Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Florida

Florida has one of the largest and fastest-growing healthcare sectors in the country. The state's population of over 22 million includes a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and older than almost any other state (more than 20%, per U.S. Census data). That demographic profile drives enormous healthcare utilization, which in turn creates high demand for the medical billers and coders who process claims and manage revenue cycles.

Major health systems include AdventHealth (headquartered in Altamonte Springs, operating 50+ hospital campuses), HCA Healthcare (numerous Florida hospitals), Baptist Health South Florida, Orlando Health, Tampa General Hospital, and the University of Florida Health system. Florida's network of large physician practices, outpatient surgery centers, and home health agencies adds tens of thousands of additional employers.

Florida doesn't require a state license for medical billing and coding. Certification isn't mandated by law but is effectively required for employment. For an introduction to the field, see What Is Medical Billing and Coding?

Florida offers more medical billing and coding training options than most states. Four IPEDS-reported programs provide a range of price points: University of Central Florida in Orlando ($4,478/yr in-state), Ultimate Medical Academy in Clearwater (the largest MBC program in the country by completions), Rasmussen University in Ocala ($13,452/yr), and Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale ($22,936/yr).

National online programs like Penn Foster ($1,049-$1,869), Western Governors University ($7,710/year), and Purdue University Global ($10,080/year) are also available to Florida residents. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder.

Florida doesn't require a state license for medical billing and coding. Certification is voluntary but functionally required by employers. The CPC ($425-$499) from AAPC is the most widely recognized credential among Florida employers. The CCA ($199-$299) from AHIMA is accessible to career changers. The CBCS (~$117) from NHA covers both billing and coding.

Florida has one of the largest AAPC member populations in the country, with active local chapters in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and other metro areas. Certified coders nationally average $62,689 per year, and those with three or more certifications average $84,414 (AAPC, 2024). See our certification comparison for complete details.

Medical billing and coding professionals in Florida earn an average of $61,676 per year, or approximately $29.65 per hour (AAPC, 2024). That's roughly $11,400 above the national BLS median of $50,250. Florida's lack of state income tax means your take-home pay is higher than the salary figure alone suggests.

Salaries vary by metro area. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach corridor and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area tend to pay the most. Tampa-St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, and the Space Coast also offer strong markets. The BLS projects 7% employment growth nationally from 2024 to 2034, and Florida's outsized population growth suggests local job creation will exceed the national average. For a detailed breakdown, see our Salary Guide.

Florida's healthcare employer base is among the largest in the nation. AdventHealth (50+ hospital campuses), HCA Healthcare (multiple Florida hospitals), Baptist Health South Florida, Orlando Health, Tampa General Hospital, UF Health, and the Cleveland Clinic's Florida facilities are major employers. Florida's senior population generates high demand for coders specializing in Medicare billing and risk adjustment coding (HCC), which is particularly relevant given the state's large Medicare Advantage enrollment.

Remote work is common, with approximately 65.7% of medical coders working from home full time (AAPC, 2024). Florida residents benefit from no state income tax, which makes remote salaries from national employers especially attractive. Companies like Optum, Datavant, The Coding Network, and AGS Health all hire remote coders from Florida. For more, see our remote jobs guide.