FL School Directory
Browse 26 accredited trade schools and vocational training programs in Florida
26
Schools
11
Cities
15
Trade Programs
Florida combines one of the largest state college systems in the country with a deep network of public technical colleges (often called Career & Technical Centers) and well-known private institutes. Schools like McFatter Technical College (Davie), Atlantic Technical College (Coconut Creek), Sheridan Technical College (Hollywood), Erwin Technical College (Tampa), Pinellas Technical College, and Orange Technical College anchor the public side, with brands like Universal Technical Institute (Orlando) and Florida Career College on the private side.
Florida's trade demand is driven by year-round construction, an aging population that fuels healthcare hiring, and the constant churn of HVAC and roofing work tied to heat and storms. Hurricane rebuild cycles routinely create thousands of openings for electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and CDL drivers. Tourism (Orlando, Miami) keeps culinary and hospitality programs busy, and the Port of Tampa Bay and JAXPORT drive logistics hiring.
Based on hiring activity, employer demand, and program enrollment in FL.
Year-round AC demand plus storm-driven repair and replacement cycles
Strong Port of Tampa, JAXPORT, and Miami logistics hiring
AdventHealth, Baptist Health, and HCA hospital networks plus aging-population demand
New construction across Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and SE Florida
Tourism economy supports a deep salon and spa employer base
Typical range
$3,500–$18,000
Total tuition
Listed school avg.
$8,220
Across 26 schools
Schools listed
26
In 11 cities
See our full trade school cost guide for state-by-state breakdowns and a deeper look at how to fund your training.
Trade licensing in FL varies by program. Here's what you'll typically need to legally work in each field after training:
| Trade | FL Requirement |
|---|---|
| Electrician | DBPR Electrical Contractor license (Certified or Registered); journeyman licensing at the county level |
| Plumber | DBPR Plumbing Contractor license; some counties require local journeyman license |
| HVAC Technician | DBPR Class A or Class B Air Conditioning Contractor license; EPA 608 required |
| CDL | Class A/B issued by Florida DHSMV; ELDT-compliant training required |
| Cosmetology | 1,200 hours + Florida Board of Cosmetology exam |
Public technical and state college trade programs typically cost $3,500-$8,000 total. Private career colleges run $12,000-$18,000. Florida residents qualify for in-state tuition, and Bright Futures plus the Florida Student Assistance Grant can offset costs further.
Florida technical colleges (like McFatter, Sheridan, Atlantic, Pinellas Tech) focus exclusively on career and technical education with shorter, cheaper programs. State colleges (like Valencia, Miami Dade, Hillsborough Community) offer trades alongside academic two-year degrees. Both are public, accredited, and accept federal financial aid.
Public technical college HVAC programs typically run 9-15 months for a full diploma. Many programs are structured to align with EPA 608 certification and Florida's Class B contractor license prerequisites. Some private programs can be completed in 6-9 months.
Most accredited Florida technical colleges and state colleges accept the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Florida also offers state-level veteran tuition benefits at public institutions. The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs maintains the list of approved programs.
7259 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256
$32,000
700 students
501 West State Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
$4,500
50,000 students
11901 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32246
$4,500
15,000 students
6430 Southpoint Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32216
$25,000
1,500 students
3500 Southside Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32216
$20,000
1,000 students
4202 West Spruce Street, Tampa, FL 33607
$22,000
700 students
2010 E. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610
$4,779
556 students
10414 East Columbia Drive, Tampa, FL 33619
$4,500
7,500 students
4001 West Tampa Bay Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33614
$4,500
28,000 students
2101 NW 117th Avenue, Miami, FL 33172
$25,000
1,500 students
750 NW 20th Street, Miami, FL 33127
$4,500
10,000 students
300 NE Second Avenue, Miami, FL 33132
$4,000
50,000 students
18180 SW 122nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33177
$4,500
5,000 students
301 West Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801
$3,500
1,200 students
2900 W Oak Ridge Rd, Orlando, FL 32809
$3,500
2,743 students
301 West Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801
$3,500
1,200 students
2900 W Oak Ridge Rd, Orlando, FL 32809
$3,500
2,743 students
955 E Story Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
$3,891
1,418 students
955 E Story Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
$3,891
1,418 students
6100 154th Avenue North, Clearwater, FL 33760
$5,671
1,018 students
6100 154th Avenue North, Clearwater, FL 33760
$4,500
2,200 students
With 26 options to compare, choosing the right trade school takes some research. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating programs in FL: