Florida Sheet Metal Contractor License

Sheet metal is one of the original Division II categories in F.S. 489.105. It is a small exam by volume, but the scope is wide: duct fabrication and installation, architectural sheet metal, and setting and balancing air-handling equipment.

What the license covers

F.S. 489.105(3)(d) defines a sheet metal contractor as one "whose services are unlimited in the sheet metal trade." The work covers the manufacture, fabrication, assembling, erection, installation, insulation, alteration, repair, servicing or design (where not prohibited by law) of:

• ferrous or nonferrous metal work of U.S. No. 10 gauge or its equivalent or lighter, and other materials such as fiberglass used in place of it
• air-handling systems, including setting air-handling equipment and its reinforcement
• balancing of air-handling systems
• duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least partial disassembly of the system

How it differs from air conditioning and mechanical

A sheet metal contractor builds and installs the air side of a system. The refrigeration circuit, heating equipment and piping belong to HVAC and mechanical contractors. The statute also lets A/C and mechanical contractors do duct work needed to complete a system they install.

Certified vs registered

Certified sheet metal contractors may contract statewide; registered contractors only in jurisdictions where they met local competency requirements (F.S. 489.105(8), (10)).

Eligibility

Per F.S. 489.111(2): 18 years old, good moral character, and an experience route such as 4 years as a skilled worker or foreman (1 year as foreman), a relevant 4-year degree plus 1 year of experience, or a listed combination of experience and college credit.

The exams

Both are open book at Pearson VUE.

Content outline

Half the exam is duct fabrication and installation, so SMACNA standards carry much of the weight.

Reference list overview

• SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards, Metal and Flexible
• SMACNA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards
• SMACNA Architectural Sheet Metal Manual
• NFPA 90A, 90B, 91 and 96
• Florida Building Code: Mechanical (2023)
• Trane Ductulator
• Contractors Manual; OSHA 29 CFR 1926

Exam volume

This is one of the least-taken CILB trade exams. Pearson VUE exam performance reports show 5 graded sheet metal attempts in 2025 and 7 in 2024. With numbers that small, a pass rate tells you very little.

Steps to licensure

1. Confirm eligibility under 489.111.
2. Register through Professional Testing, Inc. and schedule both exams with Pearson VUE.
3. Pass Business and Finance and the trade exam at 70%.
4. Apply to the CILB with financial responsibility, insurance and fingerprint documents.

FAQ

Is there a gauge limit? Yes. The statute covers metal of No. 10 gauge or equivalent and lighter. Heavier structural steel is a different trade (see structural specialty licenses).

Can a sheet metal contractor set an air handler? Yes. Setting and reinforcing air-handling equipment and balancing air-handling systems are in 489.105(3)(d).

Does it cover roofing flashing and gutters? Architectural sheet metal is 10% of the exam, but roof coverings themselves are roofing contractor work. Check the scope of the specific job against the statute.

Next step

Every sheet metal applicant also sits the 120-question Business and Finance exam. Our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep is available now.