Dog grooming schools in Florida

Florida grooming schools we verified

Details as of Oct 2026 from each school’s own website. Where a school does not post a detail, we leave it out. Prices and schedules change, so confirm with the school.

Woof Gang Academy of Grooming

Ocoee, FL

• Cost (as of Oct 2026): $7,658.93 (Pro Groomer); $11,618.93 (Pet Stylist) [7]
• Length (as of Oct 2026): 300 or 600 hours [8]
• Format (as of Oct 2026): Full-time and part-time [8]
• Credential (as of Oct 2026): Diploma [7]
• Address (as of Oct 2026): 9460 W Colonial Dr, Ocoee, FL 34761 [8]

Visit Woof Gang Academy of Grooming’s website

Southwest Florida Dog Grooming Academy

Cape Coral, FL

• Cost (as of Oct 2026): $8,500 plus $1,100 equipment [2]
• Length (as of Oct 2026): 4.5 months, four days a week [2]
• Format (as of Oct 2026): One-on-one, hands-on [2]
• Credential (as of Oct 2026): Certificate on completion [2]

Visit Southwest Florida Dog Grooming Academy’s website

Dog Groomer Academy

Orlando, FL

• Cost (as of Oct 2026): $9,850 total (Professional Dog Groomer 102) [3]
• Length (as of Oct 2026): 300 hours (Professional Dog Groomer 102) [3]
• Credential (as of Oct 2026): Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (License 6379) [4]
• Address (as of Oct 2026): 3580 Aloma Ave, Suite 1, Winter Park, FL 32792 [5]

Visit Dog Groomer Academy’s website

Academy of Animal Arts & Sciences, LLC

Largo, FL

• Cost (as of Oct 2026): $5,600 tuition ($6,867.50 total) [9]
• Length (as of Oct 2026): 2 or 4 months [9]
• Credential (as of Oct 2026): Diploma; licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (Lic #2118) [10]
• Address (as of Oct 2026): 2600 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32301 [9]

Visit Academy of Animal Arts & Sciences, LLC’s website

Pets Playground Grooming School

Pompano Beach, FL

• Cost (as of Oct 2026): $7,658.93 (Pro Groomer); $11,618.93 (Pet Stylist) [11]
• Length (as of Oct 2026): 300 or 600 hours [12]
• Credential (as of Oct 2026): ACCSC-accredited [12]
• Address (as of Oct 2026): 1294 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 [12]

Visit Pets Playground Grooming School’s website

Merryfield School of Pet Grooming

Fort Lauderdale, FL

• Length (as of Oct 2026): 600 hours, under 8 months full-time [6]
• Format (as of Oct 2026): Full-time or part-time [6]

Visit Merryfield School of Pet Grooming’s website

Schools in nearby states

Alabama 1 verified school

Online programs such as Penn Foster and Groomers University teach the theory, but you still need hands-on practice on real dogs. [18] [19] Compare online programs

Other ways to start grooming in Florida

School is one path. You can also apprentice under an experienced groomer, or start as a bather at a big-box salon that trains on the job. Our national guide to starting in grooming compares each path, the first steps and how to choose a school.

Top Florida grooming shops to learn from

These Florida shops were named a Top Grooming Business by The Daily Groomer. They are good places to ask about bathing roles, jobs or an apprenticeship. We have not confirmed which ones are hiring.

• Dog Groomer Academy (Orlando, Top Grooming Business 2024 and 2025)
• Schnoz Spaw (Haines City, Top Grooming Business 2024 and 2025)
• Scottie Paws Pet Resort & Spa (Miami, Top Grooming Business 2024 and 2025)
• NettaFurryBabies LLC (Orange Park, Top Grooming Business 2024 and 2025)
• Breezy Barks and Bubbles (Palm Beach Gardens, Top Grooming Business 2024 and 2025)
• Diane's Pawfections Pet Spa (Sarasota, Top Grooming Business 2024 and 2025)

See all Florida groomers in our directory · 2025 Top Grooming Businesses in Florida

Florida license rules

We have not yet confirmed whether Florida requires a license for groomers or grooming businesses, so we do not say either way. Before you groom for pay or open a salon, check with the Florida agriculture department and with your city or county about business licenses and zoning.

