Best Trade Schools in Florida

• You do not need a college degree to earn a good living as a tradesperson in Florida
• Trade schools offer career-ready skills in specialized and in-demand industries
• Florida's employers pay well for in-demand trades in telecommunications, broadcasting, and wind power industries
• Most trade schools allow you to graduate in one year with little to no student debt

Did you know that Florida's civilian workforce stands 11.081 million strong? The Sunshine State's unemployment is lower than the national unemployment rate for 2023, and Florida's economy grew by 3.5% in the first three months of 2023, while nationally, the economy increased by 2%.

Some of the fastest-growing jobs in Florida do not require a college degree, which means you can graduate with little to no student loan debt.

The best trade schools in Florida can prepare you to pursue an in-demand career as a cosmetologist, welder, veterinary assistant, or wind turbine technician in one year or less.

Want to start a new career right away? See what these trade schools in Florida have to offer, what they cost, and how to get financial aid to pay for school.

Trade Jobs and Salaries in Florida

Colleges do not provide the only pathway to steady career opportunities. Many high-paying and in-demand jobs in Florida do not require a formal college education.

You can pursue well-paying trades in broadcasting, information security, and telecommunications through a trade school. We discuss more non-degree careers below.

What to Expect From Trade Schools in Florida

Did you know that Florida has 219 two-year and less-than-two-year colleges? Trade schools, also called vocational or technical schools, train students in a wide variety of technical roles.

Florida employs some of the most roofers, dental hygienists, and painters. However, you can enroll in online or in-person programs, studying everything from cosmetology to heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology.

Programs vary in length, requiring 10-24 months to earn certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees. That said, most trade programs take less than one year to complete.

Trade schools cater to students who need a convenient school schedule that works around their work and families' lives. It's common to find trade schools that offer weekend and/or evening courses.

How Much Do Trade Schools in Florida Cost?

The National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the cost of trade schools in the 2021-2022 school year was between $4,000-$17,700.

Tuition prices vary depending on if you attend a public trade school, private for-profit, or private nonprofit institution. Tuition and fees for a four-year degree in 2020-2021 ran between $9,375-$32,825 annually. The average trade education takes less than one year, while a bachelor's degree takes at least four years for full-time students.

Higher degrees generally correlate to higher earnings. Bachelor's degree-holders make a median salary of $59,600, compared to a wage of $36,600 for high school graduates. However, the average bachelor's degree holder borrowed $45,300 as of 2020. Many graduates of trades schools leave school with little to no student debt.

Financial Aid for Florida Trade School Students

Many Florida trade schools allow full-time students to access federal financial aid after completing a FAFSA. Eligible students may receive "gift aid," which does not require repayment, including federal Pell Grants. That said, some programs may not qualify for federal financial aid.

For more financial help, you can turn to private and public loans or trade school scholarships. Florida also offers funds for residents enrolled at trade schools, as we discuss below.

Scholarships and Grants for Trade Schools

Companies With Tuition Reimbursement Incentive Programs (TRIPs)

For more information on paying for trade school visit Vocational Education Financial Aid

Accreditation for Florida Trade Schools

Florida trade schools get accredited in the same way that four-year colleges and universities receive accreditation. The Council on Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education recognize accreditation agencies.

Career-related accrediting agencies, such as the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, provide accreditation to trade schools. This gives you peace of mind that your trade school meets academic standards.

Accreditation also matters if you need a certification or licensure for your trade. Without accreditation, you may not qualify for a state credential, or struggle to get hired.

Individual programs may hold accreditation from specific career organizations, such as HVAC Excellence, the Florida State Massage Therapy Association, or American Electrology Association. Florida schools also get licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education.

Apprenticeships for Trade School Graduates

Apprenticeships operate with the intention of serving students, employers, and the industries to improve overall quality standards. Trade schools may have apprenticeships or internships built into a program such as plumbing or electricity certificate, or you can attend a registered apprenticeship program.

After completing a registered apprenticeship program in Florida, you can become a journeyworker. A company, or an entire industry, may sponsor apprenticeships that vary in length from 1-5 years.

Florida also offers about 38 vocational public schools — including Lorenzo Walker Technical High School and Sheridan Technical College — that offer training for various trades. Florida's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs also offers career training for 17 careers.

Best Florida Trade Schools

As of press time, each program on our list meets the criteria outlined below. Schools are listed in alphabetical order and represent a variety of program offerings and Florida locations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Schools in Florida

How much are trade schools in Florida?

In Florida, two-year colleges in the 2020-2021 school year charged an average tuition of $2,506, according to the NCES. Charges vary depending on the program and your residency status. For instance, out-of-state students in Florida paid an average of $9,111 in that same year.

What is the highest paying trade in Florida?

Many trades in Florida that do not require a college degree also pay salaries higher than the national average. For instance, elevator and escalator installers and repairers make an annual average wage of $84,610 in Florida (BLS, August 2023).

Can you get a good job in Florida without going to college?

Yes. Many jobs in Florida offer salaries that beat out the national annual average wage of $61,900. For instance, food service managers — an occupation that doesn't require a college degree —pays an average annual salary of $73,500 in Florida. An elevator and escalator installer and repairers in Florida earn a mean annual salary of $84,610.