Get the AppHow to Become an Electrician in Florida (2026)
Written by a licensed IBEW journeyman electrician
Becoming a licensed electrician in Florida starts the same way as the rest of the country: an apprenticeship, then a journeyman license wherever your state or city requires one. Who issues that license differs a lot by state.
The Path in Florida
- High school diploma or GED + 1 year algebra
- Apply to an IBEW local in Florida or a non-union apprenticeship
- Take the NJATC aptitude test (IBEW route)
- Complete the interview, get on the eligibility list
- Complete the 4-5 year apprenticeship
- Get your journeyman license where Florida or your city requires one
Florida Licensing
Florida has no state journeyman electrician license. State law authorizes counties and cities to issue electrical journeyman licenses. The state Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board licenses contractors, not journeymen. Requirements vary by county and city, so check with the one where you'll work.
Florida journeyman license: exam, hours and fees
Reciprocity
Fla. Stat. 489.5335(2): counties and municipalities must recognize a person as a journeyman if a Florida county or municipality previously issued that license.
IBEW Locals in Florida
IBEW Local 349
Miami · Miami/South Florida
IBEW Local 683
Tampa · Tampa Bay area
IBEW Local 824
Orlando · Orlando area
IBEW Local 915
Tampa · Tampa Bay
Exam Costs & Schedules
- Journeyman exam fees vary — check with your state board
- Most states use PSI or Prometric as exam providers
- Exams typically include 80-100 questions over 3-4 hours
- NEC code section is the most heavily weighted
Ready to test yourself?
20 questions · No signup required · Instant results
Take the Free Practice Test
Sparky AI app · iPhone & Android
Take Your Prep Everywhere
2,100+ practice questions, 30 full-length timed tests, an AI mock interview and AI tutoring on your phone. Free 7-day trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an electrician in Florida?
In Florida, the typical union path is a 4-5 year IBEW apprenticeship, then a journeyman license exam where the state or city requires one. Total time from first application to journeyman is usually 5-8 years.
How much do electricians make in Florida?
Electrician pay in Florida varies by region and union status. IBEW journeyman scale tends to be higher than non-union shop rates. See our electrician salary by state page for current ranges.
Do I need a license to be an electrician in Florida?
Florida has no state journeyman electrician license. State law authorizes counties and cities to issue electrical journeyman licenses. The state Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board licenses contractors, not journeymen. Requirements vary by county and city, so check with the one where you'll work.
Does Florida accept out-of-state electrician licenses?
Fla. Stat. 489.5335(2): counties and municipalities must recognize a person as a journeyman if a Florida county or municipality previously issued that license.
Related Resources
Michael Briglio
IBEW Local 134 Journeyman · Licensed Contractor · IL Educator
Michael started in the IBEW at 18 and made foreman as a 3rd-year apprentice. Thirteen years in, he’s a Local 134 journeyman, a licensed electrical contractor, a licensed Illinois teacher, and OSHA 30 and EPA 608 certified. He teaches a federally recognized pre-apprenticeship on the south side of Chicago — where he’s helped 100+ students get into the IBEW. He built Sparky AI around exactly what the NJATC exam tests and what trips people up. Prep with this and you walk in ready.
Facts on this page trace to primary sources or first-hand IBEW Local 134 experience — see sources & methodology.
