According to the Bureau of Labor, Florida is the #3 state in the nation for Interior Design employment.
Education and Training
To get started, you need to completing an interior design program is a necessary part of joining the profession.
Trade Schools with Interior Design Classes
- Daytona Beach
- Jacksonville
- Clearwater, St. Petersburg
Daytona College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
Florida State College at Jacksonville (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Interior Design Technology at FSCJ prepares students for careers in interior design through a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical training, and real-life experience. The program covers a range of skills, including textile characteristics, computer-aided drafting, space planning, and color selection, culminating in a 180-hour professional internship. Accredited by various industry associations, graduates are eligible to take the NCIDQ exam and pursue certifications like LEED Associate and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. This 75-credit hour program offers some hybrid courses but cannot be completed entirely online and is eligible for financial aid.
Pinellas Technical College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Interior Decorating Services program is a 1,050-hour, hands-on training course designed to develop industry skills in home staging, color consulting, space planning, CAD drafting, and kitchen and bath design. Students gain expertise in sustainability practices, SMART home technology, and entrepreneurship, culminating in a full-home design project and portfolio. Graduates are eligible to sit for the C.I.D. exam from Certified Interior Decorators International, earning the Professional Certified Interior Decorator credential.
How Much Does It Cost?
The online programs above cost about $2,300. However, those looking to attend a four-year college can expect to pay upwards of $20,000. Costs may increase if a person is from out of state.
How Long Does It Take?
Most online programs, such as the ones above, are self paced and can take 6 months or less.
Most interior design jobs in the state of Florida require a person to have completed an accredited four-year interior design program.
What Do You Study?
While in school, students will learn about concepts such as:
- Interior design technology
- Space planning
- Furniture design
- Textiles
- Color theory
- Blueprint drawing
How Will You Benefit?
Certification
Getting a certification from a technical college, vocational school, or online program can be a good first step on your journey to becoming an interior designer. You can earn some interior design certifications in under a year.
The online course above preps students for the Designer Society of America’s Residential Interior Designer certification exam.
Florida Interior Designer Requirements
Unlike some other states, Florida requires a person to be licensed to work as an interior designer. Individuals who want to become licensed in FL must pass the Council for Interior Design (CIDQ) exam.
Accreditation Requirements
In order to be able to take the test, you must have a four-year interior design degree that is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
In addition to having a four-year degree, a person looking to take the CIDQ must also have two years of full-time work experience, which they can receive while working under a professionally licensed interior designer.
The CIDQ Exam
The CIDQ exam is made up of three sections:
- The Interior Design Fundamentals Exam
- The Interior Design Professional Exam
- The Practicum Exam
Test-takers must pay an application fee of $225 as well as an additional fee for each exam.
Average Salary Range
- $49,392: Salary.com
- $51,277: ZipRecruiter.com
- $64,880: Bureau of Labor Statistics
- $67,650: Indeed.com
Below are salaries for each major metro area of the state:
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $29.21 | $60,750 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $27.34 | $56,870 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $26.15 | $54,400 |
| Gainesville | $31.40 | $65,310 |
| Jacksonville | $30.21 | $62,840 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $29.72 | $61,820 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $32.43 | $67,450 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island | $37.10 | $77,160 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton | $30.66 | $63,770 |
| Ocala | $27.25 | $56,680 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $30.30 | $63,030 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | $25.79 | $53,630 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | $26.45 | $55,020 |
| Port St. Lucie | $26.18 | $54,450 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach | $26.17 | $54,430 |
| Tallahassee | $26.13 | $54,360 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $31.04 | $64,570 |
Occupation: Interior Designers (SOC Code271025)
source: data.bls.gov
Career Overview
Job Description
Interior designers are responsible for ensuring that indoor spaces are beautiful, safe, and functional. These workers use decorative items, lighting, and color to create spaces that adhere to a client’s vision. Designers also need to be able to read, draw, and edit blueprints as well as know building codes, inspection regulations, and accessibility standards.
Some roles that a person with an interior design background can fill are:
- Interior Designer
- Interior Design Assistant
- Consultant
- Space Planner
What Do They Do?
