HVAC Schools in Miami, Florida

In Miami, Florida (FL), the future looks bright for aspiring professionals in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC or HVAC-R). Summer temperatures in Miami can exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit and winter lows rarely dip below 60 degrees. Precipitation is a regular occurrence, with each month from June through September receiving more than eight inches. And the climate is only one factor driving the skyrocketing growth of the local HVAC industry.

Another factor is Miami’s economy, which is rapidly expanding and increasing demand for climate control installation and maintenance in buildings. The trade, transportation, utilities, education, and health services industries are experiencing the highest rate of growth, and the efforts of the state’s workforce boards have led to a large increase in workers entering the job market—four times higher than the national growth rate.

Additionally, Florida utilities have set aside millions of dollars for energy efficiency programs and created specific rebates for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC and HVAC-R) upgrades in existing and new buildings, making the HVAC industry a white-hot field for Miami residents.

So what do these skilled professionals do? The primary responsibility of HVAC and HVAC-R technicians is to work on systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings. Technicians work in offices, homes, stores, schools, and all other buildings that require heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Most work full-time, with overtime during peak seasons. They typically travel between job sites to:

Install, clean, and maintain equipment and systems
Install electrical components and wiring
Inspect and test systems and components
Repair or replace defective parts
Discuss maintenance to improve system efficiency
Keep records of work performed

Technicians receive training and support from the many Florida-based industry organizations, including:

Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC Florida East Coast) in Coconut Creek
Construction Association of South Florida (CASF) in Fort Lauderdale
Mechanical Contractors Association of South Florida (MCASF) in Boca Raton
Plumbing Contractors Association (PCA) in Miami

Read on to discover the thriving demand for HVAC professionals in Miami, FL, and the many accredited training programs in the area.

Occupational Demand and Salaries for HVAC Technicians in Miami, Florida

Demand for HVAC technicians continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2022), 9,130 HVAC maintenance and installation technicians work in the Miami metropolitan area, and the number is only expected to increase both within Miami and nationally in the coming years.

By illustration, the number of openings for HVAC technicians is expected to increase by 6 percent nationally between 2022 and 2032, which is double the average rate for all occupations in the U.S. during the same decade (3 percent).

Furthermore, the job growth for technicians in Florida is projected to be more than double that rate. Projections Central (2024) predicted a 15.4 percent increase in HVAC openings in Florida between 2020 and 2030.

As noted earlier, the incentives and rebates offered by Florida utility companies continue to stimulate the demand for climate control technicians. Several other factors contribute to the growth of the HVAC and HVAC-R industry in Miami, such as new building construction; the increasing complexity of climate control systems; the recent emphasis on energy efficiency; and the continuous need to replace, retrofit, or upgrade older systems.

The BLS (May 2022) reported that HVAC mechanics and installers nationally received a median salary of $51,390 as of May 2022. Technicians in Miami, FL received an annual median salary of $47,650.

The table below is a comparison of national, state, and regional salaries of HVAC professionals:

The BLS (May 2022) reported the following salary figures in the Miami area:

	United States	Florida	Miami, FL
Number of HVAC professionals employed	374,770	33,560	9,130
Annual mean wage	$57,460	$49,380	$50,410
10th percentile	$36,170	$32,120	$31,380
25th percentile	$44,100	$38,320	$38,220
50th percentile (median)	$51,390	$47,260	$47,650
75th percentile	$65,630	$58,540	$59,720
90th percentile	$82,630	$64,600	$68,130

HVAC Apprenticeships In Miami, Florida

Many aspiring HVAC workers in Miami either attend training programs or participate in an apprenticeship program.

Florida’s registered apprenticeship system provides those who complete the programs with a certificate, and experienced apprentices may receive journey-level status in their chosen trade. A list of qualifying apprentice sponsors is available, which includes several HVAC companies.

Atlantic Technical College offers an apprenticeship program that includes HVAC training. Students are paid for a 40-hour workweek while receiving training from a journey-level supervisor. They must also complete a minimum of 144 hours per year of classroom instruction. The classes are taught in the evenings and on weekends. The apprenticeship takes up to five years to complete.

Students receive wage increases as they progress through the program. They are not required to pay tuition, but they must pay for books, supplies, and other fees.

Miami Dade College offers several apprenticeship programs, including HVAC training. The programs are presented in partnership with Florida-registered and approved sponsor companies. Students receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Graduates are awarded a certificate and can be qualified to seek journey-level jobs. The program takes a minimum of four years to complete.

Industry associations are another source of apprenticeship programs. These include the local chapters of:

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA)
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCCA)
Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA)

Accredited HVAC Schools in Miami, Florida

Alternatively, aspiring HVAC professionals can enroll in accredited training schools to learn the skills of the trade. When choosing a school, it is essential to determine if it is accredited, and if so, what agency approved it. Accreditation is a process by which an independent agency evaluates the quality of the curriculum and the instructors. Specific standards must be met before this approval is granted.

