HVAC Contractor Licensing — by State
Compare hvac contractor license requirements across the top 10 US states. Fees, exam structure, experience requirements, bond minimums, insurance, and reciprocity — all in one place.
HVAC contractor licensing varies wildly by state. Some (California, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan) require a state-issued license with experience, exam, and bond. Others (Texas for roofing, New York and Pennsylvania for HVAC) have no state license — only local registration. Pick your state below for the full breakdown.
California
State licenseContractors State License Board (CSLB)
Application: $450Renewal: biennialExam: YesTexas
State licenseTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Application: $50Renewal: annualExam: YesFlorida
State licenseFlorida Construction Industry Licensing Board (within DBPR)
Application: $249Renewal: biennialExam: YesNew York
Local rulesNo state-level HVAC license. NYC requires DOB Master Fire Suppression and Master Plumber for some HVAC work. Refrigeration handled separately.
Application: $0Renewal: triennialExam: YesPennsylvania
Local rulesNo state-level HVAC license. HICPA registration covers residential. Some cities have additional HVAC licensing.
Application: $50Renewal: biennialExam: NoIllinois
Local rulesNo state-level HVAC license. Cities including Chicago have local HVAC contractor licensing.
Application: $130Renewal: biennialExam: YesOhio
State licenseOhio Construction Industry Examining Board (OCIEB)
Application: $25Renewal: annualExam: YesGeorgia
State licenseGeorgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Conditioned Air Contractors
Application: $30Renewal: biennialExam: YesNorth Carolina
State licenseNorth Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors (NCBEEPHFSC)
Application: $100Renewal: annualExam: YesMichigan
State licenseMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes
Application: $195Renewal: triennialExam: Yes
One contractor business insight per week
Real pricing, sales, and ops breakdowns. No fluff. Unsubscribe anytime.