How to Become a Chef in Florida

Sunny Florida is a great place to live, with recreation, the ocean and fabulous year-round weather to enjoy. It’s also a smart choice for a place to start a career in the culinary industry. Careers for chefs, cooks, restaurant managers and others involved in food service are showing strong growth throughout the state. A chef or head cook is a position you may aspire to, and these professionals are responsible for creating menus, ordering food, maintaining safe and sanitary kitchens, preparing and making dishes and supervising other kitchen workers. [En Español]

Requirements for Becoming a Chef in Florida

You won’t have to have any specific type of education, beyond a high school diploma or GED, or licensing in order to work as a cook or chef in Florida. This is a skills-based field, so some kind of training is needed, but it is up to you to decide what path you want to take in order to become a leader in a kitchen or other food service establishment.

One way to get there is to start as a server or line cook in a restaurant and to receive on-the-job training as you work your way up to positions with more responsibilities. Another path you can take is to complete an academic program in culinary arts before looking for a job. You can find general culinary arts programs and also those specific to baking and pastries, or food service management.

Culinary Arts Programs in Florida

Florida has many culinary programs throughout the state, giving you a number of options. Many of them are American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC) accredited, which ensures that the education you will receive is exemplary.

  • Virginia College, Jacksonville. This Jacksonville culinary arts program also offers a pastry course. Earn a diploma or a certificate and finish the program in 36 weeks or longer if you need to take classes on a part-time basis. These are accredited programs that include hands-on training and externships at prestigious restaurants, resorts and conference centers.
  • Hillsborough Community College, Tampa. In Tampa, students can choose from the associate’s degree programs in culinary management and restaurant management at Hillsborough. The programs are both accredited and have been given exemplary status by the ACFEFAC. For a shorter program, you can choose from certificates in culinary arts, food and beverage operations or management and event planning management.
  • Pensacola State College, Pensacola. Students in the Pensacola area can earn a certificate in culinary arts to learn the basic kitchen skills needed to start a cooking career, or they can choose an associate’s degree program in culinary management for a career in running restaurants and kitchens. The certificate program is just 35 credits and includes plenty of hands-on training in a real kitchen.

Certification and Licensing

You may choose to become a certified chef or cook by passing exams set by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). This isn’t required to work in culinary jobs, but having certification can help you outcompete other candidates for jobs or demand a higher salary. The ACF has 16 areas of specialization for certification, and all are recognized and respected throughout the U.S.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

Growth in the culinary industry is very strong in Florida and will continue to be through 2026 at least, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is strong growth in every area of culinary careers, including jobs for chefs and head cooks, which are growing at a rate of 17.1 percent. Jobs for non-head cooks in restaurants are growing at 20.7 percent, while positions for trained bakers are increasing by 18.5 percent.

Salaries in Florida are relatively high in the culinary world. In 2017, on average, head cooks and chefs in the state earned $25.97 per hour and $54,030 per year. This is much higher than the national average for chefs. The highest salaries are for food service managers, who made $32.05 per hour and$66,660 per year on average in 2017.

Working as a Chef in Florida

Chefs, cooks and other types of culinary professionals are needed throughout Florida. They work in restaurants, hotels, resorts, spas and conference centers. Most work in and around big cities, including Jacksonville, Miami, Tamp and Orlando, but smaller towns and rural areas also need food professionals. If you are looking for a career that will be rewarding and hands-on, that is stable and that pays well in Florida, consider training in the culinary arts.

Popular Colleges

College Programs

Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL Area

Cape Coral Technical College

360 Santa Barbara Blvd North, Cape Coral, Florida 33993-2479
(239) 574-4440
Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Cape Coral Technical College’s Certificate-level Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts program is taught at their campus in the city of Cape Coral, FL. The majority of of the school’s 264 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is over 80%. The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $741 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $510, although this varies from program to program.

Fort Myers Technical College

3800 Michigan Ave, Fort Myers, Florida 33916-2204
(239) 334-4544 x325
Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Fort Myers Technical College’s Certificate-level Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts program is based at their campus in the city of Fort Myers. This public college has in the region of 742 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are in the order of $2,315 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,107, although this will vary with the program.

Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Area

Okaloosa Technical College

1976 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32547
(850) 833-3500
Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Okaloosa Technical College’s Certificate-level Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts program is based at their campus in the city of Fort Walton Beach. The majority of of the school’s 353 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees are generally around $2,845 annually, while books and supplies may cost about $1,052, although this varies from program to program.

Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL Area

Daytona State College

1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
(386) 506-3000
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Daytona State College’s Certificate-level Culinary Arts program is taught at their campus in the city of Daytona Beach, Florida. This public college has about 14,292 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $3,112 and for out-of-state students in the order of $12,001 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,200, although this will vary with the program.

Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach, FL Metropolitan Division Area

Atlantic Technical College

4700 Coconut Creek Parkway, Coconut Creek, Florida 33063-3902
(754) 321-5100
Baking and Pastry Arts – Certificate Program

Atlantic Technical College offers various Certificate program options for chefs. Classes are taken at their campus in Coconut Creek in Broward County. Most of the school’s 3,132 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees are broadly around $4,565 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $262, depending on the program.

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

1500 NW 49th St., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
(954) 776-4476
Baking and Pastry Arts – Associate Program, Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Keiser University offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their Ft Lauderdale campus in the city of Fort Lauderdale, FL. This is a full, 4-year private college with 16,579 students, of which 92% are undergraduates. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is over 80%. Tuition fees are around $18,368 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $2,000, although this will vary with the program.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts-Miami

3221 Enterprise Way, Miramar, Florida 33025
(954) 438-8882
Pâtisserie And Baking – Certificate Program, Pâtisserie And Baking – Associate Program

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their Miami campus in Miramar in Broward County, FL. This private, for-profit college has round 829 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 80%. Tuition fees are generally around $13,505 per year.

Sheridan Technical College

5400 Sheridan St, Hollywood, Florida 33021
(754) 321-5400
Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

The Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Certificate program in Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts at Sheridan Technical College can be taken at their campus in Hollywood in Broward County. The college has about 1,553 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $4,209 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,207, although this will vary with the program.

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale

1799 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316-3000
(954) 463-3000 x2122
Baking & Pastry – Associate Program, Baking & Pastry – Certificate Program

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Fort Lauderdale. The majority of of the school’s 1,274 students are on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $17,700 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,500, although this varies from program to program.

William T McFatter Technical College

6500 Nova Drive, Davie, Florida 33317
(754) 321-5700
Baking and Pastry Arts – Certificate Program

William T McFatter Technical College offers various Certificate program options for chefs. All programs are imparted at their campus in Davie in Broward County. Most of the school’s 994 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $4,209 yearly. Study materials can cost about $1,207, depending on the program chosen.

Jacksonville, FL Area

First Coast Technical College

2980 Collins Ave, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084-1919
(904) 547-3282
Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

First Coast Technical College’s Certificate program in Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts is based at their campus in Saint Augustine in Saint Johns County, FL. The college has in the region of 525 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 94%. Fees for tuition are about $5,856 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,637, although this will vary with the program.

Florida State College at Jacksonville

501 W State St, Jacksonville, Florida 32202
(904) 359-5433
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Culinary Arts at Florida State College at Jacksonville is taught at their campus in the city of Jacksonville, FL. This public college has about 26,164 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $2,878 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $9,992 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,400, although this will vary with the program.

Virginia College-Jacksonville

5940 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207
(904) 520-7400
Pastry Arts – Certificate Program

Virginia College offers various Certificate program options for chefs. Classes are taken at their Jacksonville campus in the city of Jacksonville, FL. The majority of of the school’s 511 students are on 2-year programs. Tuition fees are around $14,632 annually.

Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Area

Ridge Technical College

7700 State Rd 544, Winter Haven, Florida 33881-9518
(863) 419-3060
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Culinary Arts at Ridge Technical College can be taken at their campus in the city of Winter Haven, Florida. This public college has around 863 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $3,919 and are $3,918 and $10,398 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while study materials may cost roughly $1,400, depending on the program.

Traviss Technical College

3225 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, Florida 33803
(863) 499-2700
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Culinary Arts at Traviss Technical College can be taken at their campus in Lakeland in Polk County, Florida. Most of the school’s 825 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally in the order of $3,251 and for students from outside the state approximately $11,805 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $500, although this will depend on the program.

Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, FL Metropolitan Division Area

AI Miami International University of Art and Design

1501 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33132-1418
(305) 428-5700
Baking & Pastry – Associate Program, Baking & Pastry – Certificate Program

AI Miami International University of Art and Design offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Miami, FL. This is a full, 4-year private college with 2,478 students, of which 97% are undergraduates. The university is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition are around $17,700 annually, while study materials may cost around $1,500, depending on the program.

Florida Education Institute

5818 SW 8th St, Miami, Florida 33144
(305) 263-9990
Pastry & Baking Arts – Certificate Program

Florida Education Institute offers various Certificate program options for chefs. Classes are taken at their campus in Miami in Miami-Dade County, Florida. This private, for-profit college has about 295 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $16,350 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $600, although this will depend on the program.

Johnson & Wales University-North Miami

1701 NE 127th St, North Miami, Florida 33181
(305) 892-7000
Baking & Pastry Arts – Associate Program, Culinary Arts – Bachelor Program

Johnson & Wales University offers various Associate program options for chefs, an Associate program and a Bachelor program. Classes are taken at their North Miami campus in North Miami in Miami-Dade County, FL. Most of the school’s 1,752 students are on 4-year programs. The cost of tuition is in the order of $30,746 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,500, although this will vary with the program.

Lindsey Hopkins Technical College

750 NW 20 Street, Miami, Florida 33127
(305) 324-6070 x7006
Commercial Food and Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Commercial Food and Culinary Arts at Lindsey Hopkins Technical College can be taken at their campus in the city of Miami. The majority of of the school’s 598 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 83%. The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $4,891 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $785, although this varies from program to program.

Miami Dade College

300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33132-2204
(305) 237-8888
Culinary Arts Management Operations – Certificate Program

Miami Dade College’s Certificate program in Culinary Arts Management Operations is based at their campus in the city of Miami, Florida. This public college has in the region of 62,332 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $2,834 and for out-of-state students in the order of $9,661 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,600, although this will vary with the program.

Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College

5780 NW 158th St, Miami Lakes, Florida 33014
(305) 557-1100 x2231
Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College’s Certificate program is taught at their campus in Miami Lakes in Miami-Dade County. This public college has roughly 999 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $2,250 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $847, although this will depend on the program.

Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College

18180 SW 122nd Ave, Miami, Florida 33177-2407
(305) 253-9920
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College offers various Certificate program options for chefs. All programs are imparted at their campus in Miami in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The college has about 620 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are about $3,927 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,000, depending on the program.

San Ignacio College

10395 Northwest 41st Street Ste 125, Doral, Florida 33178-2350
(305) 629-2929
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program, Culinary Arts – Associate Program, Hospitality Management – Bachelor Program

San Ignacio College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program, an Associate program and a Bachelor program. Classes are taken at their campus in Doral in Miami-Dade County, FL. Of the 102 students, about 4% are postgraduates. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are usually in the order of $10,350 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $2,400, although this will vary with the program.

Naples-Marco Island, FL Area

Immokalee Technical College

508 N 9th St, Immokalee, Florida 34142
(239) 377-9900
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Immokalee Technical College’s Certificate-level Culinary Arts program is taught at their campus in the town of Immokalee, Florida. The majority of of the school’s 318 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 83%. Tuition fees are generally around $5,084 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,543, depending on the program chosen.

Lorenzo Walker Technical College

3702 Estey Avenue, Naples, Florida 34104-4405
(239) 377-0900
Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts/Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality – Certificate Program

Lorenzo Walker Technical College offers various Certificate program options for chefs. Classes are taken at their campus in Naples in Collier County. This public college has about 682 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $4,916 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,081, although this will vary with the program.

North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL Area

Manatee Technical College

6305 State Rd 70 East, Bradenton, Florida 34203
(941) 751-7900
Baking and Pastry Arts – Certificate Program

Manatee Technical College offers various Certificate program options for chefs. All programs are imparted at their campus in Bradenton in Manatee County. The college has about 966 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees are broadly around $4,566 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $560, depending on the program.

Northeast Florida nonmetropolitan area Area

RIVEROAK Technical College

415 SW Pinewood Dr, Live Oak, Florida 32064
(386) 647-4200
Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

RIVEROAK Technical College’s Certificate program in Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts is taught at their campus in the town of Live Oak, FL. Most of the school’s 164 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are about $3,379 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,141, depending on the program chosen.

