About Florida –

• Florida is a state in the United States southeastern region. On March 3, 1845, it became the twenty-seventh state in the United States. It is the only state in the United States that shares borders with both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. As of 2020 data, it is the third most populous state in the United States, with a population of more than 21 million people.
• Florida has experienced major demographic and economic growth since the mid-twentieth century. With a Gross State Product of $1.4 trillion, it is the fourth largest economy in the United States and the 16th largest in the world. Tourism, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, and transportation are the key drivers of its expansion.
• Florida is famous across the world for its beach resorts, amusement parks, warm and sunny environment, and nautical recreation attractions such as, Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Space Centre, and Miami Beach attract tens of millions of people each year. Florida is a popular retirement, seasonal vacation, and domestic and international migration destination, it is home to nine of the ten fastest-growing towns in the United States. 
• Talking about the survival conditions in Florida, despite the state’s long-standing reputation as a low-cost place to reside, housing expenses remain considerable. In Florida, the median sale price for a single-family home is $407,000. However, the state’s overall cost of living is only roughly 1% higher than the national average.

Status of Mortician Schools in 

Florida – 

In order to become a licensed funeral director and/or embalmer in Florida, you must first pass the written National Board Examination, then complete a one-year internship under the supervision of a licensed funeral director and embalmer, and finally pass the Florida board exam on rules and regulations. A minimum of an Associate’s degree is required to become a Mortician Assistant. In order to excel in this field, it is advised that you enroll in a recognised mortuary science programme in the state. 

As of February 27, 2023, the average Funeral Director/Embalmer/Mortician pay in Florida is $48,604, however the range frequently ranges between $41,838 and $56,312. Talking about the licensing of Mortician practice, an individual must be more than 18 years of age. All the mortuary science programmes in the state hold a duration of 4 years. 

What about the employment rate in Florida?

If you’re seeking both career and school, Florida is a great place to be. The 14th best state for employment is Florida. Only 2.5% of Floridians were unemployed. Many people relocate to Florida to take advantage of opportunities in their fields despite the 3.4% national unemployment rate.

Florida ranks 39th in the US in terms of employment-to-population ratios, with 57.9 percent. Florida’s economy is the fourth-largest in the United States, with a $1.4 trillion gross state product (GSP) as of 2022. The hotel, agriculture, and tourism industries in Florida have the greatest employment rates.  Florida is an excellent place to live for people who enjoy the sun, retirees, and those who want to pay less in income taxes. Natural disasters complicate the issue slightly, with millions (sometimes billions) of dollars in damage done each year, but Florida is an excellent area to live in general. Florida has a low unemployment rate, a long history of job creation, and a diverse range of industries to pick from, but it also has certain hurdles to consider before making the move.

The unemployment rate in Florida is currently 2.60%, down from 2.60% a month ago and 3.30% a year ago. This is less than the 6.12% long-term average. The percentage of all Florida workers who are employed but unemployed is measured by the state’s unemployment rate. 

What is the future of morticians in Florida? 

Over the five years to 2023, the Florida Funeral Homes business is expected to increase at an annualized pace of $869.1 million, while the national industry is anticipated to rise at a respectable rate. Florida has over 1,253 funeral homes, making it an excellent choice for people interested in working in the mortuary science industry. Florida now employs about 5,500 people in the field of mortuary science. 

Because of the state’s significant elderly population, the death rate in Florida is greater than the national average. This suggests that morticians may be in high demand in Florida in the next few years. However, there may be some obstacles for the sector, such as competition from alternative funeral services and changes in cultural attitudes towards death and funeral rituals.

What are the career opportunities as a mortician in Florida? 

As a mortician in Florida, you have a variety of career options in the funeral services industry, with salary varying depending on the role and level of expertise that you have. Funeral directors in Florida can expect to make an annual income of roughly $65,720. A degree in mortuary science and state license are often required for this employment. Embalmers in Florida can expect to earn an annual salary of roughly $44,480. This profession also necessitates a mortuary science degree and state licensure.  Also, Funeral home managers in Florida can expect to earn an annual income of roughly $78,720. A degree in business or a similar subject, as well as expertise in the funeral services industry, are often required for this role. These salaries may differ from location to location. 

