10 Best Auto Mechanic Schools in Florida

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If you live in Florida and you want to turn your passion for cars and solving mechanical puzzles into a career, our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in your state is for you.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by auto service technicians and mechanics in Florida was $41,660.

As an auto mechanic, you should be prepared to perform tasks such as:

  • Performing diagnostic tests
  • Conducting routine maintenance tasks
  • Replacing worn and damaged parts
  • Explaining vehicle problems to customers
  • Maintaining records of the work performed
  • Ensuring safety procedures are followed
  • And more

Auto mechanic classes are available in person and online at several colleges across the state.

To help you choose the program that best fits your needs, on this page, we have compiled information about the best auto mechanic schools in Florida and the programs they offer.



#1South Florida Technical Training

About the School

South Florida Technical Training equips students with industry technical skills that help them jump-start a career as an automotive technician.

The school’s mission is to provide the best training at an affordable price.

Class size is kept small, which allows students to receive the attention they need.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Automotive & Diesel Technology
  • General Education Courses
  • Automotive Courses
  • Professional Automotive Training

Trainees may earn their ASE certification in the following areas:

  • Brakes
  • Engines
  • Transmission
  • Electrical
  • Drive Train
  • Steering
  • A/C
  • Performance
  • Diesel

Contact Information


#2Mech-Tech Institute

About the School

Mech-Tech Institute is a higher education and technical training institution that trains and re-trains youths and adults with the necessary skills that prepare them to compete for jobs in technical fields.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the institute:

  • Automotive Mechanics
  • Racing Mechanics
  • Diesel Mechanics
  • Industrial Welding

The Automotive Mechanics program includes 960 hours of training and awards 48 credits.

The program prepares students with the necessary knowledge and skills to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.

They also use computerized shop equipment and learn how to work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools.

Students attend hands-on practice and laboratories as well as learn tasks related to automobile parts and tools.

Contact Information

  • Address: 8620 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809
  • Phone: (407) 888-1111
  • Website: https://www.mtifl.com

#3Seminole State College

About the School

Seminole State College has an Automotive Department that enables students to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree or career certificate while gaining valuable experience and preparing for successful careers in the automotive industry.

Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Engineering Technology through one of the following specialty tracks:

  • Ford- Automotive Student Service Educational Training
  • General Motors- Automotive Service Education Program

Courses Offered

The Automotive course listing includes:

  • Applied Concepts in Automotive Electrical/Electronics
  • Introduction to Vehicle Systems and Minor Service
  • Engine Control Systems
  • Selected Studies in Automotive- Automotive Practicum
  • Internship Auto Technology
  • And more

Contact Information


#4Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers a variety of degrees, certificates, and workforce education programs.

Courses Offered

The college provides an Automotive Service Technician Technical Certificate program that prepares students for entry into the automotive repair industry.

The program consists of the first 20 credit hours of the Automotive Service Management Technology A.A.S. degree program and four credits of professional electives.

The program is eligible for financial aid.

The program can be completed in ten months and includes classes such as:

  • Introduction to Automotive Technology
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Brake Systems
  • Electrical Systems
  • Air Conditioning and Heating
  • Professional Elective Coursework from classes such as: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Automotive Services Exploration, Automotive Internship, Industrial Safety & Human Factors, Introduction to Business, and more
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: 101 W State Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
  • Phone: (904) 646-2300
  • Website: https://www.fscj.edu

#5Manatee Technical College

About the School

Manatee Technical College aims to educate highly skilled individuals and resourceful leaders through collaborative education.

More than 50 career and technical programs are available.

Courses Offered

The Automotive Service Technician program at Manatee Technical College prepares students for entry into the automotive service industry.

Students learn and explore skills, career opportunities, and requirements of a professional auto mechanic.

The program covers topics such as equipment skills, safety regulations, routine maintenance, and customer service.

The estimated program cost for the day program is $7,940.

Evening students pay approximately $4,760.

Contact Information


#6Daytona State College

About the School

Daytona State College offers an Automotive Service Technology program that is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence.

The program covers all major areas that prepare students for ASE certification, from engine repair to electrical systems.

Students learn from industry experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom, enhancing students’ learning with practical insight and cutting-edge techniques.

Courses are offered sequentially in day and evening tracks, providing students with flexibility.

The program includes nine occupational completion points, allowing students to learn the material step-by-step.

Tuition and fees for this program sum up to approximately $4,900.

Courses Offered

Graduates are prepared with skills to:

  • Safely perform industry light line service procedures
  • Diagnose automotive systems
  • Service automotive systems
  • Repair automotive systems
  • Demonstrate appropriate employability skills.

