Auto Mechanic Schools and Programs in Florida
The successful auto mechanic enjoys working with his or her hands, while using logical, analytical thinking to solve problems. This helps in diagnosing and repairing any mechanical issues encountered in their work.
Auto technicians may choose to work on a variety of vehicles, or they may choose to specialize on a certain vehicle type or make. Some mechanics also choose to specialize in a particular type of repair, such as transmission work or brake repair.
Florida Automotive Mechanic Schools
Although there are many paths to becoming an auto mechanic, most workers either earn certification or go through a formal training program to prepare for the job. Florida offers many automotive technology programs throughout the state.
- Santa Fe College: At this school they offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Automotive Service Management Technology. The program is designed to raise the skill level beyond general automotive training programs.
- Florida State College: In Jacksonville, this school offers AAS degrees in Automotive Service Management Technology, as well as Technical Certificates in Automotive Service Technician, and Workforce Certificates in Automotive Collision Repair or Medium and Heavy Duty Truck and Bus Technician.
- Atlantic Technical College: Here they offer three programs: Advanced Automotive Technology - Toyota TTEN, Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing, and Automotive Service Technology. Instructors are ASE certified, and courses meet National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) guidelines.
- Seminole State College: At this school there is an AAS degree in Automotive Technology, with the choice of one of three specialty tracks: Ford, General Motors, or Import. They also offer a vocational certificate for the Automotive Service Technology Program.
- Broward College: This school has the Automotive Technology Program, where students may purse an AAS, and top students earn spots working at a real dealership while they study to earn their degree.
What to Expect from Florida Auto Mechanic Programs
With the incredibly complex and advanced computer and electrical systems in today's vehicles, mechanics need skills and training to match. Students in this program might study the following principles of ASE certification:
- Automatic transmissions and transaxles
- Brakes
- Suspension and steering
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Engine performance
- Engine repair
- Manual drive train and axles
- Heating and air conditioning
Some students choose to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree, while others pursue certification. They may also choose a specialized certification, such as:
- Brakes
- Electrical
- Engine performance
- Steering and suspension
Florida Auto Mechanic Certification and Licensing
The state of Florida does not require auto mechanics to carry a license. However, many of the better auto shops hire only mechanics with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. To increase your marketability as an automotive technician, ASE certification is highly recommended.
Auto mechanics who service air conditioners may need an EPA 608 Technician Certification to work with refrigerants.
Resources for Auto Mechanics in Florida
- For ASE practice tests, study guides, testing tips, and more, visit the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
- To work with refrigerants, acquire EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.
Metro Areas Rated for Popularity for:
Automotive Mechanics
Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Automotive Mechanics relative to the population of the city. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov
Metro Area | Jobs | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | 720 | $43,180 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | 1300 | $38,030 |
| Panama City | 410 | $46,460 |
| Port St. Lucie | 830 | $46,400 |
| Sebring | 200 | $28,940 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | 6570 | $41,230 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island | 910 | $40,050 |
| Gainesville | 710 | $40,420 |
| Tallahassee | 960 | $44,670 |
| The Villages | 140 | $46,990 |
| Homosassa Springs | 270 | $37,130 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | 1410 | $40,900 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | 12050 | $45,370 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton | 1990 | $41,080 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | 2040 | $42,200 |
| Jacksonville | 3780 | $39,590 |
| Ocala | 710 | $41,430 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | 5870 | $37,880 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | 1070 | $33,410 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | 1060 | $44,570 |
| Punta Gorda | 410 | $39,020 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach | 360 | $40,860 |
Sources:
- College Navigator, IES, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=FL&p=47.0604+15.0803&l=91+92, accessed September 3, 2016
- Test Prep & Training, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, http://www.ase.com/Test-Prep-Training.aspx, accessed September 3, 2016
- Types of Section 608 Technician Certification, EPA US Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/section608/types-section-608-technician-certification, accessed September 3, 2016
Career and College Resources
