Florida has 13 schools with baking or pastry programs. Eight technical colleges offer 600-hour career certificates, in Bradenton, Clearwater, Davie, Eustis, Kissimmee, Miami, Ocala, and Tallahassee. Valencia College in Orlando, Daytona State College, and Pensacola State College offer college-credit certificates, and Valencia, Keiser University in Sarasota, and Florida Education Institute in Coral Gables offer associate degrees.
Schools publish their costs on different bases. Florida resident tuition for a 600-hour certificate runs from about $1,536 to $1,752, but lab fees, books, and supplies can more than double that, and several schools publish a fuller program total instead. Most programs require training in campus kitchens.
Baking and Pastry Programs at a Glance
| School | Location | Programs, Credits and Estimated Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona State College | Daytona Beach | Baking and Pastry Arts A.S. Certificate: 35 credits – about $3,583 |
| Florida Education Institute | Coral Gables | Pastry and Baking Arts Diploma: 48 credits Pastry and Baking Management A.A.S.: 94 credits |
| Keiser University | Sarasota | Baking and Pastry Arts A.S.: 72 credits |
| Lake Technical College | Eustis | Baking and Pastry Arts Career Certificate: 600 clock hours – about $1,728 |
| Lively Technical College | Tallahassee | Baking and Pastry Arts Career Certificate: 600 clock hours – about $2,797 |
| Manatee Technical College | Bradenton | Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate: 600 clock hours – about $4,207 |
| Marion Technical College | Ocala | Baking and Pastry Arts Career Certificate: 600 clock hours – about $3,532 |
| McFatter Technical College | Davie | Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate: 600 clock hours – about $2,609 |
| Osceola Technical College | Kissimmee | Baking and Pastry Arts Career Certificate: 600 clock hours – about $7,295 |
| Pensacola State College | Pensacola | Advanced Technical Certificate in Baking and Pastry: 15 credits – about $1,569 |
| Pinellas Technical College | Clearwater | Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate: 600 clock hours – about $3,990 |
| Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College | Miami | Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate: 600 clock hours – about $1,536 |
| Valencia College | Orlando | Baking and Pastry Management A.S.: 60 credits – about $6,184 Baking and Pastry Arts Technical Certificate: 35 credits – about $3,607 Baking and Pastry Specialist Technical Certificate: 18 credits – about $1,855 Pastry Chef’s Apprentice Technical Certificate: 12 credits – about $1,237 |
Each figure uses the school’s own published basis for Florida residents, before financial aid, so the figures are not directly comparable. Lake’s and Robert Morgan’s are tuition only. Lively’s is tuition plus the school’s listed fees, before required shoes and pants. McFatter’s is its published resident total for tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Manatee’s is its estimated program total, which adds lab and other fees, books, and uniform items to tuition. Marion’s is its 2026–27 estimated resident total, and Pinellas’s is the total of required items on its July 2026 cost sheet. Osceola’s is the school’s posted estimate, which is not itemized and does not state a residency basis. Daytona State’s is in-state tuition and fees from its 2025–26 program guide, before lab fees, a pastry kit, uniforms, and a textbook. Valencia’s and Pensacola State’s are the resident per-credit rate multiplied by the program’s credits, before lab and course fees. Keiser does not publish a program tuition figure, and Florida Education Institute’s published tuition comes from an earlier catalog year, so no figure is shown for either. Nonresident rates, where published, appear in each profile.
Which Florida Baking Program May Fit You?
Earn a 600-Hour Career Certificate
Eight technical colleges teach a 600-hour baking and pastry certificate, usually in two 300-hour stages: Lake Technical College in Eustis, Lively Technical College in Tallahassee, Manatee Technical College in Bradenton, Marion Technical College in Ocala, McFatter Technical College in Davie, Osceola Technical College in Kissimmee, Pinellas Technical College in Clearwater, and Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College in Miami. Several list about six months of full-time study, while Lake estimates approximately 39 weeks.
Study in the Evening
McFatter Technical College lists its classes on Monday through Thursday evenings, and Robert Morgan lists both day and evening schedules. Manatee and Marion list weekday daytime classes.
Earn College Credit Without a Full Degree
Daytona State College offers a 35-credit Baking and Pastry Arts A.S. Certificate that typically spans three semesters. Valencia College in Orlando offers technical certificates of 35, 18, and 12 credits that use courses embedded in its A.S. degree.
Earn a Baking Associate Degree
Valencia College offers a 60-credit Baking and Pastry Management A.S. Keiser University offers a 72-credit Baking and Pastry Arts A.S. with a 12-credit externship, and Florida Education Institute lists a 94-credit Pastry and Baking Management A.A.S.
Add a Pastry Specialty After a Culinary Degree
Pensacola State College offers a 15-credit Advanced Technical Certificate in Baking and Pastry for students who have already earned an A.S. in Culinary Management. It is not an entry-level route for a first-time culinary student.