Rules differ by state. Our national guide explains how some states license grooming businesses.

Certification is different. It is a credential, not a requirement to work. [13] How certification works

What groomers can earn in Florida

BLS does not publish a separate groomer wage. The closest series is Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), which includes groomers along with kennel, shelter and other animal care workers. [14] All industries, OEWS May 2025: [1] [15]

• Median per year ($16.42 per hour): $34,150
• Mean per year ($17.70 per hour): $36,820
• Lowest 10% earned less than: $28,950
• Top 10% earned more than: $50,140

About 17,210 people worked as animal caretakers in Florida. OEWS wage data do not include self-employed workers, so salon owners and independent groomers are not counted. [14]

FAQ

Do I need a license to groom dogs in Florida?

We have not yet confirmed Florida’s rules for groomers and grooming businesses. Before you groom for pay or open a salon, check with the Florida agriculture department and with your city or county.

How much does grooming school cost in Florida?

As of Oct 2026, posted prices from Florida schools in our list: Woof Gang Academy of Grooming: $7,658.93 (Pro Groomer); $11,618.93 (Pet Stylist); Southwest Florida Dog Grooming Academy: $8,500 plus $1,100 equipment; Dog Groomer Academy: $9,850 total (Professional Dog Groomer 102). Other schools in our list do not post prices, so contact them directly. [7]

How long does grooming school take in Florida?

It depends on the school. As of Oct 2026: Woof Gang Academy of Grooming: 300 or 600 hours; Southwest Florida Dog Grooming Academy: 4.5 months, four days a week; Dog Groomer Academy: 300 hours (Professional Dog Groomer 102). [8]

How much do groomers earn in Florida?

BLS does not publish a separate groomer wage. In the May 2025 OEWS estimates, animal caretakers (SOC 39-2021, the group that includes groomers) in Florida had a median annual wage of $34,150, compared with $35,360 for the U.S. These figures do not include self-employed workers. [1]

Sources

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS May 2025, Florida, Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), series OEUS120000000000039202101 to 15, via the BLS Public Data API (checked Oct 26, 2026)
2. Southwest Florida Dog Grooming Academy: swfldoggroomingacademy.com (checked Oct 26, 2026)
3. Dog Groomer Academy: doggroomeracademyfl.com/about-us (checked Oct 26, 2026)
4. Dog Groomer Academy: doggroomeracademyfl.com (checked Oct 26, 2026)
5. Dog Groomer Academy: doggroomeracademyfl.com/florida-dog-groomer-school (checked Oct 26, 2026)
6. Merryfield School of Pet Grooming: merryfield.edu/programs/pet-grooming (checked Oct 26, 2026)
7. Woof Gang Academy of Grooming: woofgangacademyofgrooming.com/pro-groomer-program-florida (checked Oct 26, 2026)
8. Woof Gang Academy of Grooming: woofgangacademyofgrooming.com (checked Oct 26, 2026)
9. Academy of Animal Arts & Sciences, LLC: academyofanimalarts.com/programs.shtml (checked Oct 26, 2026)
10. Academy of Animal Arts & Sciences, LLC: academyofanimalarts.com (checked Oct 26, 2026)
11. Pets Playground Grooming School: petsplayground.edu/pro-groomer-program-florida (checked Oct 26, 2026)
12. Pets Playground Grooming School: petsplayground.edu (checked Oct 26, 2026)
13. The Daily Groomer: How To Get Started In Grooming (survey of 4,000+ groomers)
14. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Animal Care and Service Workers (checked Oct 25, 2026)
15. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS May 2025, United States, Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), series OEUN000000000000039202101 to 15, via the BLS Public Data API (checked Oct 26, 2026)
16. PetSmart Careers: Working in Our Pet Salons (checked Oct 25, 2026)
17. Petco Careers: Grooming careers (checked Oct 25, 2026)
18. Penn Foster: Pet Grooming Certificate (checked Oct 26, 2026)
19. Groomers University: Courses and FAQ (checked Oct 26, 2026)
20. Paragon School of Pet Grooming: home page (checked Oct 26, 2026)
21. Animal Behavior College: home page (checked Oct 26, 2026)
22. NDGAA: NCMG Program
23. NDGAA: NCMG written testing