How to Become an Electrician in Florida

Updated April 18, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

So, you're thinking about becoming an electrician in Florida? Smart move. With a booming construction market, rising energy demands, and a strong push toward green infrastructure, electricians in the Sunshine State are in high demand.

Whether you're fresh out of high school, changing careers, or a veteran looking for skilled work, this guide gives you the real roadmap—backed by Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)1 and federal data from the U.S. Department of Labor2.

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Electrician License Options in Florida

Florida offers two main license types through the DBPR:

License Type Description Regulated By
Registered Local jurisdiction only; cannot work statewide Local Building Dept
Certified Statewide license that allows work anywhere in Florida Florida DBPR1

"To work legally as an electrician in Florida, you must hold either a certified or registered license." — Florida DBPR1

License Comparison

Feature Registered License Certified License
Valid Statewide? ❌ Local Only ✅ Yes
Requires State Exam? ❌ May vary ✅ Yes
Issued By Local Municipality Florida DBPR
Reciprocity Available? ❌ ✅ Limited

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Florida

1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Submit fingerprints and pass a background check3

2. Choose a Training Path

Most electricians start as apprentices. You can train through:

Program Type Duration Where to Find It
Apprenticeship 4–5 years IBEW, NECA, IEC, union & non-union programs
Trade School / College 9–24 months Florida technical colleges, career institutes

"The best path to licensing is through a registered apprenticeship program approved by the Florida Department of Education or industry unions." — U.S. DOL2

3. Document Your Experience (for Certified License)

To apply for a Certified Electrical Contractor license, you must document:

  • At least 4 years of practical experience (one year must be supervisory)
  • Completion of education may count toward some of that time1

You’ll also need to show:

  • Workers’ compensation coverage
  • Liability insurance
  • Financial stability affidavit

4. Apply to the Florida DBPR

"All applicants for certified electrical licensing must complete a full application and be approved before testing." — DBPR Construction Licensing Unit1

5. Pass the Electrical Licensing Exam

Exam Details Info
Provider FTI/PSI Exams4
Exam Sections Business & Finance + Electrical Trade
Passing Score 70%+ on both parts
Format Computer-based, multiple choice

Study resources and candidate handbooks are available via the PSI website.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Item Estimated Cost
Training (school/apprenticeship) $0–$15,000
Exam Fees (Business + Trade) ~$135 per part
DBPR License Application ~$300
Fingerprinting & Background Check ~$60–$100
Total Estimated Startup Cost $500–$15,500+

Electrician Salary & Job Outlook in Florida

Role Avg. Salary2 Job Growth (2024–2032)
Apprentice Electrician $37,000 High
Journeyman Electrician $51,000–$60,000 High
Master Electrician $65,000–$80,000+ Very High

"Electricians in Florida earn a median annual wage of $61,590. Demand is projected to grow faster than average through 2032." — BLS2

➡️ Want to see what electricians earn at each stage? Check Florida salary data →

Other Florida Trades

FAQs

Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Florida?
Yes. You must be licensed either locally (registered) or statewide (certified) to legally perform electrical work.

Can I skip apprenticeship and go straight to the test?
Only if you already have at least 4 years of verified experience. Otherwise, apprenticeship or school is required.

Is Florida’s electrician license valid in other states?
Only if that state has reciprocity with Florida. Most states do not.

Can I get financial aid for electrician school?
Yes. Many trade schools in Florida accept Pell Grants, VA benefits, or Workforce Innovation funding.

Citations

  1. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) – Electrical Contractors Licensing: https://www.myfloridalicense.com ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Electricians: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Background Screening: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us ↩

  4. PSI Exams – Florida Electrical Contractor Testing: https://candidate.psiexams.com ↩

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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.