Frequently Asked Questions About Our Courses

How old do I have to be to bartend in South Florida?

In Florida (and most states) it is 18 to serve (21 to drink). Go figure!

Do I need a license to bartend in South Florida?

Some people call it a license, others call it a certification. Bartending schools that are state licensed must provide their students with this diploma upon graduation. Unfortunately all unlicensed bartending schools and on-line bartending school scams also provide a diploma. The diploma and unfortunately the poor training at these schools are the result of the bad stigma regarding bartending schools in general. Although a bartending school certification is not a requirement by law in most states, including Florida, some establishments will ask for it; however, personality, knowledge, confidence and efficiency behind the bar are the real attributes that the manager/owner is looking for in a bartender. Certification without the necessary training is like rowing a boat without a paddle. Which is why we stress that you research bartending schools first; look for a school that is not only state licensed, but more importantly, also provides up-to-date industry training.

What should I look for when choosing a bartending school in South Florida?

If you are reading the FAQ's then we applaud you - you are actually researching your options, and that is very important when choosing a bartending school. Too many people take it for granted that all bartending schools are the same, far from it; the level of training can vary immensely from one school to another. So when choosing a bartending school we suggest you compare several schools both in your neighborhood and other cities - remember you are looking for the bartending school with the best training, which may not necessarily be the school nearest to where you live!

Research bartending schools on-line and choose at least two or three schools. You may have to travel Check to see if the school is licensed by the Florida Commission of Independent Education. A licensed school provides students with protection, such as tuition refunds, available through the State’s Tuition Refund Account. Licensed bartending schools also have a formal complaint process, whereas unlicensed schools, on-line bartending schools and bartending agencies, do not provide real training or job placement assistance. Unlicensed schools rarely invest money into their institution because they are closed when the education department gets wind of them. Unlicensed bartending schools, agencies and associations have a tendency to move around using different names.The following link www.fldoe.org/cie/SearchSchools/ lists all licensed bartending schools in South Florida. The New York Bartending School of South Florida is License #3301.
Inquire if they offer a hand-on trial class (an excellent way to see the facilities and evaluate the quality of training). Review the school's training manual to make sure it's up-to-date. You don't want to be wasting your time learning obsolete drinks like the Pink Squirrel, Golden Cadillac, Angels Tip, and King Alphonse. Once you've done your research, make a visit to the two or three bartending schools that you have narrowed your choice down to. Physically check out each school. Do they have the atmosphere of a real bar? Are they fully equipped with all the modern equipment? Are the classes overcrowded or too large in comparison to the number of stations. By visiting several schools, you will be able to make an informed and educated decision as to which bartending school provides you the best value for your money. If you REALLY want to find the best bartending school for you, simply sit in on the beginning of a new class and again on the final day when students are taking their graduation test. This is a great way to see how good (or not) the students are. Also a good time to talk to the students!
Modern bartending schools provide seminars in wine, spirits, beer, alcohol awareness, POS/micros registers, opening closing procedures, alcohol awareness, customer service, etc. It's not only about making the drinks, it's about the complete skill set you need to create and build a career in bartending. So do your homework, research your options!
A realistic and honest job placement assistance program. The degree of job placement assistance offered by any trade school varies immensely, but none can guarantee you a job; apart from being illegal for trade schools to do so, it is also impossible, as it is the manager or owner that does the hiring, not the school! If a school guarantees you a job after graduation proceed with extreme caution. A good school will provide a solid job hunting seminar, one-on-one assistance and a job placement site that posts real job leads.

What should I Avoid when Choosing a Bartending School in South Florida?

Unlicensed schools & on-line bartending schools!
Classifieds that offer bogus jobs for a fee (agencies, associations and unions). There is no such thing as a Bartenders Union!
Bogus review sites like the floridabartendingpoll.com; an anonymous fictitious web site owned by a unscrupulous chain bartending school owner to self-promote his own school!

What if I do not pass the test?

Not a problem. Not all of our students pass the test the first time! Our curriculum is much more comprehensive than most bartending schools, but not to worry, we will work with you until you get it. You can also take the course over again - as many times as you wish, at no additional fee. So you can be as good as you want to be! If you take a break from bartending for a few years and want to take a refresher course, then you can, at no additional fee.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes we do! Interest free! Make an appointment to visit the school and we will be happy to work out a payment plan that suits you and your budget!

Do you offer flexible schedules?

We offer classes at a variety of times so you can fit it into your schedule. Mornings, afternoons, full-days, Evenings and weekends. You can even mix and match, as well as retake the course as many times as you wish at no additional fee! Feel free to call us to talk about working out a schedule that works for you, or drop by the school. No appointment is needed!

I do not drink and know nothing about alcohol. Can I still learn?

Most of our students start out with little or no knowledge of alcohol, yet most graduate the first time they take the course. It all boils down to a comprehensive curriculum and unique training from qualified instructors. If you are not ready, no problem, you can retake part or the entire course as many times as you want, whenever you want, and you will never have to pay another dime!

Ready to start your bartending training? Register today by calling 954.568.2676

Call us at: (954) 568-2676

South Florida Bartending School

New York Bartending School of South Florida

1149 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 www.southfloridabartendingschool.com