Some of the specific tasks that an interior designer may be responsible for are:
- Work with the client to determine requirements for the project
- Consider how the space will be used, whether residential or commercial
- Sketch design plans
- Choose materials and furnishings for the space
- Create a timeline and budget for a specific project
- Place orders for all necessary materials
- Oversee installation of materials and design elements
- Oversee constructions and coordinate with building contractors
- Visit project site after completion to ensure client is happy
- Search for and bid on new projects
What Employers in Florida Are Looking for in an Interior Designer
The interior design industry in Florida is thriving, with opportunities ranging from healthcare and residential projects to commercial and hospitality design. Employers across the state are seeking highly skilled, creative, and technically proficient professionals who can bring innovative design concepts to life while meeting the functional and aesthetic needs of their clients. Companies such as Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville), Traditions Classic Home Furnishings (Naples), CID Design Group (Naples), and AT Studio (Parkland) highlight key skills and attributes necessary for success in this field.
Key Skills and Responsibilities Sought by Florida Employers
1. Design Software Proficiency
- Employers expect designers to be proficient in industry-standard design software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3ds Max.
- Mayo Clinic specifically requires experience with Revit and AutoCAD to assist in the planning and execution of hospital interiors.
- AT Studio in Parkland emphasizes proficiency in SketchUp, Rhinoceros 3D, and Bluebeam for project management and rendering purposes.
2. Space Planning & Functional Design
- Interior designers must have a strong understanding of space utilization, layout efficiency, and ergonomic considerations.
- CID Design Group specializes in multi-family and hospitality interior design, requiring designers to create layouts that maximize both aesthetic appeal and practicality.
- Mayo Clinic focuses on enhancing the function and quality of medical spaces while ensuring compliance with hospital design standards.
3. Material & Product Selection
- Employers require designers to source and specify materials, furnishings, and fixtures.
- Traditions Classic Home Furnishings prioritizes an eye for high-end furniture, textiles, and accessories to complement its upscale clientele.
- CID Design Group includes experience with furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE), requiring designers to be familiar with procurement, product research, and custom artwork selection.
4. Project Management & Client Collaboration
- Interior designers must be adept at managing projects from concept through execution, often working with contractors, vendors, and architects.
- AT Studio emphasizes managing remodeling and renovation projects, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budget constraints.
- CID Design Group values designers who can travel for on-site project installations across the U.S.
5. Communication & Presentation Skills
- Employers seek designers who can effectively communicate design ideas through digital presentations, mood boards, and 3D visualizations.
- Mayo Clinic prioritizes strong verbal and written communication to collaborate with multiple departments and stakeholders.
- Traditions Classic Home Furnishings values designers with excellent client-facing skills, as the role involves direct engagement with high-end residential customers.
Crossover into Other Disciplines
While interior designers primarily work in aesthetics and functionality, their skill sets often overlap with other industries, including:
- Architecture & Urban Planning: Professionals with a background in space planning and AutoCAD/Revit can transition into architectural support roles.
- Retail & Furniture Sales: High-end furniture stores, such as Traditions Classic Home Furnishings, require designers to assist clients in curating home decor and furniture selections.
- Project Management & Construction: Firms like AT Studio involve designers in remodeling, renovation, and lighting sales, which provides crossover potential into construction management.
- Hospitality & Commercial Design: Companies like CID Design Group offer opportunities to work in luxury hotels, resorts, and multi-family developments, blending interior design with branding and marketing.
Top Employers and Their Unique Offerings
- Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville, FL)
- Specializes in healthcare interior design, focusing on functional and efficient hospital spaces.
- Offers competitive salaries ($61,380 – $82,867 per year) and a robust benefits package, including retirement plans and health insurance.
- Requires proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD.
- Traditions Classic Home Furnishings (Naples, FL)
- Focuses on luxury home furnishings and interior design.
- Competitive salary range ($50,000 – $100,000 per year) with 401(k) matching, flexible schedules, and paid time off.
- Prioritizes candidates with a strong design aesthetic and customer service skills.
- CID Design Group (Naples, FL)
- Specializes in multi-family, hospitality, and commercial interiors.
- Offers profit-sharing, paid continuing education, and travel opportunities.
- Seeks candidates with experience in FFE procurement, AutoCAD, and digital presentations.
- AT Studio (Parkland, FL – Hybrid Work)
- Works on remodeling, renovation, and lighting design projects.
- Competitive salary range ($63,652 – $71,294 per year) with 401(k), health benefits, and flexible scheduling.
- Requires proficiency in SketchUp, 3ds Max, and Bluebeam.
Conclusion
Florida’s interior design industry offers diverse opportunities across healthcare, residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. Employers such as Mayo Clinic, CID Design Group, AT Studio, and Traditions Classic Home Furnishings seek professionals with a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and project management skills. With cross-disciplinary potential in architecture, project management, and luxury retail, interior designers in Florida can expand their careers beyond traditional design roles into construction, branding, and hospitality design.