Withlacoochee Technical College

1201 W Main St, Inverness, Florida 34450-4696
(352) 726-2430
Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts/Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts/Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality at Withlacoochee Technical College is offered at their campus in Inverness in Citrus County, FL. The majority of of the school’s 210 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 84%. The cost of tuition is in the order of $2,814 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $474, although this will vary with the program.

Ocala, FL Area

Marion Technical College

1014 SW 7th Rd, Ocala, Florida 34471-3172
(352) 671-7200
Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts at Marion Technical College can be taken at their campus in the city of Ocala, Florida. The college has roughly 350 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are broadly about $4,032 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $766, depending on the program.

Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Area

Florida Technical College

12900 Challenger Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826
(407) 447-7300
Baking and Pastry – Certificate Program

Florida Technical College offers various Certificate program options for chefs. Classes are taken at their campus in Orlando in Orange County, FL. The college has round 4,575 students in total, with most students on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The cost of tuition is in the order of $17,439 yearly.

Lake Technical College

2001 Kurt Street, Eustis, Florida 32726
(352) 589-2250 x1800
Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality at Lake Technical College is based at their campus in Eustis in Lake County. This public college has roughly 598 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are likely to be about $4,707 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,074, although this will vary with the program.

Orange Technical College-Mid Florida Campus

2900 West Oak Ridge Road, Orlando, Florida 32809
(407) 251-6047 x0
Culinary Arts & Hospitality – Certificate Program

The Culinary Arts & Hospitality Certificate program in Culinary Arts & Hospitality at Orange Technical College can be taken at their Mid Florida campus in Orlando in Orange County, FL. This public college has in the order of 2,632 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $2,178 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $71, although this varies from program to program.

Orange Technical College-Orlando Campus

301 W Amelia Street, Orlando, Florida 32801-1197
(407) 246-7060
Culinary Arts & Hospitality – Certificate Program

Orange Technical College’s Certificate program is offered at their Orlando campus in the city of Orlando, Florida. Most of the school’s 1,495 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is over 80%. Fees for tuition are likely to be about $3,965 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $340, although this will vary with the program.

Orange Technical College-Westside Campus

955 E Story Rd, Winter Garden, Florida 34787-3733
(407) 905-2018
Culinary Arts & Hospitality – Certificate Program

Orange Technical College’s Certificate program is taught at their Westside campus in Winter Garden in Orange County, Florida. Most of the school’s 1,250 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are, as a rough guide, about $3,507 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,592, although this varies from program to program.

Technical Education Center-Osceola

501 Simpson Rd, Kissimmee, Florida 34744
(407) 344-5080
Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts at Technical Education Center can be taken at their Osceola campus in Kissimmee in Osceola County, Florida. The college has round 777 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is over 80%. Tuition fees are around $3,900 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $400, although this will depend on the program.

Valencia College

1768 Park Center Drive, Orlando, Florida 32835
(407) 299-2187
Baking and Pastry Management – Associate Program, Baking and Pastry Management – Certificate Program

Valencia College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and two Certificate programs. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Orlando, Florida. Most of the school’s 44,050 students are on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is in the order of $2,474 and for students from outside the state around $9,383 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,266, although this varies from program to program.

Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Area

George Stone Technical Center

2400 Longleaf Dr, Pensacola, Florida 32526-8922
(850) 941-6200
Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

George Stone Technical Center’s Certificate program in Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts is based at their campus in Pensacola in Escambia County. Most of the school’s 603 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees are usually around $2,891 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $400, depending on the program chosen.

Pensacola State College

1000 College Blvd, Pensacola, Florida 32504-8998
(850) 484-1000
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Pensacola State College’s Certificate program is taught at their campus in the city of Pensacola. Most of the school’s 9,840 students are on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are around $2,704 and for out-of-state students likely to be about $10,875 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $1,100, although this will depend on the program.

Radford M Locklin Technical Center

5330 Berryhill Rd, Milton, Florida 32570-8188
(850) 983-5700 x261
Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Radford M Locklin Technical Center’s Certificate program is based at their campus in Milton in Santa Rosa County. Most of the school’s 701 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $3,318 per year. Books and supplies can cost around $477, although this will depend on the program.

