Best HVAC Schools in Florida – 2021 Review

Alex
| Last Updated: October 23, 2021
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With so many people now living in residential areas, the demand for HVAC is forever on the rise. Technicians in the field repair air quality systems and fix any heating issues in homes and buildings. These people might also specialize in a number of other systems that involve air conditioners, heat pumps, etc., but more on that later.

Florida provides some extraordinary opportunities for HVAC technicians; hence more and more people are trying to get the required education and hence the required licensing. 

To help you choose the best place to get all that, we have compiled a review of the best HVAC schools in Florida. The article will not only help you make a wise choice but will also enlighten you regarding certification, job outlooks, and licensing requirements.

Requirements to Be an HVAC Technician in Florida 

Florida requires all HVAC technicians to possess some sort of formal education either through an apprenticeship program or through academics. These programs often take up to 24 months to complete, and the license is given afterward. 

Licensing requirements vary in many states, but the completion of the standard exam is necessary for Florida. You can also take a certification program at one of the many technical colleges that offer up to four years. You can get either a standard training or one that specializes in heating, refrigeration, or air conditioning programs.

Additionally, any technician that handles or works with refrigeration should specifically complete a certification program through the environmental protection agency. Any exam that you take will be administered by the educational and governmental institutions. These cover topics of leakage, identification, disposal, or maintenance.

Not only that, but you can also get a NATE certificate that gives you more options in your career. Any person who is planning on working with ozone-depleting refrigerants will need to pass the EPA. There are two organizations that provide the means: HVAC Excellence and North American excellence. 

Salary and Job Outlook in Florida 

Florida is full of opportunities for HVAC technicians and contractors. People that fulfill prerequisites will be able to work in a number of industries. Moreover, certain additional qualifications, such as the NATE certificate will allow you to get a better salary and more job opportunities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has found out that HVAC technicians make an annual salary of around $50,000 in Florida. This is excluding many of the other benefits that these people get such as pension money, additional bonuses, and allowances for healthcare, sick leave, etc. Moreover, some people with relatively more experience also earn slightly more than this, and the number keeps increasing with time.

Also, the BLS predicts that there is likely to be a 13% increase in the job growth rate of professionals between this year and 2028. People who complete their apprenticeship training alongside their education are also at an advantage. They are more likely to get better employment opportunities in relatively less time.

Not just that, but there are wide opportunities for you to alter your career midway. You can begin it by being a technician, and, with time, you can get a contractor license or even become an HVAC supervisor. With such promotions, your salaries, as well as other benefits, are expected to grow.

Quick Take - Best HVAC Schools in Florida

Just looking for the top three schools in your area? Here are the best HVAC schools in Florida:

  1. DMAC HVAC School
  2. Florida Education Institute
  3. Tulsa Welding School 

List of the Top HVAC Schools in Florida 

Florida is known for a great many things, one of the most important being its focus on vocational training. There are several schools in the area, and if you want to know the best ones, you need to give this list a quick read. Here are the top schools in your state.

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Best Overall:
DMAC HVAC School

Address: 15224 East Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32826
Phone: 407-285-1288

List of Programs:

  1. (Basic) HVAC Certification & Training
  2. (Advanced) HVAC Certification & Training
  3. (Premium) HVAC Certification & Training

Our Review of the Program

It takes a lot of effort to be considered the best overall in any category, and it hasn’t been very easy for the institute. DMAC has improved consistently, and it has incorporated the complexity of the market and machinery into its training mechanisms to better equip students. It is hence considered to be the best place to become an HVAC technician in Orlando.

With its four diverse qualifications in areas of heating, ventilation, environmental protection agency, and air conditioning, it gives all students a chance to harness their skills. Once you have enrolled in the program, you will find yourself in a competitive yet supportive and hospitable environment. The professors are accommodating individual needs and do their best to help everyone.

One of the most reported benefits of the training program is a helpful career service facility that is offered. A number of experts are on campus each month to help students navigate through their life as a professional. You will also get flexible scheduling as well as affordable tuition fee that will help put you at ease as you begin your life as a confident aspirant.

