Best Trade Schools in Tallahassee, Florida (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Tallahassee. Use this list to compare accredited programs, understand Florida licensing, and see which trades are in demand12.

Top Trade Schools in Tallahassee

Program length is approximate. Check each school for current schedules and start dates. Accreditations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education2.

School Program Length Highlights
Lively Technical College (Tallahassee) 4–24 months COE-accredited public technical college; hands-on programs in HVAC/R, Electricity, Welding, Automotive Service, Diesel, Commercial Vehicle Driving (CDL), Practical Nursing, Cosmetology; strong industry certification prep (EPA 608, NCCER, ASE)2.
Tallahassee Community College (TCC) 1–24 months (certificates); ~2 years (A.S.) SACSCOC-accredited; workforce certificates and A.S. degrees; Florida Public Safety Institute for Law Enforcement, Corrections, Fire Academy, EMT/Paramedic; healthcare and technology pathways; multiple schedule options2.
Keiser University – Tallahassee 12–24 months (A.S.) SACSCOC-accredited private university; career-focused programs in Medical Assisting, Nursing (ASN), Imaging, IT/Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice; day, evening, and hybrid course options2.
Paul Mitchell The School Tallahassee ~10–12 months (Cosmetology) NACCAS-accredited; salon-focused training; preparation for Florida Cosmetology license; strong placement support in salons and spas2.
Aveda Institute Tallahassee 6–12 months NACCAS-accredited; cosmetology and esthetics; client clinic experience; state board prep for licensure in Florida2.
North Florida Cosmetology Institute (Tallahassee) 8–12 months NACCAS-accredited; cosmetology and related beauty programs; small-class instruction; Florida licensure prep2.
Gadsden Technical College (Quincy, near Tallahassee) 4–18 months COE-accredited district technical college; HVAC/R, Welding, Electricity, Automotive, CDL, Practical Nursing, Cosmetology; close to Tallahassee; industry certification pathways2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industry. Demand in Florida is steady as the state grows and upgrades infrastructure1. Training often starts with a technical program plus apprenticeship hours. See our electrician career guide for paths and pay ranges here.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Florida’s climate keeps HVAC techs busy year-round. Techs service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Many entry roles expect EPA Section 608 certification and a postsecondary certificate1. Explore HVAC training and licensing steps here.

  • Welder

    • Welders work in construction, manufacturing, marine, and energy. Employers favor candidates with strong shop hours and AWS/NCCER credentials. Fabrication and pipe welding skills add value1. Learn more about welding careers here.

  • Plumber

    • Plumbers install and service piping, fixtures, and gas lines. Florida contractors need licensed experience, and many workers advance from helper to journeyman to contractor1. See the plumbing career path here.

These trades show consistent employment opportunities in Florida and nationwide, with projected openings from growth and retirements1.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Know the rules before you enroll. Most construction trades are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Some certifications are national.

  • Electrician (contractor level)

    • Board/Agency: DBPR Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board.
    • Paths: Certified Electrical Contractor (statewide) or Registered (local) contractor.
    • Steps: 4 years verified experience (combination of education and field hours), pass state exams, financial responsibility, background check, and insurance; then obtain local permitting privileges as needed1.
    • Note: Journeyman credentials are often issued by local jurisdictions or apprenticeship sponsors in Florida. Requirements vary by county.

  • HVAC/R (Air Conditioning and Mechanical)

    • Board/Agency: DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board.
    • Licenses: Class A Air Conditioning (unlimited), Class B Air Conditioning (limited), or Mechanical Contractor.
    • Steps: 4 years experience (degree can substitute for part), pass state exam, meet financial responsibility and insurance, maintain continuing education1.
    • Federal Requirement: EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants is mandatory3.

  • Plumbing (contractor level)

    • Board/Agency: DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board.
    • Steps: 4 years verified experience, pass Florida contractor exam, financial responsibility, insurance, background check; local registration for permits may apply1.

  • Welding

    • No Florida state license for general welding. Employers and jobsites often require AWS code tests (e.g., D1.1 structural) or NCCER credentials. Keep your procedure qualifications current45.

  • Cosmetology/Barbering

    • Board/Agency: DBPR Board of Cosmetology and Barbers’ Board.
    • Steps: Complete state-required hours at an approved school (Cosmetology 1,200 hours; Barber vary by license type), pass exams, submit application and fees to DBPR.

  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

    • Agency: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
    • Steps: Complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), pass knowledge and skills tests, obtain medical certificate; some technical colleges offer bundled training and testing.

Tip: Many students combine a technical college program with a registered apprenticeship to earn wages while building hours. Apprenticeship sponsors often use NCCER curricula for construction trades5.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid programs

    • Many Tallahassee-area schools blend online theory with on-campus labs. Examples include HVAC electrical theory online with in-person troubleshooting, or EMT didactic courses online with skills labs and clinicals.

  • Fully online programs

    • Some fields like IT support, cybersecurity, health information, and business are available fully online through regional colleges and universities. Trades that require hands-on skills still need lab or clinical hours.

  • Night and weekend schedules

    • Lively Technical College, TCC, and private campuses often run evening or weekend cohorts to fit work schedules. Ask about accelerated terms and multiple start dates.

  • Certifications

    • Look for programs that embed industry certifications: EPA 608 for HVAC, NCCER for construction crafts, AWS weld tests, CompTIA for IT. These stack with your certificate or A.S. degree and help with job placement453.

Next Steps

Citations

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and Employment Projections; Occupational Employment and Wages, Florida. https://www.bls.gov ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator — accreditation and program data for institutions listed. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. U.S. EPA — Section 608 Technician Certification for refrigerants. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  4. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and other recognized accreditors. https://www.accsc.org ↩ ↩

  5. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) — credentials and curricula. https://www.nccer.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.