Fire Science Degree Programs in Florida | Firefighter Training

Written by Kathleen Swed
Last Updated: Feb 6, 2020

Prospective firefighters in Florida can expect to find a wealth of job opportunities in the state, those opportunities should only increase in the coming years. Already, Florida employs the third-highest number of firefighters in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 22,690 firefighters worked there as of May of 2018, a number exceeded only by California and Texas.


Across the country, demand for firefighters is set to increase by about 5% between 2018 and 2028. In Florida, Projections Central expects a much greater need, projecting occupations for firefighters to grow by 13.6% between 2016 and 2026. On this page, readers can learn more about how to become a firefighter in Florida. The following sections cover firefighter requirements in Florida, frequently asked questions, information on courses and academic programs, and in-depth statistics on salary and job growth potential for Florida firefighters.



Firefighter Requirements in Florida


Specific firefighter requirements in Florida vary depending on the regulating body in each town or county, but because Florida offers statewide certification for firefighting, many fire departments require entry-level firefighters to obtain this certification. Florida's firefighter candidates must pass the firefighter minimum standards course or equivalent training from another state. Experienced volunteer firefighters may advance more quickly through the training.


Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, and Miami all require firefighters to hold Florida firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. Testing requirements vary among cities. In Miami, applicants must pass written and audio screening tests, plus the National Testing Network's (NTN) Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) for firefighters.


Orlando requires a medical exam, as does Fort Lauderdale, where candidates must also complete written and oral examinations. Clearwater requires candidates to pass the NTN's FireTEAM exam, which tests applicants on mechanical, reading, and math questions.


The Florida Forest Service oversees minimum certification for wildland firefighters, requiring applicants to take their courses in introduction to incident command system, basic wildland firefighting, and introduction to wildland fire behavior or Florida fire behavior training. Firefighters may take additional courses to qualify as engine leaders and strike team leaders.


Becoming a Firefighter in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the specific training for Florida?

    Certified firefighters in Florida must pass an approved firefighters minimum standards course. While course content varies, candidates can expect to need to demonstrate understanding of fire behavior, building construction, search and rescue, and water supply.

  • Is EMT/paramedic/other training or certification required?

    Yes, most fire departments in Florida require firefighters to hold Florida EMT and firefighting certifications.

  • What is the test like for firefighters in Florida?

    Testing varies. Some locations, like Clearwater, require candidates to take the TNT's FireTEAM test, which comprises mechanical, reading, and math sections. Miami requires its own audio/written screening test, the CPAT exam, a stress test, and a psychological examination.

  • What kind of shape should I be in to be a firefighter?

    While testing varies, firefighters in Florida should maintain good physical condition. Some departments require applicants to pass the NTN's CPAT exam, while others run their own medical and physical examinations.

  • What if I only want to fight wildfires in Florida?

    The Florida Forest Service trains firefighters through courses in introduction to incident command system, basic wildland firefighting, and introduction to wildland fire behavior or Florida fire behavior training. Engine leaders and strike team leaders must complete additional coursework.

  • How long does it take to become a firefighter in Florida?

    Certified firefighters in Florida must pass a minimum standards course, which comprises about 418 contact hours in a classroom. Course timelines may vary, depending on the source. Many locations require firefighters to hold EMT certification, as well, which can take three months to four years to complete, depending on how each candidate pursues certification.

Firefighter Courses and Programs in Florida


Prospective firefighters in Florida can choose from a variety of academic programs to prepare for careers in emergency services. Some students may participate in vocational certificate programs for firefighting or EMT designations. For others, an associate or bachelor's degree program may allow for further specialization, preparing learners for leadership roles in the field.


Because requirements differ by location, students should research the city or town where they wish to work and understand its regulations before enrolling in an academic program. The list below offers a few examples of firefighter courses in Florida.

St. Petersburg College

Program Name Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician Combined Vocational Certificate
Program Description Designed for students pursuing entry-level firefighter and EMT positions, SPC's vocational program requires 698 contact hours of coursework, with core courses comprising basic firefighter I, basic firefighter II, and emergency medical technician training leading to postsecondary paramedic adult vocational certificate.

University of Florida

Program Name Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services
Program Description Offering specializations in fire management, emergency medical services management, and emergency management, UF's 120-credit bachelor's degree requires courses in fire and emergency services financial management, communication and information technology, ethical practices and leadership, disaster planning and control, and strategic planning for fire and emergency services.

Valencia College

Program Name Associate of Science in Fire Technology
Program Description With specializations in fire officer or fire prevention, full-time students can complete Valencia's 60-credit associate degree in 2-3 years, while part-time learners may take up to four. In addition to 15 general education credits, the program requires courses in fire science fundamentals, fire prevention, fire behavior and combustion, private fire protection systems, and fire-fighting tactics and strategy.

Fire Science Colleges in Florida

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Degree Level
School Type
Environment

Firefighter Salaries and Job Growth in Florida


According to the BLS, Florida employed 22,690 firefighters as of May 2018, trailing only California and Texas for total number of firefighters. Since Florida also ranks as the third-most populated state in the nation, it stands to reason that the number of firefighters would match.


Florida firefighter salaries fall in the second-highest category in the country, outstripping the state's southern neighbors with an annual mean wage of $53,340 and an hourly wage of $25. In metropolitan areas like Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, the annual mean wage reached $69,690 as of May 2018.


National Average Salaries for Firefighters

0-12 Months

Entry Level

$40,657
1-4 Years

Early Career

$41,666
5-9 Years

Mid-Career

$48,760
10-19 Years

Experienced

$56,191

Source: PayScale

Firefighter Resources in Florida


Firefighters in Florida can take advantage of many resources available to them in the state, including labor unions that assist in negotiations and advocate for protective legislation. Firefighter associations provide camaraderie, often promoting community service, annual conventions, and training opportunities. A fire chief's association underscores leadership in firefighting, while other organizations work to promote health and safety.


To stay current on fire-fighting conditions in the state, firefighters may also look to the Florida Forest Service for updates and tools for wildland firefighting and opportunities for in-state and out-of-state emergency deployment.


Florida Professional Firefighters

An affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters, FPF's membership is composed of career firefighters and emergency services personnel. The organization protects firefighter interests through legislative advocacy. It also brokers contract negotiations and holds and annual convention.

Florida State Firefighters Association

With a membership comprising community volunteer disaster responders and career firefighters, the FSFA offers training for firefighters and the general public, promoting public safety and community understanding of the occupation.

Florida Fire Chiefs' Association

Serving both professional and volunteer fire departments, the FFCA supports leaders in emergency services through advocacy and continuing education for its members, plus a foundation offering scholarship opportunities.

Florida Forest Service

The Florida Forest Service oversees certification requirements and establishes regulations for wildland firefighters in Florida. The agency also provides up-to-date information on wildfire conditions, tools for mapping wildfires and risks, and other resources for firefighters and citizens.

Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative

The Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative is a free program that works to provide continuing education and training to fire departments, bringing leaders together to share information and promoting health awareness in the profession.