Florida HVAC Regulatory Oversight for 2026: Complete Guide

Understanding Florida HVAC regulatory oversight is essential for contractors, businesses, and homeowners navigating the Sunshine State's energy landscape. With year-round demand for air conditioning, Florida's regulatory environment involves multiple agencies overseeing utility rates, contractor licensing, and energy policy. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Florida HVAC regulations heading into 2026.

The regulatory oversight framework in Florida affects how HVAC contractors operate, what utility rates consumers pay, and how the state's critical cooling infrastructure is maintained. Whether you're an HVAC contractor seeking licensure or a business evaluating Florida's energy market, understanding these regulatory structures is critical for success.

Florida Public Service Commission: Primary Regulatory Oversight

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) serves as the primary regulatory body for Florida's utilities. The PSC regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, and water/wastewater utilities.

The Florida PSC consists of five commissioners appointed by the Governor from nominees recommended by the Florida Public Service Commission Nominating Council. Commissioners serve four-year staggered terms. The PSC sets utility rates and ensures reliable, safe service at fair prices.

Agency: Florida Public Service Commission
Address: 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0850
Phone: (850) 413-6100
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-342-3552
Website: https://www.psc.state.fl.us/

Florida HVAC Licensing Requirements for 2026

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) through the Construction Industry Licensing Board governs all HVAC contractor licensing in Florida. Florida does not license HVAC technicians at the state level, but contractors must be licensed.

Florida offers three primary air conditioning contractor license classifications:

Primary HVAC License Types in Florida

Class A Air Conditioning Contractor: Allows work on any size heating and cooling system with no limitations. Can install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems of any capacity.

Class B Air Conditioning Contractor: Limited to systems of 25 tons of cooling or less and 500,000 BTU of heating or less per system. Ideal for residential and light commercial work.

Mechanical Contractor: Broader scope including medical gas, fuel gas, and A/C units over 25 tons. Can work on various mechanical systems beyond just HVAC.

Each license type is available as either State Certified (work anywhere in Florida) or State Registered (work only in the locality where you passed the local competency exam).

Pathways to Florida HVAC Licensure

To qualify for a Florida HVAC contractor license, applicants must meet one of these experience/education combinations (totaling at least 4 years):

Option 1: Four-year construction-related degree from an accredited college plus one year of proven experience.

Option 2: Four years of experience through an apprenticeship program, with at least one year as a foreman.

Option 3: One year as a foreman plus at least three years of college credits.

Option 4: One year as a worker, one year as a foreman, and two years of college.

Option 5: One year as a foreman and three years as a worker or foreman.

Military service can substitute for portions of the experience requirement.

HVAC License Fees and Requirements

The following requirements apply to Florida HVAC licensing in 2026:

Age: Must be at least 18 years old
Examination Fee: $295 (both Trade and Business & Finance exams)
Application Fee (Certified): $149-$249 depending on application timing
Application Fee (Registered): $209-$309 depending on application timing
Renewal Fee: $209 every two years (expires August 31)
Passing Score: 70% on both exams

Financial Responsibility: FICO credit score of 660+ OR completion of 14-hour financial responsibility course OR licensing bond.

Insurance Requirements: $100,000 public liability and $25,000 property damage. Workers' compensation required (or exemption within 30 days of license issuance).

Exams: Trade Knowledge exam (80 questions, 5 hours for Class B) and Business & Finance exam (120 questions, 6.5 hours). Both are open-book, computer-based.

Agency: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Address: 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 487-1395
Website: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/

Reciprocal HVAC Licensing Agreements

Florida has limited reciprocity with other states. Contact the DBPR for current reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state contractors may need to demonstrate equivalent licensing and pass Florida examinations.

Directory of Florida Electric Companies

Florida Investor-Owned Utilities

Florida Electric Cooperatives

Florida Municipal Utilities