HVAC — Florida — 2026

HVAC Prevailing Wage Rates - Florida 2026

Florida HVAC prevailing wage rates for 2026 apply to all federally funded construction projects involving heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work. Like Texas, Florida does not have a state-level prevailing wage statute, so these rates come from federal Davis-Bacon wage determinations. HVAC mechanics, pipefitters, and refrigeration workers each have specific classification requirements. Overtime is calculated as 1.5x the base rate plus 1.0x fringe benefits. These rates are sample data for illustration purposes only. Always verify current prevailing wage rates against the official SAM.gov wage determinations before use on any federally funded project.

Wage Breakdown

ClassificationBase RateHealth & WelfarePensionTrainingVacationOtherTotal
HVAC Mechanic - Journeyman$33.85$10.60$9.75$0.85$0.00$0.35$55.40
HVAC Mechanic - Foreman$37.25$10.60$9.75$0.85$0.00$0.35$58.80
Pipefitter / Refrigeration$35.50$10.60$9.75$0.85$0.00$0.35$57.05
HVAC Apprentice (1st Period)$16.93$10.60$4.88$0.43$0.00$0.18$33.02

These rates are sample data for illustration purposes only. Always verify current prevailing wage rates against the official SAM.gov wage determinations before use on any federally funded project.

Understanding Fringe Benefits

What Are Fringe Benefits?

Fringe benefits are employer-paid contributions required on top of the base hourly wage. They include health & welfare (medical, dental, vision), pension, apprenticeship training, vacation pay, and other supplemental benefits.

Overtime Calculation

Overtime must be calculated as 1.5x the base rate plus 1.0x the fringe rate. This is NOT 1.5x the total rate — the most common payroll error on Davis-Bacon projects.

Payment Options

Employers can satisfy fringe obligations by making bona fide contributions to approved benefit plans, paying cash equivalents directly to workers, or a combination of both.

Compliance Risk

Failure to properly account for fringe benefits is one of the top reasons contractors face Davis-Bacon violations and back-pay claims. Accurate tracking is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prevailing wage for HVAC workers in Florida?

The base hourly rate for a HVAC Mechanic - Journeyman is $33.85/hr, with total compensation (including fringe benefits) of $55.40/hr.

How is overtime calculated on prevailing wage projects?

Overtime is calculated as 1.5x the base rate plus 1.0x the fringe benefits — NOT 1.5x the total rate. This is the most common payroll error on Davis-Bacon projects.

What are fringe benefits under Davis-Bacon?

Fringe benefits include health & welfare, pension, apprenticeship training, vacation pay, and other supplemental contributions. Employers can pay these as bona fide plan contributions or as cash equivalents.

Where can I verify official prevailing wage rates?

Official prevailing wage rates are published on SAM.gov. The rates shown here are sample data for illustration purposes — always verify against the official wage determination before use on any federally funded project.

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