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We hope the information included on this page has answered your questions about starting an educational institution in Florida. Still needing assistance with your school application? We are accredited by the Better Business Bureau with a BBB A+ Rating. Count on us for help with your career school needs.
Request a free consultation by calling 786-618-2277, emailing [email protected], or completing the free session request form. We are readily available to help you start a vocational school or college in Florida and provide a consultation on continued compliance.
Getting Started
Considering opening a vocational school or college in Florida? Learn the basics to get started with the Commission for Independent Education (CIE) application to obtain a license to operate.
Start a Vocational School or College in Florida
THE PROCESS
Starting a vocational school or college in Florida requires obtaining a license that will allow your institution to offer degree, diploma, or certificate programs. The new institution application process includes 10 steps from planning to approval:
- Prepare a business plan and projected budget
- Register a Florida corporation
- Lease or own a Florida campus location
- Secure financial resources
- Purchase instruction and operation equipment
- Secure services and affiliation agreements
- Hire faculty and administrative personnel
- Submit the application, 24 exhibits, and fees
- Satisfy all application review requests
- The commission votes and grants the license
APPLICATION DUE DATES
There are six due dates annually for new institution applications:
- January 1st
- March 1st
- May 1st
- July 1st
- September 1st
- November 1st
On average, the licensing process takes 6 to 9 months for a complete well-prepared application. The commission expects applications to include all required exhibits. Let us help you prepare a winning package.
APPLICATION EXHIBITS LIST
Ready to learn more? Visit our Florida school application exhibits list page. Download the free reference guide. Understanding the exhibits required with the application is the first step in sizing this project's scope.
WATCH THE MAY 2024 MEETING LIVE
The May meeting will be held on the 30th & 31st and is open to the public. Visit our CIE May 2024 Commission Meeting page for information regarding the agendas and weblinks.
THE NEW SCHOOL APPLICATION
Visit Open a School or College in Florida for a review of the application and approval process with the Florida Department of Education. This page includes answers to common initial application questions, Florida Board requirements, and recommended homework to complete before starting the application process.
COMPLETING THE APPLICATION STEP-BY-STEP
Visit How to Complete CIE New Institution Application for a review of the 24 exhibits and submission process. This page includes tips on avoiding common mistakes and links to tutorial videos for many of the items.
COMMISSION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For answers to the commission's most common questions, visit our Florida Commission for Independent Education page. Among others, it includes the commission scope and responsibilities, the 2023 calendar, the difference between licensing and accreditation, and what to expect after initial approval.
Interested in learning more? Visit the following pages for information on relevant topics for school owners:
- Florida Commission FAQ
- Open a School or College in Florida
- How to Complete New CIE Application
- New Florida Application Exhibits
- Florida Consulting Services
- Watch CIE's May 2024 Meeting Live
- Resources for School Owners
- Top 10 List of School Visit Deficiencies
- Achieving Accreditation in 4 Milestones
- Accreditation Eligibility Requirements
- Getting Started with Accreditation
- SEVP Certification I-20 Visas
Related Pages
We have helped many new Florida school owners obtain their career school and college licenses. Visit our Florida Consulting Page for a complete list of the services readily available to assist you. We can help you with the entire application process, including the planning, preparing the application documents, and operations training. Schedule a complimentary consultation today.
We are ready to assist you with your
- Florida vocational school, college, university
- Allied health school: Medical Assisting, Patient Care Technician (PCT), HHA, Phlebotomy, EKG
- Beauty school: Cosmetology, Barber, Nail, Facial, Electrology, Laser, Massage
- Degree-granting, online, and hybrid school
- English as a Second Language (ESL) school
- Nursing program applications
- Renewals, adding programs
- Change of ownership, adding a new campus
New Florida School Consulting Services
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