in Florida to get your Class B Air License. 

 

Florida Class B Air Conditioning Contractor is 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 design, if not prohibited by law, central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system only to the extent such duct work is performed by the contractor as necessary to complete an air-distribution system being installed under this classification, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system; to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, piping and insulation of pipes, vessels, and ducts; to replace, disconnect, or reconnect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install, disconnect, and reconnect low voltage heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air-conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system. The scope of work for such contractor also includes any excavation work incidental thereto, but does not include any work such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas fuel lines within buildings, except for disconnecting or reconnecting changeouts of liquefied petroleum or natural gas appliances within buildings; potable water lines or connections thereto; sanitary sewer lines; swimming pool piping and filters; or electrical power wiring.

A Florida Class B A/C Contractor may test and evaluate central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work; however, a mandatory licensing requirement is not established for the performance of these specific services. This type of HVAC Contractor's License is Florida is typically obtained by contractors engaged in residential and light-commercial A/C installations. If you are looking for an HVAC Contractor's License in Florida that allows you to go beyond 25 tons, then the Florida Class A Air Conditioning License might be a better licensing alternative.

 

Licensing Requirements

Below are some of the requirements needed to become a licensed Class B Air Conditioning Contractor in the State of Florida:

Age

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Examination

Must take and pass the state certification examinations (Class B Air Conditioning and Business & Finance). Please note that the application process cannot be started until the exams are taken and passing scores are obtained.

Experience / Education

A person will qualify for a Certified Class B Air Conditioning Contractor’s license by meeting one of the following requirements:

  • Four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college (equivalent to three years’ experience) and one year proven experience applicable to the category for which you are applying.
  • One year experience as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
  • One year experience as a worker, one-year experience as a foreman, and two years of credits from accredited college-level courses.
  • Two years’ experience as a worker, one year experience as a foreman, and one year of credits from accredited college-level courses.
  • Four years’ experience as a worker or foreman of which at least one year must have been as a foreman.
  • Upgrade Method: An air-conditioning Class C contractor holding an active current license for a minimum of 1 year in the classification in which he or she is certified. If you meet this eligibility requirement you are exempted from further employment history requirements.

Military Veterans

A veteran will qualify for a certified license by meeting on of the following:

  • Three years of military service and one year experience as a foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
  • Two years of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and one year experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.
  • One year of military service, one year experience as a foreman, and two years experience as a worker or foreman applicable to the category for which you are applying.

Applicants for the Certified Class B Air Conditioning Contractor License must ideally have experience in the following fields:

  • Heating and Cooling Systems (one year of experience)
  • Air Conditioning Equipment
  • Heating Equipment
  • Refrigeration Equipment
  • Sheet Metal Ductwork
  • Fabrication of Sheet Metal Ductwork

If you do not have all the experience areas listed above, your experience may still be satisfactory; however, the Construction Industry Licensing Board will have to review your application to determine if you meet the experience requirements.

Financial / Credit

Applicants will need to provide proof of financial stability and responsibility by submitting personal credit reports. Credit reports must include a FICO derived credit score and indicate that local, state and federal records have been searched. Credit report containing a credit score (FICO derived) on the applicant from a nationally recognized credit reporting agency, which includes a public records statement that records have been checked at local, state, and federal levels. If credit score is below 660 (FICO derived) applicant must submit a bond or irrevocable letter of credit. Note that Fifty percent (50%) of the bond or letter of credit requirement may be met by completion of a 14-hour financial responsibility course.

Fingerprints

An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process.

Insurance

Applicants are required to attest that they have obtained public liability and property damage insurance in the amounts determined by Board rule. Applicants are also required to obtain workers compensation insurance or obtain an exemption from worker’s compensation insurance within 30 days of issuance of their license. To download the different application forms related to the Class B Air Conditioning Contractor’s License, you may visit the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board’s site.