How to Become a Firefighters in Florida
Firefighters in Florida earn a median salary of $58,360/year, which is 2% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a firefighters takes home approximately $2,666/month. Most positions require Postsecondary nondegree award.
What a firefighters can afford in Florida
Becoming a firefighters in Florida
Meet education requirements
Firefighters positions in Florida typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves long-term on-the-job training in Florida. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Florida licensure or certification
Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for firefighterss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Florida
Florida employs 21,470 firefighters. The highest concentrations are in Port St. Lucie and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach.
Firefighters salary by metro area in Florida
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port St. Lucie | $88K | $42.14/hr | 500 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $76K | $36.34/hr | 5,280 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $70K | $33.55/hr | 930 |
| Naples-Marco Island | $68K | $32.71/hr | 390 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $63K | $30.31/hr | 490 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $60K | $29.02/hr | 2,820 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | $58K | $28.06/hr | 200 |
| Punta Gorda | $58K | $27.85/hr | 110 |
| Ocala | $55K | $26.42/hr | 570 |
| Jacksonville | $53K | $25.37/hr | 1,780 |
| Tallahassee | $52K | $25.05/hr | 320 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $52K | $24.96/hr | 440 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $49K | $23.62/hr | 540 |
| Sebring | $49K | $23.56/hr | 70 |
| Homosassa Springs | $48K | $22.92/hr | 40 |
Firefighters salary range in Florida
Firefighters careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighters make in Florida?▼
The median firefighters salary in Florida is $58,360 per year ($28.06/hr). This is 2% below the national median of $59,530. Salaries range from $37,330 to $90,010.
What are the requirements to become a firefighters in Florida?▼
Firefighters positions in Florida typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a firefighters afford to live in Florida?▼
At the median salary of $58,360, a firefighters in Florida would take home approximately $4,078/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 34.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for firefighters in Florida?▼
The highest paying metro areas for firefighters in Florida are Port St. Lucie ($87,640), Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach ($75,590), Cape Coral-Fort Myers ($69,780). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Florida have state income tax for firefighters?▼
No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means firefighters keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.