Requirements to be Employed as an Officer in Florida

To become employed as a certified law enforcement, correctional or correctional probation officer in Florida individuals must:
 

  • Be at least 19 years of age for law enforcement and correctional probation.

  • Be at least 18 years of age for corrections.

  • Be a citizen of the United States.

  • Have earned a high school graduate or equivalent (GED). (A bachelor’s degree is required for correctional probation officers.)

  • Have not been convicted of any felony or of any misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement.

  • Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, not-withstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.

  • Have never received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Have good moral character.

  • Have passed a Commission approved Basic Abilities Test, if not certified and attending a Florida Basic Recruit Training Program.  A BAT is not required for correctional probation. 

  • Have successfully completed the Florida Basic Recruit Training Program for the respective discipline or completed the Equivalency of Training process. 

  • Have achieved a passing score on the State Officer Certification Examination.

  • Have been fingerprinted by the employing agency with prints processed by the FDLE and the FBI.

  • Have successfully passed a background investigation, to include drug testing.

  • Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or certified advanced registered nurse practitioner.

  • Have completed a CJSTC-68 Affidavit of Applicant Form.

  • Have complied with mandatory retraining or educational requirements (if already a certified officer).

 

Statutory Authority

 

For specific Florida Statute references and additional information:

 

943.13 - Officers' minimum qualifications for employment or appointment

943.135 - Establishment of qualifications and standards above the minimum

 

 

For specific Florida Administrative Code references and additional information:
 
11B-27.002 – Certification, Employment or Appointment, Reactivation, and Terminating Employment or Appointment of Officers


11B-27.00211 Fingerprint Processing and Criminal Record Results

11B-27.0022 Background Investigations

11B-27.00225 – Controlled Substance Testing Procedures



Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.