Best Trade Schools in Port Charlotte, Florida (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Port Charlotte. This page lists accredited options, program lengths, and specialties. You will also learn the Florida licensing steps for top trades. Skilled trades continue to offer steady jobs and good pay across Florida and the U.S.1

Top Trade Schools in Port Charlotte

These schools serve Port Charlotte and nearby cities. Program lengths are typical full-time ranges. Always confirm campus-specific offerings and schedules.

School Program Length Highlights
Charlotte Technical College (Port Charlotte) 6 to 12 months for most clock-hour programs Public technical college with hands-on labs in HVAC, Electricity, Welding, Automotive, and Healthcare. Adult education and industry certifications. Listed in U.S. Department of Education College Navigator.2
Southern Technical College – Port Charlotte 8 to 20 months ACCSC-accredited. Programs in HVAC, Electrical Trades, Medical Assisting, and Vet Assisting. Blended learning and career services.3
Fort Myers Technical College (Fort Myers) 6 to 12 months Public technical college with HVAC/R, Electricity, Welding, Automotive Service, Diesel, and Public Safety programs. Strong employer ties and industry-aligned labs.2
Suncoast Technical College – North Port Branch (North Port) 6 to 12 months Public technical college serving South Sarasota County and Charlotte County commuters. Offerings vary by site. Check campus list for Electrical, Manufacturing, and Health programs.2
Cape Coral Technical College (Cape Coral) 6 to 12 months Public technical college with Healthcare, IT, Digital Design, Culinary, and Business programs. Good option for students commuting from western Charlotte County.2
Florida Academy (Fort Myers) 4 to 11 months HVAC/R Technician and Spa/Beauty programs. Small cohorts and short, focused training. Listed in College Navigator.2
Suncoast Technical College – Sarasota Main (Sarasota) 6 to 12+ months Larger program list including HVAC, Electricity, Welding, and Machining. Reasonable commute for Port Charlotte students seeking specific trade tracks.2

Tip: Visit each school’s admissions page for start dates, day or evening cohorts, externships, and certification prep.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. Training often includes electrical theory, blueprint reading, and the National Electrical Code. Demand remains steady with ongoing construction and solar growth.1
    • Learn more about the career path: Electrician

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • HVAC techs service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Expect a mix of classroom theory and lab time on controls and refrigeration cycles. EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants.4
    • Explore the trade: HVAC

  • Welder

    • Welders join and cut metal using processes like SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW. Programs focus on safety, print reading, and tool use. Employers value performance tests and portable NCCER or AWS credentials.5
    • Explore the trade: Welding

  • Plumber

    • Plumbers install and repair piping systems, fixtures, and gas lines. Training covers codes, drainage, venting, and troubleshooting. Work is stable in residential and commercial markets.1
    • Explore the trade: Plumbing

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Most skilled trades in Florida are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Always confirm current rules before you apply.

  • Electrician

    • Florida licenses Electrical Contractors at the state level through the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board. Local jurisdictions issue journeyman and master electrician cards.6
    • Typical steps:
    • Complete classroom training or an apprenticeship.
    • Accumulate documented field experience.
    • For contracting, apply for Certified Electrical Contractor, pass the state exam, and meet financial and insurance requirements with the DBPR Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board.6
    • If you work as a journeyman for an employer, follow your county or city requirements for journeyman licensing.

  • HVAC/R

    • To run an HVAC business or advertise services, you need a state Air Conditioning Contractor license with the Construction Industry Licensing Board (Class A or Class B). Class A can work on any size system. Class B is limited by size and scope.7
    • Typical steps:
    • Complete a clock-hour program or apprenticeship and gain verified experience.
    • Obtain EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants.4
    • Apply for Certified Air Conditioning Contractor (Class A or B), pass the state exam, and meet financial, experience, and insurance criteria with the DBPR CILB.7

  • Plumber

    • Plumbing Contractors are licensed by the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board.7
    • Typical steps:
    • Complete training and supervised experience.
    • Apply for Certified Plumbing Contractor, pass the state exam, and meet financial responsibility and insurance rules.7
    • Many plumbers start as apprentices or helpers and later test for contractor status when ready to operate a business.

  • Welder

    • Florida does not issue a state welding license. Employers, municipalities, and job sites may require performance qualifications to a code or standard.
    • Common credentials include NCCER welding levels or AWS performance qualifications. Your school may proctor tests or refer you to a local test facility.5

Online & Flexible Options

Most trade skills require in-person labs. You can still find flexible options:

  • Hybrid classes that split theory online and labs on campus.
  • Evening or weekend cohorts for working adults.
  • Competency-based modules that let you progress faster if you have experience.
  • Externships with local employers to build hours and contacts.

Ask each school about:

  • Online theory modules and learning platforms.
  • Make-up lab policies and open lab time.
  • Whether they sponsor EPA 608, NCCER, OSHA 10, or other industry exams onsite.

If you need broader guidance, visit our Guides for tips on choosing programs, paying for school, and comparing apprenticeships.

Next Steps

Visit campus, ask about certification pass rates, and meet instructors. Use the licensing steps above to plan your path. Skilled trades reward hands-on learners and career changers who want stable, essential work.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Construction and Extraction and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair occupations. 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), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org/schools/ ↩

  4. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  5. NCCER, Credentials and Certifications. https://www.nccer.org/credentials/ ↩ ↩

  6. Florida DBPR, Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2/electrical/ ↩ ↩

  7. Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2/cilb/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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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.