Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance Careers in Florida
Landscapers and grounds maintenance workers plant, maintain, and care for gardens, lawns, trees, and shrubs at residential, commercial, golf, resort, and municipal properties. Florida supports one of the nation's largest landscaping industries due to its year-round growing season, massive resort sector, and vast HOA communities. Business owners with pesticide licenses command wages significantly above the median.
What does a Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance do in Florida?
Landscapers and grounds maintenance workers plant, maintain, and care for gardens, lawns, trees, and shrubs at residential, commercial, golf, resort, and municipal properties. Florida supports one of the nation's largest landscaping industries due to its year-round growing season, massive resort sector, and vast HOA communities. Business owners with pesticide licenses command wages significantly above the median.
Typical Florida work setting: Outdoor year-round (Florida climate advantage); residential, commercial, golf, resort properties.
Florida salary and job outlook
Estimated Florida median pay for Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance is approximately $36,230 per year. Entry-level Florida pay typically starts near $25,000, with experienced workers earning around $50,000.
Florida’s projected growth for this occupation is approximately 4% through the next decade — in line with broader state and national workforce trends.
Estimated figures based on publicly reported Florida and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Actual pay varies by employer, metro area, experience, and credentials.
How to become a Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance in Florida
- 1. Choose an accredited Florida programLook for a Florida program that prepares you for the LLO pesticide license required if applying pesticides; FNGLA voluntary certification required to work as a Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance. Public technical colleges and state colleges are typically the lowest-cost option; private career schools tend to cost more but may finish faster.
- 2. Complete the trainingMost Florida Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance programs take about OJT; landscape horticulture certificate 1-2 semesters; AS 2 years. Plan around your work and family schedule — many programs offer day, evening, or hybrid options.
- 3. Apply for Florida jobsFlorida employers across the state hire entry-level Landscaper / Grounds Maintenances year-round. Use our Florida school directory to find programs with strong job-placement support and Florida employer relationships.
Requirements & Training
- Credential: LLO pesticide license required if applying pesticides; FNGLA voluntary certification
- Typical program length: OJT; landscape horticulture certificate 1-2 semesters; AS 2 years
- Typical tuition range: $1,500 - $4,000
Career Path
- Crew Member
- Crew Leader
- Supervisor
- Landscape Manager
- Licensed Landscape Contractor
- Business Owner
Top Florida Employers
Related Programs to Look For
- Landscape Horticulture Certificate
- Horticulture Technology AS
- Environmental Horticulture BS
Florida Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance FAQs
Do I need a Florida license to work as a Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance?
Most Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance roles in Florida do not require a state license to start, though employers often prefer candidates who have completed an accredited training program and earned a recognized credential.
How long does it take to become a Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance in Florida?
Most Florida training programs for Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance take about OJT; landscape horticulture certificate 1-2 semesters; AS 2 years. Part-time, evening, and hybrid schedules can extend that timeline; accelerated programs may shorten it.
How much does Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance training cost in Florida?
Typical Florida programs run about $1,500 - $4,000. Public technical and state colleges are usually the lowest-cost route. Financial aid, employer reimbursement, and payment plans are widely available.
What is the average salary for a Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance in Florida?
Estimated Florida median pay for Landscaper / Grounds Maintenances is about $36,230 per year. Entry-level pay is typically lower, and experienced workers in high-demand metros (Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville) can earn meaningfully more.
Where can I study to become a Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance in Florida?
Florida has hundreds of public technical colleges, state colleges, and private career schools that offer training relevant to Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance. Use our Florida school directory to filter by region, cost, and accreditation.
Related Florida careers
Explore more on FloridaCareerFinder: all Florida career guides · take the career-match quiz · get your Free Florida Career Starter Plan.