Port St. Lucie, FL Area

Indian River State College

3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, Florida 34981-5596
(772) 462-4772
Culinary Management – Certificate Program

Indian River State College offers various Certificate program options for chefs. Classes are taken at their campus in Fort Pierce in Saint Lucie County, Florida. The college has about 18,204 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition fees for in-state students are about $2,764 and for students from other states approximately $10,201 annually. Learning materials may cost around $1,000, although this will vary with the program.

Virginia College-Fort Pierce

2810 South Federal Highway, Fort Pierce, Florida 34982-6331
(772) 448-2000
Pastry Arts – Certificate Program

Virginia College offers various Certificate program options for chefs. Classes are taken at their Fort Pierce campus in Fort Pierce in Saint Lucie County. Most of the school’s 253 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Fees for tuition are, as a rough guide, about $14,632 annually.

Punta Gorda, FL Area

Charlotte Technical College

18150 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, Florida 33948-3399
(941) 255-7500
Baking & Pastry Arts – Certificate Program

Charlotte Technical College offers various Certificate program options for chefs. Classes are taken at their campus in Port Charlotte in Charlotte County, FL. This public college has around 163 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $2,909 and for students from other states approximately $11,365 annually, while books and supplies may cost around $1,039, although this varies from program to program.

South Florida nonmetropolitan area Area

South Florida State College

600 W College Dr, Avon Park, Florida 33825-9356
(863) 453-6661
Food Management, Production, and Services – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Food Management, Production, and Services at South Florida State College is taught at their campus in Avon Park in Highlands County, FL. Most of the school’s 2,659 students are on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $3,165 and for students from other states around $11,859 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,220, although this will depend on the program.

Tallahassee, FL Area

Lively Technical Center

500 N Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, Florida 32304-2895
(850) 487-7555
Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts at Lively Technical Center can be taken at their campus in the city of Tallahassee. This public college has in the order of 694 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are about $5,987 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $900, depending on the program chosen.

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Area

Erwin Technical College

2010 E. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610-8299
(813) 769-5180
Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Erwin Technical College’s Certificate program in Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts is offered at their campus in the city of Tampa. This public college has about 717 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are broadly about $3,903 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,828, depending on the program.

Hillsborough Community College

39 Columbia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33606-3584
(813) 253-7000
Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Hillsborough Community College offers various Certificate program options for chefs. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Tampa, FL. The majority of of the school’s 26,571 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually about $2,506 and for students from other states in the order of $9,111 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,320, depending on the program chosen.

Marchman Technical Education Center

7825 Campus Dr., New Port Richey, Florida 34653
(727) 774-1700
Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts/Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality – Certificate Program

Marchman Technical Education Center’s Certificate program in Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts/Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality is offered at their campus in New Port Richey in Pasco County, FL. The majority of of the school’s 204 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are likely to be about $4,640 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $234, although this will vary with the program.

Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater

6100 154th Avenue North, Clearwater, Florida 33760-2140
(727) 538-7167 x2006
Baking & Pastry Arts – Certificate Program

Pinellas Technical College’s Certificate program in Baking & Pastry Arts is offered at their Clearwater campus in Clearwater in Pinellas County. The college has about 760 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are about $6,831 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $4,708, depending on the program.

Pinellas Technical College-St. Petersburg

901 34th St S, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33711-2209
(727) 893-2500 x2520
Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts – Certificate Program

Pinellas Technical College’s Certificate program is taught at their St. Petersburg campus in the city of Saint Petersburg. This public college has round 682 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are likely to be about $3,942 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $3,239, although this will vary with the program.

West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Boynton Beach, FL Metropolitan Division Area

Lincoln College of Technology-West Palm Beach

2410 Metrocentre Blvd, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
(561) 842-8324 x46200
Professional Baking & Pastry Chef Training – Bachelor Program, Culinary Arts – Associate Program

Lincoln College of Technology offers multiple training options, including a Bachelor program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their West Palm Beach campus in the city of West Palm Beach. Most of the school’s 567 students are on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are around $13,770 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $580, although this will depend on the program.

* Tuition fees and accredition status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with college before applying.

Neighbor States

See options in Georgia and Alabama.