How to Become a Floral Designer in Florida

The field of floristry can be massive, diverse, and exciting, as it requires more than just creation and design.

It allows you to work with fresh flowers designing and decorating venues for various occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and other special ceremonies and holidays.

If you plan to pursue a career in floral design in Florida, you should learn a few things, including the programs you can take, the schools to attend, and salary expectations.

Let’s start with the steps involved in becoming a floral designer.

Steps to Become a Floral Designer in Florida

Here are the steps for becoming a floral designer.

Step 1: Get Your GED

Most floral designers have at least a high school diploma or GED.

However, there are postsecondary programs that you can pursue in floral design to perfect your skills and run a successful floral design business.

A floral design educational program or workshop can be great if you have no experience working with plants and flowers.

Step 2: Gain Some Hands-on Experience

Employers will be looking to hire a candidate with the most relevant qualifications.

For this reason, you need to gain as much hands-on experience as possible.

You can work in a local flower store, attend vocational courses or workshops or work with a mentor to improve your skills.

Hands-on experience allows you to carry out the daily duties of a floral designer.

Remember, your career requires plenty of practice to develop unique styles and creative ideas that set you apart.

Step 3: Join a Program

After gaining as much experience as possible, don’t stop there.

Formal education is highly recommended, especially if you want to open your floral design business.

Florida has many institutions where you can study floral design.

Short courses take a few weeks, and longer certificate courses take about six months.

These courses teach how to care for plants, identify different flowers, and other skills.

Step 4: Get Certified

Getting a certification is the best way to set your career for success in floral design.

This helps show your employers and clients that you have put the time and effort into your career as a floral designer.

The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) can help get this certification.

You must complete an AIFD–approved education program, then take the Professional Floral Design Evaluation (PEDE), which you can do online.

Step 5: Build Your Portfolio

With adequate skills and certification, start building your portfolio.

Your employers and clients will want to look at it before hiring you.

Include essential projects you have completed and have references in case your clients ask for them.

Step 6: Join a Professional Organization

Consider joining your local professional floral design organization.

One of the most popular associations in Florida is the Florida State Florists’ Association. (FSFA).

Such associations help you grow by providing other resources and helping you find job opportunities.

Floral Designer Programs and Classes in Florida

In Florida, you can find employment as a floral designer in some of the larger, densely populated cities, such as Miami, Tampa, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Fort Walton, and Pensacola.

If you want to enroll in a floral designer program in Florida, here are some schools to consider.

International School of Floral Design (Tampa, Miami, Orlando)

If you’re in any of the above three locations, you can enroll in a floral designer program in any of the locations.

For inquiries and other enrolment information, check their website or call Phone 800-912-9401.

Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College offers a more well-rounded course for people looking to learn and run a floral design business.

You can take the course entirely online, which teaches about various floral specialties and techniques.

The courses include marketing, shop management, and distribution management.

You can check the school’s website for more information.

Miami School Of Flower Design

Run by an expert florist, Michael Gaffney, the Miami School of Flower Design offers a highly diverse choice of courses.

The school provides outstanding mentorship and flower market rips to make you a better floral designer.

The fees cover materials, trips, project costs, and personal assistance.

If you’re unsure what to study, you can start with the beginner course, which teaches the intro to flower design.

For more information and inquiries, visit the school’s website or call 414-617-7162.

Yola Guz AIFD School of Floral Design

If you want to learn about all aspects of floral design or advance your knowledge of floral design, Yola Guz is the right school for you.

The floral designer course here teaches about flower care techniques, shop management, and bouquet design.

The courses focus on hands-on experience that mimics your daily responsibilities as a floral designer.

If you want to be niche-specific, shorter workshops focus on business management, bridal and wedding floral, and modern floral designs.

To learn more about the school, visit its website or call (305)504-1061.

Floral Designer Schools in Florida – Summary Table

Floral Designer Salary in Florida

The Average floral designer’s salary in Florida is $51,685.

However, the average range typically falls between $41,958 and 62,464 depending on your experience, years of experience, education, and certifications.

Regional Salary in Florida

Floral Design by State