Best HVAC School in Miami, FL:
Florida Education Institute

Address: 5818 SW 8th Street, Corner of Calle 8 & SW 57th Ave, Miami, FL 33144
Phone: 305-414-1515

List of Programs:

  1. HVAC/R Program

Our Review of the Program

Theoretical and field knowledge and striking a perfect balance between the two is important. But what’s more necessary for an HVAC technician, or any employee for that matter, is good work ethics, and that is this institute’s prime focus. Florida Education Institute will groom all its students, so they are hired after their first interview.

The attention and support that FEI provides are individualized, and each student’s problems and issues are catered to individually. The classroom size is kept small so that aspirants can perform experiments and apply their HVAC knowledge in labs without bumping into their classmates every now and then. The school also offers a diverse curriculum that keeps your career options open for a lifetime.

Another interesting feature is the teaching mechanism at the institute. The professors are required to teach the ten success habits to each of their students. This incorporates all the training that a student needs in order to attract employers. They will also learn etiquettes and basic work ethics that are needed to seek the eye of the employer and get promotions on a regular basis.

Best HVAC School in Jacksonville, FL:
Tulsa Welding School

Address: 2545 East 11th Street Tulsa, OK 74104
Phone: -855-237-7711

List of Programs:

  1. Refrigeration Technologies Program

Our Review of the Program

When it comes to training schools, especially in regards to refrigeration programs, there are rarely any institutions that do better than Tulsa Welding School. It has an outstanding track record for enhancing students’ skills and preparing them for life ahead in the field.

The program teaches mainly about the fundamentals of ventilation, heating, and air conditioning. Not just that, but the course also inculcates important information about climate control and how each equipment can be hazardous to the environment, mainly the surroundings. This, together with a greater focus on refrigeration programs, makes this an inclusive program.

The program lasts for seven full months, and after graduation, the students will be able to enter a dynamic workforce at the beginner’s level. They can also be hired as a service and refrigeration trainee technician. Whilst they complete training hours for the license, they can continue looking for opportunities in the maintenance and service sector. So if you want a flexible program with inclusive knowledge, then this place is for you.

Best HVAC School in Tampa, FL:
Erwin Technical College

Address: 2010 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610, United States
Phone: 813-769-5180

List of Programs:

  1. HVAC/R Technician Program

Our Review of the Program

Tampa students will be at an advantage because they will get an amazing training program within their locality. The course incorporates practical as well as theoretical knowledge to help students get an edge in the field. It also includes an independent study focus that teaches confidence to students and helps them nurture their skills on their own.

Apart from the basic knowledge, you will also be taught about troubleshooting and repairing of different household and commercial equipment. A large number of hours are also allocated to students to teach them about recovery and maintenance mechanisms. These are stressed upon in order to comply with the requirements of the CFC. Students can elect for this exam, and it can be easily arranged by the school.

After the acquirement of the certificate, you will be able to apply for a job specifically in the refrigeration section, among others. Moreover, a course with this school will open your doors to many career opportunities. These include that of a service mechanic, technician, and even an installer. You can also become a business owner and other technicians down the road.

Best HVAC School in Orlando, FL:
Southern Technical College

Address: Southern Technical College Orlando, 1485 Florida Mall Ave, Orlando, FL 32809, United States
Phone: 877-347-4592

List of Programs:

  1. Associate's Degree HVAC Program

Our Review of the Program

This associate degree program has garnered a lot of praise for its inclusivity and focus on field knowledge. Southern Technical College excels in air conditioning and heating ventilation programs. Apart from providing students with the basics, the program will also teach them how to handle and care for sensitive equipment with care and safety.

The program lasts for 18 months and will provide you with a certificate by the end of it. Both day and evening classes are available to assist students who either work as apprentices or have another job that keeps them occupied. Moreover, the classroom size is kept small, so professors can focus their attention on each student easily. Financial assistance may also be requested by underprivileged aspirants.

Another feature that separates this program from all others is the wonderful classroom environment. The instructions are thorough, yet the teachers make sure not to spoon-feed all the material to students. Professors encourage curiosity and creativity in classrooms that allow members to find new and innovative ways to do a simple task. This, together with flexible timings, makes it a good place to start your HVAC career.

