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Public Safety

Firefighter

Firefighters suppress fires, conduct rescue operations, respond to medical emergencies, and deliver community fire prevention education. The vast majority of FL career firefighters hold EMT or Paramedic certification, making this a dual public-safety/healthcare role. Florida's urban growth, wildland-urban interface areas, and aging population drive sustained demand, with 24-hour shift schedules allowing time for additional education.

FL Median Salary
$55,000
Entry Salary
$33,880
Experienced
$87,100
FL Growth
N/A

Requirements & Training

  • Credential: FL Firefighter Certificate of Compliance; 459+ hour Minimum Standards Training + written exam + CPAT (physical test)
  • Florida license required: Yes (FL Division of State Fire Marshal (under FL CFO) — Bureau of Fire Standards & Training)

Career Path

  1. Recruit Firefighter
  2. Firefighter/EMT
  3. Firefighter/Paramedic
  4. Lieutenant
  5. Captain
  6. District Chief
  7. Fire Chief

Top Florida Employers

Miami-Dade Fire RescueOrlando Fire Dept.Jacksonville Fire & RescuePalm Beach County Fire RescueHillsborough County Fire RescueBroward County Fire Rescue

Related Programs

  • Fire Science Technology AS
  • Fire Academy Certificate
  • Paramedic Certificate
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Salary data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics Florida Occupational Employment Statistics. School data from Florida Department of Education CIE database.

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