HVAC & Mechanical · AL · LA · MS · FL
HVAC & Mechanical Licensing by State
The board licenses HVAC and mechanical work require in AL, LA, MS and FL, plus the federal EPA Section 608 refrigerant rules.
Alabama
Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors →
Who / what you need
Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor
Installation, service and repair of heating/cooling systems (forced air, mini-splits, heat pumps, central systems). Written exam at 70%+.
Official page →Refrigeration Contractor
Commercial refrigeration - walk-in coolers, reach-in units, refrigerated storage.
Official page →Active status = bond
Performing work requires Active status: business name plus a $20,000 performance bond.
Official page →Paperwork — in order
1. Mechanical permit - local building department
Permits from the city/county where the job sits, under your board license.
Official page →2. Inspections through final
Watch-outs
- Reciprocity without retesting from MS, TN, OH, SC, TX, WV and LA (exam passed at 70%+, license current).
- EPA Section 608 certification is federal and applies on top of the state license for anyone handling refrigerant.
Official page →Louisiana
Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) →
Who / what you need
LSLBC license - MECHANICAL classification
Required when the work value exceeds $10,000. Covers HVAC, refrigeration, hydronic and steam systems, pressure vessels, gas piping, process piping and mechanical equipment.
Official page →Plumbing overlap rule
Mechanical contractors performing plumbing work over $10,000 must ALSO hold a master plumber license from the State Plumbing Board.
Official page →Paperwork — in order
1. Mechanical permit - local jurisdiction
Permits from the parish or municipal building office where the job sits.
Official page →2. Inspections through final
Watch-outs
- EPA Section 608 certification is federal and applies on top of the state license for anyone handling refrigerant.
Official page →Mississippi
Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) →
Who / what you need
MSBOC certificate - Mechanical classification
Mechanical is a major classification on the MSBOC certificate of responsibility. Confirm current dollar thresholds with MSBOC before bidding.
Official page →Residential Mechanical
Covers HVAC and plumbing work for residential applications.
Official page →Paperwork — in order
1. Mechanical permit - local jurisdiction
Permits (and any local cards) from the city or county where the job sits.
Official page →2. Inspections through final
Watch-outs
- EPA Section 608 certification is federal and applies on top of the state certificate for anyone handling refrigerant.
Official page →Florida
DBPR - Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) →
Who / what you need
Class A Air-Conditioning Contractor
Unlimited A/C, refrigeration, heating and ventilating work including ductwork and boilers. Certified (CA) works statewide; Registered (RA) only where locally licensed.
Official page →Class B Air-Conditioning Contractor
Limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTU of heating in any one system.
Official page →Mechanical Contractor
Unlimited central A/C, refrigeration, heating and ventilating systems including ductwork (CM/RM).
Official page →Paperwork — in order
1. Mechanical permit - local building department
Permits under the Florida Building Code from the county/municipal building department.
Official page →2. Inspections through final
Watch-outs
- None of the A/C or mechanical categories may touch gas lines, potable water, sewer lines, pool piping or electrical wiring - those need the other trade licenses.
- EPA Section 608 certification is federal and applies on top of the state license for anyone handling refrigerant.
Official page →On every job, regardless of state:
✓ State license / certificate number on the permit application
✓ Mechanical permit posted before work starts
✓ EPA Section 608 cards for every tech handling refrigerant
✓ Refrigerant recovery records (federal 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F)
✓ Duct/equipment submittals and load calcs when the AHJ requires them
✓ Inspections passed through final
✓ Startup/commissioning reports and warranty docs for closeout
✓ Confirm the mechanical code edition the AHJ enforces
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