Attend a Private School
Keiser University in Sarasota and Florida Education Institute in Coral Gables are private options. Neither publishes a current program price on its program pages, so request a written quote for the exact program and start date.
Certificate, Diploma, or Associate Degree?
Career Certificates
A 600-hour technical college certificate emphasizes faster entry into practical baking work and is measured in clock hours, not credits. Most require in-person lab attendance. McFatter and Manatee say credit toward a Florida college degree may be available, while Pinellas says no articulation agreement is currently available, so ask before assuming the hours will transfer.
College Credit Certificates
Daytona State’s 35-credit certificate and Valencia’s 35-, 18-, and 12-credit certificates include a broader course plan without a complete associate degree. Pensacola State’s 15-credit advanced certificate requires a prior A.S. in Culinary Management.
Diploma
Florida Education Institute’s Pastry and Baking Arts Diploma runs 36 weeks and 48 credits and is taught in person. Ask which diploma classes apply to its A.A.S. and whether credits transfer to other colleges.
Associate Degrees
An associate degree adds general education, hospitality, management, or extended field experience. Valencia requires 60 credits, Keiser 72, and Florida Education Institute’s A.A.S. lists 94 in its 2025–26 catalog. Students who may later pursue a bachelor’s degree should ask how each school’s credits transfer.
Tuition and Additional Costs
Florida technical colleges charge tuition by the clock hour. The resident rate is $2.92 per hour at Lively and Manatee, or $1,752 for 600 hours, and $2.56 per hour at Robert Morgan. Lab and other fees are charged on top: Pinellas lists $1,662 in lab fees and Lively $800. Nonresident rates are several times higher, at $11.71 per hour at Manatee and $10.25 at Robert Morgan.
College-credit programs charge by the credit. Valencia lists $103.06 per credit for Florida residents and $390.96 for nonresidents, and Pensacola State lists $104.58 and $419.76. Private schools may require a separate quote for tuition, fees, and financing.
Baking students should also budget for:
- Lab and material fees, which can be nearly as large as tuition
- Uniforms, nonslip shoes, and baking tools or a pastry kit
- Food safety certification exams such as ServSafe
- Textbooks and supplies
- Transportation and living expenses
Programs No Longer Listed
Treasure Coast Technical College in Vero Beach lists a Baking & Pastry Arts program, but its public information does not clearly establish a current class schedule and complete costs, so it is not included in the comparison above.
Questions to Ask Before Applying
- Is the exact credential enrolling for the term I want?
- How many hours are spent in a teaching kitchen, and what is the weekly schedule?
- Can I complete a shorter stage and receive a credential?
- What are the total tuition, fees, books, uniforms, tools, and certification costs?
- Does the program qualify for aid, and what charges are due before aid arrives?
- Will these courses or training hours count toward a later associate degree?
Daytona State College
Daytona State College offers a 35-credit Baking and Pastry Arts A.S. Certificate in Daytona Beach that typically spans three semesters. Courses include specialty artisan breads, pastry fundamentals, cakes, chocolate and confections, nutritional baking, sanitation, and purchasing. The 2025–26 program guide lists $3,583 in in-state tuition and fees, with $1,200 in lab fees plus a pastry kit, uniforms, and a textbook beyond that figure.
See the Daytona State College baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Florida Education Institute
Florida Education Institute is a private school in Coral Gables with a 36-week, 48-credit Pastry and Baking Arts Diploma taught in person and a 75-week, 94-credit Pastry and Baking Management A.A.S. described as hybrid with on-campus kitchen labs. Its 2025–26 catalog lists tuition of $19,791 for the diploma and $36,700 for the A.A.S. Those are older catalog prices, so request the current full cost in writing.
See the Florida Education Institute baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Keiser University
Keiser University offers a 72-credit Baking and Pastry Arts A.S. made up of 48 major credits, including a 12-credit externship, and 24 general education credits. The Sarasota program lists American Culinary Federation program accreditation, and the school says the degree cannot be completed entirely online. Keiser does not publish one program tuition figure, so ask for a written campus-specific cost estimate.
See the Keiser University baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Lake Technical College
Lake Technical College in Eustis offers a 600-hour Baking and Pastry Arts career certificate that takes approximately 39 weeks. Its two 300-hour stages, Pastry Cook/Baker and Pastry Chef/Head Baker, move from core production to more advanced work and leadership. Tuition is approximately $1,728 before books and fees, and no online component is listed.
See the Lake Technical College baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Lively Technical College
Lively Technical College in Tallahassee teaches 600 hours of baking and pastry production, covering bakery goods, breads, desserts, confections, and display work. Published resident tuition is $1,752 at $2.92 per hour, and listed fees bring the school’s figures to about $2,797 before required nonslip shoes, black pants, and any separate certification exams.
See the Lively Technical College baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Manatee Technical College
Manatee Technical College in Bradenton offers a full-time daytime 600-hour program on campus that takes about six months and has two 300-hour completion points. It lists Certified Food Protection Manager (ServSafe) as an aligned certification. The school’s $4,207 estimated program total includes more expenses than its $1,752 resident tuition alone.
