MDFR Firefighter Job

Annual Salary Range $75,177-$111,873.75

The starting annual salary for a Firefighter Trainee is $44,962.53 (equivalent to $1,729.33 gross bi weekly). Upon graduating from the training program (Probationary Firefighter), employees will receive the below salary:

Minimum Annual Salary of $75,177 (equivalent to $2,891.42 gross bi-weekly) up to a Maximum Salary of $111,873.75 (equivalent to $4,302.84 gross bi-weekly) which includes:

• $56,378.14 (Min) - $86,092.14 (Max) Base Salary
• $13,248.86 (Min) - $20,231.68 (Max) Emergency Medical Technician or State of Florida Paramedic License Incentive Non-Protocol (23.5 percent)
• $4,550 (Flat Rate) Annual Hazardous Pay
• $1,000 (Flat Rate) Annual Flex Benefits

Employees who hold a State of Florida Paramedic License and are approved to have the Paramedic Protocol will receive the below salary: Minimum Annual Salary of $77,995.91 (equivalent to $2,999.84 gross bi-weekly) up to a Maximum Salary of $116,178.40 (equivalent to $4,468.40 gross bi-weekly) which includes:

• $56,378.14 (Min) - $86,092.14 (Max) Base Salary
• $16,067.77 (Min) - $24,536.26 (Max) Paramedic Protocol (28.5 percent)
• $4,550 (Flat Rate) Annual Hazardous Pay
• $1,000 (Flat Rate) Annual Flex Benefits

Additional pay incentives will be offered for eligible college degrees and a range of specialty licenses/certifications.

Firefighting involves extremely hard, skilled physical work, and firefighters must be able to think quickly and operate effectively in high-pressure emergency situations. Continuous training and education are required throughout their careers to keep them up-to-date on the newest technologies and latest fire suppression and rescue methods.

Training encompasses a wide range of subjects, including building construction, emergency medical procedures, hazardous materials, technical rescue, fire prevention, public education, and community relations.

Firefighters must have strong social skills and the ability to think and communicate clearly in very stressful situations. They must also be able to carry an array of specialized tools and equipment that can weigh over 70 lbs., plus the breathing apparatus that weighs 40 lbs.

Eligibility to apply

• 18 years of age
• High school diploma or acceptable GED
• Valid driver's license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized upon application; with the ability to obtain the State of Florida driver's license by hire date
• Eligible to work in the United States

Requirements

• Meet all qualifications in the Florida State Statute Number 633.34, "Firefighters; qualifications for employment"
• Successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test
• Possess and maintain State of Florida Certification for firefighter and emergency medical technician or paramedic
• Possess and maintain a valid Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation card from the American Red Cross or the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and certified by the American Heart Association
• Successful completion of an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course, or reasonable equivalent as approved by the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
• Meet departmental physical standards
• Successful completion of all swimming requirements and pass the swim evaluation within six months of obtaining probationary status
• Have not been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, nor had a driver license suspended under the point system provided for in Florida Statute, Chapter 322, within the past three years [F.S. 401.281(d)]
• Have not been convicted of four traffic violations in the preceding thirty-six months from the date of application in Florida or any other state
• No pending felony charges or pending misdemeanor charges that are directly related to the position sought
• All required certifications listed above and any other certifications, which may be required by the State of Florida or MDFR, must be maintained throughout the term of employment to retain this classification
• Non-user of tobacco or tobacco products for at least one year immediately preceding application, as evidenced by the sworn affidavit of the applicant [F.S. 633.34(6)]
• Submit fingerprints to be processed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Submit the Personal History Questionnaire with proof of citizenship, valid resident card or valid work permit and photo identification. If you have been discharged from the military, submit Form DD214
• Able to work variable shifts, including shifts that require 24 hours of consecutive duty

Preference will be given to:

• U.S. veterans
• Graduates of the Miami-Dade County Academy of Fire Rescue with emergency medical technician and State of Florida firefighter II certifications, in accordance with Resolution R-480-07
• Qualified graduates of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Emergency Medical Technician Scholarship Program in accordance with Resolution R-894-15
• Qualified graduates of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Cadet Program

Preference may also be given to:

• Certified State of Florida firefighter II
• Emergency medical technicians
• State of Florida paramedic (Emergency medical technician-paramedic)
• State of Florida firefighter, paramedic and emergency medical technician-paramedic

Certification numbers should be entered in the online application under Licenses and Certification Sections.

Once you have been considered as a candidate, you must pass the following exams before a job can be offered.

• Audio/Written Screening Test (AWST)
• Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
• Medical examination & stress test
• Background check
• Psychological evaluation

About the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

The job of a firefighter is one of the most physically demanding jobs in North America. It requires high levels of cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular strength and muscular endurance. The Candidate Physical Ability Test consists of eight critical physical tasks that simulate actual job duties on the fireground. This test is physically demanding and requires that you be physically fit to be successful.

• Learn more about the CPAT
• Helpful Videos
  • Guide to CPAT
  • CPAT Test
  • CPAT Mentor

Orientation classes are offered to all applicants where they can practice and identify any potential areas that might require improvement before taking the CPAT test. The physical performance standards are the same for all firefighters and recruits.

Once you have passed the written exam, you will receive a notice with the date and time that you are scheduled to take the CPAT Test.

About the written exam

All applicants must take the exam on the date they are scheduled. Applicants must demonstrate basic skills such as verbal listening, following written instructions, basic mathematics and map reading.
Bring the following with you for the written exam:

• Valid government issued photo ID
• Proof of age
• High school diploma
• Two #2 pencils
• Your written exam notice

Do not bring:

• Study guides
• Pens
• Calculators
• Food or drinks
• Family or friends
• Cell phones or any other electronic devices

Test results can be viewed online or by calling 305-375-0297 (option 2) in the first week of January 2026.

• Firefighter Informational Handbook
• Firefighter Recruitment Packet
• Florida Firefighter Equivalency Requirements
• Firefighter Application Guide