Two main organizations accredit and evaluate HVAC programs: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). Although both organizations have accredited programs in Florida, neither has approved programs available in the Miami metropolitan area. That said, the following HVAC training schools are regionally accredited and within 100 miles of Miami.

Atlantic Technical College

Atlantic Technical College offers a heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) program emphasizing electrical systems. Coursework and lab sections prepare students to install, repair, and maintain commercial and domestic HVAC and HVAC-R systems. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and may be qualified to seek entry-level jobs. This 100 percent classroom-based program is offered twice a year: August and January.

Made up of 1,350 hours, some of the courses included in the program are an introduction to HVAC-R; HVAC-R fundamentals; HVAC-R services practices; HVAC-R intermediate services practices; and HVAC-R advanced commercial and industrial service practices.

The curriculum includes classes in the design and layout of electrical systems, reading blueprints, building codes, troubleshooting, and the operation of different systems, compressors, and metering devices and controls. Students receive a certificate of achievement at the end of each 250-hour section.

All HVAC courses are available only on campus, in the evenings. Notably, graduates who meet certain criteria will also receive credits from the Florida College System that can be applied to an associate degree.

Location: Coconut Creek, Florida
Accreditation: Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (12 months); part-time (24 months

The College of Business and Technology

CBT College offers air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating technology programs in English and Spanish. Students may earn a diploma or an associate’s degree, which comprise 24 and 60 credits, respectively. Both on-campus programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on training.

Students in the diploma program take classes on refrigeration fundamentals; electricity principles and applications; air conditioning systems; and blueprints and codes. Graduates are qualified for entry-level jobs in residential and commercial complexes.

The associate’s degree curriculum builds on the diploma curriculum and includes additional courses in advanced automatic controls; heating systems; chilled-water air conditioning systems; alternative energy applied to HVAC; construction estimating; and principles of college algebra. Graduates of this program may be qualified to seek mid-level HVAC-R jobs or apply for the journey-level certification after meeting the work experience criteria. They can repair, install, develop, and maintain a variety of heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.

Location: Miami, Cutler Bay, and Hialeah, Florida
Accreditation: Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Expected Time to Completion: Associate (20 months); diploma (eight months)

Florida Career College

This school offers a career-focused heating, ventilation, and air conditioning training program. The on-campus program provides theoretical knowledge coupled with hands-on experience. Students learn to install and maintain residential and commercial equipment. They also learn the basic design of HVAC and HVAC-R systems, how systems operate, and troubleshooting. The focus is on servicing systems and equipment.

Taught by experienced instructors, this program prepares students for two (optional) certifications: the EPA Section 608 Certification for Stationary Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and the Universal R-410A Safety Training & Certification.

Courses include instruction in basic electricity, motors, and HVAC controls; basic refrigeration theory and application; air conditioning, troubleshooting, and heat pump systems; heating systems and boilers; and duct design, blueprint reading, and load calculation.

Graduates receive a diploma and may be qualified for entry-level jobs as HVAC technicians. On successful completion of the program, graduates can take up roles such as HVAC technician, service technician, air conditioning technician, HVAC mechanic, HVAC specialist, refrigeration technician, and refrigeration mechanic.

Location: Miami, Florida
Accreditation: Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Expected Time to Completion: 10 months

Florida Education Institute

This lab-based HVAC-R program teaches students in a learn-by-doing environment. Students learn how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot residential and commercial equipment and systems. This is a hands-on program, where students work on actual refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. The program covers both residential and commercial technician skills so that students are qualified to apply for a wider pool of jobs.

Some of the topics that students will learn in this 54-credit HVAC-R program include refrigeration systems and components; heat pump systems; refrigeration practices; commercial air conditioning & refrigeration; troubleshooting, maintenance, and service calls; air conditioning systems; system design, sizing, and layout; and HVAC-R electrical systems.

Graduates may be qualified for entry-level jobs. The school only offers on-campus courses; however, evening classes are available to accommodate working students. Graduates of this program can work in numerous areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, maintenance and repair, major companies with maintenance departments, and selling and installation.

Location: Miami, Florida
Accreditation: Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Expected Time to Completion: Ten months

Lindsey Hopkins Technical College

This air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating program is designed to develop competency in servicing HVAC systems and refrigeration piping. The school does not offer online coursework, but students learn about the theory and fundamentals of HVAC and receive hands-on training in the on-campus lab. The lab includes a variety of commercial and residential HVAC and HVAC-R equipment. The curriculum includes instruction in the use and care of hand tools, power tools, and specialized tools. Students also learn record-keeping, industry standards and practices, and basic supervisory skills.

The program comprises 1,350 hours, enabling students to become proficient in installing, repairing, and maintaining domestic and commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating systems. Courses in the program include A/C, refrigeration and heating helper, A/C, refrigeration and heating mechanic assistant, A/C, refrigeration and heating mechanic 1, A/C refrigeration and heating mechanic 2, and A/C refrigeration and heating technician.

After completing the program, graduates can take up roles such as mechanic helpers, air-conditioning and heating mechanics, air conditioning and heating installer services, marine air conditioning technicians, warehouse & parts suppliers, and wholesale and rental sales associates.