Contact Information


#7Indian River State College

About the School

Indian River State College offers programs that fit different student needs, from an associate degree, technical certificate, or on-the-job training.

The automotive service programs meet the academic and training standards set by ASE Education Foundation.

Courses Offered

The Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Service Management Technology prepares students who want to work for a dealership or independent shop, or open their own business.

Students learn skills such as:

  • Engine overhaul, repair, and testing
  • Suspension, steering, and alignment
  • Automotive brake systems
  • Automotive electrical systems
  • Air conditioning and heating
  • Transmissions
  • Hybrid and alternative fuel

Contact Information

  • Address: 3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
  • Phone: 772-462-4772
  • Website: https://irsc.edu

#8Suncoast Technical College

About the School

Suncoast Technical College offers a Master’s in Automotive Service Technology program.

The program helps students start or advance their careers in high-tech automotive service and repairs.

Students receive hands-on learning with state-of-the-art equipment.

They learn about basic automotive service, brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, and repair.

Students use state-of-the-art diagnostic and test equipment and learn operational theory, diagnostic procedures, and industry-accepted methods of service and repair.

The program includes skills in heating and air conditioning, manual drive train and axles, as well as suspension and steering.

Courses Offered

The course sequence includes:

  • Automotive Service Assistor
  • Engine Repair Technician
  • Manual Drivetrain & Axle Technician
  • Automobile Suspension & Steering Technician
  • Automotive Heating & A/C Technician
  • And more

Contact Information


#9Northwest Florida State College

Northwest Florida State College offers an Automotive Tech program that is currently designated as a non-credit program, resulting from a collaborative effort with Step One Automotive Group and NWFSC.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available:

  • Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers- 200 clock hours
  • Helpers-Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers- 100 clock hours
  • Tire Repairers and Changers- 200 clock hours
  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics- 220 clock hours.

Tuition costs range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the course.

Contact Information


#10Wilton Simpson Technical College

About the School

Wilton Simpson Technical College offers an Automotive Program that prepares students for employment in the automotive mechanics field.

Students learn to diagnose malfunctions, repair, adjust, or replace parts of the automobile, restoring it to the conditions and specifications recommended by the manufacturer.

Courses Offered

The program structure includes:

  • Automobile Services Assistor- 300 hours
  • Automobile Brake System Technician- 150 hours
  • Automobile Suspension & Steering Technician- 150 hours
  • Automotive Electrical/Electronic System Technician- 300 hours
  • Engine Repair Technician- 150 hours

In-state tuition is $2.44 per program hour.

Contact Information


Schools Summary Table

Rank School
#1South Florida Technical Training
#2Mech-Tech Institute
#3Seminole State College
#4Florida State College at Jacksonville
#5Manatee Technical College
#6Daytona State College
#7Indian River State College
#8Suncoast Technical College
#9Northwest Florida State College
#10Wilton Simpson Technical College

Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in Florida

Metro Area Employed Avg. Annual Avg. Hourly Top 10% Bottom 10%
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL1,710$52,590$25.28$78,950$31,780
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL710$53,090$25.53$77,850$30,250
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL1,480$50,390$24.23$75,400$31,040
Gainesville, FL700$51,730$24.87$75,350$33,960
Homosassa Springs, FL310$50,600$24.33$75,190$31,630
Jacksonville, FL3,350$52,210$25.10$77,810$33,010
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL1,570$51,770$24.89$77,380$30,580
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL12,130$55,010$26.45$83,080$31,650
Naples-Marco Island, FL890$58,140$27.95$92,220$35,240
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL2,060$55,280$26.58$78,750$35,040
Ocala, FL940$50,640$24.35$77,340$30,730
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL6,080$52,500$25.24$77,750$30,610
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL1,180$52,220$25.11$78,000$30,810
Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL480$50,790$24.42$75,760$31,200
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL1,030$49,470$23.79$74,990$30,330
Port St. Lucie, FL1,060$53,730$25.83$78,220$31,780
Punta Gorda, FL440$51,600$24.81$76,240$31,220
Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL320$50,850$24.45$73,210$33,390
Sebring, FL190$48,710$23.42$71,520$30,670
Tallahassee, FL780$48,770$23.45$74,260$29,000
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL6,810$52,860$25.41$78,350$33,380
Wildwood-The Villages, FL140$50,450$24.26$73,450$35,000
* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, OCC Code 49-3023, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Auto mechanic schools can get you ready for entry-level employment in a shop after just a few months of training, through a combination of hands-on and classroom learning.

Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in Florida, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your lifestyle.