How to Become a Construction Manager in Florida

So, maybe you want to become a construction manager in Florida.

What does this job entail?

You should know that construction managers take care of almost every aspect of a building project.

You can also call them:

Popular Programs

• Project managers
• General contractors

They usually work with engineers, construction workers, and government officials.

If this is your chosen career path, read the article below for detailed information.

Construction Manager Job Description

A construction manager (CM) is pivotal in orchestrating planning, budgeting, and oversight of building projects.

Their goal is to ensure smooth operations from the project’s inception to completion.

Some firms may consider hiring construction managers with an associate degree and applicable experience.

However, the majority favor candidates with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Project managers have the flexibility to specialize in diverse construction projects.

These are spanning civil, industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural, and institutional domains.

Construction Manager Job Duties in Florida

You might already have a sense of a general contractor’s role, but here are some additional responsibilities to be aware of:

• Overseeing onsite work to ensure everything is built according to the plans
• Hiring workers for various parts of the project
• Ensuring timely delivery of construction materials
• Handling any delays, regardless of the cause
• Writing progress reports for clients
• Keeping the project within budget

Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step

Before you can work as a construction manager, there are a few different steps to complete.

So, let’s have a look at these.

1st Step – Complete Your Education

As previously mentioned, this profession requires a higher level of education than many others.

You’ll typically need to complete a bachelor’s degree program, which spans four years.

During this program, you’ll delve into subjects such as:

• Design
• Structural science
• Engineering
• Materials management
• Economics

Alternatively, you can pursue an associate degree while gaining practical experience.

A high school diploma is often sufficient for those aspiring to work as independent contractors.

2nd Step – Become Licensed

Although a Bachelor’s degree typically suffices, acquiring extra certifications can greatly strengthen your qualifications.

To further enhance your credentials consider obtaining a license and/or certification.

In this industry, you have the opportunity to pursue certifications such as:

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
• LEED Green Associate

Florida’s Construction Manager Training Programs

So, what are some of the courses in this field that you can attend in Florida?

Let’s have a look!

Florida Tech

The institute’s construction management BS degree program was crafted to ensure students are ready for vertical and horizontal construction careers.

The 2 areas of expertise belong, respectively, to:

• Buildings
• Highways and Civil

The curriculum focuses on developing technical, managerial, and communication skills essential for the field.

You can only attend classes in person.

There are 122 credit hours for you to accumulate before graduation.

Each semester has between 13 and 17 credit hours.

To attend this program full-time, you must pay $44,620 per year, but you could qualify for financial aid.

One highlight of the program is the senior design project.

For it, you’ll collaborate with your peers to conceptualize, design, and present a construction project addressing a real-world need.

After finishing this bachelor’s degree program you can pursue a master’s degree, still at Florida Tech.

Florida Gulf Coast University

The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management at Florida Gulf Coast University focuses on the:

• Practical application of cutting-edge technology,
• Innovative practices,
• Industry-tested tools and procedures.

Construction Management students acquire the expertise they need for a successful career.

Students also receive hands-on training in concrete, pun non-intended, lab assignments.

One important skill you’ll develop through this bachelor’s program is communicating while wearing hearing protection gear.

You’ll have to accumulate at least 123 credits in total.

You’ll also need a GPA of 2.0 to graduate.

When ready to graduate, you must write a graduation application before the deadline listed for the academic year.

Construction Manager Salary in Florida

You might be interested in the salary aspect after reading about a construction manager’s role through this article.

As a manager, your income typically surpasses that of your team members but falls below that of your superiors.

In Florida, construction managers make approximately $126,906 annually.

Some cities offer the potential for higher earnings, so refer to the table below for detailed information.

Regional Salary in Florida

Construction Manager Schools by State