Location: Miami, Florida
Accreditation: Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Expected Time to Completion: 15 to 27 months

Sheridan Technical College

Sheridan Technical College offers the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning/refrigeration (HVAC-R) program, preparing students to work as heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning, mechanics, or air conditioning installer services. The content of the program prepares students to design, test, and repair heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and brand cooling (HVAC) systems. The integration of practice and theory prepares students to take the EPA 608 certification.

Consisting of 1,350 hours, the curriculum of the program includes topics such as planning, testing, installing, and servicing A/C systems, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical components, diagramming, testing, and solving problems in A/C systems, servicing and installing controls and components, and electrical wiring.

General admissions and registration procedures include attending a one-hour orientation, applying for financial assistance (optional), taking the test of adult basic education (TABE), and taking an interview with the program counselor or advisor.

Location: Hollywood, Florida
Accreditation: Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Expected Time to Completion: 12 months

Miami Lakes Educational Center & Technical College

This school offers an air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating technology program preparing students for advanced training or employment in the HVAC-R industry. Students learn through a combination of classwork and practical experience. Program applicants must demonstrate proficiency in basic math, reading, and language skills. This program helps students develop transferable, broad skills, with an emphasis on the HVAC industry and its elements such as management, planning, finance, production, and also the foundational principles of technology, safety, health, and environmental issues.

The curriculum takes 750 on-campus hours to complete. Coursework includes the fundamentals of refrigeration, tool use and safety, components, electric motors, basic electricity, circuits and wiring, heat pumps, and air conditioning basics. Graduates receive a certificate of completion.

Upon completion of the program, graduates can take up roles such as commercial service technician, marine air conditioning service technician, domestic service technician, and sales air conditioning, heating, or refrigeration equipment technician.

Location: Miami Lakes and Miami Gardens, Florida
Accreditation: Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Expected Time to Completion: Seven months

South Florida Institute of Technology

This skill-oriented refrigeration and air conditioning repair technician program teaches students about the fundamentals of the design, installation, repair, and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and systems. Students must complete 28 on-campus credits divided between lectures and hands-on labs. They must also complete 60 hours of outside work.

The program requires applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED). Students not meeting these requirements (but beyond the mandatory age of education in the State of Florida, as well as demonstrating the Ability to Benefit (ATB) from the training) will have to pass an ATB exam with a minimum score of 14/50 for the Scholastic Level IV entrance exam.

Students take classes in the fundamentals and principles of electricity, commercial and domestic refrigeration, air conditioning systems, reading blueprints and project estimating, and domestic appliances. Graduates of this program may be qualified for entry-level HVAC and commercial refrigeration jobs.

Location: Miami and Hialeah, Florida
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
Expected Time to Completion: 42 weeks

The English Center

For this level-one air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating technology program, applicants must pass the Test of Basic Adult Education (TABE) to be accepted. Students learn how to design, test, and repair HVAC systems, through 750+ hours of training.

Students receive a certificate of achievement at the end of each 250-hour section. Graduates who earn all occupational completion points (OCP) and pass the program’s primary skills requirements will be awarded a certificate of completion.

The curriculum includes on-campus coursework and hands-on training in labs. The study topics include the maintenance and safe use of tools, basic electricity, troubleshooting, control systems, fabricating fittings, and installing and starting up systems. Students also learn about job safety. Courses in the curriculum include A/C, refrigeration, and heating helper, A/C, refrigeration, and heating mechanic assistant, and A/C, refrigeration and heating mechanic 1.

Location: Miami, Florida
Accreditation: Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Expected Time to Completion: 30 weeks

HVAC Certification and Licensing in Miami, Florida

Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants to obtain the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 certification. Certification requires passing an exam on the safe handling of refrigerants. Four levels of certifications are available based on the size and type of equipment, and the universal (type IV) certification allows technicians to work on all equipment.

Various organizations offer classes and administer the exam. Technicians may obtain additional training and certifications from industry organizations. These include, but are not limited to:

Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
HVAC Excellence

Details of certifications, qualifications, and fees are available on their websites.

As a final note, all contractors who perform HVAC work in Florida must have a state-issued license. The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation issues two types of contractor licenses: Class A and Class B. However, HVAC contractors are subject to a third category, called Class C.

Class A licenses are unlimited; Class B licenses limit contractors to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTU of heating in any one system; and Class C licensees are limited to the servicing of HVAC and HVAC-R systems.

Obtaining a license requires passing the relevant exams; submitting proof of work experience, financial stability, and liability insurance; and paying the appropriate fees. Licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal is dependent on obtaining 14 units of continuing education in specific areas.

Contractors and tradesmen working in Miami must also be licensed. There are 12 classifications of HVAC-R licensing. Most require passing an exam and require paying the appropriate fees. Licenses must be renewed every two years and renewal is dependent on obtaining 16 units of continuing education.

Farheen Gani

Farheen is a freelance writer, marketer, and researcher. She writes about technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).