Florida Police Academy Requirements

Police academies in Florida have different requirements. There are some minimum requirements implemented by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. They are the governing body with control over the academies in Florida. Below are some minimum hours and requirements placed on academies by FDLE.

Required Hours for the Florida CMS Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program as of 5/5/11

To become a Police Officer in Florida an Individuals must:

Meet the Minimum Qualifications (Requirements) established in Florida Statutes 943.13

• be at least 19 years of age.
• be a citizen of the United States.
• have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) for law enforcement and corrections applicants. A bachelors degree is required for correctional probation officers.
• not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement. Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of a 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.
• never have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• have documentation of processed fingerprints on file with the employing agency.
• pass a physical examination by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or certified advanced registered nurse practitioner.
• have good moral character as determined by a background investigation under procedures established by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.

There are four primary steps to becoming a certified officer in Florida:

1. Meet the minimum qualifications.
2. Complete the required training.
3. Pass the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE).
4. Become employed as a sworn officer.