Trade Careers in Florida

Updated April 13, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

Florida’s economy is booming—and so is the demand for skilled trades. From Fort Lauderdale to Jacksonville and everywhere in between, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and solar installers are needed more than ever. If you’re looking for meaningful work, real income, and job security without a college degree, this guide is for you.

Whether you're graduating high school, changing careers, or transitioning from military service, here’s how to launch a rewarding trade career in Florida.

🌞 Why Trade Careers Are Thriving in Florida

Benefit Details
Growing Population Florida adds over 800 people per day1
Construction Boom New homes, apartments, and infrastructure statewide
Green Energy Push Rapid solar expansion fuels electrical and HVAC demand
Affordable Training Trade school and apprenticeship options across the state

“Florida’s trades are vital to public health and safety—especially after hurricanes or flooding events.” — U.S. Department of Labor2

⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Florida

Trade Avg. Salary3 Training Time License Required? Learn More
Electrician $61,590 4–5 years ✅ Yes Electrician Guide
HVAC Technician $53,620 6–24 months ✅ Yes HVAC Guide
Plumber $58,250 4–5 years ✅ Yes Plumber Guide
Welder $47,890 6–18 months ❌ Optional (certs) Welder Guide
Solar Installer $49,480 3–12 months ❌ Optional (some CVC) Solar Guide
Carpenter $46,870 6–24 months ❌ No Carpenter Guide
Mold Inspector $55,000 1–6 months ✅ Yes Mold Guide

🧰 Florida Apprenticeships & Schools

Florida offers strong apprenticeship programs, many backed by unions or the Florida Department of Education. These programs let you earn while you learn.

Training Type Duration Notes
Apprenticeship 3–5 years Paid, state-approved, includes hands-on work
Technical College 6–24 months Fast-track programs, often Pell Grant eligible
On-the-Job Training Varies Common in solar, carpentry, or welding roles

“Florida has over 250 registered apprenticeship programs in construction and mechanical trades.” — FLDOE4

🏛️ Florida Licensing Agencies

Trade Licensing Agency
Electrician Florida DBPR – Electrical Board
Plumber Florida DBPR – Construction
HVAC Technician Florida DBPR – A/C Contractors
Solar Installer Florida DBPR – CVC Licensing
Mold Inspector DBPR Mold Licensing

📈 Florida Trade Career Outlook

Trade Median Salary3 Projected Growth
Electrician $61,590 8%
HVAC Technician $53,620 9%
Plumber $58,250 8%
Welder $47,890 3%
Solar Installer $49,480 22%
Carpenter $46,870 2%
Mold Inspector $55,000 6%

👷‍♂️ Real Stories from the Sunshine State

“I was working warehouse jobs when I found out I could get paid to learn plumbing. Four years later, I’m licensed and debt-free.”
— Darryl M., Licensed Plumber, Tampa

“Solar is exploding in Florida. My company hires every month—and I didn’t need a college degree to get in.”
— Rosa E., Solar Tech, Orlando

✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Florida?

Pick a trade, find a training program, and start earning. Florida needs tradespeople—and the opportunity is waiting for you.

📚 Citations

  1. U.S. Census Bureau – Florida Population Estimates: https://www.census.gov ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Labor – Apprenticeship Resources: https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship ↩

  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook (Florida Data): https://www.bls.gov/ooh ↩ ↩

  4. Florida Department of Education – Apprenticeship Programs: https://www.fldoe.org ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.