Florida’s skilled labor shortage is caused by an aging workforce, declining interest in trades, restrictive immigration laws, and stagnant wages, resulting in slower construction, higher costs, and rising demand for young skilled workers. Skilled Trades Are Vanishing in Florida, but the Payoffs Are Rising Florida’s skilled trades are in trouble. Over 40% of the workforce is close to retirement, and not enough young people are getting into construction, electrical, HVAC, or plumbing jobs.  The result? Long delays, worker burnout, rising prices, and a huge opportunity. Here’s what’s causing the shortage: Schools have pushed college over trades for years Many apprentices drop out before they finish Immigration laws have cut out a large chunk of the workforce Wages and work conditions haven’t kept up with what workers expect But there’s opportunity too.  Trades like carpentry, roofing, welding, and HVAC are paying six figures to those who show up, learn fast, and work hard.  You can start small, grow fast, and even build your own business. Florida doesn’t just need workers, it needs future leaders. This guide shows you what’s broken, what’s possible, and how to go from apprentice to owner, step by step, whether you’re just starting or ready to level