How to Become a Travel Agent in Florida

Aspiring travel agents in FL need a thorough understanding of domestic and international travel protocols, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service skills.

With the necessary training and credentials, you can qualify for travel agent jobs in Florida and begin a fun and rewarding career in the travel and tourism industry.

Education and Training

On-the-Job Travel Agent Training

Some Florida travel agents learn the tools of the trade from a manager or senior coworker at a local travel agency. Those who choose to go this route typically receive specific training that applies to that particular company and its clientele. As a result, you usually learn how to:

Conduct phone calls using a pre-written script
Up-sell travel packages and insurance
Create a travel itinerary using various templates and software
Book flights and accommodations based on the traveler’s budget and preferences
Process payments

What Do You Study?

If you enroll in a travel agent program in FL, you’ll likely take classes that sharpen your customer service skills and teach you about the ins and outs of the travel and tourism industry.

Required Courses

Travel agent courses usually educate students about the following:

Geography, cultures, and traditions of various travel destinations
Communication and customer service
Domestic and international travel regulations
Planning methods for government, corporate, and leisure trips
Airline, cruise line, and hotel pricing
Industry-specific computer software
Recordkeeping and organization
Sales and marketing techniques
Networking with hospitality and tourism professionals
Managing solo and group vacations

Students hoping to one day open their own travel agencies might consider taking business classes to develop their advertising, accounting, and international business skills.

How Long are Travel Agent Training Programs?

Most students complete their training in about one month, though the exact time frame differs across employers and schools. A diploma or certificate program for travel agents in FL might take anywhere from six to 12 weeks to complete. Meanwhile, those pursuing a hospitality or tourism degree typically finish school in two, four, or six years.

How Much Does it Cost?

Program costs for travel agent schools in FL vary by institution. Some trade school courses cost as little as $400, while others may require students to spend closer to $800. An associate’s degree program might cost as much as $1,900. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in hospitality and tourism typically range between $25,000 and $35,000.

Florida Travel Agent Requirements

High school graduates and GED recipients can qualify for travel agent jobs in Florida, even if they lack an official credential or license. However, in order to comply with the state’s Seller of Travel law, they must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

FDACS Registration

To complete your registration, you’ll need to take the following steps:

Fill out a registration form
Obtain a surety bond of up to $25,000 for proof of assurance
Pay a nonrefundable $300 fee and submit your registration form

Additional Requirements

Some travel agents offer vacation certificates to travelers looking for additional perks, such as discounted transportation services or complimentary meals. If you’re planning to provide these benefits for your clients, you’ll need to pay a $100 document submission fee and increase the value of your surety bond to $50,000.

Freelance Agents and Travel Company Owners

New hires fall under their employer’s registration, so you can avoid this step if you plan on working for an established travel agency. However, freelance agents and travel company owners will need to register with the FDACS before they can legally conduct business in Florida.

Travel Agent Salaries in FL

How Much Can You Make?

A typical travel agent salary in Florida is about $40,890 per year. Depending on which part of the state you live in, your earnings may be slightly higher or lower than the average. Check out this list of regional travel agent salary information for Florida to determine how much you might make based on where you live:

Jacksonville $41,153
Fort Myers $39,442
Tampa $37,957
Daytona Beach $40,683
Naples $47,019
Tallahassee $37,769
Miami $44,274

Agents who work with high-profile clientele might earn salaries closer to $60,000 or more. Freelancers might be able to make $50,000 or so per year, depending on their rates and how many clients they can get. Meanwhile, those who open their own travel agencies may make as much as $70,000 annually or more.

Travel Agent Certification

Although obtaining an official travel agent credential is option in Florida, those who become certified travel agents or associates (CTA) might have an easier time finding travel agent jobs in Florida than uncertified applicants. Consider obtaining a travel agent license through one of the following agencies:

Job Description

What Do They Do?

Travel agents plan and book business and leisure trips for groups and individuals. Depending on whether their client is traveling in the U.S. or internationally, a travel agent may be responsible for:

Planning an itinerary of travel destinations and activities
Offering travel insurance, travel packages, and all-inclusive resort stays to increase commission payments
Booking flights and accommodations based on the traveler’s standards and budget
Making restaurant reservations
Purchasing tickets for travelers who want to attend concerts, plays, and other events during their trips
Arranging car rentals, ferry rides, and other transportation options for travelers to use during their vacations
Answering emails and phone calls from clients during their trips
Making adjustments to the itinerary as needed
Handling issues like lost passports, missed flights, and booking errors

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for travel agent jobs is likely to increase by about 20 percent over the next decade. Because of this projected growth rate, those with the proper travel agent training and credentials may have an easy time finding work between 2021 and 2031.