Address: 4387 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966
Phone: 1-800-324-9543

List of Programs:

  1. HVAC/R Technology Program

Our Review of the Program

Located in the heart of Fort Myers lies an excellent college for all HVAC technician aspirants. Florida Academy provides an accredited HVAC technology program that is taught by industry experts and the best professionals. The labs are equipped with the most advanced equipment, and each student is given separate tools to apply theoretical knowledge.

There is also lifetime job placement assistance that ensures graduates of a blooming career in the field ahead. The training covers a range of topics that allow you to diversify your career options. This includes knowledge about heat pumps, commercial RTUs, electrical boards, soldering and brazing, black pipes, and even furnaces. You will also be taught how to cut wires and fix machinery without endangering your life.

Moreover, unlike most other programs, you won’t find yourself wishing your lecture is over. The teaching methodology, as well as the curriculum, is made engaging, which ensures that students have a good time whilst also learning all they can. This feature is further aided by flexible class timings that cater to undergraduates working a part-time job.

Address: 12490 NE 7th Ave STE 216, North Miami, FL 33161
Phone: 786- 206-6444

List of Programs:

  1. HVAC Helper
  2. HVAC Mechanic
  3. HVAC Training Program
  4. HVAC Mechanic Assistant

Our Review of the Program

The world out there is highly competitive, and upon entering the market, you will soon realize that you will be competing with some of the best aspirants. This is why you need to stand out in the crowd, and Apex Training Centre prepares you for that. Their program inculcates knowledge about commercial as well as residential areas, so you don’t lack any skills required.

The program is also one of the most diverse ones in all of Florida and hence one of the most sought ones by students. There are four options that you can avail of, and each one of these is better than the other in some way.

There is the HVAC helper diploma that is for three months and is the shortest one. You can also choose the HVAC mechanic assistant diploma program that requires you to allocate 500 hours in totality.

Lastly, the mechanic diploma, which is the longest one, requires ten months for proper completion. Apart from this, there is a full HVAC program that prepares you for a job in refrigeration as well as the heating industry. So, all in all, if diversity is your top requisite and you don’t want your degree to confine you to a restricted option, then this is the best place for you.

Address: 7825 Campus Drive New Port Richey, FL 34653
Phone: 727-774-1700

List of Programs:

  1. Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration Program

Our Review of the Program

Marchman Technical College has garnered huge praise in recent years for its highly affordable and flexible courses. Their HVAC program includes shop instructions as well as classroom knowledge, a combination of which is required to pass the exam. But the main focus of the program is on the applications of residential and commercial systems.

You can get a job as an installer or a technician after completion of your program, but that’s not all. It will also introduce you to diverse career options in the field. It does this by providing a number of course material targeting different sections such as air conditioning, heating, maintenance, repairing, and a lot more. The laboratories are state-of-the-art and include all the latest machinery needed for students to better apply their bookish knowledge.

Moreover, the problem with a lot of HVAC technician aspirants is finances. Most people are unable to afford these expensive programs. This is why the institute has gone through a lot of trouble and has included a range of financial assistance programs that help students start their careers. Not just that, but the overall tuition fee is also relatively less, thus making the school stand out.

Address: 2545 Bailey Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, United States
Phone: 330-923-9959

List of Programs:

  1. HVACR Training Program

Our Review of the Program

If you want to land a job instantly after completion of your program, then there is no better place for you than Fortis. Its HVAC technician program is one of the most revered ones in the market, with its focus on field knowledge and innovation. The college equips students with all the knowledge that would put them at an advantage from other applicants.

The training makes use of computerized diagnostic programs that ensure students can handle the most demanding of situations with ease. Moreover, the complexity of today’s systems is made easy with the help of a well-structured curriculum. The teachers are instructed to start from the most basic information and then gradually move on to the complex parts. This ensures that aspirants don’t feel intimidated by knowledge bombardment.

Once the program ends, the students will be given the resources to give the entry-level employment exam required by Florida. But the best thing about this program is that it doesn’t restrict students. There are four training schools, and you can choose from any of these and get the best possible education in the area.

Address: 1272, South John Young Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: 407-530-5951

List of Programs:

  1. Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Helper Program

Our Review of the Program

The objective of this program is pretty simple, and that is to prepare all its students for the best employment opportunities in the state. The advanced training, coupled with thorough theoretical knowledge, makes for a perfect combination needed to succeed in the field. But here is what sets Cruz Institute apart from all others.

