A&P aviation mechanic in Florida Questions

For Anyone in Florida, I am wondering how long did it take to achieve to be A&P certified and how was the journey? What school did you go to and cost. Any advice and recommendations. I live in Central Florida and I am only 19 and I would love to be an aviation mechanic I’ve been an automotive lube tech for a year and have a passion for cars and the aerospace industry. I’ve seen schooling takes around 18 months and cost around $40k and I am not in a high income family so i may be hard for me to get in financially but I want to hear your opinions.