The travel industry is experiencing a major boom. Learn what it takes to become a travel agent in FL.
Training Courses Near You
With the necessary training and credentials, you can become a travel agent in Florida and begin a fun and rewarding career in the travel and tourism industry.
How Will These Courses Help You?
The main goal of the course is to help you achieve obtain TAP certification (Travel Agent Proficiency) from the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA).
What Do You Study?
These classes will help you sharpen your customer service skills and teach you about the ins and outs of the travel and tourism industry.
You will learn about the following:
- World travel destinations
- Customer service
- Planning methods for government, corporate, and leisure trips
- Airline, cruise line, and hotel pricing
- Industry-specific computer software
- Recordkeeping and organization
- How market yourself
- Professional development
- Managing solo and group vacations
How Long are Travel Agent Training Programs?
100 course hours which may take about 6 months. But since the course in online based, you can control how fast you go.
How Much Does it Cost?
$2,300, but you can finance which comes to about $110 per month.
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 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:
- The Travel Institute
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)
- The Travel Agent Campus
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
Travel Agent Salaries in FL
A typical travel agent salary in Florida is about $46,540 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $24.96 | $51,920.00 |
|---|---|---|
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $22.78 | $47,390.00 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $20.84 | $43,350.00 |
| Gainesville | $22.21 | $46,210.00 |
| Jacksonville | $23.58 | $49,040.00 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $24.24 | $50,420.00 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island | $25.55 | $53,150.00 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton | $24.58 | $51,130.00 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $19.49 | $40,550.00 |
| Panama City | $18.14 | $37,730.00 |
| Port St. Lucie | $23.07 | $47,980.00 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $22.81 | $47,430.00 |
Occupation: Travel Agents(SOC code 413041)
source: data.bls.gov
Salaries for travel agents in Florida range from $18 to $29 per hour, depending on experience and job responsibilities.
Freelancers might be able to make $50,000 or so per year, depending on their rates and how many clients they can get.
Agents who work with high-profile clientele might earn salaries closer to $60,000 or more.
Meanwhile, those who open their own travel agencies may make as much as $70,000 annually or more.
Independent travel agents, like those working with Carlisle Travel Management, earn commission-based income, with top performers making up to $25,000 per month.
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
Hiring Criteria for Travel Agents in Florida
Essential Skills and Qualifications
Employers in Florida seek travel agents with a mix of technical expertise, customer service skills, and industry knowledge. Companies like ADTRAV Travel Management and JPMorgan Chase Travel prioritize agents who can manage corporate and international travel, requiring proficiency in Global Distribution Systems (GDS) such as Sabre or Amadeus.
A high school diploma or GED is typically required, but prior experience in booking domestic and international travel is a major advantage.
For roles with companies such as House of Travel and Fisher Investments, fluency in travel regulations, airline policies, and destination knowledge is essential. These employers value agents who can negotiate with vendors, handle last-minute changes, and assist high-profile clients with complex itineraries.
Corporate vs. Leisure Travel Opportunities
Florida offers travel agent positions in corporate, luxury, and leisure travel. ADTRAV Travel Management and RER Solutions Inc. specialize in corporate travel, requiring agents to coordinate large-scale business trips, incentive programs, and government-related travel. These roles demand attention to detail, adherence to travel policies, and familiarity with federal travel regulations, including the Fly America Act and Open Skies Agreement.
Leisure-focused agencies such as Fast Lane Luxury Travel LLC and Carlisle Travel Management look for agents who understand luxury markets, cruises, and international vacation planning. These roles often involve booking all-inclusive resorts, guided tours, and personalized itineraries while maintaining strong vendor relationships.
Remote and On-Site Work Environments
Many travel agent jobs in Florida are remote, offering flexibility for independent contractors and corporate travel specialists. Companies like Xplore World Agency and Carlisle Travel Management allow agents to work from home while earning commission-based income.
In contrast, employers such as House of Travel and Fisher Investments require agents to work in-office, particularly for roles that involve managing high-value clients or handling in-person travel consultations.
Customer Service and Sales Focus
Strong communication, problem-solving, and sales abilities are critical. Agents at JPMorgan Chase Travel and RER Solutions Inc. must handle customer inquiries, resolve travel disruptions, and maintain a high level of professionalism.
Many employers seek candidates who can up-sell travel packages, promote loyalty programs, and provide personalized recommendations based on client needs.
Crossover with Other Industries
The travel industry in Florida intersects with hospitality, event management, and finance. Roles at Hilton’s Signia Orlando and Fisher Investments require expertise in group reservations, corporate incentive travel, and executive-level service.
Additionally, corporate travel coordinators at RER Solutions Inc. must understand budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with company policies.
Conclusion
Florida employers expect travel agents to be detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and customer-focused. Whether working in corporate travel, luxury vacation planning, or remote consulting, agents need strong GDS experience, industry knowledge, and negotiation skills.
With a mix of on-site, remote, and hybrid opportunities, Florida offers diverse career paths for travel professionals seeking stability, flexibility, or high-earning potential.