Trade Careers in Florida
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
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
🏫 Trade Schools in Florida
Florida has a wide network of accredited trade schools that help residents train for careers in welding, HVAC, electrical, and more-often with state or federal financial aid.
🎓 Tip: Many public technical colleges in Florida offer Pell Grant-eligible programs and job placement services.
Why Attend Trade School in Florida?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Accredited Programs | COE- and SACS-accredited schools meet licensing standards |
| Short Program Lengths | Many programs are 6-18 months |
| Financial Aid Options | FAFSA, Bright Futures, WIOA grants available |
| Statewide Coverage | Trade schools operate in every major metro region |
| Employer Partnerships | Many schools have job placement agreements with employers |
Explore Accredited Schools
- Best Trade Schools in Florida (2025) - Compare programs, accreditation, and career outcomes.
- Financial Aid for Trade School - Learn how to apply for tuition grants and FAFSA.
- How Long is Trade School? - Understand typical training durations by trade.
🏛️ 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% |
✅ 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
-
U.S. Census Bureau - Florida Population Estimates: https://www.census.gov ↩
-
U.S. Department of Labor - Apprenticeship Resources: https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook (Florida Data): https://www.bls.gov/ooh ↩ ↩
-
Florida Department of Education - Apprenticeship Programs: https://www.fldoe.org ↩
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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.
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