Top 10 Culinary Schools in Florida

Culinary – Baking & Pastry – Hospitality Schools in Florida

Florida offers a vibrant landscape for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals. Culinary and hospitality schools across the state equip students with hands-on skills and industry knowledge to succeed in fast-paced kitchens, elegant restaurants, and dynamic hotel environments.

These programs focus on practical training, blending classical techniques with modern innovations. Students learn everything from knife skills and menu planning to food safety and customer service.

Many schools partner with local businesses to provide real-world experience through internships and externships. Whether you want to master the art of pastry, manage a luxury resort, or open your own restaurant, Florida’s culinary and hospitality schools prepare you for the challenge.

With campuses located in diverse cities like Miami, Tampa, and Sarasota, students gain access to a rich food culture and a thriving tourism industry. These programs are often accredited by respected organizations, ensuring high-quality education.

From technical colleges to universities, Florida offers flexible options including certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s programs. Graduates leave ready to contribute immediately in kitchens, hotels, event planning, and food service management.

Choosing a school in Florida means immersing yourself in a community passionate about food, culture, and hospitality, where your career can truly take off.

Read, Read and Read Some More

One of the best suggestions I have for anyone thinking of going to culinary school or just getting into the restaurant industry is to read everything you can get your hands on. Learn from professional chefs who have worked in the industry and those who have taught in culinary schools.

There are many great books available to get you started in your culinary education and I suggest you read as much as possible before making that big decision to make sure this is the right move for you. Below is just a sample of books you might be interested in checking out.

For a much more comprehensive list of books for aspiring culinary, baking and restaurant management students, I suggest checking out my post on books for future culinary students and chefs.

CULINARY SCHOOLS IN FLORIDA

Culinary School / Program City Address Courses Offered
Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus Miami 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132 Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, Food Safety & Sanitation
Hillsborough Community College Tampa 39 Columbia Dr, Tampa, FL 33606 Associate of Science in Culinary Management, Fine Dining Restaurant Training
Gulf Coast State College Panama City 5230 W Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401 Culinary Arts Certificate, Associate of Science in Culinary Management
McFatter Technical College Davie 6500 Nova Dr, Davie, FL 33317 Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality, Baking & Pastry Arts, Vegetarian & Plant-Based Specialties
Sheridan Technical College – East Campus Hollywood 5400 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33021 Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality, Articulation with Broward College
Keiser University Center for Culinary Arts Melbourne 900 South Babcock Street, Melbourne, FL 32901 Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
Keiser University Center for Culinary Arts Sarasota 6151 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240 Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
Keiser University Center for Culinary Arts Tallahassee 1700 Halstead Boulevard, Building 2, Tallahassee, FL 32309 Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
 

Going to School in Florida

Known as “The Sunshine State,” Florida is a great place to live if you’re considering attending culinary school. From the Cuban-influenced cuisines of Miami and south Florida, to the bountiful seafood that is readily available throughout the state, the culinary industry is diverse and growing in Florida. From Disney World to the Florida Keys, Florida is home to a huge industry well, making it a prime location for those interested in hospitality management.