Does a Felony Automatically Block a Florida State License?
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What This Guide Covers
You're worried a felony conviction will stop you from getting a state license in Florida. This page looks at what the law actually says, plus wage numbers for two trades — welding and HVAC — so you can start thinking about next steps. This is not legal advice.
The Law: Florida Statute 112.011
Florida Statute 112.011 spells out when a conviction can and cannot be used to deny a state license. A felony conviction does not automatically block every license. Read the statute yourself before you assume anything about your case.
Confirm your specific situation with the licensing board that covers your trade. The rules can depend on the type of conviction, how long ago it happened, and the specific license.
Wages to Consider
Two trades often mentioned as realistic options:
- Welder: median pay of $50,640 in Florida (BLS OES, May 2025).
- HVAC technician: median pay of $56,670 in Florida (BLS OES, May 2025).
These are wage figures, not a promise of hiring. Openings, training requirements, and licensing still need to be checked.
A Note on EPA 608
HVAC work often requires the EPA 608 certification. That exam is open-book and does not include a background check. This applies to the EPA 608 exam itself — it does not mean every employer or every other license in HVAC skips a background check. Confirm with the agency or employer directly.
What This Guide Is Not
This page is not legal advice and not a guarantee of a job or a license. Statutes and wage data can change. Always confirm current rules with the licensing board and current numbers with BLS before making decisions.
What to Do Next
The free tool that goes with this guide reads your own document or numbers — like a conviction record or a wage report — and points you to relevant facts, without an account and without storing what you paste. Use it to get organized, then confirm everything with a professional or the licensing agency.