HVAC-R future out look in the state (job market, contractors)

[CampingMom]

Good afternoon everyone,

We've been planning for a good long while to relocate somewhere in FL-Hubby's family has lived there now since the late 60's and we've been coming down for visits and have liked what we see. Have some ideas where we want to end up eventually,but it's not going to be in the next year or more.

How's does the job market for HVAC-R guys look? Hubby has his certifications and is just getting started in the field now-so probably he'll have 5 years in by the time we get down there. Is it a growing market down there or is it hard to get into? Are you better off starting your own business? He'd prefer to work for a decent sized company when the time comes. Anyone with experience in that field have any insight? He switch jobs after 21 years in the ready mix concrete industry as a dispatcher/lab technician.

I have a degree in hospitality and tourism management, much better suited to FL than where I am in upstate NY where there's limited jobs in that field I should have a good shot at something too-we'll secure jobs before we come down.

Thanks for any advice!

[CampingMom]

Anyone have suggestion or ideas? I can't believe no one has answered this. Anyone know company's to research at least?

[KMSFLA]

My wife's side of the family (from upstate NY - Endicott/Binghamton area) is in the AC business. It's quite slow at the moment. My one step-son has been busy recently after a slow period but that is because they let most of the staff go and kept him. My other step-son has his contractors license and he has gone out of business due to the slow economy.

Best of luck in the job search.

[KMSFLA]

BTW, that type of business is seasonal here in Florida. Business will pick up as soon as the summer heat starts back up.

[Keeper]

It is hard to predict what is going to happen next year or even the year after that. I have a BIL who does AC work and he has been slow but then it is always slow when it is cooler.

[CampingMom]

I think he's going to concentrate more in the refrigeration end-look how many resturants and business use that source. A/C he's contemplating-and Heating and Ventilation is localized-such as malls, hospitals, etc. How's the job end for the refrigeration side of the business. I can't imagine that would slow too much.

[On-da-Beach]

I know that Publix has some different contractors that work maintenance contracts for them. If a service tech is good at refrigeration and controls, including energy management, they should be able to gain steady employment. Contact Publix Facility Services for more information.
Publix Careers - Facilities Opportunities

[tilli]

If I was considering an HVAC career in Florida, I would concentrate on AC. There will ALWAYS be demand for qualified AC techs in Florida, no matter what the economy is doing.