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Best Trade Schools in Anna Maria, Florida (2025 Guide)
Here are the best schools in Anna Maria. This list focuses on accredited options in and around Anna Maria, including Bradenton, Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg. You’ll see program lengths, specialties, and what licenses you need in Florida. Trades like electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and welding remain in steady demand across the region[^1].
Top Trade Schools in Anna Maria
The schools below are accredited and offer hands-on training that hiring managers recognize. Program lengths are typical ranges; check each school for current schedules and start dates[^2][^3].
#1
Atlantic Technical College
📍
Coconut Creek, FL
•In-state option
Located in Coconut Creek, FL Atlantic Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.
Tuition
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4700 Coconut Creek Parkway Coconut Creek, FL 33063-3902
Located in Graceville, FL Baptist University of Florida is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include career-aligned certificates and diplomas.
Located in Miami, FL Barry University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Emergency Management, Art and Design Foundations, and Information Technology Systems.
Located in Daytona Beach, FL Bethune-Cookman University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Corrections, Entrepreneurship, and Information Technology Systems.
Tuition
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640 Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3099
Located in Boca Raton, FL Lynn University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), Criminal Justice, and Data Analytics Technology.
Located in Starke, FL North Florida Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), HVAC Technician, and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Located in Melbourne, FL Eastern Florida State College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aerospace Technology, Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), and Aviation Maintenance Technology.
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL Broward College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Automotive Technician.
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. Florida’s growth keeps electrical work steady year-round. Entry-level helpers start under a licensed contractor and build hours toward higher roles. BLS projects stable national employment for electricians with opportunities driven by construction and maintenance needs[^1]. Explore the career path: Electrician.
HVAC/R Technician
HVAC technicians service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Florida’s climate and year-round cooling demand make HVAC one of the most resilient trades. Technicians with EPA Section 608 plus strong troubleshooting skills get steady service and install work[^1]. Learn more: HVAC.
Welder
Welders work across construction, manufacturing, marine, and fabrication shops. The Tampa Bay region’s marine and manufacturing sectors support consistent need. Employers value AWS and NCCER credentials paired with clean weld tests and safety certifications[^1]. Career overview: Welding.
Plumber
Plumbers install and repair water and gas systems and fixtures. New construction and renovation in Manatee and Sarasota counties keep licensed plumbing contractors busy. Apprentices learn on the job while working toward contractor status[^1]. Start here: Plumbing.
Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; national data shown when state medians are unavailable.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (Florida) shown where available; national OEWS values used when state data is unavailable. Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.
Licensing Requirements in Florida
Florida licenses contractors at the state level through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Many entry-level tradespeople work under a licensed contractor while they train and test[^4].
Electrician
No statewide journeyman license. Most new electricians start as helpers or apprentices under a licensed contractor.
To run your own business or pull permits statewide, earn a Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) license via DBPR’s Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).
Steps typically include: 4 years of experience (some education can substitute), pass trade and business/finance exams, provide financial responsibility and proof of insurance, and submit fingerprints/background check[^4].
Some local jurisdictions recognize journeyman/master credentials, but statewide contracting authority is through DBPR.
HVAC/R (Air Conditioning Contractor)
State licenses: Certified Class A (unlimited tonnage) or Class B (up to 25 tons/500k BTU heating).
Requirements: 4 years of experience or equivalent, pass trade and business/finance exams, financial responsibility, insurance, background check[^4].
All techs who handle refrigerants need EPA Section 608 certification[^5].
Plumbing Contractor
To contract statewide, earn a Certified Plumbing Contractor (CFC) license via DBPR CILB.
Requirements: verified experience, trade and business exams, financial responsibility, insurance, and background check[^4].
Apprentices and helpers can work under a licensed contractor while logging hours and studying.
Welding
No state welding license. Employers often require AWS certifications (e.g., D1.1 structural, pipe) or NCCER credentials. Schools typically prepare you for these performance tests[^1].
Helpful standards and frameworks:
O*NET task and skill profiles help you match strengths to trades[^6].
NCCER core and craft curricula are widely used in Florida training programs[^6].
Online & Flexible Options
Blended and evening schedules
Public technical colleges in Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tampa often run day and evening cohorts. Some general education, safety, and theory modules are offered online, with required labs on campus.
Short credentials to stack
Many programs let you earn OSHA-10/30, EPA 608, NCCER Core, and manufacturer training along the way. These can make you employable faster while you finish the full program.
Online-friendly fields
If you need maximum flexibility, look at medical billing and coding, IT support, cybersecurity, and CAD/drafting certificates at the state college or private career schools. Most include online coursework with local exam or lab requirements.
Apprenticeships
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeships mix paid work with related classroom training. Ask the schools above about local apprenticeship partners, or check employer associations in Manatee and Sarasota counties[^2].
If you’re ready to move, contact 2–3 schools on this list, ask about start dates, required tools, exam pass rates, and placement support. Then choose the schedule that fits your life and get started.
[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
[^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
[^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Accredited School Directory. https://www.accsc.org/Directory/
[^4]: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Construction Industry Licensing Board. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/construction-industry/
[^5]: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608
[^6]: O*NET OnLine, Career Profiles and Skills. https://www.onetonline.org/