The knowledge isn’t constricting and is rather diverse, with a lot of focus placed on safety and management rather than simply fixing stuff. In today’s world, people are less prone to sudden accidents, but the chances of causing permanent equipment damage are huge. Therefore, you will be allowed to carry a lot of experiments in the lab to better prepare you for the demanding job ahead.

Focus on environmental issues is also the key to this program’s success; the sequence of courses will provide you with a coherent and very rigorous theoretical knowledge relevant to your fieldwork. Once you are ready, you will be in for a surprise. The tuition fee includes the onsite testing of the EPA 608 certificate required to be a technician. Once you pass the test, you can get a job as a certified HVAC technician.

HVAC Schools in Florida Comparison Table

Having to decide a career can be both exciting and challenging, but it should never be overwhelming, and a good school plays a part in booming your confidence. Here is a short comparison table for you to consider. You can compare the locations, programs, etc. with each other and see which institute works best for you.

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • HVAC Technical Program
  • 15224 East Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32826
  • 407-285-1288
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • HVAC diploma
  • 5818 SW 8th Street, Corner of Calle 8 & SW 57th Ave, Miami, FL 33144
  • 305-414-1515
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • Refrigeration Technologies Program
  • 2545 East 11th Street Tulsa, OK 74104
  • 855-237-7711
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • HVAC Technician Program
  • 2010 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610, United States
  • 813-769-5180
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • HVAC program
  • 1485 Florida Mall Ave, Orlando, FL 32809, United States
  • 877-347-4592
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • HVAC program
  • 4387 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966
  • 800-324-9543
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • HVAC helper, HVAC mechanic assistant, HVAC mechanic and HVAC training program
  • 12490 NE 7th Ave STE 216, North Miami, FL 33161
  • 786-206-6444
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program
  • 7825 Campus Drive New Port Richey, FL 34653
  • 727-774-1700
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • HVAC Training Programs
  • 2545 Bailey Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, United States
  • 330-923-9959
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews
  • Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Helper Program
  • 1272, South John Young Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34741
  • 407-530-5951
LEARN MORE →Read Customer Reviews

Conclusion 

Students of Florida can become certified HVAC technicians by enrolling in one of the state’s many educational institutions. These not only provide you with the knowledge needed to excel in the career but also allow you to get a proper license as soon as possible.

But in order to have a glowing career afterward, you will have to tread carefully. You can compare all the schools against their pros and cons and evaluate which option works best for you. The locality of the area, as well as fee structure, will also need to be taken into consideration. 

But no matter which school you end up choosing, rest assured that you will open a great many career options for you in the future.

People Also Ask

A job in this sector allows you to earn nicely and comfortably, so a lot of people are interested in getting the certification required to get such a job. People have asked so many questions on the internet, and we thought it best to answer the most frequent of these. This will help you get a clear picture of things.

How Do I Get My HVAC License in Florida?

An HVAC license is provided by the Florida state, and you need to have all the educational requirements met in order to get that. An exam would be necessary, and the exam fee is $355. Moreover, the fee for certification and renewal is $125. 

How Long Does it Take to Get HVAC Certified in Florida?

You will need to get this license if you want to land a decent HVAC job in Florida or any job for that matter. You would need at least four hours of active experience in the field or a four-year degree from any of the mentioned schools. You will also need 2000 hours of work experience. 

Does Florida Require an HVAC License?

Anyone who is interested in working in Florida will need an HVAC license. You can get this license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. If you only want to work as a certified air conditioning contractor, then you will need a contractor license only.

What is a CBC License in Florida?

CBC stands for Florida Certificate Building Contractor license is only one step down from the general contractor license. This is both in terms of scope of work and importance. This type will allow you to construct both residential structures and commercial buildings that don’t exceed three stories in height. 

Nearby HVAC Schools

Here are some HVAC schools in nearby states:

Alex

Hey there, my name is Alex, and I’ve been writing for HVAC Schools Near Me (HSNM) since we launched in 2020. Like many, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S, I was out of work and worried about my career. A family friend introduced me to the owner of HSNM, and I found writing to be a great fit after seven years of being a technician. I hope you find our articles to be informative, valuable, and serve you well.

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