How to Become a Carpenter in Florida (2025 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Thinking about becoming a carpenter in Florida? You’re in good company. With the state’s booming housing market, aging infrastructure, and constant demand for skilled trades, carpentry is one of the most reliable, hands-on careers you can pursue.
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking for a career change, this guide walks you through everything you need to know—based on guidance from the Florida Carpenters Regional Council, the U.S. Department of Labor, and Florida’s registered apprenticeship programs.
🛠️ What Does a Carpenter Do?
Carpenters build and repair structures made of wood, steel, and other materials. In Florida, carpenters are found on residential, commercial, and industrial job sites.
Common Tasks:
- Reading blueprints and building plans
- Installing framing, doors, drywall, flooring, and trim
- Using hand and power tools
- Working on new builds or restoration projects
“Florida carpenters are essential to hurricane-proof construction and coastal resiliency projects.” — Florida Building Commission1
🎓 Step-by-Step: How to Become a Carpenter in Florida
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be physically fit and comfortable with tools
- Pass a drug screening (required by most programs)
2. Apply to a Registered Carpentry Apprenticeship
Florida offers both union and non-union apprenticeship programs. These allow you to earn while you learn, combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
| Program Type | Duration | Where to Start |
|---|---|---|
| Union | 4 years | flcrc.org |
| Non-Union | 3–4 years | Local contractors or schools like HCC Apprenticeships |
3. Complete Required Training Hours
Most Florida apprenticeships require:
- 576+ classroom hours
- 8,000 on-the-job hours under a licensed journeyman
Training includes construction math, blueprint reading, OSHA safety standards, power tool usage, and state building code compliance.
“Registered apprenticeship programs meet U.S. Department of Labor standards and offer portable credentials.” — Apprenticeship Florida / CareerSource Florida2
4. Earn Your Journeyman Certificate
After successfully completing the apprenticeship, you’ll become a journeyman carpenter, eligible to work independently, supervise crews, or move into specialty trades (such as cabinetry, drywall, or concrete forms).
No state license is required to work as a journeyman carpenter in Florida. However, carpenters who operate independently as contractors must apply for a Certified Contractor license through the Florida DBPR if they take jobs over $2,500.
5. (Optional) Become a Licensed Contractor
If you want to run your own carpentry business:
- Apply through the Florida DBPR
- Pass the General Contractor exam
- Show proof of financial stability and experience
- Carry liability insurance and workers’ comp
💰 Florida Carpenter Salary & Job Outlook
| Level | Avg. Salary3 | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $32,000–$38,000 | Growing |
| Journeyman | $42,000–$56,000 | High demand |
| Independent Contractor | $60,000+ | Strong |
“Construction trades like carpentry are expected to grow faster than average in Florida through 2032.” — Bureau of Labor Statistics3
🧰 Explore More Florida Trades
- Electrician in Florida
- HVAC Technician in Florida
- Plumber in Florida
- Welder in Florida
- Solar Technician in Florida
🙋 FAQs
Do you need a license to be a carpenter in Florida?
Not for general carpentry work. But if you want to work as an independent contractor, you may need a contractor’s license for certain job types.
How long is a carpentry apprenticeship in Florida?
Typically 4 years, with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Can I become a carpenter without an apprenticeship?
You can start as a laborer or helper, but formal apprenticeships lead to better pay, benefits, and long-term opportunities.
📚 Citations
-
Florida Building Commission – Building Code & Licensing: https://floridabuilding.org ↩
-
Apprenticeship Florida – CareerSource FL: https://apprenticeshipflorida.com ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Carpenters: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/carpenters.htm ↩ ↩
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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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