Skip to content
AffordMap
Food Service · Florida

How to Become a Bartenders in Florida

Bartenders in Florida earn a median salary of $35,150/year, which is 2% above the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a bartenders takes home approximately $1,186/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$35K
Median salary in Florida
+2%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
55,170
Employed in Florida

What a bartenders can afford in Florida

Gross annual salary$35,150
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$2,523/mo
Median 2BR rent (Florida)-$1,337/mo
Rent as % of take-home53% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$35,150/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,186/mo

Becoming a bartenders in Florida

1

Meet education requirements

Bartenders positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many bartenders positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Florida licensure or certification

Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for bartenderss. Requirements vary by state, contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Florida

Florida employs 55,170 bartenders. The highest concentrations are in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater and Naples-Marco Island.

Bartenders salary by metro area in Florida

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater$37K$18.01/hr8,810
Naples-Marco Island$36K$17.46/hr1,550
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach$36K$17.28/hr1,870
Punta Gorda$36K$17.16/hr480
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin$36K$17.1/hr1,100
Jacksonville$35K$17.04/hr3,570
Cape Coral-Fort Myers$35K$16.93/hr1,880
Gainesville$35K$16.85/hr690
Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor$35K$16.84/hr420
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach$35K$16.68/hr14,510
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville$35K$16.67/hr1,560
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota$35K$16.59/hr2,130
Wildwood-The Villages$34K$16.52/hr210
Lakeland-Winter Haven$34K$16.31/hr890
Port St. Lucie$34K$16.21/hr1,050

Bartenders salary range in Florida

10th percentile (entry)
$27K
25th percentile
$29K
Median (50th)
$35K
75th percentile
$47K
90th percentile (senior)
$66K
View jobs for Bartenders
Currently hiring in Florida
View →
More openings for Bartenders
Currently hiring in Florida
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full bartenders salary breakdown in Florida
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Florida
No state income tax!
Calculate →
Compare Florida cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Bartenders careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a bartenders make in Florida?

The median bartenders salary in Florida is $35,150 per year ($16.9/hr). This is 2% above the national median of $34,340. Salaries range from $27,430 to $66,400.

What are the requirements to become a bartenders in Florida?

Bartenders positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a bartenders afford to live in Florida?

At the median salary of $35,150, a bartenders in Florida would take home approximately $2,523/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,337/month, that's 53% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for bartenders in Florida?

The highest paying metro areas for bartenders in Florida are Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater ($37,460), Naples-Marco Island ($36,310), Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach ($35,940). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Florida have state income tax for bartenders?

No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means bartenders keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax, a significant advantage for affordability.