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).
• 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.
• 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).