See the Manatee Technical College baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Marion Technical College
Marion Technical College offers a 600-hour Baking and Pastry Arts program at its extension campus in Ocala, with weekday daytime classes. The school posts a 2026–27 estimated total of $3,531.88 for Florida residents and $8,793.88 for nonresidents, and it lists an information session among its admissions steps.
See the Marion Technical College baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
McFatter Technical College
McFatter Technical College in Davie offers a 600-hour program of about six months with classes on Monday through Thursday evenings. The school calls its delivery traditional: online curriculum supports some academic work, while practical training takes place in commercial kitchens on campus. Its published Florida resident total is $2,609 for tuition, fees, and books and supplies.
See the McFatter Technical College baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Osceola Technical College
Osceola Technical College in Kissimmee lists a 600-hour program of approximately six months in two 300-hour stages. The school posts a $7,294.99 cost estimate without a clear breakdown, and its public class schedule is marked to be determined, so get both in writing before enrolling. Valencia College lists approved Osceola Technical College programs as potential sources of credit toward its Baking and Pastry Management A.S.
See the Osceola Technical College baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Pensacola State College
Pensacola State College offers a 15-credit Advanced Technical Certificate in Baking and Pastry for students who already hold an A.S. in Culinary Management. It is not a stand-alone entry route for a first-time culinary student. At the published resident rate of $104.58 per credit, 15 credits come to about $1,569 before lab fees and supplies.
See the Pensacola State College baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Pinellas Technical College
Pinellas Technical College offers 600 hours of commercial bakery training at its Clearwater campus in two 300-hour courses. Its July 2026 required-cost sheet totals $3,989.96, including $1,752 in tuition and $1,662 in lab fees. The school says distance education is not available and that no articulation agreement is currently available for the program.
See the Pinellas Technical College baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College
Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College in Miami divides its 600 hours into two 300-hour occupational stages and lists both day and evening schedules. Resident tuition is $2.56 per hour, or $1,536 for 600 hours, before application and identification fees, materials, liability insurance, books, kits, and uniforms.
See the Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Valencia College
Valencia College in Orlando offers a 60-credit Baking and Pastry Management A.S. and three technical certificates of 35, 18, and 12 credits that use courses embedded in the degree. Courses cover breads, cakes, chocolates, plated desserts, pastry techniques, and foodservice operations. Valencia lists a Florida resident rate of $103.06 per credit for associate-level courses, with course fees and supplies extra.
See the Valencia College baking profile for curriculum, costs, and admissions details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Florida schools offer baking or pastry programs?
Thirteen schools have published baking or pastry programs: Daytona State College; Florida Education Institute; Keiser University; Lake Technical College; Lively Technical College; Manatee Technical College; Marion Technical College; McFatter Technical College; Osceola Technical College; Pensacola State College; Pinellas Technical College; Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College; and Valencia College.
How long does a baking program take in Florida?
A 600-hour technical college certificate takes about six months at several full-time schools and approximately 39 weeks at Lake Technical College. Daytona State’s 35-credit certificate typically spans three semesters, and Valencia says most of its certificates can be completed in one year or less. Valencia’s A.S. can be completed in as little as two years, Keiser describes an 18-to-24-month full-time path, and Florida Education Institute lists 36 weeks for its diploma and 75 weeks for its A.A.S.
Does Florida offer a baking and pastry associate degree?
Yes. Valencia College offers a 60-credit Baking and Pastry Management A.S., Keiser University a 72-credit Baking and Pastry Arts A.S., and Florida Education Institute a 94-credit Pastry and Baking Management A.A.S.
How much does a baking program cost in Florida?
For Florida residents, tuition for a 600-hour certificate is about $1,536 to $1,752. Schools that publish fuller totals with fees and supplies list from $2,609 at McFatter to $4,207 at Manatee, and Osceola posts an estimate of $7,294.99. At the resident credit rate, Valencia’s 60-credit A.S. is about $6,184 before course fees. Keiser and Florida Education Institute ask students to request current pricing.
Can I study baking online in Florida?
Hands-on production limits fully online options. McFatter calls its delivery traditional despite online curriculum used in some academic activities, Pinellas says distance education is unavailable, and Keiser says its baking A.S. cannot be completed entirely online. Florida Education Institute describes its A.A.S. as hybrid with on-campus kitchens. Ask any school offering online theory how many weekly hours still require attendance in the kitchen.
Do technical college hours count toward an associate degree?
Sometimes. McFatter says graduates may receive credit toward an A.S. or A.A.S. at select Florida state colleges, Manatee says articulation toward Florida public college credits may be available, and Valencia lists approved Osceola Technical College programs as potential sources of credit. Pinellas says no articulation agreement is currently available. Ask for the specific agreement and the number of credits awarded.
Program requirements and costs can change. Confirm all details with the school before applying.