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Are you ready to launch a stable and growing career in HVAC in Key Largo, FL in 2025? The HVAC trade offers strong job prospects with 11–18 open positions in town as of early-mid 2025 123, and projected 9% national growth in HVAC mechanic and installer employment between 2023 and 2033 4. With average hourly wages in Key Largo reaching $29.65—beating the national average of $27.21 56—and multiple pathways to qualification available, now is an ideal time to start. The College of the Florida Keys offers fully paid HVAC apprenticeships with free training that position you for state licensure in just four years with 8,004 hours of on-the-job learning 47. Whether you're looking for hands-on training, apprenticeship opportunities, or guidance on how to get certified as a technician, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get started in 2025. For more in-depth industry statistics, check out HVAC industry resources here.
The work of HVAC technicians involves installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in residential, commercial, and industrial properties. In Key Largo, FL, technicians frequently address cooling needs due to the area's warm climate, as well as help implement new energy-efficient systems 7. Today's technicians must handle modern refrigerants like R-454B introduced in 2025, which are more environmentally friendly but require specialized handling and training 6. With the 2025 refrigerant transition and advancing system technologies like smart HVAC controls, demand for skilled professionals continues to rise in Key Largo and across Florida 6. Learn more about these advancements by visiting the College of the Florida Keys apprenticeship page.
Yes, specialized HVAC licenses are required in Florida to work independently as a contractor or technician. Key Largo follows state licensing standards through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 85. For detailed steps on getting licensed, refer to this guide from CBT.
| HVAC License Type | Scope of Work |
|---|---|
| Class A License | No restrictions; statewide service |
| Class B License | Limited to systems under $50,000 |
| State Registered | Entry-level submission projects only |
License requirements include:
Technicians can work under a licensed contractor while gaining experience but must not operate independently without proper credentials 5.
Starting an HVAC apprenticeship is the most direct path to qualification and earning a full-time, well-paying job in Key Largo. While employer-sponsored apprenticeships exist through local HVAC companies, one of the most notable programs comes from the College of the Florida Keys, available statewide. To check current job listings and salary data, see ZipRecruiter's HVAC salaries in Key Largo.
Their program allows apprentices to earn while you learn with:
To find a HVAC training program or apprenticeship in Florida, Gild is a great resource for filtering live opportunities filtered directly from employers. You can find all open HVAC apprenticeships in Key Largo, FL here.
Licensure eligibility in Florida requires the following steps:
Apprentices can fulfill the education and experience requirements through free workforce development programs like those at College of the Florida Keys or through structured HVAC technician apprenticeships offered by qualified local employers. Some companies offer paid training and certification vouchers for employees seeking full licensure 5. For more employer insights, explore Irwin’s Air salaries for HVAC techs.
Current wage data shows HVAC technicians in Key Largo earning an average hourly wage of $29.65, with experienced technicians commanding up to $35–$50 per hour 29. Annual salaries at key local HVAC employers, such as Irwin’s Air, Inc., average $67,951 annually, compared to the national average senior technician wage of $77,200 per year 59. While benefits can vary by employer, union and non-union programs alike often include:
With projected 9% growth across the HVAC industry through 2033 in Florida, these numbers are expected to rise sharper due to increased demand and technological changes in refrigerant regulations 6.
Individuals seeking an HVAC career in Key Largo may encounter a few hurdles:
However, the growing investment in workforce development programs across Florida—especially the HVAC Apprenticeship through the College of the Florida Keys—now provides full access to paid training and raises 4. Tools and equipment can sometimes be provided through employers or loaned through programs. Additionally, with 17 listings for HVAC-related roles and more in surrounding areas 8, jobs are currently accessible even for entry-level technicians starting in apprenticeship programs. For additional company insights, visit REX AIR's website.
Now that you understand the demand, requirements, and earning potential in the HVAC trade in Key Largo, FL for 2025, it’s time to take action.
If you’re ready to start, browse available HVAC technician apprenticeships in Key Largo on Gild here. Whether you're looking for paid HVAC training, full apprenticeships, or direct hire technician jobs, Gild can help you connect to local opportunities in your area.
https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/key-largo-hvac-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,9_IC1154112_KO10,14.htm ↩ ↩2
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Entry-Level-Hvac-Technician/-in-Key-Largo,FL ↩
https://www.cfk.edu/apprenticeships/hvac-apprenticeship/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Hvac-Salary-in-Key-Largo,FL ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
https://www.hvacwebmasters.com/hvac-industry-statistics/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers ↩ ↩2
https://www.indeed.com/q-hvac-l-key-largo,-fl-jobs.html ↩ ↩2
https://www.workyard.com/construction-management/hvac-facts-statistics ↩ ↩2 ↩3
