Firefighter, Firesafety Inspector, Fire Investigator

In the State of Florida, in order to obtain employment as a Firefighter, you must first obtain state certification. To be certified (or employed) as a Firefighter in the State of Florida, an individual must submit an Application for Certification as a Firefighter, and successfully complete the Firefighter Minimum Standards Course, or have received an equivalent amount of training in another state (or country), and pass the state written and practical examinations, as required by State Statute.

Presently, the Firefighter Standards Course - is a 360 hour course of study(160hrs Firefighter 1; 200hrs Firefighter 2). The first 160-hours is equivalent to NFPA Firefighter I. The following 200-hours is equivalent to NFPA Firefighter II. It encompasses classroom study and actual fire simulation drills. At the conclusion of the course, the student must successfully pass the written and practical exams. This will enable the student to apply to test the state exam. The state exam consists of a written and practical exam.

Firefighter Certification and the qualifications for employment as a firefighter are governed by Florida State Statutes. State Statute 633.34 outlines the minimum qualifications required for employment. State Statute 633.35 outlines the minimum requirements for Firefighter and Forestry Firefighter training and certification.

To become a State certified firefighter, you must -

• Be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D. certificate.
• Be 18 years of age or older prior to taking the state certification test.
• No felony convictions or misdemeanor directly related to the position of employment sought, nor have pled nolo contendere to any charge of a felony.
• Submit a fingerprint card to the division with a current processing fee. The fingerprint card will be forwarded to the Department of Law Enforcement and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
• Have a good moral character as determined by investigation under procedure established by the division.
• Be in good physical condition, determined by an examination by a medical doctor.
• Be a nonuser of tobacco or tobacco products for at least 1 year immediately preceding application, as evidenced by the sworn affidavit of the applicant.
• Successfully complete the Required Recruit Training - (Minimum Standards Course).

EMT, Paramedic
To become a State certified EMT or Paramedic,
Successfully complete the required EMT or Paramedic Curriculum offered through many Community Colleges or State approved training centers throughout the State.

EMT Programs consist of a minimum of 110 hours with not less than 20 hours of supervised clinical experience (at least ten of which is spent in a hospital emergency room). Also field experience is required aboard a permitted EMS vehicle resulting in patient transports. Paramedic programs consist of a minimum of 700 hours. Field experience must be done on a permitted ALS vehicle.

Many of the Fire Departments in Florida are involved in providing Emergency Medical Services to some extent. Some departments provide EMS First Responders only, others provide EMT level response, others provide ALS response, and some provide BLS & ALS treatment & transportation services to their community.

FL Dept. of Health
Florida Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C18
Tallahassee, FL 32311-1738
Telephone: (850) 245-4440 
Fax: (850) 488-9408

Initial Certification Requirements
Course completion certificate within the last 12 months from an approved Florida training program. Possess a current professional level CPR for EMTs or ACLS Card for paramedics. Take and pass the appropriate exam given by the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians.

Out-of-State and Military Reciprocity Requirements
Hold a current out-of-state certification or be currently Nationally Registered, and
Possess a current professional level CPR for EMTs or ACLS Card for paramedics.
Take and pass the appropriate exam given by the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians.

Applications must be sent to:
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
4025 Bald Cypress Way Bin C18
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1738

Examination Information
EMT examination moves to a computer based system. Application fee is $35.00.
Download the application here - CLICK HERE

ATTENTION FLORIDA CERTIFIED EMT'S/PARAMEDICS
An address correction is to be forwarded to the Bureau of EMS within 10 days
of an address change per sections 64E-2.008 & .009, Florida Administrative Code.
A name change document (to include SSN and JT/JA file number) is to be mailed to:
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C18
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1738
Duplicate certificates may be acquired by submitting a written request, to include your SSN or JT/JA number, current addresses and a $6.00 fee for the duplicate card.

Recertification Requirements
All Florida certified EMT's and paramedics must recertify biennially during even numbered years.
Each must submit a recert application, fee(s), and must satisfy the recertification training requirements, which include CPR, HIV/AIDS, and 30 hours of recertification training.
For more information regarding re-certification requirements -  CLICK HERE
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Emergency Vehicle (911) Dispatcher
Emergency Vehicle Dispatcher Certification
Brevard County Fire Rescue 911 dispatchers are certified through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch. The NAED offers courses in Medical, Fire, and Police dispatching. Courses are 3 days in length.

Emergency Fire dispatcher is trained in aspects of Fire Department response operations.
Click here for more information.

Emergency Medical dispatcher is trained in aspects of Fire Department response operations. Click here for more information.