Culinary Schools in Florida
The state of Florida is known around the world for its white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, endless sunshine and is home to more attractions than anywhere else in the U.S. The Sunshine State is also known for its diversity of food; from the Cuban-influenced cuisines of Miami to the copious seafood that is readily available throughout the state, the culinary industry is growing in Florida and when you add in major attractions like Disney World and the Florida Keys, the state is a prime location for those interested in hospitality management. Careers in culinary arts are a staple in many Florida markets, which means there are job opportunities for graduates who understand the proper techniques for preparing a variety of dishes. From hotels and restaurants, to luxury spas, cruise ships and golf courses, the hospitality industry in Florida is demanding yet rewarding. According to statistics issued by the Florida Department of Education Commission for Independent Education & the Integrated Postsecondary Data System, private career colleges train 80% of Florida culinary arts graduates.
The competition for culinary employment in Florida is tough, however the major metro areas like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa/St. Petersburg offer plenty of opportunities. Should you enroll in a culinary arts school this opens more doors and since competition is fierce, you are giving yourself an advantage. The hospitality industry is vigorous generating over 50 billion dollars in annual revenue, representing about one-fifth of the state's total economy. According to the National Restaurant Association nearly one million employees work in the hospitality industry in Florida, making it one of the largest employers in the state, including just under 39,000 restaurants. The bottom line is that the culinary arts are an extremely important economic category in Florida, and state colleges, community and technical schools that offer a degree is a smart move. Over five dozen degrees and programs are offered including Associates Culinary Arts, Associates Baking and Pastry Arts, Bachelors Culinary Arts and Food Service Management, Bachelors Baking and Pastry and Food Service Management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) statewide nearly 12,000 bakers earn an average of almost $25,000 and 5% growth through 2022. Chefs and head cooks, all 6,300 of them, can earn $55,000 with 5% projected into the near future. Food service managers, roughly 8,200 of them, can earn an impressive $64,000, yet still with a small 5% growth rate. These small growth percentages underscore the need in Florida for a strong culinary education.
With nearly 90 million visitors annually, Florida will never be at a culinary loss. And remember Florida has more than 1,200 golf courses, most with a food element. The food scene is booming with Florida being home to celebrity chefs, food festivals and a strong catering segment. Hands-on professional experience is essential for developing a career in culinary arts in Florida, and a culinary arts degree illustrates both dedication and skill to prospective employers.
Culinary Schools in Florida by City
Miami Culinary Schools
Broward CollegeFort Lauderdale FL
Miami Dade CollegeMiami FL
Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale FL
William T McFatter Technical CenterDavie FL
Sheridan Technical CenterHollywood, FL
Atlantic Technical CenterCoconut Creek FL
Lindsey Hopkins Technical Education CenterMiami FL
Robert Morgan Educational CenterMiami FL
AI Miami International University of Art and DesignMiami FL
The Art Institute of Fort LauderdaleFort Lauderdale FL
Johnson & Wales University-North MiamiNorth Miami FL
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts-MiamiMiramar FL
Tampa-St. Petersburg Culinary Schools
St Petersburg CollegeClearwater FL
Hillsborough Community CollegeTampa FL
Pinellas Technical Education Center-St PetersburgSaint Petersburg FL
D G Erwin Technical CenterTampa FL
Pinellas Technical Education Center-ClearwaterClearwater FL
Manatee Technical InstituteBradenton FL
Marchman Technical Education CenterNew Port Richey FL
mtec.pasco.k12.fl.us/
Orlando Culinary Schools
Eastern Florida State CollegeCocoa FL
Valencia CollegeOrlando FL
Valenciacollege.edu
Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach FL
Ridge Career CenterWinter Haven FL
Florida Technical CollegeOrlando FL
Lake Technical CenterEustis FL
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts-OrlandoOrlando FL
Jacksonville Culinary Schools
Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville FL
Flagler Technical InstitutePalm Coast FL
First Coast Technical CollegeSaint Augustine FL
Virginia College-JacksonvilleJacksonville FL
www.vc.edu/college/jacksonville-colleges.cfm
Sarasota Culinary Schools
Fort Myers Institute of TechnologyFort Myers FL
Cape Coral Institute of TechnologyCape Coral, FL
Culinary Schools in Other Cities
Gulf Coast State CollegePanama City FL
Chipola CollegeMarianna FL
Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth FL
Indian River State CollegeFort Pierce FL
South Florida State CollegeAvon Park FL
Radford M Locklin Technical CenterMilton FL
George Stone Technical CenterPensacola FL
Pensacola State CollegePensacola FL
Marion County Community Technical and Adult Education CenterOcala FL
Withlacoochee Technical InstituteInverness FL
Immokalee Technical CenterImmokalee FL
CHOICE High School and Technical CenterFort Walton Beach FL
www.okaloosaschools.com/choice
Lincoln College of Technology-West Palm BeachWest Palm Beach FL
