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Becoming an auto mechanic in Florida can be a rewarding career path.
If you think this is the right job for you, have a look at our guide for more info regarding licensing and training.
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Florida
First, you have to join a training program where you will learn more about the job.
The programs for auto mechanics in Florida vary, with the easiest ones ending in a diploma.
Earn your accredited, affordable Auto Repair career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
However, you can also choose to pursue higher education options.
If you choose an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree program, you will be in school for about 2 years.
These credentials will help you get a better job in the future.
You will only be received in the program if you meet some requirements, and these are:
- A high school graduate or have a GED
- Good at math
- Computer proficient
- Good with physics
The credit hours vary from program to program will also differ, but the subjects will be the same.
You will have to join a training program accredited by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
You can locate suitable auto mechanic programs in the schools below:
- Broward College
- Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College
- Pinellas Technical College Clearwater
Even if you are still a high-school student, you will still be able to attend a training program in Florida.
How to Get an ASE Certification in Florida
In Florida, getting certified by ASE is not a requirement for these professionals.
Even so, most places of employment only hire auto mechanics who have an ASE certification.
So, it is a good idea to get one for better chances of finding a good job.
There are several exams you can choose from to get certified.
You will also have to meet some requirements such as two years of related work experience.
In order to keep your certification updated, you will also need to retake the exam after 5 years pass.
If you pass the exams from the below categories you can become a master auto mechanic:
- Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test (G1)
- Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests (A Series)
- Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series)
- Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification Test (B6)
- Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test (C1)
- Truck Equipment Certification Tests (E Series)
- Alternate Fuels Certification Test (F1)
- Transit Bus Certification Tests (H Series)
- Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification Test (L1)
- Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification Test (L2)
- Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Test (L3)
- Engine Machinist Certification Tests (M Series)
- Parts Specialist Certification Tests (P Series)
- School Bus Certification Tests (S Series)
- Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests (T Series)
- Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems Test (X1)
You can take the exam after you schedule it with a center that is located in your region.
Unlike other tests, the ASE exam should be attended physically.
How to get an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in Florida
You can only work on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning if you have this certification.
First, you have to join a 609-refrigerant certification training program.
You will also need to pass an exam and get a score of 84%.
If you don’t have enough time to join a class in person, you can also take one online.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Florida
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Universal Technical Institute | 2202 W Taft Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32837 |
| South Florida Technical Training | 8600 NW South River Dr #4, Medley, FL 33166 |
| Mech-Tech Institute | 8620 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809 |
| AATI - American Advanced Technician Institute | 6801 W 20th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33014 |
| J-Tech Institute | 8813 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 |
| Youth Automotive Training Center | 399 SW 3rd Ave, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 |
| Erwin Technical College | 7010 N Manhattan Ave, Tampa, FL 33614 |
| Automotive Training School | 517 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 |
| Lake Technical College | 2001 Kurt St, Eustis, FL 32726 |
| Tom P Haney Technical College | 3016 FL-77, Panama City, FL 32405 |
| Fort Myers Technical College | 3800 Michigan Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916 |
| Northeast High School Automotive Academy | Corner of 19th St. N and, 54th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33703 |
| McFatter Technical College and High School | 6500 Nova Dr, Davie, FL 33317 |
| Marchman Technical College | 7825 Campus Dr, New Port Richey, FL 34653 |
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Salaries for Auto Mechanics in Florida
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto mechanics in Delaware earn around $38,111 a year.
However, the best mechanics can make $49,249 or more.
The salary you will earn will be calculated according to your work experience, credentials, but also where you live.
Overall, the highest salaries can be encountered in areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
Other suitable regions include St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $38,023 |
| Miami | $39,054 |
| Tampa | $38,183 |
| Orlando | $38,163 |
| St. Petersburg | $38,191 |
| Hialeah | $38,753 |
| Tallahassee | $36,386 |
| Port St. Lucie | $37,863 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $38,958 |
| Cape Coral | $37,304 |
Regional Salary in Florida
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 1,780 | $48,760 | $23.44 | $73,100 | $29,570 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | 650 | $46,760 | $22.48 | $65,740 | $29,410 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 1,470 | $44,470 | $21.38 | $65,970 | $27,710 |
| Gainesville, FL | 630 | $45,280 | $21.77 | $66,100 | $28,250 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | 360 | $42,600 | $20.48 | $60,720 | $27,460 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 4,020 | $45,060 | $21.66 | $63,360 | $28,920 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | 1,590 | $46,620 | $22.41 | $71,110 | $28,220 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 12,220 | $49,870 | $23.98 | $76,640 | $28,510 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | 1,010 | $48,690 | $23.41 | $74,680 | $30,180 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | 2,070 | $48,110 | $23.13 | $74,060 | $29,700 |
| Ocala, FL | 890 | $43,570 | $20.95 | $63,420 | $27,460 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 6,210 | $47,470 | $22.82 | $72,980 | $28,150 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 1,340 | $45,390 | $21.82 | $63,520 | $28,890 |
| Panama City, FL | 490 | $45,140 | $21.7 | $69,320 | $27,800 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | 1,060 | $45,740 | $21.99 | $67,030 | $28,150 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 1,180 | $49,570 | $23.83 | $79,830 | $29,400 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | 440 | $45,690 | $21.97 | $67,290 | $28,670 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL | 320 | $44,720 | $21.5 | $62,400 | $28,110 |
| Sebring, FL | 240 | $40,440 | $19.44 | $59,450 | $26,820 |
| Tallahassee, FL | 900 | $41,310 | $19.86 | $59,640 | $26,420 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 7,850 | $47,370 | $22.77 | $73,240 | $29,120 |
| The Villages, FL | 130 | $43,020 | $20.69 | $63,230 | $27,110 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where to find work as an auto mechanic in Florida
In Florida, the auto mechanic sector is a competitive one.
Once you have a certification, you will easily find an entry-level job in a service shop, dealership, or garage.
Remember that in order to get hired, you first need to complete your education.
You will also have to submit a background record and have a driver’s license.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State