To work as a personal trainer in Florida, you need:
- To be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
- A current CPR/AED* certification
- A recognized personal trainer certification
- Liability insurance
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
While these are not all official legal requirements, they are the accepted industry standards. By earning these credentials, you’ll position yourself as an authority in your field and a standout above your competition.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
The minimum age requirement to become a personal trainer in Florida is 18. You also need to have a high school diploma or GED to take the certifying exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Florida
In Florida, personal trainers typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification. Most personal trainer certification programs also require this certification before you can even take the final exam.*
Depending on the individual facility, you may also need child and infant CPR and/or first aid credentials. These are usually offered by the same providers as the standard adult CPR class, like The American Red Cross. They’ll often have courses that include a combination of first aid, child CPR, and adult CPR.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or hybrid settings. However, the majority of trainer certification agencies require a hands-on evaluation via an in-person or hybrid course.
For further information about CPR/AED training and where to find a class, check out:
*The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) states that all personal trainer certifying bodies accredited by the NCCA must require CPR/AED certification.
Personal Trainer Certifications in Florida
Many gyms, studios, and other fitness centers prefer to hire personal trainers with certifications from an NCCA-accredited program. Most recognized certified personal trainer (CPT) programs have this accreditation.
Pro Tip: Some CPT programs have an open-book or remote exam option. These exams are typically not NCCA-accredited, and therefore may not be accepted at all fitness facilities.
Some of the most common personal trainer certifications in Florida are:
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
In Florida, you may also see the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI), which has in-person programs in Orlando and Tampa. These are university-like diploma programs that include more hands-on classroom time than the traditional CPT programs.
Because of the NPTI’s vocational school setup, it is more expensive ($2500 and up). It’s also not NCCA-accredited, but it is accredited by the Florida Department of Education and the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Florida Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, the individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Florida.
Some larger gyms may cover your work under their insurance if you’re a W2 employee. However, the company might still require you to have your own liability policy.
Suppose you’re self-employed or hired as an independent contractor. In that case, you’ll need your own personal trainer liability insurance to help protect you from expensive claims involving accidents, injuries, and other actual or perceived damages.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in Florida
If you’re looking to open your own studio, you may be required to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
If you employ four or more people, you may be required to provide workers compensation coverage.*
Florida has the fourth-highest employment level of exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in the U.S. as of May 2023.**
Average cost Florida personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $17.69/month
The top three cities in Florida with Insurance Canopy personal trainer policyholders: Tallahassee, Miami, and Orlando
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! You can get a free quote here.
**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Florida
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Florida?
It will likely cost between $400 and $1000 (depending on the course) for the course itself, study materials, the final exam, and CPR/AED classes.
What Are the Typical Salaries for Personal Trainers in Florida?
Personal trainer pay in Florida averages $31.16 per hour, with the highest paying cities listed as:
- Miami Beach: $41.42 per hour
- St. Petersburg: $33.75 per hour
- Sarasota: $30.58 per hour*
*From Indeed
How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
It typically takes between 3 to 6 months to complete most CPT programs. It depends primarily on how much time you have to dedicate to studying.
Some certifying organizations take as little as one month or as long as eight months.
How Do I Find a Job/Where Can I Work After Getting Certified?
Beyond applying to jobs online, leverage your network and talk to local studios, gyms, community centers, and other fitness facilities.
Due to Florida’s status as a vacation destination, resorts and spas may also have opportunities for fitness professionals.
Chain or big box gyms:
Local and/or municipal locations:
- Senior centers
- Community centers
- Retirement communities
- Corporate wellness programs
Boutique studios, independent gyms, and others like:
- Iron Religion Gym
- Xcel Fitness Spa, Marco Island
- South Beach Boxing, Miami Beach