Mortician Schools list in Florida – 

There are majorly 8 schools and colleges that offer a degree or course in mortuary science and helps interested students in becoming a mortician and these schools are: 

1. Miami Dade College – Miami, FL
2. St. Petersburg College – Clearwater, FL
3. Florida State College at Jacksonville – Jacksonville, FL
4. Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service – Online program based in Decatur, GA with campus site at Orlando, FL

Here is a brief explanation on the college criteria, requirement, course description, programme link and also the tuition aid:

• Miami Dade College – Miami, FL

Programme Link – https://www.mdc.edu/funeralservices/ 

Programme Overview – One of the oldest funeral service education programmes is at Miami College in Florida. Graduates of these colleges practice both within and outside the United States. Students in these programmes gain a thorough awareness of all aspects of funeral service, as well as the public health obligations of the embalmer, funeral director, and mortician.  

Programme description – The associate science degree is designed for individuals who want to begin working immediately after graduation. The majority of discipline courses are closely related to the specified job field. The remaining courses are general education requirements. This programme trains students to be licensed as a funeral director or embalmer in Florida and all other states. The Funeral Service Education Programme requires students to take both parts of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards in order to graduate. 

Programme requirements – The American Board of Funeral Service Education has accredited Miami Dade College’s Associate of Science in Funeral Service Education degree programme. As a result, this course requires students to hold a National Board Examination score card. Furthermore, in order to graduate from the Funeral Service Education Programme, students must pass both sections of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.

Tuition fees – For the resident student they hold a tuition fee of $1418 and for the non-resident student they have a tuition fee of $4830. For more information visit this page – https://www.mdc.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-fees/

• St. Petersburg College – Clearwater, FL

Programme link – https://www.spcollege.edu/future-students/degrees-training/health-sciences-and-veterinary-technology/funeral-services-and-arts/funeral-services-as-degree 

Programme description – This programme provides students with a A.S degree in funeral services. They provide proper training to the students and help them gain proper practical knowledge. With this Funeral Services A.S. Degree, you will learn the technical knowledge and communication skills required to work as a licensed funeral director, embalmer, or registered direct disposer in the state of Florida or in the whole USA.

Programme requirements – This course require students, in order to become a licenced funeral director and/or embalmer in Florida, student must first pass the written National Board Examination, then complete a one-year internship under the supervision of a licenced funeral director and embalmer, and finally pass the Florida board exam on rules and regulations.

Tuition fees – The application fee of $40 is chargeable in these colleges for application. Course fees of this college depends upon a student’s profile and also on the choice of course. For more detailed information please visit programme link mentioned above or you can visit these link  – https://www.spcollege.edu/financial-aid/tuition-and-fees

• Florida State College at Jacksonville – Jacksonville, FL

Programme link – https://www.fscj.edu/academics/programs/as/2161 

Programme overview – The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Funeral Services degree programme aims to satisfy the needs of northern Florida for competent funeral directors and embalmers by offering a funeral director training programme sponsored by the local funeral services community. Students in the funeral services programme are trained to be knowledgeable of and compliance with federal, state, provincial/territorial, and local regulatory norms in Florida. 

Programme description – The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) has designated the Funeral Services programme as an approved distance learning (online) programme. With the exception of the two clinical laboratory embalming courses, qualifying students can now take all courses online. These laboratory classes are held in FSCJ’s North Campus’ embalming lab, with exceptional attendance possibilities available for students from beyond the service region.  

Programme requirements – Prior to the application deadline for the Funeral Services programme, applicants must complete 10-credit hours of required courses with a minimum grade of C or better and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. This course requires students to hold a National Board Examination score card. Furthermore, in order to graduate from the Funeral Service Education Programme, students must pass both sections of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.

Tuition fees – The overall tuition fee for this course is $7,551. For more details go through the link given above. 

• Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service – Online program based in Decatur, GA with campus site at Orlando, FL

Programme link – https://www.gupton-jones.edu/academics/programs-degrees/associate-science 

Programme description – The Associate of Science curriculum at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service is designed to meet the requirements for funeral service license and employment. It satisfies the requirements of accreditation and approval organizations. The curriculum teaches both theoretical and practical funeral service foundations. The programme is divided into academic quarters, with each quarter lasting eleven weeks. The programme is meant to convey real-world information and skills and is built with the input of successful professionals to ensure great job relevance.

Programme requirements –  All general education requirements for an associate degree can be fulfilled at the college. No prior college credit is required to participate in the programme. All general education requirements will be met by the degree.

Tuition fees – The college charges a non refundable application fees of $50. Their tuition fees have not been mentioned on their website. So, it is advised to visit this link for more information – https://www.gupton-jones.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/fees